We have weathered the storm and our dogs, people and campus are fine. Our thoughts are with those who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. ...

Puppy love. It’s a beautiful thing. #SundaySnuggles ...

We can just tell that Bristol and Clapper are going to be besties all throughout their training in our Gainesville puppy raiser group! ...

Welcome to Walkathon—it’s time! Walkathon 2023 will be here before we know it, and it’s never too early to get started on your fundraising for these family-friendly, fun-filled, dog-packed events. We’ve planned five in-person Walkathons this year as well as other community-led events, plus the always-at-your-fingertips virtual option. There are plenty of ways to participate! Find out more and register today at GuideDogsWalkathon.org. ...

After 20 years with the Air Force, Rob Reuille retired as a master sergeant and a substance abuse counselor. He currently heads three outpatient centers at the Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital in the Florida Panhandle, serving many members of the service through their Military Resiliency Program. Facility therapy dog Pella is an intuitive and empathetic yellow Lab who fits right in with Rob’s work and family. “Patients walk in completely sad, and you see the affect on their faces, just like the weight of the world is on their shoulders,” says Rob. “Then they see Pella. She runs up to them and sits down; they pet her, and then you can see the weight lifted.” ...

@PetSupermarket makes it so easy to support us all September long during this year’s National Guide Dog Month. When you make a donation at check out at any of the 70 participating Pet Supermarket stores in Florida, you actively support our extraordinary dogs and transform lives.
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Thank you so much to all of our friends and supporters at Pet Supermarket. If you’ve got a few things you need to pick up for your pets—and who doesn’t—you can support us by shopping with them. Find your local participating store at https://www.guidedogs.org/petsupermarket/ ...

Shh! We know it's hard, but you have to resist booping the sleeping snoot 💤 #SundaySnuggles ...

Sunny Saturday's at the beach ☀️ 🕶️ ...

Passing on the wisdom. When big sister heads off to Canine University, it’s a big deal for the younger pup just starting out.
(We sure appreciate our puppy raisers, who share hearts and homes with these incredible dogs!) ...

Since childhood, Lea Gaffen-Kessel had difficulty with night blindness and limited peripheral vision. In college, a retina specialist diagnosed her with retinitis pigmentosa. A licensed clinical social worker, Lea was employed as a school social worker in Virginia until about two years ago. Her eyesight deteriorated, and she began using a white cane, which she thoroughly disliked. Her husband and her orientation and mobility instructor both recommended she get a guide dog.

To her delight, Lea has now been matched with guide dog Marston. “She’s very chill, very sweet, and very affectionate,” she notes. With her easy demeanor and love of working, Marston has calmed Lea’s nerves. “It’s fascinating how on-point she is and how she helps me avoid obstacles,” Lea says. “She’s doing fantastic.” Together, they will go everywhere with confidence. ...

On September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson went to work at the World Trade Center as if it were any other morning, not knowing what was to come. With him was his faithful guide dog, Roselle. After two terrorist attacks struck the twin towers, Roselle confidently guided Michael down 78 floors to safety. Our Tampa Area Puppy Raisers sponsored and named a puppy Roselle to commemorate Roselle's courage, loyalty, and bravery. She became breeder and her puppies will someday provide the same steadfast loyalty for their handlers, just as Roselle did for Michael. #NeverForget ...

Cheesin' for the weekend 🐾 ...

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝: Volunteer puppy raisers and puppy starters
“𝐉𝐨𝐛” 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Open your home to a Southeastern Guide Dogs puppy-in training. You’ll feed them, teach them basic skills (we’ll train you first!), and socialize them into your daily life.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Time commitment, willingness to learn, desire to change the world for someone who needs our dogs.
𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬: Puppy love. Cuddles. Make new friends. Make an extraordinary difference.

�We’re always accepting applications! Learn more and apply today at www.guidedogs.org/puppylove ...

Experience darkness in a whole new light.

Step into the shoes of someone living in the shadows of blindness with
Beyond the Dark—a multisensory experience. You'll engage your senses as you envision life from a new perspective. You'll walk into the world of a veteran surviving memories of combat and see how some of the most intelligent, talented dogs on this planet help people journey beyond the dark.

🚨 HURRY—September and October events are booking now. 🚨
Discover why this sell-out event has everyone raving. Reserve your seat today. https://www.guidedogs.org/beyond-the-dark-events/ ...

With a mind for business and a degree in building construction, Mike McCrea was poised for success. But when a road rage gunshot left him totally blind at age 24, he had to adapt. After rehab, Mike partnered with a friend to start a concrete curbing business. He worked as a project manager for 18 years and now runs his own successful vending business.

Mike always relied on other people to guide him, but now a bright, mild-mannered guide dog named Ferris gives him the confidence to navigate on his own. Whether heading across his expansive vending facility or across town to hang out at the local marina, Ferris is by his side. Mike reflects, “I’ve found there’s a level of independence that’s unmatched—this gives me a whole different level of independence.” ...

Our pups don’t always sleep. But when they do, they snuggle. #SundaySnuggles ...