Erica Paige Simon, a Jericho High School junior, recently raised $9,400 for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. in Smithtown. The money will be used to sponsor a guide dog puppy and to purchase two GPS units for people with sight impairments.

She raised the money by soliciting family, friends and shopkeepers. "Everyone gave," said Erica. "It made me feel so good to be able to raise money for such a wonderful organization that helps people!"

"I always loved dogs," she said. "One day when I was at the mall, I noticed a guide dog in training. That night I went on the Internet and did some research and found out about the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind."

Within a few weeks after the initial contact and due diligence, the Guide Dog Foundation evaluated Erica and her family's suitability to be "puppy walkers."

For one year, a guide dog in training stayed with the Simons and was taught basic skills including socialization skills.

"I took my first guide dog in training, Chance, all over," said Erica. "On Saturday mornings we took Chance with us to the diner for breakfast, then to the tailor, then the mall. Wherever we went, we took him with us."

Every two weeks, Chance and Erica went to the Guide Dog Foundation and continued their training. "One time, they showed us how to walk up and down the stairs with the guide dog and how to go through a revolving door. It gave me a greater understanding of people who are blind."

After a year, Chance left the Simon's home and returned to the Guide Dog Foundation for further extensive training. He was then carefully matched with a Canadian man, Ross. "Even though we took in another guide dog, Downey, we still keep in touch with Ross and Chance. My family and I sent them gifts for the holidays," she said.

To be considered to be a "Puppy Walker," contact the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown at 631-930-9000.

Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has provided guide dogs free of charge to people who are blind and are seeking enhanced mobility and independence.

The cost to complete the training of a guide dog/person team is over $30,000. This includes all expenses from breeding and raising to training and matching a dog with a student. The Guide Dog Foundation is supported by donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations, businesses, and service/fraternal clubs.

For more information or to learn more about how you can contribute to the Guide Dog Foundation, call the Development Office at 866.282.8045 or 631.930.9050 or visit www.guidedog.org.