Erin Rumer with Guide Dog Onyx in front of a waterfall

Perspectives on Partnership

We love our dogs for many reasons—they're confidants, walking partners, and companions. But what if your life depended on a dog every single day? This is what it means for a person to have a Guide Dog. It may be the best example yet of the reciprocal relationship between humans and dogs. Guide Dogs for the Blind provides a place for Guide Dogs and blind people to come together in the presence of top trainers and dedicated volunteers.

Erin and Onyx

She literally laughs at her blindness. "You have to be able to laugh at yourself. And besides, nobody wants to be around a complainer." Raised with three sighted siblings, Erin joked, "I always tell them I'm the only one without a disability." Nothing seemed to get her down. Read more of Erin's story...

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What We Do

We create a profound partnership between person and dog - and help to unleash the potential in both of them. But it doesn't happen by accident. It takes preparation, a world class training program, and support through life's challenges. Read more about our mission and vision.

Harnessing Potential

A vet tech from Guide Dogs' vet clinic holds a small puppy.It takes the help of volunteers, top veterinarians and trainers to develop a qualified Guide Dog. It takes preparation on the part of the blind person, too.

Learn about how people and dogs can prepare for a lifelong partnership.

Training Teams

Graduate Caitlin Hernandez works her black Lab Guide Dog.Our class training program begins with finding the perfect match between dog and student. Together they learn to work as a team in real-life situations.

Find out about our training program for both humans and dogs.

Supporting Partnerships

A graduate hugs her yellow lab Guide Dog.Support throughout the lifetime of the partnership is central to the unparalleled success of our mission.

Read about what life with a Guide Dog is really like, and how we work to support both partners long after graduation.

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