Puppy Raisers Needed Across Riverside County

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — What if volunteer work could be gratifying, meaningful and totally adorable? It's "paws-ible" with Guide Dogs of the Desert.

Right now, the nonprofit organization needs puppy trainers who will be integral to helping people with visual impairments find independence through the use of guide dogs.

"Volunteer puppy raisers welcome a young puppy into their home and provide them with love, care and training until they are approximately 18 months old," according to the organization. "At that time the puppies return to the Guide Dogs of the Desert campus where they take the next steps in their training to become a guide dog."

Puppy raisers are asked to buy food for their charges but Guide Dogs of the Desert provides the rest, including supplies and veterinary care. Learn more about puppy raising for Guide Dogs of the Desert.

The organization said it does its best to match puppy raisers with the breed and sex of dog they prefer, but it's not possible to accommodate every request.

"We have puppies who can't wait to meet you," according to the organization.

Guide Dogs of the Desert, based in Coachella Valley, is an accredited guide dog school that has been operating for nearly 50 years. Click here to connect with the team, or call Guide Dogs of the Desert at 760-329-6257; email: puppyraisers@gddca.org