Guide Dogs for the Blind & Seafood Peddler 9/11/13

It all began with a dream—the dream of creating the first guide dog training school on the West Coast. It was a dream shared by Lois Merrihew and Don Donaldson, who volunteered their efforts along with many others. They recognized the need to help wounded servicemen who would return from World War II without their sight. They believed in the potential of dogs to serve as guides for the blind.

In 1947, the school moved to a 11-acre location in San Rafael, California, 20 miles north of San Francisco. In October of 1995, they held the first graduation at their new campus in Boring, Oregon, 25 miles east of Portland. They have graduated more than 10,000 teams since our beginnings in 1942.

The dogs and puppies are cared for in meticulous kennels and state-of-the-art veterinary clinics. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever crosses are the breeds used. Professional staff and veterinarians nurture, groom, train and prepare the dogs for their futures as guides.

             

                  

 

Lunch at the Seafood Peddler in Sausolito

Joy's oysters.