Leader Dogs for the Blind
Update - Issue 2, 2015
Excitement is Building for Our Future
Greetings! Now that spring has sprung, one can’t help but think
about what comes next: summer—warmer weather, construction
and the possibility of treacherous road conditions. Safety and safe
travel have always been priorities here at Leader Dogs for the
Blind, and that priority certainly extends to our valued clients and
their Leader Dogs.
In today’s world, our clients need Leader Dogs that aren’t
just obedient but that can actually think and make life or death
decisions. The level of training needed to produce this caliber of
dog begins in our kennel, where our future Leader Dogs and best
training practices come together. The ongoing improvement of
our services is paramount to achieving our mission, and the
redesign of our kennel will provide the optimal environment for
housing Leader Dogs in training while they learn their life-saving
work. This is why we are so excited about our new Canine
Development Center!
We know that a dog’s environment has a huge impact on its
ability to develop the skills and characteristics necessary to handle
this responsibility. Stress and anxiety, which can be common in
the kennel atmosphere, interfere with a dog’s ability to learn and
maintain a calm disposition. It is with this in mind that we have
developed plans to redesign our kennel facility into a top-level
Canine Development Center.
Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the kennel will be renovated,
20% will be demolished and rebuilt, and 12% will remain as it is.
Every aspect of the redesign, including increased capacity, a
specialized breeding area and larger suites, will have a positive
impact on the health, well-being and training of future Leader
Dogs. Our goal is to develop the ideal environment for our dogs;
one that reduces stress, provides greater socialization, maximizes
human inter-action and best prepares Leader Dogs for their
remarkable work.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Update and reading about the
ongoing progress of our Canine Development Center. Enjoy your
spring and summer and thank you for your support at this very
meaningful time.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Daniels
President and CEO
Imagining the Future By Jennifer Wilkinson
The new Canine Development Center means many different things
to different people. For employees, their spaces will be better
suited to the specialized work they do, every room designed with
both human and dog needs in mind. For kennel volunteers, it will
mean more space to work with the dogs and puppies, helping
them to stay mentally and physically stimulated, which leads to
happier, calmer dogs. For clients, the happier, calmer dogs will be
ideally prepared to learn and absorb with fewer distractions and
less stress for even more successful human/dog partnerships. For
donors, it is an opportunity to contribute to the largest project
Leader Dog has ever undertaken, advancing our mission for years
to come.
Not many people have experienced Leader Dogs for the Blind
in as many ways as Karen Burke. She came here a decade ago to
meet her first Leader Dog, Misty. Since then, she has had two
more Leader Dogs, and in 2013 this Royal Oak Lions Club member
began volunteering on campus. As a canine support assistant,
Karen helps to care for Future Leader Dogs after they are returned
for training. “I help with their stress levels,” she says. “I really like
doing that because I know from my experience of getting a dog
that they go through so many transitions, from going to the puppy
raiser to going to the instructor to going to the client.”
Karen greeted the news of the Canine Center renovations
with enthusiasm. “I am very excited to see the final layout
because based on what I know about the open kennels, I hope the
dogs are going to be less stressed because they can see
everything around them. And if need be, because the kennels are
bigger, we can go and sit with them,” she says. She has been
busy spreading the news and has already done two fundraisers
with Pampered Chef. “And I’d like to do another one,” she adds.
Though Karen does not want to think too much about her
next Leader Dog yet (“I have my [Leader Dog] Shadow right now.
She’s my world!”), when she contemplates what the Canine
Center will bring to the future, she sees the effects it will have on
both the dogs and herself. “I think [the dogs] will be a lot calmer
because they’ll be able to see the people around them. The more
they see, hopefully the less distracted they’ll be in their training,
particularly when they see other dogs. My next dog will come from
that environment.”
Photo: Karen sits next to her Leader Dog, Shadow, a black
Labrador retriever. Caption: “Karen and LD Shadow in 2011.”
Photo: Karen hugs a dog in the kennel play area captioned “Karen
volunteers her time a few hours each week to enrich the lives of
the Leader Dogs in training by petting, massaging and grooming
them. Here, Karen gives some love to Tess, a yellow Labrador
retriever.”
Letters from our Alumni
Leader Dogs not only change the life of the blind person, but
also their family. Since my mom works, I take my dad [Everett
Latta] and his Leader Dog, Kindle, to all his appointments. He’s
had her since November and they’re becoming quite the team.
Kindle gives us an opportunity to educate people on blindness.
People tend to ask questions when they see a dog in places they
don’t expect. There are so many misconceptions. I don’t worry
about my dad when he walks the neighborhood with Kindle. I’m
thankful for the puppy raisers. You have changed the lives of my
family and many others.
Christina Jewell – Facebook post on July 15, 2014
Update: Christina’s mother and father went on a Carribean cruise
in December of 2014. Sandy Latta, Christina’s mother, told us,
“Kindle was a big hit and she helped us meet so many people!”
Photo: A man wearing a tropical shirt stands near the railing of a
cruise ship with a black Labrador retriever in harness. Caption:
“Everett Latta and LD Kindle on their Carribean cruise in
December.”
Dear Leader Dog,
This spring, I had wanted to visit my twin daughters in Oregon.
[Leader Dog] Lila had only been on a plane once, two years ago, so
I was a little concerned how she would do on a cross-country flight.
I need not have worried, and I hope any of you who are hesitating
to fly to visit family or friends with your Leader Dog will go for it.
Some things I did that were helpful:
First, I did not feed Lila or give her water the morning we left
for the airport. I had booked my ticket through the airline’s
disability department and asked for assistance after check-in to get
to the jet and transfer to my connecting flight. I also requested
window seats in the bulkhead rows so Lila would have lots of room
to lie down. Immediately upon our arrival, I gave her water and
food.
We had a one-mile walk between gates, but a really nice
sighted guide to go along. We talked about service dogs the whole
time.
One annoying fact is that when you request assistance,
airport personnel still seem to think you need a wheelchair and
always had one at the gate. Since I love to walk and do a couple
of miles per day with Lila, I simply said we would walk and nobody
tried to make us use the wheelchair.
Now we are back [at home] but still remembering our great
trip. Lila loved Portland where folks are dog friendly. Her tail never
stopped wagging. It was a fantastic two weeks.
The airport personnel from checking us in to security to flight
attendants were all very friendly to us as were the passengers in
our row of seats going and coming. I think part of it is because
Lila is such a cute and well-behaved black lab, but also due to her
puppy raiser and instructors at Leader Dog.
Ron Schmidt
Photo: A man in a tan baseball cap stands with a black Labrador
retriever next to a young woman on a green hilltop with yellow
and purple flowers behind them. Caption: “Ron Schmidt and LD
Lila visit his daughter, Robyn, in Portland, Oregon.”
Hi,
I just wanted you to know I appreciated all efforts to help me
get through the class. I am Deaf, but wear hearing aids. In noisy
confusing situations I cannot understand speech. Over time in
those situations I can get overwhelmed.
My instructor Denise, had a LOT of patience with me and
she did her best. Jill was also a pleasure to work with. Everyone
including the staff and the volunteers who got me through the
airport and to my plane were wonderful.
I had a chance to meet Roman’s puppy raisers, and tears
came easy the moment I met this beautiful couple. I am so
grateful and thankful to them for loving and caring for their Future
Leader Dog who became my Leader Dog.
My life with Usher’s Syndrome has made me more
appreciative of life and all I have been given. I’ve done things I
never thought I would or could do.
I know that no matter what happens to me I can go outside
and go for a walk on a beautiful day and keep moving forward, my
face upward to the sun and my Leader Dog at my side.
Yes, I’m thankful for all the puppy raisers.
Lexi Westphal
Dear Leader Dog,
We graduated last August. It’s hard to believe that much time
has flown by already!
The main reason I had applied for a dog was to be able to
continue taking my two-mile walks. Meisje has been a
wonderful help for that along with anything else we face. Her
memory is amazing so that once taught to find something she
knows where it is even after a three month gap in time. My
husband had emergency surgery in June and this week was at
the same hospital for knee replacement surgery. Once Meisje
was through the hospital front doors she was well on her way
down the hall to find the elevator buttons without any
prompting on my part.
I love the freedom from the cane and of course she’s a
love off harness.
Thank you again to Leader Dog for such a wonderful gift
and addition to my life. I brag about Leader Dog all the time!
Joanne Raczkiewicz
Our New Canine Development Center
The Largest Project in Leader Dog History
A lot has changed since the 1960s; the U.S. population
increased by 66%*, four-lane roads became seven lanes wide,
roundabouts were introduced and quiet cars hit the roads. The
result? A busy, difficult-to-maneuver environment—especially if
you’re a person who is blind and especially if you’re a Leader
Dog.
This increasingly challenging environment is the reason
Leader Dog’s kennel is undergoing renovation to become a stateof-the-art Canine Development Center. Today’s guide dogs must
be trained to a higher standard to ensure they provide safe,
independent travel to their human partners. We’ve learned a lot
about dog training and behavior since the 60s. We know that
social interaction mentally stimulates dogs, that mental
stimulation reduces stress and that a stress-free dog is better
prepared to learn.
Leader Dog’s new Canine Development Center was designed
to increase the mental and physical health of our dogs from
puppyhood to adulthood. Read on to learn about the features and
benefits of the facility and go to leaderdog.org/canine-center for
even more information.
* from 192 million in 1964 to 319 million in 2014, U.S. Census
Bureau
Photo: A man and a young boy walk toward a large peaked
building with tan brick and dark green roofing. Caption: “The new
Canine Development Center will have a prominent entrance when
completed.”
THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Increased Capacity – 255 new larger suites (2.5 times
larger than current)
2. Upgraded Veterinary Clinic with 35% more space
3. More Stimulation=Less Stress – Stress-free, happy
dogs learn better. Better trained Leader Dogs keep our
clients safer in today’s busy environment.
Veterinary Clinic Expanded
When the current kennel was built, Leader Dog veterinarians
didn’t care for the number of dogs they do today, nor did they do
as many procedures in-house. “Every year we care for about 450
puppies and 100 breeding stock dogs in addition to the 200 dogs
that are matched with our clients,” reports Dr. David Smith,
director of veterinary services. “We do dental and endoscopic
procedures, surgeries, X-rays and more right here on campus.
Plain and simple, we needed more space for our current work
load and space to add new equipment and technologies when
they are available. Our dogs are everyday heroes, and they
deserve the best care possible.”
Photo: A rendering of the new veterinary clinic is shown with
several veterinary staff working in a bright, open space. Caption:
“The new veterinary clinic will have defined areas for X-ray,
surgery, post-surgery recovery and endoscopic procedures and will
help with work flow.”
An Area Just for Puppies
The current facility was never designed with puppies in mind
because they were not housed on campus until the 1980s, when
we renovated several old garages to hold incoming litters. Far
from ideal, the layout forced us to move puppies between areas
using a rolling cart—a stressful experience for many.
The new Canine Center has a large area specially designed for
the care and nurturing of young puppies. Litters can be easily
moved from day to night areas by simply opening a door and
letting them walk through. The puppies will have access to
outdoor play areas full of mind-stimulating and confidencebuilding toys to create a strong foundation for their future training
to become guide dogs.
Photo: An infographic with a house that reads “in,” a dog, a tree
and a house that reads “out.” Above the images is the text:
“indoor/outdoor puppy enrichment area.”
Specialized Breeding Environment
At one time breeders believed that housing male and female dogs
near each other so they could smell each others’ pheromones was
a good thing; however, Bev Blanchard, manager of canine
development, explains, “In actuality, the males get too excited
and it interferes with the breeding process. Our new breeding area
will keep the males and females’ separated so the natural
breeding process has a better chance of success. We’re even
going so far as to install separate air handling units so the
females’ pheromones don’t get into the male housing area.”
Photo: A graphic with the male and female symbols with a dog in
each that reads “separated housing and recreation for males and
females.”
Open Housing Villages
How would you like to look at a cement wall all day? That’s likely
how our dogs feel as well, and that’s why we are renovating our
housing bays into open housing villages. “The new layout relocates
the suites along the perimeter looking in so the dogs can see each
other, see the staff and volunteers,” explains Jeff Stein, manager
of canine care. “The increased visual stimulation keeps the dogs
mentally engaged, which helps to lower their stress levels.”
In the middle of the room is the “village square” where dogs
can interact with volunteers, get bathed and groomed, stretch their
legs and play with their favorite KONG or Nylabone. Additional
space for play and relief is located in the open run areas next to
the village square. These large, open rooms include a transparent
garage door that can be opened when weather permits. This brings
fresh air into the space and allows the dogs to look out onto our
campus.
Photo: Four people stand in the middle of a room with new dog
suites located around the perimeter of the room. The people are
petting or otherwise interacting with the dogs captioned “An open
concept in the redesigned bays will allow for ample stimulation
and interaction.”
Photo: A graphic of a dog’s head with the text “open sight lines for
ample stimulation.”
Space to Share
Anyone with a snuggly canine knows that dogs are very social
creatures, and many prefer living and sleeping in pairs or groups.
The new housing suites will be 2.5 times larger than the old suites
(they are large enough to fit a queen size mattress) so there is
space for dogs to cohabitate if they desire. Not only does this
relieve stress for many dogs, it also increases the capacity of our
kennel to over 400 dogs. “Having the ability to house more dogs
is important to our future,” says Rod Haneline, chief programs and
services officer. “It gives us the potential to increase the number
of clients we serve each year.”
Photo: An infographic of two dogs that reads “greater
socialization—large suites with up to 60% pack cohabitation.”
Business as Usual During Construction
OK, so maybe it’s not “business as usual” right now in the kennel,
but we have been able to care for all the dogs and keep all
departments functioning during phase one of construction. It
hasn’t always been easy! Our team has been extremely innovative
in adapting to the much-reduced space currently available to
them.
Veterinary Services
All veterinary services were relocated because the entire clinic was
demolished. Luckily, the building has a secondary, smaller clinic in
the part of the kennel that isn’t under construction yet. The
grooming and bathing room adjacent to the clinic was adapted for
surgical use.
Without space for X-ray equipment, we are working with a
local veterinary clinic, Animal Emergency Center, to take needed
X-rays. A dedicated group of X-ray shuttle volunteers have been
taking the dogs to their appointments so the veterinary staff can
continue their daily routine. These volunteers have been
instrumental in making this process run smoothly.
Staff Space
All staff spaces were torn down during phase one (lobby, offices,
break area, etc.). A temporary lobby is now set up in a hallway
and everything and everyone else was relocated to the basement.
The move required installation of electrical power, temporary data
and telephone lines, temporary locker rooms, meeting space and
moving the break room kitchenette. Fifteen cubicles were installed
for the puppy development, canine care and breeding
departments. How is everything working out? “There are times
when the noise level makes it a bit hard to concentrate,” reports
Deb Donnelly, puppy development supervisor, “But because we are
not separated, we’ve become more aware of each other and have
had some really good discussions.”
Quote: “Nothing has stopped business around here,” comments
Bea Zrepskey, volunteer kennel lobby greeter. “Everyone’s been
pretty cheerful about the whole thing and looking toward the final
goal.”
Keeping Powered Up
Because a lot of new electrical wiring had to be put in place and
new air handling units needed to be installed, the facility was run
on generator power for nine days. During this time there were
several brown outs for meter installation and moving circuitry. The
brown outs left the basement in complete darkness and the
remainder of the building on emergency lighting only, so every
attempt was made to schedule this work late in the work day.
However, there were several times when this was not possible
so everyone made accommodations, including Dr. Smith, director
of canine health, and Texas A&M veterinary student Rachel
Carneal, who took advantage of nice weather and completed
several dog exams outside.
Five Ways to Get Involved
Do you want to be part of the biggest campaign in Leader Dog
history? Now is the time to get involved in supporting the Canine
Development Center! Below are five simple ways to get you going
(for more information, including materials to download, visit us
online at leaderdog.org/canine-center/raise-funds).
Make a personal gift
All gifts are greatly appreciated—every dollar counts to help reach
the goal! To make a donation, visit us at leaderdog.org/caninecenter, mail in a check (please note “Canine Development
Center” on the check) or donate over the phone at 888/777.5332.
Host an event
Are you planning a fun event that you could turn into a
fundraiser? Examples include a backyard BBQ, garage sale,
birthday party, etc. Materials are available online to download
and hand out at your event.
Create an online personal fundraising page
Make your own myLeaderDog fundraising page to invite friends
and family to support. To get started, visit
leaderdog.org/myleaderdog. For more information, see the
article on page 21.
Spread the message with social media
Change your Facebook or Twitter profile picture and repost or
retweet Leader Dog’s Canine Development Center messages to
share this exciting project with your friends and followers.
Speak to a community group
Do you belong to a community group that might like to hear about
this project? Download talking points, materials and more online
to make it as easy as possible to spread the word.
Our Supporters Share Their Excitement
Puppy Raisers Brad and Sandy Bowers
“I have been involved with Leader Dogs for the Blind for 18 years in
many capacities. I am a puppy counselor raising my 18th puppy,
host a Leader Dog mom, assist at training weekends and chaired
the Puppy Raiser Advisory Committee. Dogs are my passion! My
husband Brad and I supported the construction of the Canine
Development Center for many reasons. Like most puppy raisers,
after we return our puppy to Leader Dog for formal training, we
worry about their transition into this new phase of life. The new
Canine Center has many improvements to help our puppies
transition and thrive. There will be open housing villages, larger
suites, more human and dog socialization, and additional
opportunities for indoor and outdoor enrichment. We know these
improvements will reduce stress and make our puppies, and
breeding moms and dads feel more at home.” ~Sandy Bowers
Client Debbie Dayton
“There are several reasons that I contributed and support the new
Canine Development Center. However, the most important reason
is that our world and travel environment is so much different today
than when the kennel was built. For example, [Leader Dog] Patrick
and I travel in a sighted world without sight, and we now must
negotiate roundabouts and cross streets with silent electric or
hybrid vehicles that I cannot see or even hear. Our future Leader
Dogs will need the proper stimulation, development and training to
make intelligent and safe decisions. I believe that the new Canine
Center will do just that and I am grateful to Leader Dogs for the
Blind for continuing to foresee and respond to client needs not just
now—but into the future.”
Breeding Stock Hosts John and Elaine Berkheiser
“We’ve been involved with Leader Dog in various roles since 1987.
In 2000 we became breed stock host for Leader Dog Mom Molly (4
litters, 25 puppies), next came Nilla (6 litters, 26 puppies), and
currently we host Serene (3 litters, 19 puppies and one on the
way). The experience of helping bring puppies into this world and,
in one case, seeing a Leader Dog born in our house be handed to a
young lady who was blind, is something that cannot be described.
Many improvements have occurred for the health and wellbeing of the moms and the early stimulation and development of
the puppies. The greatest improvement will be the new Canine
Center. [Breeding stock] moms and dads will no longer share the
same living space, and a calmer setting will keep moms healthy and
strong. The separate areas for moms, dads and litters will allow all
to thrive. And the covered entranceway for delivery of moms and
puppies will be a huge plus! No more running to and from the
vehicle in pouring rain, blustery winds or cold, wet snow.” ~Elaine
Berkheiser
Volunteers Ralph and Jan Klumpp
“Since we began volunteering in 2009, Jan and I have been
blessed to witness firsthand how LDB improves lives for the
visually impaired and even for those who work or volunteer at this
wonderful organization. As I write these words and look down at
my career changed golden retriever, I realize every day my life has
been positively changed THANKS to Leader Dog. We have cried
tears of happiness, felt goose bumps of joy, and have commented
to each other repeatedly, ‘What a great place.’ When we were
approached to consider a role in the campaign for the Canine
Center, we knew without hesitation it was the right thing to do. We
love these dogs and we want to help others. Easy decision,
especially as we look at the daily progress and the realization that
in just over a year we will all celebrate a remarkable achievement
for Leader Dog’s future. We feel GREAT that we were able to be a
part of this vital improvement.” ~Ralph Klumpp
Fundraising for the Canine Development Center
Let’s get social! Hosting a fundraising event is not only a fun way
to support Leader Dog and the new Canine Development Center
but a great way to get your friends involved as well! To date,
numerous fundraisers have been held on behalf of the new Canine
Center and we expect those numbers are only going to increase.
For helpful tips on hosting an event, go to
leaderdog.org/canine-center/raise-funds and click on
“fundraising ideas list” under Host an Event.
A Unique Way to Support the Canine Development Center—
myLeaderDog Personal Fundraising Pages
Want to spread the word about Leader Dog and raise money all
from the comfort of your own home?
Consider creating a myLeaderDog personal fundraising page to
let all your friends and family know about the largest campaign
Leader Dogs for the Blind has undertaken in our 76-year history.
Sharing the page via Facebook or Twitter will increase awareness
about the new Canine Development Center.
Creating the page is easy—just visit
leaderdog.org/myleaderdog to get started. You will be
prompted to complete a basic registration form (the information
will be used to create your page). Next, you can customize your
page with your own story and photos (there are samples you can
use, along with custom emails and templates that make sharing
pages via Facebook or Twitter easy)! Sharing your page spreads
awareness about the Canine Development Center and encourages
your friends and family to support this amazing project!
Be sure to stay tuned to the Leader Dog Facebook page at
facebook.com/leaderdogsfortheblind and events calendar at
leaderdog.org to learn about events to support the new Canine
Development Center.
Why I’m Committed to Leader Dog
By John Hebert, Board Chair
My wife, Margo, and I were introduced to Leader Dog around 2007
by then CFO Sue Daniels. Sue and I had previously worked
together at the Red Cross. We did not have a dog or a family
member or close friend who was visually impaired, so it made
sense to find out as much as we could about the organization.
Having been exposed to many nonprofit organizations as a
practicing CPA I knew the types of questions to ask, especially
about the financial soundness of an organization. Everything I
learned indicated Leader Dog was very well run, responsible and
dedicated to serving its clients. Each time I visited I learned more
about the visually impaired community and enhanced my
knowledge of the breeding, caring and training of dogs to assist
with independence and mobility. Margo and I became supporters
of the annual operations knowing how our money was being
spent.
A few years ago the idea of improving the kennel experience
for the dogs came up. I became involved with the planning phase
and executing the financial ability to achieve this important goal. As
the plans became clearer and we kicked off a capital campaign, one
of the initial fundraising phases was the board challenge. I chaired
this effort and challenged Leader Dogs’ board to commit $1 million
toward the $14.5 million goal. The board exceeded this goal
through 100% participation! It was a very easy decision when it
came time for Margo and I to make a financial gift. We take pride
in being involved with such a historic time in the 76-year life of
Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Paula and Otto Rosenbusch—A Lifelong Commitment
Sometimes families pass their love and commitment to Leader
Dogs for the Blind from generation to generation. The
Rosenbuschs are an example of such a family. Otto Rosenbusch’s
mother was a resident assistant at Leader Dog in the 1970s. He
grew up surrounded by Leader Dogs, knowing and loving the work
his mother did. When Otto and Paula married, Paula quickly fell in
love with the family legacy of Leader Dog.
In 2001, Leader Dog had a beautiful career changed dog,
Sara, perfectly suited for Otto, Paula and their family. She became
the love of Paula’s life. When she passed away in 2007, Paula
wrote to us, sharing her gratitude and love for her beloved Sara
and how she impacted their lives. We called Paula to thank her for
opening her heart and home to Sara. This call became the
beginning of a beautiful, lifelong commitment of love and
compassion for the Leader Dog mission.
Paula became involved with the philanthropy department and
also volunteered in the kennel. In 2013, Paula and Otto chaired
the Lead in the Holidays gala. During this time, they adopted
retired Leader Dog Sparrow, now affectionately known as Bella.
Paula continues to volunteer in the kennel and in many other
capacities, including serving on the philanthropy and the Lead in
the Holidays committees.
Paula and Otto not only made a gift to our Canine
Development Center, but also offered to chair the public phase to
help raise additional funds to meet our goal of $14.5 million.
When asked why they have so generously given their time and
talent over the years, Paula said, “With joy and gratitude in our
hearts, we were so honored to be asked to chair this phase of the
Canine Development Center campaign. Our family has been
associated with Leader Dog since the 1970s and we deeply believe
in the great work that has been done on behalf of their many
clients around the world. The new Canine Center will greatly
enhance the quality of the dogs by providing an exceptional
environment for their important training. It is my great pleasure
to continue volunteering with the dogs in the current kennel as we
transition to the new facility. Thank you from our hearts for the
opportunity to contribute to the campaign and to be of service to
the greater good at Leader Dogs for the Blind.”
Otto and Paula, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Photo: A man and woman in dark colored formal wear stand side
by side in front of a Christmas tree with a German shepherd in
harness. Caption “Paula and Otto pose for a picture with a Leader
Dog in training at the 2013 Lead in the Holidays event.”
Photo: A woman in sunglasses is kneeling in the doorway of a
camper behind a mixed breed dog with her arms around the dog,
smiling. Caption “Paula with retired Leader Dog Bella.”
Planet Dog Foundation Provides Consumer-Driven Approach
By Kathryn Tuck
The Planet Dog Foundation (PDF), a supporter of Leader Dogs for
the Blind since 2012, has provided a grant for the Canine
Development Center, which will be paid over the next two years.
This grant is directly supported by consumers as PDF receives
two percent from the sale of all Planet Dog merchandise and
products to, as they say, “Think globally, act doggedly.”
The Planet Dog Enrichment Area will provide a place for
Leader Dogs in training to play, learn and of course, enjoy an
array of Planet Dog’s durable toys. To purchase play items for
your puppy that contribute to PDF’s support of the Canine Center
and realize their mission to help dogs and people work together
for a better life, find a Planet Dog retailer near you at
planetdog.com/stores.
The Canine Development Center was also generously
supported by these foundations and others that requested to
remain anonymous:
• May Mitchell Royal Foundation
The May Mitchell Royal Foundation Community Room
• DeRoy Testamentary Foundation
The Aaron and Helen L. DeRoy Veterinary Treatment Area
• Harris Harper Foundation
The Harris Harper Family Foundation Puppy Suite
Stay Connected with Us
Visit us online at leaderdog.org
Facebook
Join us by searching “Leader Dogs for the Blind”
Flickr
Check out recent photos at flickr.com/photos/leader dog
Twitter
Follow us today @Leader_Dog
YouTube
Watch us in action on youtube.com/leaderdogvideos
Lions Go Above and Beyond Nationwide By Beth Slade
Lions are doing what they always do when it comes to Leader
Dog—spreading the word and raising funds. So far, Lions have
contributed $1.36 million to the campaign for the Canine
Development Center. Many clubs are making pledge
commitments, payable in three or five years, in order to
maintain their annual giving amounts. It has been exciting to
see pledges come in ranging from the top pledge of $150,000 to
be paid over five years from the Wilmington Manor Lions Club in
Delaware (district 22-D) to the numerous pledges of $50, $100 and
more from clubs around the world.
The Barnesville Lions Club in Minnesota (district 5-M-11) has
long supported the mission of Leader Dog. When asked by Leader
Dog Chair Ken Bauer for a pledge, they thought outside the box,
but not outside the club.
The club pledged $1,500 per year for five years, this is over
and above their normal $1,000 annual contribution. Lion Ken
announced he would add his own donation spread over five years.
Additional members were inspired by his passion for Leader Dog
and chimed in with their own individual contributions. The end
result? The Barnesville Lions Club have pledged, in total,
approximately $18,000! Lion Ken states, “I couldn’t be more
pleased and proud of this group.” We concur!
Top Lions Contributions to the Canine Development Center
campaign as of May 1, 2015
Wilmington Manor Lions Club
Romeo Lions Club
Rochester Lions Club
Rochester Hills Lions Club
Indiana Lions for Leader Dog
Shelby Township Lions Club
Lafayette Lions Club
Windsor Downtown Lions Club
Plymouth Lions Club
Eastpointe Lions Club
District
District
District
District
MD-25
District
District
District
District
District
22-D
11-A2
11-A2
11-A2
DE
MI
MI
MI
IN
11-A2
MI
25-C
IN
A-1
Canada
11-A1
MI
11-A2
MI
$150,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
35,000
30,000
30,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
MISSION MOMENT
“I was delighted with the training of the dogs. I was walking in
Stoney Creek park and Norm stopped all of a sudden. A group of
turkeys walked across [the path], then Norm started again. I was
amazed! He’s a retriever, but he did what he was trained to do.”
John Murphy and his first Leader Dog, Norm (class 15-06)
Are You Thirsty for More?
Check out leaderdog.org/canine-center for more information
on the Canine Development Center including a video explaining
why this renovation is so important for our dogs, our clients and
the future of Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
1039 S. Rochester Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Toll Free: 888/777.5332
Phone: 248/651.9011
leaderdog.org