On August 20th, 2021, I started my journey as a First Time Puppy Raiser to GEB Annalise (8AA21). And what a journey it has been! From midnight baby puppy potty breaks to evening outings to the grocery store: Annalise has broadened my understanding of what it means to train a dog, and what it means to give back.

Annalise has taught me a lot: about patience, about perseverance, and about empathy. I find myself thinking about what it would be like to do day to day tasks without my vision, and how much Annalise will change someone’s life. She will give them freedoms and opportunities they may have never imagined possible. And I am so blessed to be a part of her life, her journey to becoming a guide dog.

This year, Annalise and I will be participating in the 2022 GEB Wag-A-Thon, where we will be walking a cumulative marathon. The overall goal is to hit 26.2 miles in the month of September, but of course we are going to try to be over achievers! During this time, we will also be fundraising for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Did you know that Guiding Eyes provides their services for free to people with vision loss/blindness? The way they can do this is through volunteers and donors. Please consider donating to GEB to help provide a visually impaired person with the freedom and confidence they get by having a Guide Dog like Annalise.

From Guiding Eyes:
Guiding Eyes for the Blind changes lives by connecting amazing people with extraordinary dogs. For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, a Guiding Eyes dog means freedom, confidence, and the opportunity to experience all of life's adventures - big and small. From Home Training to Specialized Training to Running Guides and more, Guiding Eyes' pioneering programs are individualized to each student. Together, these dogs are paired with just the right student - and both their lives are forever changed. You can be a part of this life-changing mission by making a donation today!

Thank you for your support!

- Katlyn and Annalise