Guide Dogs for the Blind

Paul Fontaine is a retired Police Sergeant with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He worked narcotics, Metro, Special Operations Unit, dignitary protection and has over 13 years working undercover involving Human Trafficking. Paul retired in 2021, as the Director of the Police Academy, San Jose, Ca.

Paul became involved with Guide Dogs For the Blind as an escape from police work. When Paul moved back to Austin, Texas he was asked to lead the new Austin area Guide Dogs For the Blind, puppy raising club.

Guide Dogs For the Blind is the largest guide dog school in North America with over 16,000 guide dog teams having graduated.The Mission Statement says it all. Guide Dogs for the Blind harnesses the power of partnerships—connecting people, dogs, and communities—to transform the lives of individuals with visual impairments. The Austin area puppy raising club has grown since its inception in 2022 from one puppy to now approaching twenty. The club is made up of volunteers who instill good house manners, obedience and community socialization while raising these puppies. Paul will discuss what it takes to raise a puppy and change someone's life.

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Starting at 11:45 a.m., a BBQ buffet, consisting of choice of meats (brisket, pork ribs, smoked turkey breast, sausage), choice of sides (beans, potato salad, coleslaw), drinks (water or unsweetened ice tea), and a dessert (banana pudding) will be available in the Crockett Room. Cost of the lunch is $14.00 per person. Please register online before 5 pm on Tuesday. You can pay online or at the meeting, but it is much preferred that you pay online to reduce handling of cash. The actual meeting will begin at noon, and conclude by 1 p.m.