GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND CELEBRATES 2024 GUIDE DOG TEAM GRADUATES WITH MOVING PUBLIC CEREMONIES

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) will salute its guide dog team class of 2024 every other Saturday with public graduation ceremonies at the organization's campus in San Rafael. These events have proven to melt even the most cynical heart, as graduating guide dog teams proudly take the stage. Families are welcome at the ceremonies, which honor the independence, companionship, and accomplishment that GDB's exceptional guide dogs provide for the people they will serve. The events also allow GDB clients to meet the committed puppy raisers who cared for their canine heroes until they were old enough to begin formal training at GDB's campus. Ceremonies also recognize recent graduates of GDB's Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program, K9 Buddy Program, and Breeder Dog Program.

Kleenex will be provided. Pre-registered bus groups are welcome. Graduation day public tours of the campus are offered on the days of the ceremonies. To register for a tour, visit https://www.guidedogs.com/about-guide-dogs-for-the-blind/tours.

Graduation events are also livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@gdb_official/streams.

Headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is the largest guide dog school in North America. It is a passionate community that prepares highly qualified guide dogs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to move through the world more safely and confidently. More than 16,000 guide teams have graduated from GDB since it was founded in 1942. Over the course of 80 years, GDB's mission has expanded to three kinds of programs: Guide Dog Mobility Program, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program, and K9 Buddy Program. GDB not only improves mobility for its clients, but it also furthers inclusion and advocates for policy reforms that change how the world views blindness. GDB's services are provided free of charge, and it receives no government funding. The organization was the subject of an award-winning documentary feature called Pick of the Litter, which continues to be available on various streaming platforms. For more information, visit guidedogs.com, or call 800.295.4050.

Category: Community | Local / Community