One of the biggest hidden treasures here in the Pacific Northwest lies only 25 miles east of Portland.

On Highway 26 going towards Mt. Hood, by the small town of Boring, in 14 beautiful and secluded acres is one of the world’s foremost training schools for the visually impaired--Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Every month, approximately 12 students from across the 50 states and Canada come to Oregon to spend weeks of intensive training to learn how to partner up with one of the most highly developed tools ever created for the purpose of enhancing mobility--not to mention freedom and independence--better known as man’s best friend, the Guide Dog.

What makes this training school so special is not just its exceptional location or its world-class instructors--but for people with visual impairments, this amazing life-changing service is provided to qualified applicants absolutely free of charge. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Guide Dogs for the Blind is able to change lives in so many positive ways--and our promise to our students last not just for today, but throughout their lifetimes, at no cost whatsoever to them.

To contact Guide Dogs for the Blind, call 503-668-2100 or visit their Web site at www.guidedogs.com to learn how to help or to find out how to apply for a guide dog.