In 1942, a small group of military dog trainers had an idea. If dogs could serve on the battlefield, perhaps they could also change life for those who had lost their sight. From that thought grew Guide Dogs for the Blind, now the largest guide dog school in North America.
The work begins almost as soon as a puppy is born. At three days old, volunteers gently handle each pup so that human touch feels natural and safe. As they grow, the dogs learn skills that go far beyond sit and stay. They are prepared to guide people through crowded sidewalks, busy intersections, and unfamiliar rooms. And just as important as training is temperament. Some dogs thrive in bustling cities, while others are better suited for quieter neighborhoods. Every match is made with the client’s lifestyle and personality in mind.
Guide Dogs for the Blind removes every barrier to access. Clients pay nothing for a dog, the two-week training residency, or the travel to get there. Veterinary care is even covered for the lifetime of the dog, so no one has to choose between bills and medical care. For children too young for a working dog, the organization places “canine buddies,” companion animals that build confidence and prepare them for independence. Christine Benninger shares the story.
