Guide Dogs for the Blind- Grass Valley Puppy Raisers

Guide Dogs for the Blind- Grass Valley Puppy Raisers Volunteer puppy raisers for Guide dogs for the blind in Grass Valley Ca.

05/25/2026

As the weather heats up you may see our dogs out in their stylish booties. That’s because this time of year the ground is often too hot to trot! Even with air temperatures in the mid 80’s the ground can be quite hot. It’s so important we check and recheck the ground as we go from one surface to another. while the concrete might be safe, asphalt or bricks may hold heat differently.

We take taking care of our pups seriously. here are some the tips and tricks we follow as the heat increases.

The 5-Second Test: Place the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 5 to 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your bare skin to tolerate, you must protect your dog or avoid the surface altogether.

Modify Walking Routes: Adjust your daily routes to take advantage of shaded sidewalks or grassy parks rather than walking directly on exposed blacktop.

Time of Day: Schedule your travels for the early morning or late evening when the ground has had time to cool down.

Use Protective Gear: Outfit your dog with Musher's Secret Paw Wax to create a breathable barrier, or use specialized dog boots to fully protect their pads.

Paws Release Heat: Remember that dogs sweat and release excess body heat through their paw pads. Even when using booties or paw wax, keep outings short to prevent them from overheating.

We can’t forget Lots of puppy pool time!

Video description: yellow lab Pimlico practices walking in his boots with his raiser. They make passes up and down their neighborhood sidewalk. Pimlico gets lots of food rewards as he gets used to his new shoes! He’s just New boot goofin’

From gotcha day to graduation day!Today we want to shine a light and give our biggest thanks along with a HUGE congratul...
04/10/2026

From gotcha day to graduation day!

Today we want to shine a light and give our biggest thanks along with a HUGE congratulations to Kate and her supportive family.

Kate spent her Junior year and part of her senior raising Vander, a Yellow Labrador Retriever. Vander was raised to one day become a guide for a person who is blind or visually impaired, and that’s exactly what he did!

16 months of time, love, and dedication have changed someone’s world for the better. Guide Dogs can make the world more inclusive to people who are blind or visually impaired. They can help their handler be more independent and gain more confidence. They can also provide great amounts of companionship.

This weekend Kate and the Helvin family got to see the “why” of puppy raising. Because Kate said “yes” to this meaningful journey she has impacted someone’s life in an incredible way.

This achievement itself is beyond words and to do it along side school work for over a year is just exceptional!

Congratulations to Vander and his handler, Kate, and the Helvin family. What a gift!!

Pd
1/ raiser Kate sits on a concrete bench in front of a wooden wall that reads “Guide Dogs for the Blind.” On her lap sits a very light colored yellow lab puppy (Vander).

2/ Puppy raiser Kate is pictured with her Yellow Lab puppy in training Vander. Kathryn is wearing a navy blue top with jeans and kneels down to give Vander a hug as he sits in his vest and black gentle leader. They are both looking at the camera with green grass in the background.

3/ Kate and Vander walk away from the camera on a rainy day in a shopping center.

4/ Kate and Vander are pictured where their journey started. In front of the wooden wall that reads “Guide Dogs for the Blind.” It’s recall day on the California Campus!

5/ Vander sits proudly in his harness front and center. Seated on the left his Handler Leanne and on the right is Raiser Kate. Standing behind is Kristine Kate’s mom and co raiser. It’s gradation Day and everyone is all smiles!

Peter news!Not all puppies we raise become Guide dogs. Some decide that it isn’t the path for them, and that’s okay. Som...
03/26/2026

Peter news!

Not all puppies we raise become Guide dogs. Some decide that it isn’t the path for them, and that’s okay. Some are “career changed.”

Today we congratulate and give a big thank you to Meyah and Richie who raised yellow Lab Peter. The time, energy, and love to raise a puppy for 16 months is nothing short of amazing. It is a huge achievement and it should be celebrated. Thank you both for your dedication to this very wonderful boy on top of your school studies.

Peter took his training very seriously and made it all the way to the end of formal training before he decided it was time to come home. He will be living the pampered pet life with Meyah and her family. He is going to be so loved. Welcome home Peter!!

Volunteer puppy raisers wanted in the Grass Valley area! From puppy to guide we are there to support you on this rewardi...
03/01/2026

Volunteer puppy raisers wanted in the Grass Valley area! From puppy to guide we are there to support you on this rewarding journey.

When we bring a puppy home we know they are meant for big things. These dogs were born to do a job and it takes volunteer puppy raisers to make that job become a reality for people who are blind of visually impaired. You see a puppy, a person who is blind sees the world.

Raising a puppy takes a special person. Are you someone who can open your heart and home to a puppy as you help to shape their future as a working Guide Dog?

Whether you are interested in raising a puppy on your own, with your family, or with a friend; we would love to meet you!

Are you inspired by Guide Dogs for the Blind's mission to help people who are blind or visually impaired gain greater independence, confidence, and inclusion? Are you looking for a fun and meaningtul service project? Whatever your motivation, raising a guide dog puppy is a rewarding opportunity that can change many lives - including your own.

Come and Join the vast network of volunteer puppy raisers as we collectively raise over 700 puppies to one day become Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Pd:

1/ light colored yellow lab Pimlico sits in raiser Alex’s lap on the floor in front of of a Christmas tree.

2/ yellow lab Pimlico sits in his green vest with youth raiser Jackson on a ski lift bench at Northstar ski resort in the off season.

3/ Pimlico sits proud in his harness on graduation day. He is accompanied by his puppy raisers and his new handler

Happy Valentine's Day from all our pups in training! They are sending everyone lots of L-O-V-Etoday.Pd1/ yellow lab Dwig...
02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day from all our pups in training! They are sending everyone lots of L-O-V-E
today.

Pd
1/ yellow lab Dwight sits handsomely in his green vest. He's dressed to impress with a hearts headband and pink bandana with multi colored hearts.

2/ yellow lab nugget sits in his green vest while wearing a stylish glitter heart headband to celebrate the day of love (and we love him so very much).

3/ stoic sammy strikes a pose in his green vest. He is wearing a festive valentines headband and looking very dapper in his tan figure 8 lead.

More pupdates?? Seeing our pups climb the phases and get their pupdates is such a great reminder of the fantastic dogs o...
01/23/2026

More pupdates?? Seeing our pups climb the phases and get their pupdates is such a great reminder of the fantastic dogs our raisers have poured their time and energy into!

Peter is in phase 7 (yay Peter) of formal training and is definitely putting in the hard work. Here’s Peter’s January pupdate!

“Happy January from Peter! He's handling the chilly weather like a pro but also loves curling up in a cozy bed for a nap. I call him Peter Pan because he loves to fly all around the Bay Area on our many adventures. His favorite thing to do in community run is find a comfy spot and chew his Nylabone. “

PD
1/Peter is wearing his harness and is looking at the camera with a focused expression on his face. He is standing in front of several large sequoia trees.

2/ Peter is in community run and is walking up one of the steps of a large blue play structure towards the camera. His ears are perked and his mouth is open in a happy smile.

we always look forward to catching the newest pupdate. Here’s an update from our boys in formal trainingVander is in pha...
01/23/2026

we always look forward to catching the newest pupdate. Here’s an update from our boys in formal training

Vander is in phase 6 of formal training (go Vander go). Here’s a glimpse into his life on campus with his January pupdate!

“Happy New Year from Vander! This handsome guy is quite the looker and reminds me of a big polar bear. He continues to be a gentle giant and eager to please. In Vander’s down time, he enjoys romping around with his fellow dog friends here on campus!”

PD
1/ Vander is pictured sitting in harness as he looks towards the camera. He is in front of a Christmas tree that has red, orange, white and gold ornaments with white lights around.

2/Vander is pictured in the Community Run. He is in a playful bow position, mid-chew with a Nylabone in between his front two paws. His head is tilted as he looks towards the camera.

What a big weekend for our raisers! Two goodbyes and one hello!Jeff returned to campus for formal training and Pip retur...
01/18/2026

What a big weekend for our raisers!

Two goodbyes and one hello!

Jeff returned to campus for formal training and Pip returned for breeder evaluation. Best of luck to both pups as they tackle the next chapter of their journey. Happy tails, see you later, and lots of smooches for both!

Thank you for raising such great pups!

And now our Hello! Welcome yellow lab Dwight from the Dewey x lisa litter born 10/30/25. He will be raised by the Reichert Family!

Pd
1/ yellow lab Jeff sits in his green vest in front as a 9 year old Jackson sits on a bench. Behind them is a wooden slat wall that says “Guide Dogs for the Blind.” They are on the GDB California Campus

2/ puppy raiser yaping sits next to black lab pip on a concrete bench the nuzzle in close. Behind them is a wooden slat wall that’s says “Guide Dogs for the Blind.” They are on the GDB California Campus.

3/ raisers Alex and 9 year old Jackson sit in the backseat of a car with Yellow Lab Dwight in between them. They are looking at the Camera smiling.

Grass valley/Nevada City peeps! Hello and Happy New Year from all of us at Guide Dogs for the Blind Grass Valley Puppy R...
01/04/2026

Grass valley/Nevada City peeps! Hello and Happy New Year from all of us at Guide Dogs for the Blind Grass Valley Puppy Raisers!

Do you need a New Year’s resolution that is both warm and fuzzy? Raise a guide dog puppy! Give back while getting puppy love.

Raising a puppy takes a special person. Are you someone who can open your heart and home to a puppy as you help to shape their future as a working Guide Dog?

Whether you are interested in raising a puppy on your own, with your family, or with a friend; we would love to meet you!

Are you inspired by Guide Dogs for the Blind's mission to help people who are blind or visually impaired gain greater independence, confidence, and inclusion? Are you looking for a fun and meaningful service project? Whatever your motivation, raising a guide dog puppy is a rewarding opportunity that can change many lives - including your own.

Come and Join the vast network of volunteer puppy raisers as we collectively raise over 700 puppies to one day become Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Pd

1/ black lab puppy Magnus looks up at the camera after a swim as he sits in the stone surrounding the pool.

2/ black lab Magnus sits proudly on a rock in his leather harness with a pond behind.

3/ Black Lab Magnus graduates as a guide dog! Magnus sits inbetween his new handler and puppy raiser Sharon with Puppy raiser Julie stands behind. Everyone is all smiles for this milestone day!

Next up for pup date catch up is Peter!Happy Holidays from Peter! Peter has been having a great month and is loving the ...
01/03/2026

Next up for pup date catch up is Peter!

Happy Holidays from Peter! Peter has been having a great month and is loving the chilly December weather in San Rafael. Peter's personality is a great combo of sweetheart and go-getter, which makes him a perfect partner to explore and go on fun routes with. He's been having a great time finding holiday decorations in San Francisco and seems to know how handsome he is when he poses in front of them. Thank you for raising this fun guy!

1/ Peter is wearing his harness and green booties on his back feet and is looking at the camera with a focused expression on his face. Behind him is a large green Christmas tree with white, silver, and gold decorations on it.

2/ Peter is sitting on a large blue play structure in community run. He is looking up at the camera with his mouth open in a happy smile.

Address

Grass Valley, CA
95945, 95949

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Guide Dogs for the Blind- Grass Valley Puppy Raisers posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Guide Dogs for the Blind- Grass Valley Puppy Raisers:

Share