Leader Dog Update -- Issue 1 - 2008
Message from the President – Greg Grabowski
My First Days at Leader Dog
Learning the whole story
What a great beginning to 2008! It’s not every year that you get to undertake a new
adventure that includes great people, great programs, great dogs, and the ability to
serve others – a complete package.
As a resident of Rochester Hills, I’ve been aware of Leader Dog for many years. I’ve
been awed by the teams of students and dogs working on the streets and sidewalks
around town. I thought I knew what went on every day at the corner of Rochester and
Avon Roads – but I didn’t know the whole story. Leader Dog has already proven to be
so much more than I originally thought. The man hours required to care for over 250
dogs in the kennel is considerable, the attention to detail to ensure each student’s
dietary needs are met is deliberate, and the dedication of the staff as they strive to
improve programs is unsurpassed. This is a unique place to be and an exciting
organization to be a part of and to lead.
It’s been my pleasure to meet several Leader Dog graduates and learn about some
of the ways they give back to Leader Dog. We have alumni serving on our Board,
volunteering on committees, and spreading the word of Leader Dog throughout the
United States and Canada. This issue of Update highlights just a few of these
compelling individuals.
As my time with Leader Dog starts, I must take a moment to thank Past-President
Bill Hansen for his 19 years of dedication, service and leadership to this wonderful
organization. The care he gave to this office has made my transition much easier. I join
the entire Leader Dog staff in wishing him a retirement full of excitement and
relaxation.
I hope to meet many of you, both students and supporters, in the years to come. I
look forward to joining the thousands of people who support the Leader Dog mission –
to enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired.
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Our Aging Dogs
How to keep them healthy
David Smith, DVM
It can be difficult to look at your dog and see an aging pet, after all you see them every
day and small differences may elude the eye. The fact is, your friend is getting older,
and there are things you need to do to help continue their quality of life.
There are many aspects to caring for an aging dog. Home care should include
grooming your dog regularly. Pay particular attention to changes in their skin and coat,
new lumps, breath odor, ear discharge or odor, and eye discharge. Keep track of
changes in their appetite, water consumption, urinary and bowel patterns or any new or
unusual habits or symptoms. Significant changes require a call to your veterinarian.
The frequency of veterinary examinations should increase with age allowing your
vet to find changes and abnormalities sooner. Your vet may suggest blood and urine
tests to monitor organ systems and to help determine appropriate care. Dental disease
is more common as pet’s age resulting in pain, tooth loss and breath odor. Dental
infections may affect other body systems by spreading infection to the lungs, kidneys
or other body systems. During your veterinary visits ask about home dental care.
Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight is important. Recent studies revealed that a dog
kept at their optimal weight will live up to two years longer. Your veterinarian can help
you determine the ideal weight for your dog and the amount of food required to
maintain this weight.
To keep your canine friend healthy during his later years, keep him fit and slim.
Maintain good grooming and home dental programs, see your vet at regularly
scheduled intervals and follow their advice on a customized health care plan to keep
your dog healthy as long as possible.
Disaster Preparedness
Plan for yourself and your dog
Rich Kocher, Dog Care Supervisor
How can I prepare to care for my dog during a disaster?
We’ve learned many lessons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina – one of the most
important is the need to be prepared for both ourselves and our pets. The best source
of information on this subject is the Homeland Security website at www.ready.gov.
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Following their guidelines assures that your plans coordinate with federal government
emergency plans.
To increase the likelihood that you will be reunited with your dog in case of mass
evacuation, you should microchip your dog and register the microchip. All Leader Dogs
are microchipped during training.
You may want to invest in a dog back pack to allow your dog (if physically capable)
to carry his own emergency kit. Among other items, the kit should include: a photo of
you and your dog together to establish ownership, a familiar toy or blanket to help
reduce your dog’s stress, current rabies and vaccine records, a first aid kit, 3-day water
supply (1 oz/pound/day) and a minimum 3-day food supply.
If you are a Leader Dog user, make sure you have your Leader Dog i.d. card and
harness with you at all times. By law, service animals must be allowed in shelters;
make sure you are equipped to show shelter staff that your dog is a Leader Dog. Also,
it is important that your evacuation plan include a sighted individual due to the lack of
verbal information that may be provided during an emergency situation. Planning and
preparing for yourself and your pet now can be life-saving in the future.
Puppy Class Field Trip
A trip to the Fire Station with the Central Illinois Puppy Raisers
In 2007, Leader Dog graduate Jenny Andrews had a small kitchen fire in her home.
Luckily she and her Leader Dog “Grant” were able to get out of the situation without
harm. Jenny was impressed by the way Grant acted around the firefighters and
immediately called Janice White, Grants’ puppy raiser.
“Jenny asked if Grant had ever been around firefighters before,” explains Janice,
“and I told her about how we take the puppies to the fire station during their first year.
I knew right then that it was a worthwhile practice that we’d keep doing every year.”
Introducing the puppies to the widest variety of situations and settings possible is a
very important aspect of the puppy raisers job. The puppies are acclimated to the new
surroundings in a calm and comforting manner which allows for a fun, positive
experience. Consequently, once the dog is a full-grown Leader Dog, they are less
likely to act fearful if they find themselves in the situation again.
Caption for photo of people and dogs in front of fire truck
Many of the puppy raisers that came to Fire Station #1 in Pekin, Illinois drove 2-3 hours
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to get there. Dave and Lori Johnson even flew in from Nebraska so the Leader Dog
puppy they are raising, TJ, could experience the firefighters. Pictured from left to right:
Tony Gimble with Purcell, Judy Thess with Sterling, Marcia Bedard with Conner, Dave
Johnson with TJ, Fireman Dave with Lacy (puppy raiser: Janice White), Fireman Matt,
Fireman Kevin and Paul Vehlow with Bradford.
Caption of photo of puppy and firefighter looking at each other through a
firefighter’s mask
Fireman Dave takes the time to let TJ explore the sight and the smell of a firefighter’s
mask. The more familiar the dog is with the equipment, the less likely they will be to act
fearful if they encounter a firefighter in the future.
Caption of photo of puppy walking on floor grates
Paul Vehlow takes the opportunity to allow Bradford to walk on the grates in the floor of
the fire station. Dogs can be leery of walking on surfaces that they are able to see
through. This experience will help Bradford learn that “seeing through” doesn’t mean
“falling through.”
Caption of photo of puppy and firefighter in gear
Future Leader Dog “Conner” decides it’s safe to take a closer look at this odd-looking
human. The dogs are not only introduced to the sight of a firefighter in full equipment,
but to the sounds of their voices coming from behind the mask and the noise of the air
tanks.
Leader Dog Alumni Serving on our Board
Paul Teranes, Avril Rinn & Debbie Dayton
Paul Teranes & Leader Dog “Duke”
Years on Board of Trustees: 10.5
Profession: circuit court judge (retired), board member for the Greater Detroit Agency
for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Leader Dog User: 49.5 years
Avril Rinn & Leader Dog “Bismarck”
Years on Board of Trustees: 1.5
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Profession: IT support, computer & assistive technologies instructor,
life coach, freelance writer & web design
Leader Dog User: 2.5 years
Debbie Dayton & Leader Dog “Patrick”
Years on Board of Trustees: 2.5
Profession: office manager (retired), president of Westland Lions Club
Leader Dog User: 6.5 years
Why do you want/continue to be on the Board of Trustees?
Teranes: I wanted to give something back to LD and to participate in the good work
that they do. I find the work very interesting, especially being a part of the Program
Services Committee which deals with the constant efforts of LD to improve and expand
their programs.
Rinn: I find it interesting and a way for me to make a contribution to LD. My trips to
Michigan really put me in touch with LD students and all the exciting things LD is doing
besides dog guide training.
Dayton: I know what it means to have this independence and what a blessing this is –
and I want to help other people enjoy this blessing. I enjoy being on the Philanthropy
Committee because I love raising funds to keep these programs going.
Do you feel being a LD user gives you a different perspective than other board
members?
Teranes: I believe being a LD user does give me a different perspective because I
have had the LD experience of going through the training and using a dog. This gives
me a greater insight into the operation of the school and better knowledge of the
programs. This knowledge helps when making decisions as a board member.
Rinn: I’m not sure being a graduate gives me a different perspective, but having a
visual impairment does. I think having LD users on the board is important because we
understand first hand how having a dog can improve your life. Having non-graduates
on the board is crucial; to be honest, many of these people bring a wealth of expertise
that most people who are blind do not have. I also think that variety is important.
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Dayton: Most definitely. We are a reminder of what the purpose of LD is – we are a
reality check and I can bring that to the board. I see things from a different viewpoint, I
meet people everyday that want to know about LD and once learning about it want to
donate. Being on the board and being abreast of what is happening at LD helps me
when I talk to people in everyday life. I have more information to relate to the
community.
What are you looking forward to for the future of LD?
Teranes: I am looking forward to the development and expansion of new programs,
particularly in technology such as the Trekker program and the teaching of technical
skills to the visually impaired so they can gain employment.
Rinn: I am thrilled that LD is now allowing younger students to acquire dog guides. I
also think the Trekker program is amazing and I’m especially pleased about AMP and
hope all of these programs continue to grow and expand. I think proper mobility skills
are essential.
Dayton: I’m looking forward to continuing on with the leading edge approach that LD
has adopted. I love that the school is so innovative and willing to jump in with new
programs that other schools are thinking about but haven’t acted on.
Our Graduate Field Representatives
Spreading Inspiration and Information throughout the US and Canada
Videos, websites and, of course, Update, are great ways for Leader Dog to educate
people on our programs and services. We can highlight individuals, their
accomplishments and their partnership with their Leader Dog; but many times this
story is better told by a person living the lifestyle. Who better to explain blindness than
someone who is blind? Who better to explain the independence that comes with
owning a Leader Dog than the person who relies on one on a daily basis?
This is the realm of our graduate field representatives, who speak on behalf of both
LD and themselves. “The most important thing I do as a representative,” says Pauline
Ulrey, “is inform people about LD and demonstrate independence by using my own
Leader Dog.” Pauline received her first dog in 1963 and is currently working with her
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7th dog, Gundy, traveling throughout the United States to speak to civic organizations
such as the Lions Clubs and also attend conventions and conferences related to blind
issues.
This past December, all twelve graduate field representatives came together on the
LD campus to share ideas and learn first hand about the new programs we offer. The
3-day seminar proved enlightening for the reps as they learned about all aspects of LD
including the puppy development program, philanthropy and plans for an updated
website. But Leader Dog staff also found it a great educational experience. “I was
expecting the field representatives to be excited about the seminar,” states Judy
Campbell, director of education and community outreach, “what surprised me was the
excitement of the staff to be able to sit face-to-face with new and seasoned Leader
Dog users in one room and get feedback on what we are doing well – and where we
can make improvements.”
If you are interested in having a LD representative speak to your organization,
please contact Judy Campbell at 888-777-5332 or jcampbell@leaderdog.org
Quotes inserted throughout the article
“There is nothing more thrilling than to help a person and their family members realize
that blindness can be nothing more than an inconvenience. To connect with someone
and help them understand that they are entitled to their dreams and all the challenges
that life has to offer.” – Buss Brauer
“If at anytime you have felt dependent and had to wait for someone to help you get
somewhere, those days could be over with a (Leader) dog.” – Bunny Tabatt
“I enjoy being a Graduate Field Rep because an eye condition took my sight, but
Leader Dog gave me back my independence. I feel the need to give back to the
organization that helped me to grow.” – Diane Bergeron
“One day after work my dog, Jack, and I headed for our bus stop. During the day the
stop had been moved and the sidewalk was torn up with barricades around it. Despite
all this, when I gave Jack the command to “Find the bus,” he walked me safely around
all the obstacles to where the bus was now waiting. As the driver opened the bus door
and we stepped up, we were greeted with cheers and applause. The driver said, “That
is one fantastic dog.” I couldn’t agree more.” – Carroll Jackson
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Photos of Graduate Field Representatives and their Leader Dogs at the bottom of the
page include: Kevin O’Callahan & Flynn, Bunny Tabatt & Baker, Mike Cox & Ace,
Diane Bergeron & Maximo, Wanda Scroggins & Gibson, Liza Bruce & Baxter, Len
Quinn & Ginger, Linda McLane & Disney, Grace Scullin & Balto, Carroll Jackson &
Jack, Buss Brauer & Tucker, Pauline Ulrey & Gundy
Class 08-03
Instructor Carrie Pryce
Alton Daschofsky & "Princess" Chocolate Lab
Sidney Vanlaningham & "Sugar" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Carol & Michael Beavnier)
Jerry Manter & "Obediah" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Curtis Fort)
Rebecca Stewart & "London" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Geoff Gamsby)
Daniel Sisco & "Frazier" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Mary & Ken Blain)
Team Supervisor Dayton Johnson
Sean Tomello & "Ranger" Golden Retriever(Puppy Raiser: Stephanie Sonnenberg &
Richard Hoon)
S.A. Floyd & "Faith" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Hannah Coyle)
Linda Hind & "Rascal" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jane Degreef)
Kathleen Anderson & "Pete" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Sandra & Brad Bowers)
Apprentice Instructor Linda French
Interpreter Lucia Zuniga
Berenice Gonzalez & "Cadet" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Angela Peters, Nelda Brogan
& Jan Brezenski)
Hugo Perea & "Ripley" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:Jennifer Ladd)
Yonuari Quintero & "Tucker" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Meghan Schmidt)
Victor Mendoza & "Rafael" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Sherrill Platt)
Jorge Vidal & "Frisco" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Bethany & Rob Chenoweth)
Monica Benavides & "Mason" Golden/Lab Cross (Puppy Raiser: Sharon & Mike
Frandsen)
Sonia Real & "Sunshine" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Amy Sutherland)
Apprentice Instructor Jamie Togal
Leader Dog Update – Issue 1-2008
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Class 08-04
Apprentice Instructor Anna Williams
Sara Silvia Diaz & "Jeb" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Lylan & Jim Nanovski)
Charity Houser & "Radar" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Mary & Allan Burd)
James Faimon & "Murphy" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Ellen & Rowdy Bryant)
Ruth Hall & "Roxy" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jennifer Freeman)
Interpreter Moises Santos
Marcelo Panico & "Harley" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Diane Rappleye)
Jucilene Evangelista & "Charlie" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Linda & Kelly Todd)
Marcos Leandro & "Wyatt" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Rhonda & Steven McCurley)
Francisco DeLima & "Okra" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Janet & Amy Cannons)
Interpreter Lester Chraim
Team Supervisor Debbie Komondy
Sara Silvia Diaz & "Jeb" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Lylan & Jim Nanovski)
Vicente Arroyo Pinto & "Dottie" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Walter Smith)
Sara DePinies Cuesta & "Rocky" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Eliie Rudeseal)
Carlos Alonso Villa & "Colten" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kailey Simon)
Jose Calvo Gonzalez & "Blue" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: James MacDonald)
Maria Garcia Sanchez & "Diamond" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Jan Masica)
Interpreter Alexandra Kiguel Pedraza
Newton Bryant & "Flynn" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Susan Smith)
Constance Miller & "Magic" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Susan & David Woodward)
Apprentice Instructor Kevin Ihrke
Laurie Craig & "Kaitlyn" Golden Retriever (Puppy Raiser: Elizabeth Giszczak)
Dan Weiner & "Carter" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Laura Rausch)
Terry Bray & "Truman" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Carol & Mike Mordarski)
Larry Skwarok & "Argus" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jennifer & Joseph Tancraitor)
Robert Williams & "Zeus" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Amanda & Debra Kaminski)
Rita Parker & "Cruiser" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Lynn Kamp)
Connie Ellzey & "Sierra" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: LeeAnna Joslin)
Richard Carlson & "Hawkeye" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Linda Miller)
Leader Dog Update – Issue 1-2008
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Instructor Randy Horn
Class 08-05
Robert Steppler & "Lady" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Cheryl & Tom Kollmorgen)
Gabrielle Labossiere & "Beulah" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kim Wattles),
Apprentice Instructor (Deaf-blind) Ellie Rudeseal
Interpreter Jose Luis Iglesias Talavera
Nuria Clara Azanza & "Bella" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Amy Smyth)
Antonio Callejas Guzman & "Clipper" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Rita & Peter
VanDenHeuvel)
Ana Maria Sedo & "Morgan" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Laura Jenuwine)
Pilar Albea Gomez & "Mochi" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Melissa Weisse)
David Tosco Hernandez & "Sterling" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Beverly Kramer)
Noelia Lopez Barbosa & "Daisy" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Sheri & Coral Keene)
Instructor Jessica Bimmerman
Nancy Martens & "Scout" Black Lab
Isabelle Chadd & "Jake" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Cheri & Kurt Johnson)
Roy Stock & "Lucy" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Colleen Cain)
Benjamin Wright & "Winston" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Debbie Norman)
Apprentice Instructor Megan Clark
William Walz & "Unique" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Sandy Toupalik)
Doria Collier & "Jelly Bean" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Lauren & Jane Guydan)
Margie Graham & "DeDe" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Dick Spence)
Apprentice Instructor Sarah Stevens
Troy Buffum & "Owen" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Katherine Baker & Dean Crane)
James Powell & "Owen" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Linda & Tony Gimble)
Lisa Kellerman & "Kiddo" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Francine Kaminski-Pynnonen)
Team Manager Wendy Eichler
Donna Mahone & "Zephyr" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Joyce Atcheson-Williams)
James Stimpfel & "Jazz" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jill & Jeff Diekmann)
Eddie Walker & "Usher" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Karen Voss)
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Steven Potter & "Cullen" Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Sally “Beth” Rubendall)
Rita Cunningham & "Jackson" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Marchelle D’Anna)
Billy Pitcock & "Murphy" Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Rose & Brad Martin)
Apprentice Instructor Denise Atler
Consumer Advisory Team
Call for resumes
Are you a Leader Dog user that is interested in providing feedback on our programs
and helping to keep us informed on new needs and expectations within the visually
impaired community? If so, you may want to apply to be on our Consumer Advisory
Team (CAT).
The CAT meets via teleconference four times a year to discuss such issues as the
effects that hybrid cars and traffic roundabouts have on people with visual
impairments. All new CAT members must commit to a 3-year term with the team.
If you are interested in joining CAT, please send your resume to Judy Campbell at
jcampbell@leaderdog.org no later than March 31, 2008. Resumes should reflect the
demonstrated skills of teamwork, oral and written communication, task completion and
computer proficiency sufficient to receive and complete assignments via email.
The three new CAT members will be selected by the Directors of Training,
Technology, and Community Outreach, along with the three outgoing CAT members.
Selections will be made by June 30, 2008.
News from and for our Alumni
Our Consumer Services Department Undergoes Restructuring
To better serve our students, we have recently restructured our Consumer Services
Department. Under the new design students are assigned a dedicated consumer
service coordinator as their main contact through the application process and for any
post-graduation issues. This new structure will allow our coordinators and students to
develop a familiarity which will result in improved service. The coordinator assignments
are: Mike Stasiuk – last names A-F; Tracy Griffin – last names G-N; and Kathy Stauffer
– last names O-Z.
Leader Dog Update – Issue 1-2008
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Bill Carty was recently promoted to General Manager and Vice President of the
Technical Services Sector Systems Support Group of Northrop Grumman Corporation,
a global defense and technology company. Bill will lead the group that provides base
support, infrastructure services, range operations and maintenance services
throughout the United States and internationally. Bill recently received his second
Leader Dog, “Bruce,” and anticipates that both of them will be doing quite a bit of
traveling with his new position.
Leader Dog Alumnus Jeff Senge wrote the following to our president, “I would like to
thank you and your organization for providing me with an opportunity to participate in
the last Trekker Training class…. No other program, that I’m aware of, does such a
comprehensive job of assisting folks to master the Trekker GPS device. Leader Dog
has hit the nail squarely on the head with their Trekker Training program. I will be
recommending it to others I think could benefit from participating in it…. there are lots
of support staff I would like to thank. From those who cooked and served our meals, to
those who made sure we had fresh towels and clean rooms, please let them know I
appreciate all they did to make Leader Dog “Hobbit” and my stay comfortable.
Leader Dog is a first class organization and you can be proud of all those who work
to support its mission.”
Congratulations to Wanda Scroggins on her recent graduation from Auburn University
in Auburn, Alabama. She received her Bachelors Degree in Communications with a
minor in Rehabilitation Services and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in
Rehabilitation Counseling. Wanda was lead across the stage to receive her diploma by
her Leader Dog “Gibson.”
This past November, long-time Leader Dog user Lilia Gonzalez Holguin passed
away. She was the first dog guide user in Latin America originally receiving a Leader
Dog in 1948. Throughout her life Lilia had six Leader Dogs, most recently “Tess” who
was at her side in the hospital in Mexico City. After attending Leader Dog for the first
time, Lilia went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Barnard College and a Master’s
Degree from Columbia University. She then returned to Mexico to teach at an allwomen’s college.
Carlos Gallusser, Leader Dog Field Representative, delivered Leader Dog “Tess” to
Lilia in 2001. He held her in very high regard stating, “Lilia’s pace may have slowed
Leader Dog Update – Issue 1-2008
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down, but she was feisty as always. Professor Lilia is well known and highly regarded
by the Lions in Mexico. Her passing is a great loss for all of us, but especially for all of
those holding the harness of a dog guide.”
The Circle of Life
News about our canine partners
New Arrivals
Sami x Hully - 2 labs
Hope x Cruiser - 8 labs
Kaia x Simba - 6 labs
Kia x Olaf - 6 labs
Mystery x Sailor - 2 labs
Lucy x Gabe - 9 labs
Chloe x Rocky - 6 labs
Sunny x Blaze - 6 labs
Shelby x Shiloh - 6 goldens
Cozy x Tigger
- 7 labs
Karma x Myles - 1 golden/labs
Siesta x Monk - 9 labs
Sommer x Sy - 9 labs
Belle x Gina - 8 shepherds
Brenna x Beau - 6 goldens
Lucy x Hully - 6 labs
Destiny x Quinc - 5 goldens
Daisy x Mack - 7 labs
Swayser x Sy - 8 labs
Breeding Stock Retired
Aretha – female lab
Heide – female golden
Jane – female lab
Journey – female golden
Kimber – female lab
Shelby – female golden
Sunny – female lab
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Leader Dogs Retired
Amber – Theresa Bonnecarrere
Annabelle – Isabel Chadd
Ashley – Charity Houser
Benji – Gerald Johnson
Chelsey – Lorraine Jacobitz
Cici – Margie Graham
Evan – Dan Weiner
Glory – Norma Henderson
Hunter – Billy Pitcock
Jody – Terri Dunigan
Kara – Carlos Hernandez
Lena – Roy Stock
Lily – Bonnie Bartelt
Logan – Karen Gerard
Luke – Joseph Buckles
Maggie – Gail Selfridge
Marshall – Shelly Blomstrom
Max – Stanley Lawley
Molly – Connie Bowman
Nalla – Rill Mis
Naya – Rudale Hensley
Norman – Jose Colmenares
Paula – Ray McGuire
Polo – Robert Sigouin
Riley – Newton Bryant
Rio – Ricky Collier
Sally – Vera Ugalde
Sentry – Tim Blanchett
Summer – Robert Steppler
Wilson – Jon Crenshaw
Xena – James Childs
Zena – William Walz
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Leader Dogs Deceased
Anna – Regina Schwark
Annie – Kathy Mohr
Arri – Clyde Lindsay
Arrow – Diane McGeorge
Bishop – Jose Rangle
Bonnie – Vanessa Miller
Chase – Willie Jones
Chelsea – Tammy Chrisman
Chuck – Robert Ogden
Dusti – Marsha Lemery
Edgar – Linda Miracle
Java – Tom Simmons
Joshua – Deb Dayton
Leo – Linda Thuesen
Misty – Sharon Gerads
Murphy – Tearney O’Hern
Poo Bear – Brenda Rush
Russ – Tim Lindbo
Shelly – Jeff Czeczok
Willie – Louise Shumaker
Willow – Gail Fisher
16th Annual Lead in the Holidays
Our Biggest Success Yet!
With over 670 people in attendance, this year’s annual Lead in the Holidays fundraiser
was our largest ever! And along with a record attendance came record revenue of
$163,000.
Held for the second year at the luxurious Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, the event
brought together puppies and patrons in luxury. “The Royal Park gives us not only the
space needed for an event of this size,” says Special Events Manager Brandy
Hirschlieb, “It gives us a beautiful atmosphere for this event that kicks off the holiday
season.”
This year’s event, chaired by Faith Sutkus and Dr. Jeff Haddad, featured fabulous
Leader Dog Update – Issue 1-2008
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hors d’oeuvres from some of Metro Detroit’s leading restaurants. Among the most
sought after silent auction items were paintings and photographs created and donated
by Leader Dog alumni.
We would like to acknowledge the generosity of our title sponsor, The Messner
Group of Morgan Stanley; presenting sponsor, EnTrust Capital, Inc.; and our honorary
sponsor, Nestlé Purina.
Thank You Purina
Leader Dogs for the Blind gives a heartfelt thank you to the Nestlé Purina Corporation
for their generous donation of all of our dog food for calendar year 2008. We feed
Purina Pro Plan to our dogs in training and suggest Pro Plan for working Leader Dogs
both nationally and internationally.
During a recent tour of our facility, David Dufault of Nestlé Purina said, “After learning
about the organization, we realized that to people who are blind and visually impaired,
their Leader Dogs mean everything. Pro Plan helps keep these dogs up and going for
their owners, and that’s something we are really proud of.”
Leader Dog’s New President and CEO
Get to know Greg Grabowski
After looking nationwide for a new president and chief executive officer, the search
came back to Rochester – less than 5 miles away to be exact. The search ended when
the Leader Dog Board of Trustees hired Gregory Grabowski as our new president and
chief executive officer. “We are pleased to have Greg at the helm of Leader Dog,” said
Chuck Schmidt, chairman of the board. “He is an experienced, talented leader who has
a true passion for his work and the vision it takes to make improvements and continue
moving forward.”
After coming to Rochester, Michigan to attend Oakland University, where he earned
a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies, Greg stayed and put down roots. He currently
resides locally with his wife, Christina, and their three boys. Is there a dog in the
family? “Not yet,” admits Greg, “but ask me again in six months and you’ll probably get
a different answer.”
Greg comes to LD with a wealth of experience in non-profit management,
communications, strategic planning and philanthropy. Most recently he was the vice
president of development for the National Hospice Foundation; prior to that he was the
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senior vice president & chief marketing and community relations officer for Hospice of
Michigan. Greg became known within the regional non-profit and business
communities after receiving The Crain’s Detroit Business “40 under 40” award in 2005.
He has been highlighted in The Chronicle of Philanthropy for a board game modeled
on Monopoly that he helped develop which encouraged companies to use real money
to sponsor Hospice of Michigan. Greg is also a graduate of Leadership Detroit, a
program that develops leadership skills and knowledge of issues in southeast
Michigan.
After an intense first month on the job which included learning all aspects of our
business (meeting with staff, walking under blindfold and working in the kennel, among
many other activities), Greg is settled and ready to start spreading his enthusiasm and
fresh perspective throughout Leader Dog. “I’m honored to have been selected to lead
such an extraordinary organization which is clearly backed by strong staff and
hundreds of extremely dedicated volunteers and donors. I’m looking forward to working
with everyone in the Leader Dog community as we strive to enhance the lives of
people who are visually impaired,” said Greg.
Planned Giving
Still time to get a tax break
Roberta Trzos, Director of Major and Planned Gifts
It’s tax time again...
Would you like to avoid paying taxes on your IRA withdrawal? You can if you are 70 ½
or older. When you have the funds from your withdrawal sent directly to Leader Dogs
for the Blind, you will not be taxed on the withdrawal. A double benefit is that you will
be helping Leader Dog enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually
impaired.
If you would like to discuss this, or other planned gift opportunities available at Leader
Dog, please call me at 248.659.5014 or contact me by email at rtrzos@leaderdog.org. I
look forward to hearing from you and showing you how you can make a positive impact
on the lives of others.
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Monthly Giving
The Power of the Small Gift
Melissa Weisse, Director of Philanthropy
Often, I am asked if a small gift truly makes a difference to the work of Leader Dogs for
the Blind. My answer is unequivocally, yes; gifts of all sizes are absolutely essential to
sustaining the daily operations that make the Leader Dog mission a reality.
Unrestricted gifts are the lifeblood of Leader Dog. They allow us to fund critical
needs such as maintaining our residence facility where our students stay for 26 days
while they learn to navigate with a Leader Dog. These gifts also enable us to maintain
our kennel where future Leader Dogs live during their training. The maintenance of our
training vehicles, student buses, technology lab and veterinary clinic, amongst other
programs, are all sustained by unrestricted gifts.
Through the monthly giving program, smaller donations add up to a substantial
annual contribution. Our monthly giving program allows you to give a set amount each
month, or at an interval you select, by debit, credit card, or direct withdrawal from your
bank account.
Your gift will be deducted automatically to ensure consistent funding for our vital
programs. Please visit our website at www.leaderdog.org to learn more about this
convenient and flexible way to support Leader Dogs for the Blind. Thank you so very
much for your continued support and loyalty to the Leader Dog mission.
Holiday Card Contest Winner
LD Graduate Laura Landry
Many of you may have already seen the beautiful picture that was chosen to be the
2007 Leader Dog holiday card. If you have, you already know that the picture of
Leader Dog “Willow” was taken by his owner, Laura Landry. Laura has been legally
blind since birth and credits her sister for getting her into photography when she gave
Laura a camera for her 14th birthday.
Laura is a 2002 graduate of Leader Dog that lists photography as just one of the
many activities she enjoys. She is also an avid “blogger” who writes about herself and
her dogs on her website. The following is an excerpt from her blog:
“I have a ‘dog’s eye view’ of the world as I rely on the eyes and intelligence of my
Leader Dog Willow, a female, yellow (liver-nosed), Labrador Retriever to lead me
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through the chaos of my life. I also have a yellow (liver-nosed) pet Lab, Stella, who is a
crazy, happy, never-ending bundle of energy. I have two physics degrees, and a great
love of astronomy (despite my inability to look up at the night sky and see anything but
darkness). Other loves include crochet, music, photography, books, and writing.”
This year’s card was extremely well received and we have already had many
inquiries from people wishing to purchase the card for 2008. The cards are available
for $15.00 per pack of 20 cards/22 envelopes and can be purchased by calling 248651-9011.
Calendar of Events
Students
March 3 Trekker class begins
March 9 Dog Guide class 08-09 begins
March 9 Advanced Computer Skills class begins
March 9 Accelerated Mobility Program class begins
March 28 Trekker class begins
April 6 Dog Guide class 08-10 begins
April 6 Advanced Computer Skills class begins
April 13 Accelerated Mobility Program class begins
April 25 Trekker class begins
May 4 Dog Guide class 08-11 begins
May 11 Accelerated Mobility Program class begins
May 18 Basic Computer Skills class begins
May 23 Trekker class begins
Professionals
March 18 O & M Professional Trekker seminar begins
Events
February 24 Wine Tasting 3rd Annual at CINQ in Royal Oak, MI
June 22 Walk-A-Thon 5th Annual at Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills. MI
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