ARISTODOGS play a fundamental role in our society. It has been proven that dog-assisted therapy benefits people with Alzheimer's and also significantly helps children with ADHD, as pets trigger oxytocin levels, which is the hormone that reduces stress, fights depression, and influences the building of trust between people. Their presence in hospitals is increasingly common, as they accelerate recovery processes and make long stays more bearable. We will never tire of highlighting all the good they do for us.
That is why today we want to talk about the role of guide dogs and the possibility we have, as ARISTOPARENTS, to contribute to this cause, by joining the "Educate a Puppy" program of the ONCE Guide Dog Foundation.
What is the ONCE Guide Dog Foundation and what does it do?
The ONCE Guide Dog Foundation (FOPG) belongs to ONCE (National Organization of the Blind of Spain) and was created with the purpose of breeding and training guide dogs to provide services to people with blindness or severe visual impairment. In this way, it contributes to increasing the autonomy and safety of these people, especially with regard to their movements. In addition, it carries out dissemination activities on guide dogs and the right of access to the environment, advises public authorities on the development of regulations, and provides permanent assistance to guide dog users.
Who can apply for guide dog service?
This free social service is available to people with blindness or severe visual impairment affiliated with ONCE. However, it is also essential that the user (the person requesting this service) knows how to move and orient themselves independently. This is because the mission of the guide dog as a mobility aid is to avoid obstacles and dangers, but it does not determine or mark the route to follow, but rather follows instructions.
The ONCE Guide Dog Foundation has a breeding and training center located in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid. It employs more than 50 professionals, including training technicians, puppy and breeding supervisors, and caretakers for the housed dogs. However, logically, the FOPG needs support from society to successfully carry out its mission. And that's where you can come in.
What can you do to help?
In addition to the classic forms of collaboration (donation, sponsorship, solidarity will), it is possible to be part of the "Educate a Puppy" program. This involves fostering a puppy with the commitment to educate and train it for a year, until it is ready to be a guide dog.
Joining this program is an act of solidarity and great importance. You are given a puppy just a few months old and you must teach it everything: to obey and to navigate the world. That's why emphasis is placed on learning basic obedience patterns, but above all, the most important thing is to take it with you everywhere so that it gets used to all kinds of public spaces and all kinds of people. In fact, you must commit to the dog not being alone for more than two hours. This means it becomes your companion 24/7. You have to take it on the subway, for walks in the park, to dinner at a restaurant, shopping at a mall... and even to your workplace. Because only then will it be able to perform its job correctly, when it is assigned to a visually impaired person.
Being part of this program is an act of immense dedication and commitment. But also of courage, since after a year living and learning together, you have to let the dog go. That moment, we're not going to deny it, is tough. Because in that time, the dog is already a part of your life and your family. But that's how it has to be. Likewise, it's undeniable that when you let that dog go, you feel enormous pride and hope, because you know that it will be the eyes and the compass of a person who needs its help. And that comforts anyone's heart.
If you are interested in being part of this program, you can apply as a candidate through this form. Of course, this is not about academic or professional merits, but about explaining what your daily life is like, what your environment is like, and what your relationship with pets is, to assess if you are the right candidate.
Likewise, although this option is less known, you can also collaborate by adopting a "retiree", that is, a guide dog that has already fulfilled its mission and, due to age, is no longer able to continue guiding. This form of collaboration is laudable and one of the most appreciated by the FOPG. And although not many people opt for adopting senior dogs, as we have said more than once, what they give us, even when they are old, is much more than what we give them.