Puppy Ice Cream Socials are PAWSitively Sweet!
Thursday July 03, 2025
What could be better than a sunny afternoon filled with wagging tails and sweet treats? If you’ve ever dreamed of raising a guide dog puppy, our Puppy Raising Info Meeting & Ice Cream Social is the perfect way to dip your paws in the water—plus, there’s ice cream. For everyone.
At a recent event on our California campus, curious dog lovers gathered to learn about the life-changing experience of becoming a puppy raising volunteer. Field Service Manager Gail Horn kicked things off with a presentation about our puppy raising program—what it takes to raise a guide dog puppy, and how volunteers help shape the confidence, resilience, and joy these dogs will one day bring to someone’s life.
After the presentation, attendees mingled with experienced puppy raisers, met some adorable pups-in-training, and cooled off with delicious ice cream—while the dogs happily dove into their own pup cups.
Santa Rosa Puppy Club Leaders and Raisers Dustin St. John and Lisa Likely were on hand to share their experience. “These are our ninth and tenth guide dog puppies,” said Dustin. “It’s pretty addicting—the journey of teaching the puppies, watching them grow, and seeing the impact they make when they’re paired with a client and changing their life.” Earlier in the day, the two attended a Graduation Ceremony to watch Joya, a female black Labrador/Golden Retriever Cross they raised graduate with her human partner Alexandra Tizcareno. Lisa added that she especially loves growing the community of raisers. “It’s fun when you let your community grow with you,” she said with a smile.
Attendee Cathy Estes left the event with her decision made. “Raising a guide dog puppy has been on my bucket list since high school,” she said. “I’ve waited so long to do it—and now I’m finally doing it. I told my husband, ‘This is not a yes or no. This is a get on board!’” she laughed.
Mother-daughter duo Auddie and Samantha Steel were also inspired. They’re now considering co-raising a puppy. “Joining a club would be magical,” said Auddie. “We’re planning to attend a meeting and learn more about how we can get started.”
Ready to see what it’s all about? Come join the fun at one of our July Ice Cream Socials. Meet the puppies, talk to volunteers, and discover how you can make a difference—one puppy at a time. RSVP today!
