This as-told-to essay draws from a discussion with Jerry Burns, a puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. It has been adjusted for length and clarity.

I managed my companies across 53 years. I began with wholesale distribution of tobacco and candy. After selling my partnership interest following more than three decades, I chose to concentrate on candy and snacks to avoid tobacco's drawbacks. We grew into novelty goods and nostalgia products, which proved smart because the work became more enjoyable and the profits improved.

Entrepreneurship suited me, yet in my late 60s I reduced hours to roughly four daily. That shift sparked thoughts of volunteer roles. I sought purpose for the coming stage.

Dogs have always appealed to me, so I contacted Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which operates three puppy-raising sites nearby. The animals drew me in, yet the group's efficient operations kept me engaged. As a former business owner, I valued that approach.

I felt pulled toward the German Shepherds in the program

I began regular volunteering at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Tasks included feeding and walking dogs at the breeding kennel close to home. Frequently I took a dog back with me between visits.

Although most program dogs are Labrador retrievers, roughly 10 percent are German Shepherds. These dogs show remarkable intelligence, yet kennel life can overwhelm them, leading to barking or jumping.

I owned a German Shepherd in my 20s and felt drawn to the breed again after starting to volunteer. Bringing one home helped the dog settle quickly and reach its potential. I even hand-fed a dog struggling most with kennel conditions.

I began by fostering a breeding dog, then took on his puppy

A little over a year ago I sold the business and retired fully. At the time I was fostering a shepherd that served as a stud in the breeding program. That dog, Kohl, was set for a long-term home placement with me, and the fit felt ideal for my family.

Guiding Eyes later chose to move Kohl into formal training. The news brought some disappointment, yet I accepted the decision. Kohl was headed for greater roles.

Around the same period I was invited to raise one of Kohl's puppies. The timing aligned well. I was accustomed to rising at 7 a.m. and leaving by 8. A puppy to train would preserve that pattern. I wanted routine in retirement rather than facing an empty day.

I care for the pup as I do my other dogs, yet I understand she is not mine

That path led me to Geneva. Roughly a month after her arrival we learned Kohl, her sire, was leaving the training program. I was pleased to adopt him and welcome him alongside my mini Australian shepherd as a pet.

Over the past year I have joined training sessions with Geneva and grown attached as with the other household dogs. Still, I recognize she will not stay: this summer she advances to formal service-dog training. Puppy raisers usually keep a dog for 14 to 18 months. When offering treats or affection I note for both of us that she will achieve important work.

The program has linked me to a community

People who are visually impaired and rely on service dogs have affected me deeply. Their accounts revealed the program's strong success, and I feel fortunate to contribute even modestly.

Guiding Eyes introduced me to excellent dogs and also to fine people. I now belong to a group of about 25 puppy raisers who walk together and share meals when a puppy prepares to enter formal training.

Often the raiser already knows another placement awaits. My wife may not feel ready, yet Guiding Eyes has indicated another shepherd puppy will be available in the fall, shortly after Geneva departs. I may find it hard to decline.