Help Us Name Our Puppies in 2024 By Becoming a Puppy Sponsor

Guide Dogs of the Desert will have over 50 new puppies running around and learning in 2024, but they will need sponsored names!

One of the greatest parts of being a sponsor is choosing the name and following them along on their Guide Dog journey! Sponsorship pays for the puppy starting from the time they are born up to 18 months of age.

When you become a sponsor, you will ensure that they will be well on their way to change lives. When you give a puppy a meaningful name with a significant story, it serves as a living tribute or memorial.

Naming A Puppy

When choosing the perfect name for a puppy, consider that it will be the single most important word that they learn. Remember that the puppy's name will precede every command or cue given, like "Lassie, sit" or "Lassie, find a seat".

Here are some naming tips:

• One or two syllables is a great length for a dog’s name.
• A guide dog’s name should be easy to pronounce, unique, and easily recognizable to the dog.
• Names with a unique sound are easier for the dog to recognize. Names that begin and/or end with a strong consonant sound like “k”, “t”, "p", or "d" are particularly good.
• Avoid common names such as Max, Buddy or Bella, as these are popular dogs names and could present difficulty around other dogs.

For more information, or to inquire about raising a guide dog puppy, please contact Tom Tarr, Director of Development at: 760/329-2371, or ttarr@gddca.org.