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Volunteer Spotlight: Michelle Homes
For Michelle Homes, the journey to becoming a Puppy Raiser began long before she welcomed her first Guide Dog pup. Back in 2004, she and her husband attended a Guide Dogs Open Day in Bald Hills. Life was busy, so instead of volunteering, they chose to welcome their own Labradors, Ruby and Perl, who became much-loved members of the family.
Years later, in March 2023, a close friend of Michelle’s who is blind asked if she and her husband could board his Guide Dog. At first, she declined—“we thought that wasn’t our realm”—but the idea stayed with her. Having witnessed firsthand the difference a Guide Dog made in her friend’s life, Michelle began to explore puppy raising and applied.
Since then, Michelle has raised and boarded a number of puppies, including Petal, Poppy, Casino, Uno, Rossi, Rose, Cilla, and a very special Ruby—an extraordinary coincidence that connected back to her beloved pet Ruby.
One of Michelle’s most treasured memories was Ruby’s blindfold walk after completing 20 weeks of formal training. This unique experience allows Puppy Raisers to wear a blindfold and be guided through an obstacle course by the dog they helped nurture.
“I hadn’t seen her for 20 weeks,” Michelle says. “When I first approached her, her tail started wagging and she got so excited. Then, at the trainer’s instruction, I lifted the harness handle and said ‘forward,’ and Ruby instantly went into work mode. That moment was everything for me—I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, you were born for this.’”
Alongside raising and boarding, Michelle throws herself into fundraising and community events. After returning Cilla in October 2023, she felt a sudden emptiness and signed up to help at Central Station. “I loved it. There were puppies there, so I still got my puppy fix. And it’s such a community—you’re surrounded by like-minded people.”
At one Christmas wrapping stall, Michelle experienced a moment she’ll never forget. A member of the public met Ruby, fell in love with her, and shortly after returned with a plush toy embroidered with Ruby’s name. “Moments like that remind me how volunteering can touch people in unexpected ways.”
Michelle says it’s the subtle everyday moments with the dogs that bring her the most joy. Watching them discover their reflections, noticing their unique quirks, and seeing their personalities unfold makes the journey deeply rewarding. Being out in public also provides opportunities to educate people about Guide Dogs. “People often don’t know what’s involved in puppy raising and training. When you share that, they start to understand and sometimes even decide to donate or apply themselves.”
People often tell Michelle they could never give a dog back. She understands that feeling well. “It is difficult—heart-breaking, even, especially with the first puppy. But as time goes on, the pride and fulfilment far outweigh the sadness. You’re excited for what they’re going to achieve.”
Michelle encourages anyone considering volunteering to start with boarding. “Your eyes open up to the experience, and then you might decide to take the next step into raising.”
Reflecting on her journey so far, Michelle says she’s been surprised by just how much she’s gained herself—new skills, new friends, and the chance to make a tangible difference. Her story is a beautiful reminder that volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s also about receiving, growing, and being part of a community with purpose.
Interested in becoming a Puppy Raiser or Boarder?
Volunteers like Michelle make a life-changing difference, and you could too.
To learn more or apply, click here.
