Guiding Paws of Delaware
The New Castle County Puppy Raising Club for The Seeing Eye!
Guiding Paws of Delaware is one of over 30 clubs committed to raising puppies that will become life-changing Seeing Eye® dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Seeing Eye’s clubs span New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, united by a shared mission:
To enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs.
Our Latest Pupdates
- Atlas Earns His Vest
Congratulations to Atlas on earning his Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program vest! At six months of age, our puppies are evaluated for good on-leash behavior and their ability to follow basic commands. The vest signifies the dog’s progression towards guide dog work and conveys his growing maturity and reliability to represent The Seeing Eye in public settings. Way to go Atlas!
- National Service Animals Monument
This week, Pilot and leaders from Guiding Paws along with other Seeing Eye puppy raisers made a trip to Washington DC. They attended an informational meet-and-greet hosted by National Service Animals Monument Corporation. The proposed monument is intended to honor service animals and their handlers. The monument has received Congressional approval and is currently in the site selection phase of implementation.
“From working dogs and assistance animals to war horses, dolphins, and other service animals, the monument will honor their contributions while placing them within the broader narrative of American service and sacrifice.“
Guiding Paws was honored to be included as representatives of The Seeing Eye and guide animals in our country. We look forward to visiting with our group when the project reaches fruition.
- Guiding Paws at Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
Our puppies had an exciting adventure this week as they visited the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington—a perfect setting for curious noses, wagging tails, and important early exposure experiences.
From the moment the puppies stepped inside, they were surrounded by new sights, sounds, and textures. The museum’s immersive exhibits offered a gentle challenge for young pups learning to stay calm and focused in unfamiliar environments. Whether they were walking past towering dinosaur displays, simulated forests, or aquatic habitats, each moment helped build confidence and resilience.
Outings like this are essential for our puppies‑in‑training. They practiced:
- On-leash behavior walking through crowded exhibit halls
- Settling calmly in new place
- Ignoring distractions from other museum-goers and interactive displays
- Navigating different flooring, lighting, and acoustics
These skills form the foundation of what will one day make them exceptional guide dogs for individuals with vision loss.
Thank you to our dedicated puppy raisers, volunteers, and supporters who make these experiences possible. We give a special thanks to Delaware Museum of Nature & Science for being longtime friends of Guiding Paws. Please check out their website for information on the museum and current events.
Puppy Raising Journey
Be the First Step in a Life-Changing Journey
We proudly support The Seeing Eye’s mission by opening our homes and hearts to raise puppies. As puppy raisers, we provide a foundation of love, guidance, and socialization that prepares these remarkable dogs for their vital work.
Anyone can join this inspiring journey—whether you’re a family with a nine-year-old eager to help or an experienced individual raising their 30th puppy. Each puppy’s journey is unique, but one thing remains constant: the profound sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from being part of something so extraordinary.
Are you ready to change a life—starting with your own? Click here to read our FAQ and find out more about volunteering.
Dedication
Raising a puppy for The Seeing Eye requires a high level of dedication as puppy raisers invest their time, energy, and patience into training and socializing the puppy to prepare them for their future role.
Empowering
Through puppy raising, individuals have the opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of people with visual disabilities, enabling them to navigate the world with confidence and a sense of autonomy.
Impactful
Puppy raising for The Seeing Eye has a profound impact on both the puppy raiser and the recipient of the guide dog, fostering meaningful connections and changing lives for the better through the partnership between humans and their canine companions.
guidingpawsde.org 