It’s just another day at the office for people that work at the Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida. The non-profit organization has been raising guide dogs for the visually impaired and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since 1982. Here, even play comes with a lesson or two.
For example, these pawsomely adorable labs are wearing small, nylon harness while playing to get them used to the big harness they will be wearing someday, when they become a dream come true for a handler.
“From the time they are born until they are matched with their forever handlers, our puppies soak up a reference library of experiences, sights and sounds that will help them fulfill their potential,” Ruth Lando, a representative for Southeastern Guide Dogs told iHeartDogs. “That includes getting accustomed to wearing a harness that will someday provide a lifeline for someone who needs them.”
The organization breeds, raises, and trains Labradors, Golden Retrievers and their coined “Goldadors” (Lab-Golden mixes) for working dogs. At just six weeks old the work has already begun, wearing small harness and experiencing new things, so they can ready for the job ahead.
Of course, not all puppies are suited to be a guide dog.
“We constantly assess our puppies as they grow, making certain that they have the health, strength, temperament and trainability to become guide dogs,” Lando explained. “If not, they may be ‘career changed’ into other roles. These valuable roles include: serving as service dogs or emotional support dogs or facility therapy dogs for veterans; as companions to visually impaired children too young for a guide dog, or as ambassador dogs giving comfort in hospitals, schools, etc.”
So, even if they don’t become a guide dog, these puppies are destined to change a life.
However, those that do go on have a lot of learning ahead of them. At 10 weeks, the puppies go into the homes of volunteer puppy raisers whose job for the next year is to teach that puppy common house rules (like potty training) as well as continue to socialize them and teach them basic obedience commands. Then, around 18 months of age, they return to campus to complete “Guide Dog University” where they spend 6 months learning over 40 specialized commands.
Finally, after graduating, the dog is matched with their handler who will then live and work alongside with them on the campus for 26 days.
“It takes about two years, tens-of-thousands-of-dollars and a ‘village’ to create the extraordinary dogs that we provide at no cost to their recipients,” Lando said.
If you are interested in helping puppies like these grow up to give the gifts of freedom, independence and dignity to someone, you can donate here.
