Lil’ Toot will host a special cruise for Guide Dogs for the Blind, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Saturday, March 7, in Santa Barbara Harbor, bringing together guide dog puppies in training and their volunteer raisers for a learning experience on the water.

“The cruise provides critical exposure for these future guide dogs, helping them become comfortable in a variety of environments, including boats and waterfront settings,” organizers said.

“This type of socialization is an important part of their development, ensuring that future guide dogs can confidently assist their handlers in many real-world situations, including potential emergencies near the water,” they said.

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired across North America since 1942. As the largest guide dog school in North America, GDB has graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams and currently supports about 2,000 active teams in the field.

All services, including guide dog training, veterinary care support, and lifelong client services are provided free of charge, made possible through the generosity of donors.

Puppy raisers, who volunteer their time to care for and socialize guide dog puppies for roughly 13-15 months, play a vital role in preparing these dogs for formal training.

For more about Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit www.guidedogs.com.