Sela is a black Labrador retriever; Louise is her owner, and Puppy Program Manager for Guide Dogs of America, the Sylmar-based organization that, in its 57 years, has bred, raised, trained and provided about 2,500 guide dogs free of charge to people across the United States and Canada.

Just about every September, Sela gives birth to a litter of nine new pups who, at the age of eight weeks, are given to "puppy raising" homes who in turn, over the ensuing 18 months, train the bouncing critters for their life's work as guide dogs.

And when the visually impaired receive these dogs, it's like Easter Sunday, the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

"It's as if they are suddenly opening a new door," says Henderson, a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Northridge. "They are free to be who they are, with more confidence and independence. And when you hear how much these dogs mean to these folks --- well, it's a tearjerker"

It's a scenario that Henderson has seen play out hundreds of times in her 18 years as Puppy Program manager, having coordinated the raising of some 300 puppies in area homes. Sela was supposed to be one of those guide dogs, but when Henderson was raising her for the puppy program some years ago, it was obvious that Sela was special.

"She just passed all the tests with flying colors and it was decided that she should be a breeder dog," explains Henderson. "This way, instead of only one good dog going out to work, we might have many more."

Most breeders turn the pups over to Guide Dogs for training purposes after a few weeks. But since Henderson is herself a dog breeder and extremely knowledgeable, she gets to care for the peeping lumps of fur at home, watching them grow into full-fledged puppies.

"When you have the puppies at home, you really give a lot of yourself into them," she admits. "You really feel a part of something bigger. This small thing you are doing can have such an impact on someone else's life.

"To me, [this job] is like faith in action. It's the belief that we are here to help people, especially the ones we don't know personally. We are here to give our very best every day."

Henderson's job is to place puppies in foster homes for socialization before their formal guide dog training, and to help the foster families navigate their year-and-a-half commitment.

"We want puppy raisers to socialize the dogs as much as possible," she says. "Bring them everywhere. Take them to softball games, to work, to the supermarket, everywhere. We want the puppies to be prepared for all kinds of situations when they are older dogs."

Puppy raiser Terri Roveda of Sun Valley even takes her dogs to church. "They really are eye-openers for many," says the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (Santa Clarita) parishioner. "Folks will come up, see them in their working clothes and start talking. Lots of people seem to know someone or know of someone that has a working or companion dog."

Roveda's desire to participate in Guide Dogs began when she was a young girl collecting dog food labels to benefit rescue organizations. "I just love the idea of what they do here," she says. "We're helping to enrich other people's lives."

There are some differences in raising a Guide Dog, says Roveda. "Guide Dogs need to be taught early not to be on beds or beg for table scraps," she explains. "They are also not allowed to play with tennis balls or Frisbees."

Having raised Heidi, who proved to be cream of the crop and was admitted into the breeding program, Roveda is raising another puppy, Onna, with the hopes that she will "make it through the program and be put to work."

"It's really up to the dog though," she explains. "We can put all this love and attention into them --- they have all the breeding and working abilities --- but sometimes for medical or other reasons, they just don't make it through. You do what you can and hope for the best."

Henderson is constantly inspired and amazed at the dedication of the puppy raisers who --- except for veterinary care --- foot the bills for their furry young charges (for food, toys, etc.). And that doesn't include dealing with furniture chewing, housebreaking trials and obedience issues.

Many puppy raisers are families with kids. "Many want to show their children how to give back to their community, to help those around them," explains Henderson. "They want to be a part of the greater good of the world. It's so inspiring to see this every day."

Single folks, older couples and even church groups have been puppy raisers. All it takes, says Henderson, is a commitment, a basic understanding of dogs and a warm home life.

And, the ability to let go. Indeed, it is a tearful day when the little fluff balls which have now charmed their way into their families' hearts, beds and backyards have to leave to do the work for which they have been trained.

"You can't help but falling in love with them --- it's so easy!" says Henderson who has heard many heartbreaking stories from puppy raisers. "You just have to keep reminding yourself that it's only temporary, and this is the sacrifice we make."

Roveda is looking forward to that day with mixed emotions, much alike a parent who waves goodbye to children heading to college. "It's very emotional," she says. "I mean, you are happy and yet sad. You're hoping that they make it and you know that most of your job with them is done."

Ideally and in fact, a strong bond and lasting friendship is created between the puppy raiser and the new puppy owner, even as the tears flow freely at "graduation day" ceremonies in which the leash is passed.

"That day makes it real for all of us," sums up Henderson. "We always tell people who are interested in volunteering for the program to come and see the outcome. Each graduation renews us all. It revitalizes what we do; it makes all of this worthwhile."

Guide Dogs of America is located at 13445 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar. For information on becoming a puppy raiser or other volunteer services, call (818) 362-5834.