In the heart of Winnipeg, a special group of volunteers is dedicating their time and homes to a life-changing mission: raising puppies that will one day become guide dogs for the CNIB. These future canine heroes are not only learning essential skills but also bringing immense joy to the families who temporarily care for them.
A Labour of Love for Winnipeg Families
The CNIB guide dog program relies entirely on volunteer puppy raisers to provide a foundational year of training and socialization. These individuals welcome an eight-week-old puppy into their home, teaching it basic obedience, house manners, and exposing it to the sights and sounds of everyday life. Suzanne Ullyott is one such volunteer, and as of December 2025, she is training her sixth dog, Fred, since she began in 2018.
"They make you laugh every day," Ullyott shared, capturing the dual reward of the commitment. The role is demanding, requiring consistency and patience, but the emotional payoff is significant. Volunteers form deep bonds with the puppies, knowing their work is the critical first step toward granting someone independence.
The Path from Puppy to Working Guide Dog
After approximately 12 to 14 months with their volunteer raiser, the dogs return to the CNIB for formal, advanced guide dog training. This intensive period focuses on navigating obstacles, stopping at curbs, and mastering intelligent disobedience—the ability to refuse a command if it would put their future handler in danger. Only the dogs that successfully complete this rigorous training are matched with a Canadian living with sight loss.
The program highlights a powerful community effort. While the puppy raisers provide the initial love and discipline, professional trainers then refine those skills, culminating in a partnership that can last a decade or more. This process transforms a playful puppy into a vital tool for navigation, safety, and companionship.
Building a More Inclusive Community
The impact of a guide dog extends far beyond the individual handler. By enabling greater mobility and confidence, these dogs help break down barriers and foster a more inclusive society. The Winnipeg volunteers are directly contributing to this vision, one puppy at a time.
The commitment shown by people like Suzanne Ullyott underscores the profound generosity within the local community. Their work ensures that the CNIB can continue providing guide dogs at no cost to Canadians who are blind or have low vision. It’s a testament to how grassroots volunteerism can create waves of positive change, offering both daily laughter for the raisers and a lifetime of freedom for future handlers.
