A Journey of Purpose: Why Supporting Guide Dogs of Texas Changes Lives
Hi, I'm Katelyn, the proud Philanthropy Manager at Guide Dogs of Texas (GDTX). I absolutely love the work I do and am deeply grateful to be part of something so life-changing. My role allows me to connect generous donors and dedicated volunteers to our mission — enhancing the lives of Texans who are blind by providing high-quality guide dogs.
The work I do isn't just important to me—it's personal. My journey with GDTX didn't begin when I joined the team; it began when I was seven years old. As I began losing more of my vision each day, my mother searched tirelessly for ways to help me adapt to a new and unfamiliar world. That's when we discovered Guide Dogs of Texas.
Although I was too young then to qualify for a guide dog, I remember thinking, “One day, I'll be big enough” That dream stayed with me.
Fast forward twenty years, and I finally took that step—I applied for my very own guide dog through GDTX. I've now been on the waitlist for just over two years, which is the average wait time for new applicants.
Being on the waitlist is a bittersweet experience. You're closer than ever to your newfound freedom, yet every day feels like an eternity as you wait for that perfect match.
Now, as both a future client and an employee, I see firsthand the time, love, patience, and commitment that go into raising and training each and every guide dog. Every successful match between a dog and client fills me with indescribable joy—knowing that someone's life is about to be changed forever. And while I celebrate those moments, I also find myself eagerly awaiting the day when it's my turn.
Creating the right match is one of the most important and challenging things we do. Our team carefully evaluates each client and dog—considering factors like temperament, walking speed, confidence, and personality—to ensure the partnership will flourish. After all, this isn't just a placement; it's the beginning of a lifelong friendship and partnership built on trust.
Each guide dog represents years of specialized training, thousands of volunteer hours, and significant financial investment. With your support, we can raise, train, and match more guide dogs every year—giving more Texans the freedom, confidence, and independence they deserve.
Your generosity today can help turn someone's wait into a walk of freedom.
Join us in changing lives. Donate to Guide Dogs of Texas today.
