“Willis” the Lab takes part in Guide Dogs of the Desert training program.

Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (June 27, 2011) – Rancho Santa Fe-based Willis Allen Real Estate agents, Kelly Pottorff and Tammy Tidmore have found a unique way to say thank you to their clients. Each year the duo honors their clients with a contribution to a charitable organization. This year, they sponsored a guide dog through the Palm Springs-based organization Guide Dogs of the Desert. They named the yellow Labrador retriever puppy Willis in honor of Willis Allen, the namesake of Willis Allen Real Estate. The real estate brokerage has had a long history of charitable work since it was founded in 1914.

“The name Willis also means ‘protector’,” says Kelly Pottorff. “We believe that is the perfect description of what a guide dog truly does.”

Pottorff says she and Tidmore learned about Guide Dogs of the Desert through a client who became a puppy raiser for the organization. They have been involved with the group for several years. The “Name a Guide Dog” program, which Pottorff and Tidmore supported this year, is just one way Guide Dogs of the Desert raises funds for its mission.

The puppies are named, then at eight weeks old they are then taken home with a puppy raiser who teaches basic commands in a 24/7 atmosphere. When the dog is 18 months old, it goes back to the facility to participate in an intensive advanced training. The dogs that make it through this part of the program are then matched with a sight impaired individual with whom they train for several weeks. After graduating the dog goes home with its sight impaired human to begin its work as a helper.

“Sight impaired San Diegans have had their lives changed and new independence gained because of Guide Dogs of the Desert,” says Tidmore. “We are proud to be a part of an organization that does so much good for people in need.”

Golf Tournament and Luncheon benefitting Guide Dogs of Desert – Monday, August 8th. Rsvp to Debbie Sloss-Coyle (760) 329-6257.

Visit www.rsf.com to see a progress report on Willis or to learn more about buying or selling a home with Kelly Pottorff and Tammy Tidmore.