Welcome to Denver Eye-Paws, a puppy-raising club for Guide Dogs for the Blind!!
We are a group of individuals, families, and businesses whose mission is to support Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) by providing a positive environment for raising GDB puppies. This includes providing basic training, nurturing, and socializing of puppies so that they can be returned to GDB ready to learn more. These pups may then go on to become a guide for a visually impaired person, a prized member of the breeding stock, a loving K9 Buddy for a visually impaired child, or a beloved pet. We are ambassadors for GDB and visible symbols of volunteerism within our community.
Denver Eye-Paws Thanks Spawlash
Spawlash just donated some gift certificates to our club for free self service dog washes. A clean puppy in training might not always be a happy puppy in training (or at least not one that wants to stay clean long) but learning how to take a bath is one of the essential tasks that all the puppies must learn. Spawlash has made this easier and more affordable (remember our raisers pay for everything out of their own pockets unless its a donation such as this) for our puppy raisers! Visit Spawlash on the web or at 10351 Grant St., Unit #3 Thornton, CO 80229. Again, thanks for this great treat.
A New Toy Policy from Guide Dogs for the Blind
An updated toy policy for the Puppy Raising Manual is now available online. First, login to the website, and then visit this page to access: http://www.guidedogs.com/forms. The policy is called “Toy Policy 10-08” and is located in the “Puppy Raising Manual” section. The toy policy has some minor changes, including updates for toys whose names have been changed by their manufacturers.
Also on the Forms page of the website is a new reference for raisers called “photos of approved toys” which has pictures of the toys to ease any confusion when shopping.
We hope you find this update and new photo reference helpful. Please ask your leader or CFR if you have any questions.
Young Puppy and Raisers Bill Of Rights
As puppy raisers we always need to keep a clear perspective about what we are doing with each new pup we bring into our homes. The following link will take you to the "Young Puppy and Raisers Bill Of Rights" written by Have Paws Will Travel Web Mistress Andrea Loughry. Enjoy! http://hpwtdogmom.org/club/info/bill_of_rights.html
Photos
Photos from the Puppies Pool Party, something you just won't see everyday, visits to Johnson & Wales University and Denver Fire Station #14! See all the photos.
New! Videos of Puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind Main Site...
The Guide Dogs for the Blind home site is wonderfully done (maybe we should hire that web designer) and now has some great videos of the new puppies and the dogs who come back for their final training.
- Kennel Enrichment Program - these are some happy, well-cared for dogs (checkout the spa)
- Puppy Cam - OK, here is the prize page, see the baby fur-balls
- Resources - How To videos and other informative stuff
...And Don't Miss Podcasts too
Of course, our puppies are all over any new technology, including Podcasting and RSS feeds.
Visit Good Dog Podcasts to hear all the latest news.
...And Blogs and Other Web Stuff!
The GDB Blog http://guidedogs.blogspot.com/
Here's a blog site by Douglas's raiser. Douglas is one of Darrell's siblings.
The Daily Puppy
Meetings:
- Visit our calendar page to see the most detail for events
- Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
- Raisers with new puppies (to 20 weeks) meet weekly. Locations will vary.
- 2nd Wednesday is "business" meeting, held September through May at the Denver School of the Arts, 7111 Montview Blvd., Denver, 80220 (over the summer the location varies, best to check the calendar). General obedience and socialization work.
- 4th Wednesday is typically a group socialization/training outing - mall walk, park, light rail ride, retirement home, restaurant, coffee shop, library etc.
- Required biannual regional meetings, usually on a Saturday in the Spring and Fall.
- Optional social activities are also scheduled each month.
Requirements and Expectations:
- Agrees to follow the puppy raiser requirements set by Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Provides a safe, loving home environment.
- Has a willingness to fulfill the socialization aspect of the puppy's training.
- Has the ability and willingness to attend 80% of mandatory meetings and socialization outings every 6-month period.
- Participate in mandatory puppy exchanges within the club.
- Engages in regular communication with leaders and RSVP's for meetings.
- Understands that raising a guide dog puppy is a 24-hour, 7-days a week commitment for a year or longer. The club does, however, make every attempt to accommodate vacations or emergency situations.
- Be willing to cover basic costs associated with puppy raising, including food, toys, gas to and from meetings, and any outing costs. The club does provide kennels and other items, and GDB covers all essential veterinary care.
