Guiding Eyes for the Blind - Southwest CT Puppy Raising Region

10/20/2026

🎃👑 THE HOWL-OWEEN ROYAL PAW-RADE! 👑🎃

Training class got a little spooky… and a LOT adorable! 🐾👻

Meet our Halloween crew:
Abby FBL the hotdog or taco? Either way she is cute
Memphis MYL the shark looking intensively at his raiser not in the photo
Laredo MYL the vampire is he looking for his treat?
Vogue FYL cute as a pumpkin!
Yardley FYL ready for bed in her PJ and crown.
Whimsey FYL the queen of the class
Ocho MBL our royal king!
Last photo are Ocho and Whimsey posing as King and Queen.

These pups may be dressed for Halloween, but they’re working hard learning the skills they’ll need on their journey to becoming future guide dogs.

We’re paws-itively proud of our puppies and the dedicated volunteers who help them grow! ❤️

All treats. No tricks. Future guide dogs in training!

10/08/2026

A information poster calling all volunteers. Retired brood Quail BFL now assisting raising puppy on program Whimsey FYL. One photo of the two lying together with Whimsey resting her head on Quail. Maybe Whimsey thinks she can absorb all of Quail’s wisdom. The other photo Whimsey resting on her bed while a young child sits on a bench rest her feet on Whimsey. The poster is asking if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. It takes a village to raise a puppy from retired breeders to present. If you are interested in learning more please reach out.

09/22/2026

Last week for class the puppies visited Stew Leonard’s for socialization and distraction in the community.
The class practiced pack walks and the dogs putting their heads thru the seasonal displays. PD: 1st Memphis YML wearing his head collar as he pokes his head thru the seasonal display. P2 Sugar FYL with raiser Scott as both poking their heads thru the seasonal display, P3: as all the dogs were practicing a pack walk.
All the puppies did a great job.
If you are interested in becoming a puppy raiser or a volunteer with Guiding Eyes please reach out.

09/03/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?

It was a big day for Guiding Eyes pups Nate, Gayle, and Tony, along with their human namesakes!

Last year, we introduced you to three adorable puppies just beginning their journeys to become Guiding Eyes guide dogs. Today, they’ve recently celebrated their first birthdays and are spending their days learning, growing, and building their skills with their volunteer Puppy Raisers.

Soon, they’ll take the next exciting step in their journeys: formal guide dog training. Nate, Gayle, and Tony recently returned to the CBS Mornings studio in New York City, joined by Guiding Eyes graduate and Vice President of Philanthropy Rebekah Cross.

Check out behind-the-scenes photos and watch the segment here:
https://bit.ly/GuidingEyesCBS2026

Photo description: Puppy Raisers Brenda Anderson, Loring Holden, Becca Hunsicker (and daughter), and Joan Kastenholz pose for a photo with CBS Morning Anchors Gayle King & Nate Burleson. Young adult dogs Tony, Gayle, and Nate stand attentively beside their raisers while wearing blue Guiding Eyes puppy jackets. The group poses for a photo at the CBS Mornings studio

08/10/2026

We would like to wish Rosemary the very best as we had to bid farewell! She has completed her puppy raising journey, and now starts her next chapter. She returned to Guiding Eyes for the Blind this past weekend to settle in for her In For Training (IFT) on Tuesday. Congratulations to Lena and her sister P***a for raising Rosemary, seeing her thru this journey. We wish everyone the very best and look forward to seeing what the future holds for Rosemary.
Good luck to all puppies and raisers on their upcoming IFT!
PD: Rosemary FYL in the down position on her dog bed, looking at the camera.

06/29/2026

Happy Independence Day! Wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. As America celebrates it 250th birthday! As a friendly reminder puppies on program are NOT to attend any fireworks celebrations. Please secure your puppy at home in their kennels as you go out to celebrate and have fun. Fireworks can be very scary for a puppy and in staying within GEB guidelines. If you have any questions please reach out to your RPI for guidance!

06/29/2026

Friendly reminder with this extreme heat to protect yourselves and animals. Inside enrichment is a wonderful. If you need ideas contact your RPI.
Photo Infograph about heat safety.

05/07/2026

Another puppy introduction! Meet Abbey 🐾

Abbey is a female black Labrador Retriever being raised by repeat puppy raiser Lauren. We are so excited to follow Abbey on her journey to becoming a future guide dog! 💙

Interested in becoming a puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind? Visit the link in our bio/website to learn how you can get involved!

Photo Description:
Photo 1: A black Labrador Retriever puppy sits in bright green grass looking up at the camera with wide eyes while wearing a collar with tags.
Photo 2: Abbey, wearing a blue Guiding Eyes puppy program bandana, looks out a large window over a city crosswalk while sitting indoors with her leash beside her.

05/06/2026

Spring days + future guide dogs in the making 🐾

Meet some of our incredible pups and their dedicated raisers:

🌼 Whimsey – a sweet female yellow lab being raised by first-time raiser John

🌼 Clooney – a curious male yellow lab just getting started in our region with first-time raisers Aya & Jesse

🌼 Sugar – a lovable female yellow lab being raised by first-time raiser Scott

From first outings to new experiences, these puppies are learning the skills they’ll need to change lives one day. It all starts with the commitment and care of our amazing raisers

Photo 1 (Whimsey):
A young yellow Labrador puppy sits on the floor of a car on the passenger side, looking up with soft, curious eyes. Her ears hang down and her light golden coat contrasts with the dark interior. A leash is attached to her collar, and she appears calm and attentive.
Photo 2 (Clooney):
A close-up of a happy yellow Labrador puppy sitting on an outdoor patio. He looks directly into the camera with a wide, open-mouthed “smile,” showing his small puppy teeth. His ears are relaxed, and the background shows a chair and railing slightly out of focus.
Photo 3 (Sugar):
A yellow Labrador puppy being held and looking at the camera. She looks happy and calm.

VolunteerImpact

04/15/2026

Aiden is enjoying this beautiful weather! ☀️

This future guide dog is soaking up the sunshine and wants to remind everyone that warm days are best enjoyed safely—for both you and your pup 🐾

Tips for staying cool with your dog:
💧 Bring plenty of water (and a bowl!) on all outings
🌳 Stick to shaded areas and take breaks often
🐾 Check the pavement—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws
🕶️ Plan walks during cooler parts of the day (morning or evening)
🚗 Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a minute
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the sunshine together!

Photo description:
A young German Shepherd wearing a blue “Future Guide Dog” vest sits on a sidewalk in a sunny downtown area. Aiden looks alert and relaxed, with his ears perked and tongue slightly out, enjoying the warm weather while resting beside a bench and tree.