Guiding Eyes for the Blind Brood/Stud Fosters

The Brood Stud Program has an increased need for fosters, in loving homes, for our breeding dogs. If you, or someone you know, are interested and live in the vicinity of the Canine Development Center in Patterson, NY, please contact us for information on eligibility and how to proceed. For general information, please read below. Thank you!

Brood and stud dogs ensure the future of all our programs. They are vital to our work - and the people who provide them with homes are crucial members of the Guiding Eyes family.

To be a foster volunteer and take on the responsibility of the health, well-being, and happiness of one of our breeding dogs, you must:

• Live within 1 - ½ hours (broods) or 1 hour (studs) travel time of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Canine Development Center (CDC) in Patterson, NY. (If you live 1-½ hours away for broods, approval is at the discretion of the Brood Stud Foster Program Manager.)
• Provide a safe and loving home environment, keeping the dog on leash when outdoors, with daily exercise (minimum of walking/running 3 miles per day).
• Transport the breed dog to Guiding Eyes for the Blind for reproduction and healthcare-related visits and quarterly assessments
• Receive training in dog handling, care, and obedience from Guiding Eyes for the Blind staff.

Our brood and stud dogs start out their lives like any other dog in our program - being raised by a puppy raiser, then assessed for suitability for Guide Dog training. Dogs who display excellent qualities needed in Guide Dogs may become part of the Brood Stud Program.

Our breeding colony consists mainly of Labrador Retrievers, with a few German Shepherds.