20th Annual Guide Dog Puppy Travel Day!

By: GDB Puppy Raising Leader Pat Whitehead

What began 20 years ago when a GDB Teen Leader wanted to do "something different and invite everybody" has evolved into an annual excursion for the Pacific Southwest area. With the sincerely appreciated cooperation of both MetroLink and MetroRail as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, guide dog puppy raisers, their families, and potential raiser families enjoyed a day "riding the rails" to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Then, a short walk took everyone to the El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, otherwise known as Olvera Street. After a welcome and group photo, participants enjoyed visiting friends, finding littermates, sightseeing, shopping, enjoying the native dancers, and a delicious lunch before making the return trip home. All appreciated the work of L. A. Southwest Guide Dog raisers in facilitating this annual event. People also looked forward to having time for those special tips from GDB Community Field Representative (CFR) Rick Wilcox.

Participating groups this year included: Antelope Valley Guide Dog Puppy Raisers; BAARK; Diamonds in the Ruff; Glendale Pups to Partners; High Desert Guide Dog Puppy Raisers; Los Angeles Southwest Guide Dog Raisers; North Orange County Puppies to Partners; PRIDE; South Bay Guide Dog Puppy Raisers; South Orange County Paws for Independence; VIP3; Yuma Guide Dog Puppy Raisers. Thank you, all!


Puppy raisers pose on the sidewalk with their guide dogs puppies (one yellow and three black Lab).

A puppy raiser gives one of her cards to someone interested in GDB as her yellow Lab sits calmly at her side.

Two puppy raisers kneel down posing with their yellow Lab guide dog puppy.

Puppy raisers with a black Lab and golden Retriever puppy stand near the signs that say "To Union Station West" the floor is a colorful intricate pattern and the mural above is of children of different ethnicities.

Big group photos of puppy raisers with their guide dog puppies on steps - beautiful sunny day with palms in the background.

Puppy raisers pose in front of the MetroLink train.

A yellow Lab puppy looks up at the camera while tucked under the seat on the train.

Two Golden Retriever guide dog puppies and one Yellow Lab on an elevator.

Puppy raisers with a black Lab and golden Retriever puppy stand near the signs that say "To Union Station West" the floor is a colorful intricate pattern and the mural above is of children of different ethnicities.