Note: "The Seeing Eye" is an organization based out of New Jersey. According to the organization, the term "Seeing Eye dog" refers to canines trained by "The Seeing Eye" group. Dogs trained by other schools should be properly referred to as "guide dogs".

For someone with a visual disability, a guide dog can represent independence and freedom. But the required training isn’t always as convenient.

Many out-of-home guide dog schools require you leave your home for up to four weeks. But if you’ve got family or work commitments, that can be tough.

A Wisconsin-based non-profit called the OccuPaws Guide Dog Association is working to change that.

"We'll be actually training the dogs in the client's home environment so they do not have to leave for the 28 day stay. We'll actually go to them and train so they don't have to leave their families and professional commitments,” founder Nicole Meadowcroft said.

Meadowcroft says the Madison-based organization is a new concept with big goals. Its motto is “Harnessing Independence Through Teamwork.”

"I think it's going to gain popularity as time goes on...as people realize the benefits and uniqueness of what we're doing,” Meadowcroft said.

Dog trainer Doug Weil of Clark County has been working with Dale for the past six weeks and is now helping him and Nicole work as a team. He also plans to help get OccuPaws up and running.

"I'm more or less helping her get her training staff together, I'm acting like a Director of Training to get her people trained, get them rolling, get them going in the right direction and help them accomplish their mission,” Weil said.

And to help others experience what Meadowcroft calls amazing.

"The dog gives you independence, self-confidence, freedom to go where you want to go and you get there fast and you get there safe, you know, you don't have to worry, if you're going to make it or not,” Meadowcroft said. “And you have a friend along the way as well."

Meadowcroft says because OccuPaws is non-profit, it will need your help.

Right now, she’s looking for foster families that are willing to raise guide dog puppies for about a year and a half.

And the group could always use monetary donations. You can send contributions to:

OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
6610 Fieldwood Rd.
Madison, WI 53718

You can visit the organization's web site, www.occupaws.org, for more information.