Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.
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December 31, 2012
I can't say enough good things about the volunteers I came in contact with while I was in class! S. drove me to church ( twice!) and grilled a BBQ one evening. The volunteers I met at the Sarasota gift shop were so nice! They were excited about meeting us snd our guides. We came in from the blistering heat and they had cool drinks and snacks. One volunteer gave the ladies a manicure before our graduation. The puppy raisers were... My heros. JP ( my guide) has such great manners and is well adjusted. Anyone looking into volunteering should know that there are a variety of jobs and that you will become part of a big happy family!
LP and JP
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 31, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Southeastern Guide Dogs is so totally commited to its true purpose of bringing freedom to individuals with impaired sight. The entire facility is devoted to the care and training of guide dogs. Every staff member has but one purpose, to further the ability of the school to make an individual's life better. When you speak to the individuals that recieve the service dogs you get the sense that a part of their life has been restored. The dogs are amazing also. From the time they are whelped until they are placed with an individual, they are loved and it shows in their expressions. When these dogs become part of a team it is clear that they are more than willing to work for their handler. it is easy to understand the impact this school has when an individual looks at you and says "I was able to walk into Starbuck's today, alone,and buy my own cup of coffee without relying on someone else to take me." What a simple pleasure to be so important. The freedom is priceless.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 10, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
We are volunteer puppy raiser for Southeastern Guidedogs. We get the puppies at 9 weeks and keep them for about 1 year. In that year we take the puppies with us EVERYWHERE we go, from the grocery store, restaurants to going to the dentist. Anywhere a blind person might go... When a blind person gets matched with a dog, it is life-changing. It gives the blind person the freedom to go places on their own and have independence and dignity. One of our friends told us after she received her Guide dog that she was able to use a public restroom on her own for the first time since she had lost her sight. She told us that it gave her dignity back. How do you put a price on that? Our first dog had an injury and didn't make it to be a Guide dog but she was trained to be a Bomb/Arson dog instead. She 'reports' to the fire station in Orlando Florida, protecting people like you and me. Our 2nd dog we raised was chosen to be a Veteran Service dog for someone that served our country and returns from the war front suffering from PTSD. She will be a life-saving gift for someone who suffered this 'hidden wound' fighting for our freedoms. We are about half-way into raising our third dog. People often ask us how we give can give up a dog we have bonded with for the past year. And we answer; how can we not? It is a gift that we give to someone whose needs are more important than our wants. This would not be possible without Southeastern Guide dogs. We are grateful for what they do and are proud to part of that mission to assist others. And these gifts are always free to the recipient, thanks to generous individuals who share our passion to help others.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 7, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
After retiring from my job as a professor of Public Health Nursing, followed by 5 years as a full-timer in a motor home, I found my days a bit empty. By chance, I learned that a college classmate did some volunteer work with an organization that trains dogs to become guides for visually impaired people. Animals are the passion of my life and dogs rank at the top of my list, so I immediately got in touch with Southeastern Guide Dogs and became a volunteer. I started out playing with adorable puppies ranging in age from 6 to 9 weeks. Soon I wanted to become a puppy raiser. After the necessary criteria were met, I was thrilled to be allowed to take home and help train a beautiful Goldador. When he did not make it as a guide dog due to a mild medical issue, I was offered the opportunity of keeping him and getting him trained as a therapy dog and Ambassador for the school. Natually I was eager to take on this privilege. I still volunteer in the puppy kennel, showing visitors how to behave and play with the irrisistible puppies. Now my dog & I also visit patients in hospitals and nursing homes. What joy it brings to these people--maybe almost as much as it brings to me when I see their faces light up. Another wonderful opportunity I have as part of a therapy team is going into a school where third graders get to read to dogs. Data collected around the US shows that this program does help children improve their reading skills. I'm very happy to know that I'm doing some good while I have an enormous amount of fun!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Hearing blind or visually impaired people describe the difference in their lives after becoming a partner with a guide dog.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I once had an amazing experience while observing a woman who always became hysterical when her blood was about to be drawn. In this instance she was caressing my dog when the phlebotomist started to insert the needle, and she showed no signs of fear nor gave any objection. It was as if she didn't even notice the needle.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Awed!
October 4, 2012
Having had a friend who was visually impaired, coupled with my love of dogs, becoming a Puppy Raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. was a no brainer! Southeastern Guide Dogs are located in Manatee Co., Florida. SEGD is a not-for-profit organization and receives no federal or state funds. It provides dogs and training to blind individuals, at no cost to them. The school relies solely on donations, I am so proud of being a part of this fantastic organization! As a first time Puppy Raiser the guide dog that I raised, recently graduated. I had the opportunity to meet the gentleman that received him, he was overwhelmed with gratitude at the thought of regaining his independence, never being alone again, and knowing his guide would keep him safe. I came away from this special meeting knowing that I was part of a truly wonderful organization, and that together we made a difference in this man's life! Would I do it again you ask? .....In a heartbeat!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 3, 2012
My husband and I have raised three guide dog puppies for Southeastern Guide Dogs and are currently raising our fourth (http://mcleanpup.blogspot.com/), Coach. Southeastern has always been a great organization, but I think that in the last couple of years they have really upped their game. They have made amazing strides in communications with volunteers, with volunteer publications and videos, and with the puppy raising program. They have really improved the training program for their area coordinators so that flows down to the puppy raisers. Area coordinators now have two different training weekends that they go to in order to become ACs. They have also instituted a puppy raiser weekend. I missed it, but would love for them to have another. It was where they explained a lot of what was going on at Southeastern and helped you to be a better puppy raiser. I'm hoping they have it again. They have made it easier and more fun to be a puppy raiser for Southeastern. And with the amazing marketing campaign that they have going on, you are always proud to be walking with your dog in his/her blue coat out in public spreading the word about Southeastern and the good work they are doing. For example, they have updated the volunteer manual, they have created specific training videos for learning difficult commands, they have created a trainer run facebook group just for puppy raiser where we can post questions and get immediate (or nearly so) feedback on what is going on with our puppy, they created an IFT (in for training) day that made taking your puppy back into a celebration instead of a traumatic event. It was so lovely. My contructive criticism is that I wish they were a little more cognizant of working volunteers. Sometimes things are only done Mon-Fri 8-5 and most puppy raisers work and don't have the freedom to take off. Having a late day or a weekend day option would be awesome.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 3, 2012
Southeastern Guide Dogs is an amazing organization. They not only provide "eyes" for visually impaired people, they provide a friend and with that friend comes a life time of extraordinary support and care. They not only provide Guide dogs, they provide the opportunity for volunteers to become part of the Southeastern Guide Dog family.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 3, 2012
I am a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs. I have raised 5 puppies for the program. So far, 2 are working with visually impaired, 1 is working for a police department, and 1 is still in training. Being involved with the program has allowed me to single-handedly "change a life." I love the fact that my selfless act of raising a puppy for a year will change someone else's life for 10 years or more. The school itself provides wonderful support both from the school and the field volunteers. I can NOT imagine my life without Southeastern Guide Dogs and PUPPIES PUPPIES PUPPIES! I will volunteer for them as long as I am physically able.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 3, 2012
I am a "puppy socializer' for Southeastern Guide Dogs. I really question who benefits more, the pups or me. Think about what it means to work with a litter of pups from 6 weeks until they are placed with a loving family. I've been with them from "all I want to do is flop" to "lets move out". I'm now in the process of working with Southeastern Guide Dogs to become an Ambassador. This is an opportunity unique to my needs and clearly demonstrates the flexibility of Southeastern Guide Dogs. . I also spend time at the VA-Bay Pines with a friend and his therapy dog-Starr. Given a one organization choice, as they say on TV in this area, "I'm going to the dogs".
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Note above
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Southeastern Guide Dogs is under continuous self review. Changes have been introduces to the Puppy Socialzation program within the last month. Inputs re. these changes will come from all involved from socializers to management. Change flow recomendations have been smooth and well rec'd both lateral and vertical.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
With changes recently made too soon to tell.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Significant: application of my "dog patience" to people. I introduced a Rotary friend to Southeastern Guide Dogs and he is now a puppy socialzer on my shift. Southeastern Guide Dogs/Paws for Patriots will address my Rotary Club again in Nov.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
In a word: Satisfied!
October 3, 2012
Southeastern Guide Dog went over and beyond our expectations. My husband lost his eye sight over a year and a half ago, a very difficult situation for not only him but for the entire family. As my husband attended classes at the Lighthouse for the Blind I began to search for Guide Dogs. There was one facility as close as Mississippi and as far as California. While searching the internet for many reasons Southeastern Guide Dog caught my attention more than others. The facility looked very clean, organized, the puppy cam was amazing, the details of the training were well explained and I was quite impressed about the detailed screening of the person that was to receive the guide dog. The next thing I knew I was filling out the application on line. What seemed like forever, after the background check took place, a kind professional person called to schedule an at home interview. About a month later a person came from Florida and interviewed my husband, took him for a walk with a harness and leash to measure his speed, strength and height. She looked at the home, answered our questions, played with our 2 boxers and told us they would be back in touch with us. A short time after we decided to go to Florida to personally visit the grounds. We were received by the staff and they gave us the tour. They actually put a harness on one of the guide dogs and let my husband walk with him. They made my husband feel like there was nothing more important in the world than him. It was the best thing that happened to him since he lost his sight. We prayed every day that he would be accepted by Southeastern Guide Dog. One day we received the magic phone call and he was asked if he could attend the class that started in October...Are you kidding, the scream of joy and tears were unavoidable. The day we arrived he was greeted by 3 professional trainers that entered his luggage and showed him to his dorm and helped him unpack and get comfortable . Amazing, his dorm had a large private bath, tv, closet, night stands, a large bed and a desk. He said he felt like he was in a 5 star hotel. Southeastern provided absolutely everything even the guide dog he needed at no cost what so ever to us. We could not have had Lucy if there was a cost involved. A Chef prepared the meals for the students, my husband had 3 of the most professional, kind, loving,understanding trainers and staff with him at all times. His 26 days there were the hardest but the most important days of his life. He not only learned to become more self dependent they taught him to trust his Guide Dog Lucy 100%. They are one when she has her harness on. Southeastern Guide Dog will always be in our hearts. It is so hard to explain what it means to regain your independence, to have Lucy at my husbands side 24hours a day. I trust Lucy with my husbands life thanks to Southeastern Guide Dog. They have opened a whole new meaning in our lives. Southeastern Guide Dog is a true non profit organization that knows how to treat and understands the persons coming for their guide dog in a very professional, loving, understanding way.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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