A new visitor center from Dogs Inc. opens in Lakewood Ranch this weekend, giving Suncoast residents a free, hands-on look at how guide and service dogs are trained. The grand opening is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton, with guide and service dog demonstrations, a hands-on discovery zone, and a gift shop.
Visitors can also learn how to become volunteer puppy raisers, the families who raise these dogs before formal training begins. The center arrives as Veronica Thames settles into her role as CEO, five days in, leading nearly 200 staff members. Longtime member Marissa Gerlach says the point is showing the community what the dogs can do and how they provide hope and freedom.
Dogs Inc. provides guide and service dogs at no cost to recipients, including the visually impaired and veterans. That free-to-recipient model is central to the mission, and the new center is designed to make the work visible to neighbors, not just donors. Astro the ambassador dog is expected to greet visitors.
Will you be heading to the grand opening Saturday? Let us know below.
