ARISTODOGS play a fundamental role in our society. It has been demonstrated that dog-assisted therapy benefits people with Alzheimer’s and also notably helps children with ADHD, since pets increase oxytocin levels, the hormone that reduces stress, combats depression, and influences the development of trust between people. Their presence in hospitals is increasingly common, as they speed up 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 to you about the role guide dogs play and the possibility we have, as ARISTOPARENTS, of contributing to this cause by joining the “Raise 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 (the National Organization of the Blind in Spain) and was established to breed and train guide dogs to provide services to people who are blind or have severe visual impairment. In this way, it helps increase these people’s independence and safety, especially regarding their mobility. In addition, it conducts outreach activities about guide dogs and the right to access public spaces, advises public authorities on developing regulations, and provides ongoing assistance to guide-dog users.
Who can apply for a guide dog?
This free social service is available to people who are blind or have severe visual impairment and are affiliated with ONCE. In addition, it is essential that the user (the person requesting this service) knows how to move around and find their way 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 set the route to follow; it follows instructions.
The ONCE Guide Dog Foundation has a breeding and training center in the town of Boadilla del Monte, in Madrid. More than 50 professionals work there, including training technicians, puppy and breeding supervisors, and caregivers for the dogs housed there. But, naturally, the FOPG needs support from society to successfully carry out its mission. And that is where you can help.
What can you do to help?
In addition to the traditional ways of collaborating (donations, sponsorship, and charitable bequests), you can take part in the “Raise a Puppy” program. This involves taking in a puppy and committing to raising and training it for one year, until it is ready to become a guide dog.
Joining this program is a meaningful act of solidarity. You are given a puppy that is only a few months old, and you must teach it everything: how to obey and how to function in the world. That is why emphasis is placed on learning basic obedience commands, but above all, the most important thing is to take it with you everywhere so that it becomes accustomed to all kinds of public spaces and all kinds of people. In fact, you must commit to not leaving the dog alone for more than two hours. This means it becomes your companion through thick and thin, 24/7. You have to take it on the metro, go for walks in the park, have dinner at a restaurant, go shopping at a mall… and even take it to your workplace. Because only in this way will it be able to perform its role correctly when it is assigned to a person with visual impairment.
Being part of this program requires enormous dedication and commitment. But it also requires courage, because after a year of living and learning together, you have to let the dog leave. We will not deny it: that moment is difficult. Because during that time, the dog has already become part of your life and your family. But that is how it must be. It is also undeniable that when you let that dog go, you feel immense pride and hope, because you know that it will be the eyes and compass of a person who needs its help. And that is comforting to anyone’s heart.
If you are interested in taking part in this program, you can apply as a candidate through this form. Of course, this is not about academic or professional qualifications, but about explaining what your day-to-day life is like, what your surroundings are like, and what your relationship with pets is like, so they can assess whether you are the right candidate.
Likewise, although this option is less well known, you can also help by adopting a “retiree” - that is, a guide dog that has completed its mission and, due to its age, is no longer able to continue guiding. This form of collaboration is commendable and one of the options most appreciated by the FOPG. And although not many people choose to adopt senior dogs, as we have said more than once, what they give us, even in their old age, is far more than we ever manage to give them.