Ever wonder what happens before a guide dog ever meets the person who needs them?
Most people picture formal dog training, but the real foundation is built first by volunteer puppy raisers, the families who teach the basics, build confidence, and expose these pups to the real world.
In this episode, you’ll hear from longtime puppy raisers Roxanne (and her husband Jim), now raising their 11th puppy, and Donna Mack, a guide dog handler and disability access leader, whose guide dog Wella has changed how she travels, works, and moves through the world.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• What puppy raisers actually do from 8 weeks to 14 to 18 months, and why exposure matters more than perfection
• Why some dogs don’t become guide dogs, and the meaningful roles they can play instead
• What the application and training process is like for a guide dog handler, and how the dog learns routes and decision-making
• Why guide dog schools always need more puppy raisers, and how to get involved
CONNECT WITH DONNA MACK:
LinkedIn | www.disabilitydiplomat.com
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Guide Dogs for the Blind | www.guidedogs.com
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!
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Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.
Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.
No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.
Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.
Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com
©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro
