Guide Dogs Heroes Brunch

Jimmy Van Patten, of Natural Balance speaks, as Charlie Piscitello, SVP, Chief People Officer at PETCO listens

Last Saturday, a group of us from PETCO, the PETCO Foundation and Natural Balance Pet Foods attended the 3rd Annual Guide Dogs Heroes Brunch in Palm Springs, CA. The annual Heroes Brunch is hosted by Guide Dogs of the Desert to acknowledge the work of its volunteers, puppy raisers, supporters and donors from the past year. The mission of the Guide Dogs of the Desert is to “improve the lives of the blind by creating opportunities for life-changing independence, and by conducting community outreach and education programs.” I’ve had the privilege of being involved with this group for several years now and find it so inspiring. This year they chose to honor PETCO, the PETCO Foundation and  Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet food, for our joint partnership in support of Guide Dog schools across the country. As part of National Guide Dog Month last May, PETCO and Natural Balance raised over $600,000 for accredited guide dogs schools across the country. The Guide Dogs of the Desert asked us to attend to express their appreciation for our support. During the presentation, a recipient of a guide dog spoke and shared his personal experience with the audience. He had lost his sight later in life and faced an uncertain future in his career. Through the Guide Dogs of the Desert, he was able to receive a guide dog named “Waldo”. He shared how “Waldo”, has been with him constantly, helping him continue to work and support himself. The special human-animal bond was clearly evident in listening to his story. It felt great to know that the generosity of PETCO stores, our customers and Natural Balance have helped organizations like the Guide Dogs of the Desert to raise, train and place guide dogs like Waldo to many other visually impaired people across the country.

Wherever you live, if you ever have the chance to visit a Guide Dog school or attend a graduation ceremony, check it out. It is one of those life changing experiences where you will feel the power of the human-animal bond come to life, and see the good will of every day people helping each other.