By Coralie Rogez

On Sept. 29 the Dogs Against Darkness group, the local chapter of Guide Dogs of America, walked downtown Los Altos teaching their puppies such things as greeting children and people, how to walk past objects that would normally frighten dogs (such as mannequins and statues), and walking them through different floorings and steps.

Guide Dogs of America is a non-profit group that dedicates its time and effort to providing guide dogs instruction so that blind and visually impaired men and women in the United States may continue to pursue their goals with increased mobility and independence.

Guide Dogs of America is a small school located in Sylmar, which was started more than 50 years ago by Joseph Jones Sr. and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, after Jones became blind.

Dogs Against Darkness is a local chapter of the organization currently made up of nine puppy raisers from San Jose to the Palo Alto area.

A guide dog is specifically trained to act as a mobility tool to aid blind and visually impaired individuals. However, in order for the guide dog to be successful it must have a proper raiser.

A puppy raiser is a volunteer who takes a puppy as young as 7 weeks old and keeps it until it is 18-19 months old. During that time, the raiser is responsible for teaching the puppy basic obedience, such as how to walk on a leash, how to sit, stay, lie down, and come when called. In addition, it is the raiser’s responsibility to take the puppy to an obedience class and to attend monthly meetings, such as the Dogs Against Darkness group, which has been present here in the Bay Area for 25 years.

“We meet every Monday afternoon in different places. We go to restaurants, shopping centers,” said Kathy Lawless, area Leader for the San Jose area. “By being there, we are teaching the dogs basic social training.”

Most puppies that are trained are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and even standard poodles, because of their hypoallergenic features, great for those allergic to dogs.

“Our goal is to help guide dogs. They are very helpful to the blind and we want to support our school (Guide Dogs of America),” Lawless said.

“Our biggest motivation is to please the dogs. They are so wonderful. It’s very hard not to get attached to them after you have them for so long,” Lawless said.

Puppy raisers are required to socialize the puppy, teaching it basic obedience, teaching the puppy indoor manners, and having a fenced area for the dog to play in. Handlers with children and pets are a plus. Food and any items purchased for the puppy is tax deductible. Guide Dogs of America is responsible for all veterinarian bills.

For more information on joining Dogs Against Darkness, contact Kathy Lawless at or for more information on Guide Dogs of America, visit www.guidedogsofamerica.org.