Seeing double Blind twins from Ohio reunite in San Rafael for new guide dog training - Local News Matters

Twin sisters Sara Patnode Soper and Stacy Patnode Bassett returned to Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael to train with new service dogs after 30 years. Each sister received a guide dog as teenagers, and now they are paired with Labrador retrievers Valley and Wrenley. Guide Dogs for the Blind, founded in 1942, has graduated over 16,000 guide dog teams across the U. S. and Canada.

All services are provided at no cost, including transportation and ongoing support. Training starts at just five days old, with puppies initially raised by volunteers before intense training at the GDB campus. The organization emphasizes real-world navigation skills and intelligent disobedience to ensure handler safety. Monthly public graduation ceremonies celebrate the new partnerships, with events live-streamed on GDB's YouTube channel. The program has become a significant resource for individuals with visual impairments, fostering independence and mobility.