Assisting the blind, visually impaired

RL: I grew up in San Francisco, attended Cal, SFSU, and Stanford, and have called Palo Alto my hometown for 40+ years. After I graduated from my programs, I became a sixth grade teacher and taught that grade in Palo Alto for almost 40 years! I am now a happily retired sixth grade teacher. I am married. Other than raising guide dog puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, my hobbies are traveling, going to concerts and theater, walking (dogs) and working out on my Peloton, tutoring and hanging out with my friends at favorite local cafes.

DJ: You are now one of the leaders of Guide Dogs for the Blind Palo Alto Puppy Raisers. When did you first become aware of Guide Dogs for the Blind?

RL: I had a student in my class about 23 years ago whose family was raising a guide dog puppy. My husband and I had a 1-year-old golden retriever and were thinking about getting a second dog. We decided that raising a guide dog puppy would be perfect, so I joined the club that my student’s family was in.

DJ: What was your first connection with the organization?

RL: My first connection was attending a meeting in Menlo Park, which is where the local club was meeting then. Everyone was very friendly and the leaders were super encouraging.

DJ: When and how did you decide to raise a guide dog puppy?

RL: We decided to raise a guide dog puppy about 20 minutes after we walked into that first meeting! It was pretty much a no-brainer as it combined several of our favorite things: dogs, fun people, and giving back to the world!

DJ: How many puppies have you raised?

RL: I am currently raising my 20th puppy.

DJ: How do you deal with giving them up?

RL: I’m not going to lie ... it’s very tough ... and it doesn’t get any easier, even after so many pups. But my husband and I have a mantra that helps: “Someone needs this puppy more than we do.” And I cry a lot, and sometimes bring a new puppy home the same day we say goodbye to the older pup.

DJ: Do you meet their eventual handlers?

RL: Yes! At graduation at GDB’s campuses in San Rafael or Boring, Oregon, we get to spend time with the guide dog handler and reunite with the dog. It’s unbelievably special. We have become good friends with many of the recipients of dogs we’ve raised and that has enriched our lives beyond belief. Oh, and yes, the dog recognizes us and goes bonkers for a few minutes before returning to their new partner’s side and behaving like a guide dog!

DJ: Do you have your own dogs?

RL: I currently have one pet dog, a 3-year-old yellow lab named Andale. (Guide Dogs for the Blind names all the pups). We raised Andale and jumped to adopt him when his career changed. We adore him and he helps us with the young puppies we raise.

DJ: What would you say to someone who is considering raising a puppy?

RL: Do it! It’s fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. I would suggest that they contact Guide Dogs for the Blind (guidedogs.com/puppy) to be put in touch with the club closest to where they live and attend some meetings. Chances are they’ll be hooked as fast as I was at my first meeting!

Want to know more? For information about becoming a volunteer puppy raiser, visit https://www.guidedogs.com/volunteering/puppy-raising-volunteers.