Southeastern Guide Dogs discover Sarasota

Roger Pettingell is on the board of several community organizations, as well as a volunteer for the Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Sarasota Adopt a Family.

Roger Pettingell is on the board of several community organizations, as well as a volunteer for the Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Sarasota Adopt a Family.

Longboat Key Realtor and Southeastern Guide Dogs board member Roger Pettingell is excited about the opening of a new Discovery Center in Downtown Sarasota. The center will serve as a city base for harness training guide dogs and for trainers working for students in a more urban environment. It will also serve as a center for community outreach, offering workshops, seminars and presentations on everything from puppy health and wellness to pet estate planning.

Pettingell first got involved as a puppy raiser several years ago, when he and his wife, Alisa, took a puppy into their home from the time it was 10-weeks-old. Pettingell says it’s even more of a full-time job than children, because the dogs must go everywhere with you including work and shopping. The idea is to socialize the dogs in many situations and contexts. Pettingell said Southeastern generally trains Labradors and Retrievers. He is excited at the prospect of the guide dogs transforming Downtown Sarasota.

“It’s going to change Downtown Sarasota to see dogs walking and interacting,” said Pettingell.

The Discovery Center is at 1618 Main St., directly across from Bank of America in Downtown Sarasota. The center will officially open Sept. 2 and will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Pettingell said there are many opportunities to get involved with Southeastern including being a puppy raiser, volunteering to walk the dogs, as well as help in the center with mailings or in the gift shop. The ultimate mission of the organization is to provide a trained animal to someone who needs one at no cost. Southeastern graduates about 75 dogs annually, and Pettingell says there is a waiting list.

“Southeastern Guide Dogs has long been the area’s best kept secret. It will be incredible to have their presence right here in Downtown Sarasota,” said Pettingell.