Southeastern Guide Dogs takes paws in Sarasota

Fran Kramer and guide-dog-in-training, Millard, are both excited to be at the new Southeastern Guide Dog Discovery Center, 1618 Main St., Sarasota.

Bobby Newman with therapy dog, Millie, and Chris McNamee with guide, Max.

Southeastern Guide Dogs CEO Titus Herman, with board members Eric Williams, Roger Pettingell and Scott Collins

Mauro & board member Laura Harto do a bit of shopping in the gift shop.

Southeastern Guide Dogs welcomed local dog lovers Wednesday evening, Sept. 1, at their opening reception.

The mission of Southeastern Guide Dog is to create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life’s journey with mobility, independence and dignity.

The first opportunity for locals to interact with the center is by attending a puppy-hugging session Saturday, Sept. 4 at the new Discovery Center, 1618 Main St., Sarasota. Guide dog training begins at birth, and puppy-hugging sessions are an important part of the process. When you arrive on campus to hug these six- to nine-week-old puppies, you are helping them achieve the ultimate level of socialization needed to develop world-class guide dogs; dogs that are comfortable with people and accustomed to stimulation. Later they’ll learn to focus on their job despite the distractions; but early on, these fun sessions help them prepare for life as a guide dog.

Volunteer dog walkers are also needed to help provide mild exercise, recreation, physical stimulation and occasional grooming for dogs in training.