09/11/2025
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet the Vernon family and Jones from our Halifax puppy club!
“When choosing to become CNIB puppy raisers, it was a decision we didn’t take lightly. We knew the commitment would be significant—not just in time and training, but emotionally as well. We were determined to give our pup the best possible start, setting them up for success in their future as a guide dog. But we also knew one thing for sure: we would fall in love, and that saying goodbye after a year would be incredibly difficult.
Despite that, this experience has been one of the most rewarding chapters in our lives. From day one, we became part of something bigger—a journey that transforms a curious, energetic puppy into a [potential] confident, capable guide dog.
Raising a future guide dog goes beyond obedience; it's about socializing, exploring the world together, and building trust. Each trip to the grocery store, each quiet moment in a café, and every walk through a busy park is another step in preparing them for a life of service and independence.
There’s no doubt it takes dedication and heart—but the reward is knowing that this pup will one day [potentially] provide freedom, confidence, and companionship to someone who truly needs it. And while parting will be hard, it’s easier knowing we helped change two lives: theirs, and ours.”
To learn more about becoming puppy raisers like the Vernon family, visit: www.cnib.ca/puppyraising
Image Description: A photo of the Vernon family huddled together, while family member Carolyn is holding Jones, a small yellow Lab puppy in his yellow future CNIB Guide Dog training vest. On a yellow brushstroke, text reads: “Vernon family & Jones”. Underneath the brushstroke, a box of text decorated with quotation marks reads: “There’s no doubt it takes dedication and heart—but the reward is knowing that this pup will one day [potentially] provide freedom, confidence, and companionship to someone who truly needs it. And while parting will be hard, it’s easier knowing we helped change two lives: theirs, and ours.”
