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The Guide Dogs of the Desert is one of the foremost organizations of
its types in the nation. Each year, it provides guide dogs to approximately 40
blind persons at absolutely no cost to the
recipient, since the organization is maintained solely by private donations.
Guide Dogs of the Desert breeds puppies, trains the dogs, and then
matches them to their new owners, training them as well. The group has
foster families who keep the organization's canine pairs who breed the
future guide dogs. In a typical year, about 70 puppies are produced, and
at the age of eight weeks, they are sent to puppy raising families in homes
ranging from Alaska to New York. For more than a year, they are given love
and are socialized to be around people, other dogs and cats.
At the age of 16 months, they are returned to the Coachella Valley
where licensed trainers for Guide Dogs of the Desert work with the dogs for
six to eight months, teaching them to lead and assist their blind
owners. Of the 70 puppies who began socialization and training,
approximately 40 will have completed the training and be matched to their
new owners.
The final stage of the program is for the blind owner to work 28
straight days with their new dog to familiarize each with the other and
work together in everyday surroundings. After graduation, the owner and
dog leave for home, friends for life and working together.
The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic has supported the Guide Dogs of the
Desert since 1975. They have received more than $208,400 over these years.
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