Walk raises money for Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown

A fundraising event was held in Hauppauge today for a group that trains dogs to "see" for those who cannot.
The Stroll and Roll two-mile walk raised money for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, which is based in Smithtown. Dozens of people turned out with pets in tow the for the event.
Organizers say it costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train each guide dog. The group is also in need of puppy-raising volunteers.
One such puppy-raiser, Susan Semple, spoke with News 12 about the rewarding work. "People ask how you give a dog back [after raising one]," she said. "I'll tell you how: there's moment in time where you will meet a person whose life is going to change because of the dog who lived in my house for a year, and it is more meaningful than every holiday combined. Because a life is going to improve, become independent, become better lived because of a dog."
Linda Jones, of Northport, is legally blind and relies on her dog, Charlie, to help her get around. "He is my best friend," she says. "He's part of me. He's my eyes."