The Many Hearts That Raised Gram

Every Future Leader Dog begins their journey with one goal: to become a life-changing companion for someone who is blind or low vision. But before they can take on that responsibility, they are first raised by people who pour love, time, and dedication into their early training.

Gram was no exception. Over the past year, this confident, snuggly, and spirited puppy has been shaped by not just one puppy raiser, but six. A group of Leader Dog team members that said “let’s raise a puppy” during a lunch ended up saying “yes” to raising Gram together. What followed was a beautiful, shared experience full of laughs, lessons, and moments of deep pride.

Here are their stories, in their own words.

Christina

As I reflect on the past year with Gram, I can’t help but smile at how this group volunteer journey began. During a team lunch for my birthday last year, two coworkers pulled out their phones and showed us photos of the cutest puppies that had just arrived. Someone said, “What if we raised one together?” Not even ten minutes later, we met the puppies and filled out applications.

Raising Gram has been an incredible journey, from those tiny puppy stages, to the confident dog who now takes on new adventures like a pro. Watching him grow alongside my two dogs has been such a joy. They became the best of friends, and it was heartwarming to see their bond develop through play, naps, and companionship.

It feels like just yesterday I brought him home for the first time, introducing him to my dogs and starting his obedience training. Watching him experience all the “puppy moments”, the excitement, the stubbornness, the silly missteps and then seeing the lightbulb go off when he finally mastered a new cue, has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

I’m filled with pride in what we’ve accomplished together. I truly hope he goes on to change someone’s life as a guide dog. But if his path leads elsewhere, that’s okay too, he’ll be amazing at whatever he does. This experience has been more than just a team project, it’s been one of the most meaningful and rewarding team-building adventures I’ve ever had.

Mariana

Raising Gram has been an incredible experience that I am so grateful I got to be a part of. Gram is the first puppy I raised as an adult. Taking him to puppy classes and outings was a lot of fun. Hard work, but fun. In his first few months it was so exciting to see him learn new skills. It was especially cool to see those same skills being used with Leader Dogs on campus that were in training or graduated with clients.

In his more recent months, I have been so proud of the Future Leader Dog he has become. It is so rewarding to see him practice what we worked on, even when I am not the one handling him. Sharing this with five other amazing women has been an experience in itself. We each brought something to Gram through our routines and personalities. I’m so grateful for the time, energy and love all of them and their families have given to Gram every time we each brought him home.

We have the privilege to see and hear the impact a Leader Dog has on a person’s life every day while at work. These client stories make me so excited for Gram to meet his person. Yes, I’ll miss his constant company and my Gram cuddles and his goofy grin. I imagine that moment when Gram’s handler will wrap their arms around him, just as I have, but then taking his leash and harness and charging through the world together. I will pray every day for his success in training, I know he will be in the best hands, and I look forward to his graduation day!

Kasey

It’s hard to believe how quickly this past year has flown by with Gram. It feels like just yesterday he curled up and fell asleep with his head in the palm of my hand on his very first ride home. Since then, I’ve watched him grow into the most resilient, confident, and adaptable canine. Each week brought new skills and milestones, and witnessing those moments when something truly “clicked” for him is something I’ll never forget. Gram knows when it’s time to work and when it’s time to play, and he is always up for a good time. That balance of focus and fun is just one of the many things that makes him so special.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to raise Gram alongside such an amazing group of people. Every one of his co-raisers played a part in shaping him into the remarkable dog he is today. This experience has been deeply meaningful and is one I do not take for granted. It has truly been my honor to be a part of Gram’s story, wherever that may lead.

Emily

As I look back on this past year with Gram, I am so blessed to have been a part of his journey. I joined the team raising Gram about a month into my employment at Leader Dog because I’m the type of person to jump in with both feet when I am excited about a cause, and I was able to truly immerse myself in the Leader Dog mission. I was able to learn alongside Gram as he tackled new experiences, took in the world around him, and got to bond with my colleagues while we raised a Future Leader Dog together.

I am so thrilled to have been able to have experiences with Gram like taking him to my ballroom dance lessons, attending church services with him, paddleboarding at the lake, and exploring nature trails. Gram is such an adaptable dog, ready for anything, and I cannot wait to see how he does with a guide dog mobility instructor. I have full confidence in him, for whatever career he chooses. He’s too good of a dog to not be proud of.

Traci

Watching Gram grow from the cutest little puppy into a mature, confident gentleman over the past year has been nothing short of incredible. There were moments of frustration and plenty of joyful milestones as our raiser group navigated the many phases of puppyhood — from the baby shark stage to toddler antics and the challenges of the rebellious teen phase.

Throughout it all, the support from Leader Dog has been extraordinary. The entire team has been wholeheartedly dedicated to Gram’s success, and as raisers, we’ve grown tremendously — learning patience, humility, and the value of teamwork.

What amazes me most about Gram is his ability to settle when it matters most. He can now sit through long meetings without a fuss. He attends events full of people, dogs, and children with the composure of an old soul. At home, he exits his crate every morning, wiggling with happiness to begin a new day. He’s a joyful companion who loves being outside, lying in the grass, chewing on sticks, and exploring the world around him.

I love Gram. My heart is full thinking of the confidence and independence he’ll bring to his future client. He is truly the best boy, and I know his future will be bright.

Cheryl

Gram is the 12th service dog I’ve raised and the 9th Leader Dog. It was love at first sight when I was helping in breeding, unloading the puppies when they arrived on-site from the breeding host. All the pups were super calm and the long-haired black ones were just outstanding! I was like “sign me up!” Gram has been wonderful to raise. A real charmer. Calm and affectionate. He and his half-sister that I’m raising for another service organization, are like Mutt and Jeff! Just playing non-stop when they are together. It’s been fun raising with a group of women and sharing him in each of our homes. Each has brought something different to the table, and I think Gram has become a wonderful, well-rounded, super smart boy. I am excited to see what he does and hope he graduates to help a client so all the women raising him can experience how proud it makes you feel when your dog goes on to help someone in need.

Gram may have started his life as just one puppy, but he was raised by a village, six women who brought their hearts, homes, and unique perspectives to every step of his journey. Together, they shaped him into the remarkable, adaptable, and loving dog he is today.

Whether he becomes a guide dog or finds another path to serve, one thing is clear: Gram has already made a lasting impact. Not just on his future handler’s life, but on the lives of those lucky enough to raise him.

And that is the power of raising a Future Leader Dog.