b'Raise A Puppy,Change A Life.by Ruth LandoPuppies are fun, cuddly, and adorable. But dad can do whatever he wants to do, shedid you know that raising a puppy is a great notes. He can go for a walk by himself. Heway to make a difference and change some- can go to the grocery store. Its incredible toones life? In fact, it can even change yours. witness.Justaskthevolunteerpuppyraisersat Andasachild,itwasntlongbeforeSoutheastern Guide Dogs. These caring indi- Meghan began asking her parents if she couldviduals play an important role in advancing get involved with the organization. At the agethisnonprofitorganizationsmissionwhere ofeight,shestartedvolunteering,andherextraordinary dogs transform lives through- favorite childhood memories include givingout the countryat no cost to recipients. back to the organization that has given herPuppy raisers not only give love and care father so much. She just loved being aroundtopreciouspups,buttheyhelpsetthe the puppies whenever possible.foundation of a beautiful journey of hope, As soon as Meghan learned about puppyindependence, and companionship. Because raising opportunities, she lobbied her parentsafterthesepuppiesspendtimelivingwith toallowhertoparticipate. Theywouldnttheir volunteer puppy raisers, they return to permit her to bring a puppy into the homethe Southeastern Guide Dogs campus to take until she turned 20. Thats when they offeredon Canine University. Then, once their edu- her a choice: she could live on campus at thecationwithexpertinstructorsiscomplete, University of South Florida (USF) or stay atthey go out and change the lives of their for- homeandraiseapuppy.Theanswerwasever guardianspeople with vision loss, vet- simple, and thats how Meghan started hereranswithdisabilities,andchildrenwho puppy raising journey.need a best friend.Instantly,shebondedwithherfirstpuppy, Rosie. After living with Meghan andANATURAL - BORN PUPPY RAISER . then returning to Canine University, RosieMeghan Watson of Tampa, Florida, knows a wentontobecomeaguidedoginthing or two about puppy raising; she grew Alabamaa proud moment for any puppyup with guide dogs as part of the family. Her raiser. Next in her puppy raising adventuresdad, as well as all his male relatives, suffers came Finley, and then Indy, Gemma, Julia,from a progressive eye disorder called retini- andMeghanscurrentfour-leggedroomie,tis pigmentosa.Susie. Susie returns to Canine University atMy dads guide dogs opened my eyes to SoutheasternGuideDogsforhercollegehow special the loving and expertly trained program soon. And during Meghans experi-dogsareatSoutheasternGuideDogs, enceswiththeselovablefurryfriends,herMeghan says.first puppy Rosie had a full-circle moment.She witnessed how a highly skilled dog Rosie fulfilled her duties as a guide dog andinstillsindependenceandconfidencemore retired early, allowing Meghan the option tothan any white cane or human assistance can. adopt her as her very own pet. Now Rosie"Whenever he works with a guide dog, my lives a life of relaxation and play.Continued on the following page g34 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'