Future Guide Dogs Take Flight In Essex County: Photos

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A national partnership between a New Jersey nonprofit and one of the nation’s leading guide dog schools recently took off – literally – during a flight out of an airport in Essex County.

Earlier this month, Guiding Eyes for the Blind launched its new partnership with New Jersey-based Pilots to the Rescue at Essex County Airport in Fairfield.

The mission? Transport some adorable pooches to their “puppy raisers” in Ohio, who will train them to be invaluable companions for people with vision loss.

According to spokespeople, the three puppies – two female black labrador retrievers named Breeze and Bagel, and a female shepherd pup named Dove – were all wagging their tails in excitement as they took off abord their flight in North Jersey. They were met with adoration by their new trainers in Ohio (see photo gallery above).

“These amazing volunteers will provide them with lots of love, support, and training for 14 to 16 months, before they journey back to the Guiding Eyes New York campus to begin their formal training,” spokespeople said.

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