From West Seattle See Dogs puppy … to graduated guide dog!

That’s the Gilbert family with Evelyn, when she joined them March 6, 2011, as their first puppy with West Seattle See Dogs, which trains future guide dogs. Ruth Oldham of WSSD shares their story as the group welcomes new puppy-raisers – including news that Evelyn has graduated!

“There is nothing as fulfilling as meeting your now guide dog’s partner at graduation and learning what your gift of love for a puppy and time commitment means to them,” Ruth explains. Evelyn went to the Guide Dogs For The Blind’s campus in Boring, Oregon, back in May, “sped through her phases,” as Ruth describes it, and graduated on August 25th. In the photo, she says, Evelyn “guides her new partner, Allen Scarbrough, over a curb, demonstrating her prowess to her former raisers. She actually stopped with one paw on the curb, and waited for Allen to respond. Allen can feel the raised paw through the harness.” Want to join the group making moments like that – and lifetimes beyond it – happen?

Ruth says, “You too can be part of this experience. West Seattle See Dogs is actively looking for new raisers to become part of our team. Our volunteers are all working toward improving the quality of life for people who are blind. Come to our meeting on Tuesday, September 11th, at 6:30 pm at The Kenney and learn what’s involved…….we need you!”

5 Replies to "From West Seattle See Dogs puppy ... to graduated guide dog!"

  • NativeToSeattle September 9, 2012 (8:41 pm)

    That’s awesome.

  • Naomi September 9, 2012 (9:05 pm)

    I’m so proud of Evelyn. I puppy sat her quite a bit and took her to classes with me often at South Seattle Community College. I know Evelyn will be a great partner. Go Evelyn!

    Oh and in the picture infront of the Kenny home, I’m the one with the dark blue shirt one.

  • thegodshavegonecrazy September 9, 2012 (10:08 pm)

    I believe in Dog.

  • Maggie September 10, 2012 (4:47 am)

    Congrats, Evelyn!

  • Christine September 10, 2012 (9:02 am)

    Congratulations to the Gilbert family and to Evelyn’s new partner Allen! GO EVELYN!

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