About Us

Welcome to California Gourmet Baskets—Your Go-To Guide for All Things Guide Dog Training

How It All Began: A Personal Journey into Guide Dog Training

Back in 2021, life took an unexpected turn. I was volunteering at a local animal shelter when I met Max, a sweet but stubborn golden retriever who had the potential to become a guide dog. Watching Max work through his training sparked something in me—a curiosity, a passion, and ultimately, a purpose. At first, it started as just a fun distraction from my day-to-day routine. But soon, I realized how much there was to learn about guide dog training, and how many people were searching for answers without knowing where to look.

That’s when California Gourmet Baskets was born. What began as simple notes on observation evolved into a full-blown mission to share everything I’ve learned—from choosing the right breed to nailing advanced commands—all while keeping things heartfelt, practical, and easy to understand.

Here’s Why I’m Doing This: The Heart Behind California Gourmet Baskets

I’m here to help you navigate the world of guide dog training with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re caring for a future service dog or simply curious about what goes into this incredible process, my goal is to make every step feel approachable and meaningful. Because let’s face it—it’s not just about teaching dogs to lead; it’s about creating partnerships that change lives.

What Matters Here: My Core Beliefs

• Real Talk: If I don’t know something, I’ll say so—and then do the research to figure it out. Like when readers asked about gear recommendations, I spent weeks testing harnesses to give honest feedback.
• You First: Your stories inspire me. When one visitor shared their struggles with public access training, it shaped an entire series dedicated to overcoming those challenges.
• Quality Over Hype: Every tip, trick, or tutorial on this site has been tried, tested, and trusted by yours truly (and often by Max).
• Curiosity Rules: I geek out over the details so you don’t have to. Need proof? Check out the deep dive I did on scent-based cues—it’s a game-changer!

Let’s Connect: I’d Love to Hear From You

Got a question? An idea for a topic? Just want to share your own guide dog story? I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can grow this little corner of the internet into something even more impactful—for trainers, handlers, and everyone else rooting for these amazing dogs.