Braden Friscia, 18, of West Windsor, received a scholarship from the Seeing Eye for raising several puppies for the dog guide school. A freshman at Rochester Institute of Technology, he is studying international relations.
“One thing I have learned from my puppy training is not to give up just because I am not obtaining results right away,” said Friscia.
A puppy raiser for two years as a member of the Seeing Eye 4-H puppy club, he taught his puppies basic obedience, attended puppy club meetings, exposed puppies to a variety of social situations, and provided them with companionship. He returned each puppy to the Seeing Eye for its formal training.
“Young adults like Braden are special because they provide a rock solid foundation for a Seeing Eye dog’s formal training,” said Peggy Gibbon, director of canine development for the Seeing Eye.
For information on how to become a puppy raiser call 973-539-4425, ext. 1769, or visit www.seeingeye.org.