May is National Guide Dog Month

[caption id="attachment_1268" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Paula Abdul with a Guide Dog"][/caption] I have. I love seeing guide dogs around town with their perfect little vests that tell you right away, “I’m more than just a cute dog, I’m an extra special gift to my human companion, here.” But I never had any idea how much of a gift these dogs really are until now. In preparing to celebrate National Guide Dog Month at PETCO, I’ve learned that it takes almost two years and more than $40,000 to train a guide dog. Wow. [caption id="attachment_1269" align="alignright" width="212" caption="Paula Abdul blindfolded to experience the loss of sight with a guide dog."][/caption] And, what’s even more amazing, is that the organizations that raise and train guide dogs do it all and then give the dog, a true gift of mobility and independence, to someone who needs it – for free. I can’t imagine what it must be like not to be able to see or have the freedom to walk from here to there enjoying the world around me. But if I had to find out, I would surely hope there would be a sweet and loyal guide dog in training – just for me. I’m so proud that PETCO, along with Paula Abdul and our friends at Natural Balance Pet Foods, is celebrating National Guide Dog Month by helping spread the word and raising money for guide dog schools across the country. You can help, too. Check out the video below to learn how.  And if you have a story to share about how a guide dog has changed a life, please share it with us in the comments!