Leader Dog Update -- Issue 2 – 2009
Message from the President – Greg Grabowski
People and Dogs
Motivators in Their Own Ways
In college I played tennis. I was pretty good, really enjoyed it and
it kept me in shape. Like many other people, after graduation,
getting a job, getting married and having children (three great
sons), I stopped playing a lot of tennis. I have started and
stopped exercise programs several times.
Then came Flint. We adopted Flint as a career change dog
from LDB and he currently acts as one of our PR dogs. He is also
my motivation to go for a walk every day. He has made me, and
my entire family, more active. Dogs will do that to you. They’ll
push their cold, wet nose into your hand or unceremoniously
head-butt your leg until you stand up, get their leash and go
outside for some exercise.
People can be equally motivating (though they usually don’t
head-butt you in the process). People, like those highlighted in
this issue of Update, motivate by example. They make you
remember that you can fulfill a lifelong dream that you thought
was gone forever; that you can learn a new skill or sport; that you
can help to make a difference in the lives of others. I hope they do
the same for you!
Blindness is not an obstacle to fulfilling your dreams when
you are equipped with the will to succeed, proper training, tools
and mentorship. Thank you for helping provide some of these key
ingredients needed for many of our graduates to reach for their
dreams. Your commitment and determination to helping us
continue our mission is inspirational. We thank you all for staying
with us for our first 70 years.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
A Dream Realized
By: Charlie Robinson – Guest Writer
I am a geek. A total aeronautics and space geek. I am still awed
by a vivid memory of a Christmas Eve forty years ago when three
astronauts were orbiting the moon LIVE on TV. The grainy grey
images transmitted by Apollo 8 were unforgettable. Although the
visual thrills and accomplishments of the missions may no longer
be available to me, I still get chills listening to a launch countdown
and hearing the roar of liftoff every time a Space Shuttle is sent
out on a mission.
So, imagine my surprise and delight when I opened my mail
to discover a VIP invitation to NASA to attend the launch of the
Space Shuttle Endeavor on November 14, 2008. This was a dream
of mine. A dream I had thought was lost to me.
Travis, my trusted Leader Dog partner, lay at my feet, still
and seemingly aware of the magnitude of the moment in which we
were participating. At T minus one minute, the enthusiastic crowd
began to count down in unison as we faced launch pad 39B. We
were all standing in anticipation. Five, four, three, two …… LIFT
OFF!
I heard and felt what I could not see. I knew the launch pad
was aflame as the powerful roar began. I could smell the steam
from the hydrogen and oxygen mix that was propelling the rocket;
I knew it was billowing around the launch pad and enveloping the
spacecraft. I knew that the night sky was blazing with brilliant
golds, oranges and yellows. The trembling roar crossed Banana
Creek and shook the bleachers in which we were sitting.
Travis stirred as the thundering rumble reached us. I know it
was awesome. Amazing. Breathtaking. I felt a tremendous sense
of pride in my nation as I prayed for the safe lift-off and eventual
return of the brave men and women heading into space.
It was everything and more that I had hoped for. I thank the
wonderful people at NASA for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I
also thank Leader Dog for Travis who allowed me the ability and
mobility to realize a dream.
Alumni Letters
Dear Leader Dog,
My son David is a senior at Oklahoma State University. I just got a
call from David, and today when he and Ozzie were walking back
from class and were crossing the street, a SUV turned without
looking. David of course didn’t see the car coming, but Ozzie did
and dug his paws in and stopped. The car slammed on their
brakes and stopped within two feet of David and Ozzie!
As a mom I wish they would just take the bus, but David is an
independent man. He was proud to call and say, “Mom, Ozzie just
saved my life today!”
Please pass this on to everyone that works so hard for Leader
Dog. These partnerships don’t just make life easier -- they can
truly save a life!
Grateful for all that you do,
Gail Cline
Dear Leader Dog,
I would like to thank everyone for their help in starting my new
life with my new partner Bandit. He is a very handsome black lab
with a personality that would charm anyone. Bandit loves to work
and easily adjusts to almost anything. Since we have been
together we have become members of our local Lions’ Club
(Bandit is an honorary member) and have started doing volunteer
work with our local Department of Human Services.
With Bandit at my side I have had the opportunity to gain
experience working in an office. I have people ask where my dog
is and when they are told he is under my desk, they marvel at
how well behaved he is in public. We also bowl in the Mid Michigan
Blind Bowler’s League every Friday night. We spend quality time
with each other playing in our back yard and going out to eat with
friends.
Bandit and I have bonded very well. He has blended into my
family nicely and will socialize with other family members; but
when this activity is over, he shows them where his loyalty is
when he returns to my side.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Borka
Dear Leader Dog,
I thought you might enjoy the attached picture of me and Kelby in
our rain gear. Sad to say, Kelby doesn’t much like the hat. But
she loves to have her photograph taken no matter what is
required of her. She is a very willing and patient partner. All of my
medical doctors love her. I actually think that they are happier to
see her than they are to see me.
Linda Will
Hello!
I want to let everybody at Leader Dog know how happy and
pleased I am with my Leader Dog Ada! I had an experience today
with a bus driver. It’s very cold and snowy here in Indiana, and
the driver let me off at the wrong place in my neighborhood. I was
rather close to my house, but the streets are pretty snowcovered. I had my Breeze with me, which told me what street I
was on. A man who was out shoveling snow confirmed that I was
on Harper Drive, so Ada and I headed in the direction we needed
to go. The snow made the way very hard to navigate, but Ada got
us home safely. I had happy tears in my eyes. Ada’s whole body
wiggled all over with happiness because she got lots of praise and
kisses. We’re still working on the curious nose in the stores, but
she’s really a great dog and so smart! I can’t say enough
wonderful things about her. She grows dearer to me each day!
One happy working team,
Debbie Morgan and Ada
Get Active, Stay Active
Having Fun and Getting Involved
There are many reasons that people want to get a Leader Dog.
But there are a few that are almost universal to all Leader Dog
users. The themes of more independence, increased safety, and a
greater ability and motivation to get out of the house are among
them.
All dog owners (or “pet parents” if you prefer) know their
dogs want them off the couch and out the front door because dogs
love to walk and to explore new places. Millions of times each day
the sound of “thump, thump, thump” is heard around the world as
dogs’ tails wag against the floor when their owners pick up
leashes, and in some cases harnesses, to head out of the house
with their canine motivator.
The people highlighted in this section are enthusiastic about
life. They have not allowed their blindness to define or derail their
lives. With their Leader Dog’s by their side, they go out into their
communities to get involved, help others, and have some fun!
Patty Zallar
Walk, Walk, Then Walk Some More
“I don’t consider myself disabled, I do have certain limitations.
There are things I can do and things I can’t do. Just like everyone
else,” states Patty Zallar. “I must say that my Leader Dog Carlee
motivated me to enhance my orientation and mobility skills to get
around. That’s why I make sure we get a good amount of
exercise. The better care I take of her, the longer I will have her.”
Patty received Carlee from Leader Dog in 2006 and shortly
after joined the Achilles Track Club in Madison, Wisconsin. Achilles
is a group of people with various challenges, some have had
strokes, may have multiple sclerosis or have a prosthetic. What
they have in common is the desire to exercise to the best of their
ability. With the group, Patty, her son, Andy, and Carlee walked in
the “Hope and Possibility Walk/Run” in New York in 2008. The trio
have also completed walks for H.O.P.E.S. (Helping Others Prevent
and Educate about Suicide) and in a “Dog Jog” to raise funds for a
local animal shelter.
As a member of her local Lions Club, Patty has spoken to
many groups about Leader Dog and Lionism, something she was
afraid to do in the past. “With Carlee at my side I am more
confident, bolder and more assertive. Or maybe it’s just my age,”
she laughs. No matter which, Patty is sure she will never go back
to using a cane. “Carlee and I have been on speed boats, trains,
busses, and trolleys together. She is part of my family.”
Jim Platzer
Just Joining In Isn’t Enough
Retirement didn’t mean sitting back and slowing down to Jim
Platzer, it meant getting involved in new endeavors. Jim and his
Leader Dog “Maddy” became partners while at Leader Dog or
“Holidog Inn” as he refers to it in 2005. “We did a lot of walking
during our training in Rochester,” he explains. “It wasn’t until we
had been together for quite a while that we hit the track.”
Now they are regulars at the Parkview YMCA in Fort Wayne,
Indiana. “Most of the time I run by myself on the treadmill,
usually 5-6 miles, 3-4 days a week,” says Jim. “But then I’ll
harness up Maddy and we’ll do a fast walk on the track with a few
bursts of light jogging thrown in. She really likes it.” When the
weather is nice, Jim runs outside with a friend. For safety, they
tether to each other with a length of surgical rubber which allows
them freedom to move separately but together.
But membership at the YMCA wasn’t enough for Jim, he is
now on their board of directors and facilitates “Journey to
Freedom,” a faith-based program for making change in your life.
His volunteerism expanded when he joined the Shoaff Park Lions
Club, where he will be the 1st Vice President in 2009-2010 and
also the Leader Dog trustee for the state of Indiana.
In 2006, Jim founded the Ft. Wayne Chapter of Foundation
Fighting Blindness (FFB), an organization that raises funds for
research to find treatment, prevention and cures for retinal
degenerative diseases. He was introduced to FFB by another
Leader Dog graduate who is active with the organization in
Washington DC.
Recently, wanting to give back to Leader Dog, Jim began
speaking on behalf of LDB at Lions Clubs and other social
organizations. He is also a member of the Lions Advisory
Committee where his unique experience as a Leader Dog graduate
gives fresh perspective to the group.
Though many people view retirement, or loss of sight, as an
end to their active lifestyle, Jim has never seen it that way. He
continues to find new things and new people to bring into his life
to keep it fun, fulfilling and meaningful.
Roberta McCall
Practicing What She Preaches
As a rehabilitation teacher for the Michigan Commission for the
Blind, Roberta McCall teaches adaptive skills to people who are
newly blind. “I teach people new techniques for cooking, dialing
the phone, and telling time,” explains Roberta. “Basically, I ask
people ‘what do you want to be able to do,’ then help them learn
to do it.”
During the course of her job, Roberta has seen people selfselect out of activities because they are blind. She tells people to
advocate for themselves and get out there and see what
accommodations are available to help you do the things you want
to do. Roberta also practices what she preaches.
In the past year Roberta has tried two new activities – target
shooting with a cross bow and scuba diving. “When shooting the
cross bow, I was able to do everything by myself except for seeing
the target,” she says. To assist her in aiming correctly, Roberta
has a ‘spotter’ look over her shoulder into the eyepiece of the
crossbow who directs her up, down, left and right. “The visually
impaired person has to use someone else’s eyes, but the rest they
do themselves. They are dependent on the skill of the sighted
person, so you better make sure the sighted person is good at
what they do,” she explains with a laugh.
Roberta tried scuba diving even though she was fearful of the
sensory deprivation of not being able to see or hear under water.
After the experience she says she’d love to do it again. She
expected to have no sense of up or down since she couldn’t see.
However, because your body moves up when you breathe in and
down when you breathe out, it wasn’t an issue. “We adapt to the
person being blind through the use of touch,” explains Eric Billips
of Aquatic Adventures who was Roberta’s instructor. “It’s
important that the scuba diver know how deep they are in the
water. I get the divers attention by squeezing their hand, then I
draw a circle on their palm representing the gauge, next I pinch
their fingers once for every 10 feet we are below the surface.”
Roberta was the first person with visual impairment that Eric
taught. “She did great. She had no fear and was swimming
around and having a blast.”
Roberta’s Leader Dog “Nova” went to the crossbow shoot with
Roberta, but did not go to the scuba training. “I left Nova at home
because I thought she would get worried about me when I went
underwater. My first Leader Dog ‘Jake’ would get frantic when he
couldn’t see me when I went swimming,” she explains. “I knew
she’d be happier at home, but you know she’s thinking ‘leave that
here, take me, I want to go’ when I pick up my white cane. These
dogs really begin to take on a position of responsibility for you
over time.”
Jessica Tuomela
Swimming Around the Globe
Jessica Tuomela doesn’t just like to swim, she likes to swim in
other countries. As a member of the Canadian Paralympics Swim
Team, she competed in Sydney, Australia in 2000; in Athens,
Greece in 2004; and in Beijing, China in 2008. “I really liked
swimming in the Water Cube in Beijing,” says Jessica. “When you
push on the inside walls it feels like pushing on a beach ball.”
During her trips to compete overseas, Jessica has gone both
with and without a Leader Dog. “My first Leader Dog ‘Jetta’ came
with me to Athens. After the Paralympics we traveled through
Greece. The general public didn’t really understand Jetta’s
position, but the police did,” Jessica explains. “I went to Beijing
without a dog for several reasons; mainly because I had retired
Jetta and was returning to Leader Dog for a new dog after Beijing.
Also, it is hard to get your dog into the country. There were no
dog guides in Beijing that I was aware of.”
Jessica tried different sports, including running and wrestling,
before deciding to focus on swimming in 1997. “I liked swimming
the best because I didn’t have to adapt much to doing it blind,”
explains Jessica. “I do need someone to be a ‘tapper’ for me. My
friend stands at the end of the pool and touches my head with a
pole that looks like a giant Q-Tip. It’s much better than hitting
your head on the wall of the pool.”
Jessica is currently completing her schooling to be a
massage therapist. She continues to swim and looks forward to
many years with her current Leader Dog “Glacier.”
Department Feature
GPS Goes To The Dogs
Leader Dog Breaks Ground with New Technology
Imagine trying to follow driving directions to a new location – but
all the street signs along your route have been removed. Your trip
would be difficult and stressful. This is what it is like to travel
when you are blind and cannot use street signs for guidance. The
new GPS technology being used at Leader Dog gives the user
‘audible street signs’ so they can navigate in a new environment
without having to stop and ask for directions.
“I love my Breeze. It has made my life a lot easier, especially
when traveling in new areas,” says Gary Thompson of Springfield,
Missouri. “The Breeze and a Leader Dog go together like peanut
butter and jelly. For instance, the Breeze announces when I’m
nearing a cross street; so when my dog slows down then stops at
the curb, I’m completely aware of my situation.”
In April 2009 Leader Dog graduated its first class to receive
free Trekker Breeze GPS units and training along with their dog
guide. The Trekker Breeze, an audible GPS device, gives step-bystep directions for a programmed route and notifies the user of
upcoming streets and landmarks.
“We strongly believe that this technology is an effective tool
for independent travelers,” says Greg Grabowski, Leader Dog
president and CEO. “Preliminary research suggests that people
using the device expand their travel environments and experience
less travel anxiety, especially in new or unfamiliar areas.” Since
November, 2008, Leader Dog students have been using Breeze
units during their dog guide training. Now, U.S. and Canadian
students that meet eligibility criteria will be able to take the
Breeze home with them – for free.
“We have revolutionized the art of dog guide travel by
including a talking navigational device in training and providing
this state-of-the art technology for free to students along with
their Leader Dog,” added Grabowski. “We are so confident in the
benefits of using a Trekker Breeze that we are making the units
available at a reduced cost to all active Leader Dog graduates.”
Information about purchasing a Breeze can be found on our
website at leaderdog.org/programs/breeze.
To complete our Trekker Breeze program, we will offer
training for orientation & mobility instructors as well as dog guide
mobility instructors interested in learning how to train people to
use the Breeze.
Holiday Card Photo Contest
Do you love to take pictures of dogs? If so, you are invited to
enter the Leader Dogs for the Blind 2009 Holiday Card
Competition. From the entries received a committee of Leader
Dog employees will pick a first prize winner whose photograph will
be used as our 2009 holiday card. The first place winner receives
a $100 gift card for Best Buy, two boxes of the winning card, and
will be highlighted in Update. There are also prizes for the 2nd and
3rd place winners.
Photographs will be judged using the following criteria:
- Extent to which the photograph captures a holiday or winter
theme
- Extent to which the photograph captures the work and mission
of Leader Dogs for the Blind
- Originality, style, and quality of the photograph
All entries must be accompanied by an application which is
downloadable from our website at leaderdog.org/holidaycards, or
can be obtained by calling 888-777-5332. Please send your entry
and application to: Digital Photography (preferred):
UpdateEditor@leaderdog.org or Standard Photography: 2009
Holiday Card Competition, Attn: Update Editor, Leader Dogs for
the Blind, 1039 South Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 483073115
Entries must be received by August 7, 2009. Photographs
received for entry into this competition become the property of
Leader Dog. For official rules and more information, please visit
our website at leaderdog.org/holidaycards or call 888-777-5332.
$5 Pro Plan Coupon
Everyone associated with Leader Dogs for the Blind knows that
dogs bring companionship, love, and more to our lives. Whether
your dog is a Leader Dog or a personal pet that greets you at the
door every time you come home, they deserve the best. With this
in mind, Purina and Pet Supplies Plus have teamed up to offer you
$5.00 off your next purchase of Pro Plan® dog food. Pro Plan®
meets all your dog’s nutritional needs with premium food that
contains real protein and healthy nutritional extras. With Pro
Plan®, you are providing your dog with the building blocks of
good health and a delicious selection of flavor choices.
Visit the Leader Dog website at leaderdog.org/coupon to
download your $5.00 off coupon. Feed your dog what Leader Dog
feeds their dogs in training.
Donor Profile
Mickey and Bunny Behrmann
Donors since 1990
Mr. and Mrs. Behrmann, or as they are known around our
campus, Mickey and Bunny, have been Leader Dog supporters
since 1990. Their support is not only financial, it goes further –
Bunny is a volunteer dog walker, Mickey volunteers in the vet
clinic, they have adopted several career change dogs and have
attended many fundraising events. One of their sons is a puppy
raiser and others have adopted career change dogs.
The Behrmann’s became interested in LDB years ago when
they would pack their four sons in their car and drive to Rochester
to get apples each fall. As they drove by LDB, they would remark,
“Wonder what goes on there?”
Their curiosity was answered one day while Mickey and Bunny
were busy at their family business. A supplier stopped by and the
discussion turned to apple picking in Rochester. The supplier
listened to their story and began to share the history of the three
Lions members that started Leader Dog in 1939. He knew what
went on at LDB because he was a Lion! The supplier’s Lions Club
happened to be hosting a benefit dinner for Leader Dog which
Mickey and Bunny decided to attend. After touring the campus,
they fell in love with the mission of Leader Dog, so they turned
their visit into a lifetime commitment.
As dog lovers, Mickey and Bunny are amazed to watch the
trainers and instructors turn a year old dog that pulls on the leash
into a four-legged hero for a person that is blind or deaf-blind. We
at Leader Dog are grateful for the Berhmann’s ongoing
enthusiasm for our students, dogs and mission.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Receives Seal of Excellence
The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to
charities that demonstrate the highest standards of public
accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. Of
the one million charities in the U.S., less than 2,000 have received
this Seal.
News About Your IRA
One Year Reprieve Granted
For 2009, lawmakers have granted a one year reprieve from
mandatory IRA withdrawals to IRA investors who are over 70 ½
and to anyone who has inherited an IRA account. This reprieve is
to help investors recover from last year’s dismal market.
Another option lawmakers are implementing is allowing
investors to donate their IRA withdrawal of up to $100,000
directly to charity. This allows the investor to avoid paying taxes
on their withdrawal.
Please call Roberta Trzos, director of planned giving and
major gifts at 248-659-5014 or email her at rtrzos@leaderdog.org
to discuss these and other charitable giving options.
Foundation Profile
DeRoy Testamentary Foundation
Improving the Quality of Life for People in Southeast
Michigan and Beyond
Ask people around Southeast Michigan about the name Helen
DeRoy and you will likely hear a variety of reflections on the
impact she has made throughout the area. Some may speak of
educational, community or youth programs, a medical library,
hospital building or health clinic named in her honor. An art
enthusiast may know of her impact on art education or various art
exhibitions, and still more may speak of the Helen L. DeRoy
Auditorium in Detroit.
The common theme, however, is the generosity of Helen
DeRoy and her lasting impact on people’s lives in southeast
Michigan.
Helen DeRoy formed the Helen L. DeRoy Foundation in 1946,
a natural extension of her innate generous spirit. Throughout
WWII, she knitted clothing and slippers to ship overseas and even
adopted European families that immigrated to the United States.
After Mrs. DeRoy passed away in 1977, her foundation
became the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation and her charitable
giving has continued through the work of her great nephew,
Arthur Rodecker and her great-great niece, Julie Rodecker Holly.
Working with two other board members, Gregg Watkins and
Marian Seltzer, the Rodeckers carry out Mrs. DeRoy’s wishes
through a formal grant program to nonprofit organizations mostly
located in southeast Michigan.
Leader Dogs for the Blind has benefited from this generosity
since 1979. “Our board really admires how these amazing dogs
are able to help people who are blind and change people’s lives so
significantly,” said Julie Rodecker Holly. “Without Leader Dogs for
the Blind, the quality of life for many people with visual
impairments would be greatly diminished. Our foundation is so
happy to be able to help them carry out their mission. I know my
Aunt Helen would be proud.”
Mission Moment
“After a very productive working life and retirement, Lena, my
first Leader Dog, passed away on March 21, 2009. It’s hard to
believe she had been with me since November, 1996.
Many people say their dog is great, but I wish to say that
Lena was the first Great Perfect Dog for me. She could almost
read my mind, knowing where to go and what to do.
It is hard to describe what an impact a service dog provides
for one. My life is richer because of Lena.
As I hold her collar, leash, and harness, I wish to thank God
for bringing her into my life.
She made the challenges I have had to face very easy.”
Roy Stock – Corpus Christi, Texas
Currently working with Leader Dog “Lucy”
Puppies About Town
It’s All in a Day’s Training
One of the more important responsibilities of being a Leader Dog
puppy raiser is getting the puppy out into the community.
This introduces the puppy to many different environments, gets
them used to noise and crowds, and helps prepare them for their
life as a Leader Dog. These outings are also a great way for
people unfamiliar with Leader Dog to become aware of our
organization. They also get to witness a small part of the overall
effort that goes into turning a bundle of fur and energy into a
confident, dependable dog guide.
Pucks and Puppies
Photo of four people, each with a puppy, in the concourse of a
hockey arena. Caption: Future Leader Dogs of all breeds, sizes
and colors attended a Detroit Red Wings game to help promote
the Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show. The puppies, and their devoted
raisers, worked the concourse to bring awareness of the show and
Leader Dog. They had a blast, but no rides on the Zamboni!
Pictured from l to r are: Tammy Bartz with Amos (Black Lab), Paul
Colombo with Sam (Golden), Kevin Anderson with Canute (Black
Lab), and Dan Dunn with Ernie (Golden).
At the Dog Show
Photo of a woman sitting on the floor looking down at a Golden
Retriever puppy lying on the floor wearing a blue Future Leader
Dog jacket. They are in a large convention hall. Caption: Every
year Leader Dog is privileged to participate in the Detroit Kennel
Club Dog Show. This is a big effort that includes instructors, dogs
in training, volunteers, puppy raisers and their Future Leader
Dogs. They put on demonstrations, answer questions, and help
raise awareness of our mission. Pictured are Janet McBride and
Finn who helped explain what it takes to raise a successful Leader
Dog puppy.
Dog in a Dog
Photo of two young women and a yellow Labrador Retriever
wearing a blue Future Leader Dog jacket standing in from of the
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile which looks like a huge hot dog on
wheels. Caption: Future Leader Dog “Sunshine” got to be the ‘dog
in a dog’ during Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year.
Sunshine and her puppy raiser, Craig Goldwyn, were invited by
Oscar Mayer to ride in the Wienermobile during the parade.
Sunshine is pictured here with “Hotdoggers” Molly Fergus and
Amanda Maurer. Photography by Craig Goldwyn
The Dog Dance
By: Celene Gibson & the Sisters of Beta Nu
Beta Gamma Upsilon (BGU) is a philanthropic sorority that was
founded in 1905 with the purpose of promoting charity, sociability
and friendship. The Beta Nu Chapter of BGU has twelve active
members in the Aurora, Illinois area. Every year we host the
“Cupids Caper Dinner Dance” which has affectionately become
known among attendees as “The Dog Dance.” This Valentinethemed fundraiser is decorated with the traditional colors of red,
pink and white and complimented with the theme of “LOVE.”
We rely heavily on the support of local small businesses,
corporations and individuals who donate raffle items, purchase
auction items and sell tickets for our event. It is because of their
support that our sorority is able to fulfill our philanthropic
obligations.
However, our success at meeting our obligations is measured
by more than just our monetary fundraising efforts. Our success is
measured by the difference we make in the lives of those
challenged by blindness. It is that difference that inspires Beta Nu
to continue its labor of love and charity year after year!
Stepping Up a Little Extra
Chesaning Lions Club of Michigan
Chesaning is a picturesque town of 2,500 people in mid-Michigan.
The Chamber of Commerce describes Chesaning as “a community
that knows how to organize and work together and enjoy doing
it!” The Chesaning Lions Club has certainly taken that description
to heart. The club has more than tripled their donations to Leader
Dog this year, and has challenged their fellow Lions Clubs in
District 11-D1 to do the same.
Tonya Braeutigan, club secretary, described a recent meeting
where the impact of the economic downturn on projects that the
club supports was discussed. “We were talking about what else we
could do down the road when one member stood up and asked,
‘Why wait?’” says Braeutigan. So the club immediately decided to
make an extra donation to Leader Dog.
Braeutigan has a special appreciation for the services that
Leader Dog provides. She was legally blind before laser surgery
restored her sight (she now has better than 20/20 vision).
“Leader Dogs for the Blind is so important,” she explains. “We just
felt as a club that in light of the current economic climate it was
important to step up a little extra.”
We would like to thank the members of the Chesaning Lions
Club for their continued and increased support.
Leader Dog for the Blind was founded by members of Lions
Club International in 1939. We thank them for their 70 years of
continuous support.
1 | 2009 - 15
Recent Graduating Classes
Class 09-07
Team Supervisor Wendy Eichler
Melanie Payne and “Mollie” Collie (Puppy Raiser: Carol & Michael
Beavnier)
Brenda Altmeyer and “Katie” Lab/Golden (Puppy Raiser: Mary
LeWan)
Field Representative Stephanie Sherwood
Apprentice Instructor Catherine Palid
Instructor Randy Horn
Melvin Mosier and “Scout” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jennifer
Price)
John Cendoma
Ryan Cleveland and “Ransom” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Chris &
Jim Hooker)
Alyssa Leinbach and “Kacey” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Penny
Joyner)
Hope Andrews-Lewis and “Nemo” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Lynda
Kipp)
Sharon Hawkinson and “Caleb” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Sherrill
Platt)
Apprentice Instructor Kevin Thompson
Jody Kucera and “Trooper” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Eric Miller)
Thomas Davis and “Daisy” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Janis
McSweeney)
Jean Wheeler and “Emily” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Victoria
Spehar)
Deborah Wright and “Pete” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Sandra & Brad
Bowers)
Apprentice Deaf-blind Instructor Ellie Carlson
Interpreter Veronica Vello
Field Representative Stephanie Sherwood
Team Supervisor Wendy Eichler
Apprentice Instructor Catherine Palid
Noelia Torres and “Capri” Yellow Lab (Donated)
Juan Pablo Culasso Alonso and “Ronja” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Deb Johnson)
Alberto Calcagno and “Sunnee” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kenneth
Johnson)
Cristina Comesana and “Chloe” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Dawn
Laquere)
Juan Castillo Lara and “Kingston” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Erin
O’Connell-Townsend)
Maximiliano Marc and “Bandit” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Julianne
Wierzchowski)
Carlos Vadala and “Sterling” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Judy &
Keith Thess)
Class 09-08
Apprentice Instructor Sue Hackman
James Faust and “Hattie” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Floreen &
Greg McKinley)
Shawna Carothers and “Ellie” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kayla
McCarthy)
Anthony Ray and “Saylor” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Katelyn
Zachritz)
Charles Pettke
Interpreter Boby Ugalde
Apprentice Instructor Laura Burke
Vicente Galarza Valladarez and “Emma” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Carol Thompson)
Adriana Masis Ocampo and “Giggles” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Tianne Cole)
Sandra Ugalde Gonzalez and “Amber” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Marcia Belair)
Manuel Porras Sandi and “Lily” Lab/Golden (Puppy Raiser: Megan
& Jamie Boelstler)
Analive Calderon Vargas and “Kieva” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Robert Hurt)
Marco Chavarria Ramirez and “Brody” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Dorothy & John VanderMale)
Ken Whaley and “Trebor” Lab/Golden (Puppy Raiser: Judy
Muirhead)
Barbara Thomas and “Jaxie” German Shepherd (Puppy Raiser:
Carol & Randy Kirkbride)
Charity Roach and “Pearl” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Carol & Bruce
Hutchins)
James Huber and “Noelle” Lab/Golden (Puppy Raiser: Lori
Riordan)
Nicole Liebl and “Louise” Yellow Lab (Donated)
Matthew Yeater and “Griffon” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Nancy & Paul
Colombo)
Team Leader Jessica Bimmerman
Team Supervisor Debbie Komondy
Connie Gephardt and “Leah” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Debbie &
Mike Fulcher)
Elizabeth Gerhart
James Miller and “Chevie” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Patricia &
David Matheny)
Shelley McMullen and “Ella” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Scott
Zbikowski)
Karen Willard and “Freedom” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Ann & Frank
Davis)
Class 09-09
Jackie Bowman and “Stella” Choc Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kim Wattles)
Apprentice Instructor Ana Williams
Jane Ann Jibson and “Juki” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Pat & Orville
Butzin)
Kathleen Conklin and “Maggie” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kathy
Barker)
Debra Brooks and “Molly” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Harold
Owens)
Team Supervisor Sue Horn
Phyllis Collett and “De De” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Dick Spence)
William Ness and “Bauer” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Brenda &
Mike Lasecki)
Daniel Owens and “Piper” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Carol Lair)
Apprentice Instructor Alison Roberts
George Day and “Holly” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Sandra & Brad
Bowers)
Dustin Disque and “Moose” Golden (Donated)
Lisette Cuthbert and “Rhianna” Black Lab (Donated)
Claire Lofgren and “Dusty” Black Lab (Donated)
Ricky Daniel and “Lilly” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Laura Rausch)
Apprentice Instructor Jenny Sanderson (not pictured)
Marianne Blanchong and “Kizzie” Black Lab (Donated)
Perry Ellis and “Blackjack” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jean Pensis)
Gina Lee Braxton and “Ellie” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Kimberly &
Douglas Heighway)
Patricia Kelly and “Willow” Golden (Puppy Raiser: Karen Voss)
Interpreter Maria de Ancos Rivera
Team Leader Kevin Ihrke
Jose E.Lavado Valverde and “Koffman” Yellow Lab (Donated)
Maria Pilar Calvo Lopez and “Kenzie” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Terry MacKay)
Livia Guillardini Diez and “Sam” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Margaret McLaughlin)
Alberto Hernandez Vaquero and “Adrian” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Robert Tonelli)
Francisco Javier Dominguez Canto and “Guy” Black Lab (Puppy
Raiser: Rhonda & Mark Wilson)
Enhamed Enhamed Mohamed and “Gayla” Yellow Lab (Puppy
Raiser: Sibyl Simpson)
Class 09-10
Interpreter Maria de Ancos Rivera
Instructor Linda Fisher
Pedro Rodriguez Garrido and “Beeper” Golden (Donated)
Eva Gonzalez Benito and “Brooke” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Karen West)
Alfonso Mendez Maiques and “Angel” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Dina Corrion)
Maria Antonia Lopez Saez and “Sasha” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Judith Robbins)
Manuel Garcia Sancho and “C-Jay H” Black Lab/Golden (Puppy
Raiser: Cora Hohnstadt)
Miguel Guerrero Gonzalez and “Caspian” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Erin Snyder)
Apprentice Instructor Katie Stamm
Jeffrey Chiappetta and “Marshall” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser:
Jennifer Marshall)
Laurie Richardson and “Maple” Choc Lab Cross (Puppy Raiser:
Stacey Lawrence)
Bonnie Cooper and “Phoebe” Poodle (Puppy Raiser: Nancy & Jeff
Sever)
Alan Coggsdale and “Joey” Yellow Lab (Rescue)
Apprentice Instructor Paul Meister
Yvonne Marie Walsh and “Levi” Choc Lab Cross (Rescue)
Gary Thompson and “Minka” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Donna
Cirignani)
Dean Swanson and “Lindy Lou” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Janice
White)
Richard Bungert and “Cabo” Yellow Lab Cross (Puppy Raiser:
Bonner Family)
Elizabeth Klapperich and “Ayla” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Jane
Ann Gass)
Team Leader Ken Britton
James Reed and “Lola” Black Lab (Puppy Raiser: Marcine
Lemerand)
Margaret Olson and “Cosette” Yellow Lab (Puppy Raiser: Angela
Quinlan)
Randy Zarza and “Kodiak” German Shepherd (Puppy Raiser: Craig
Bedard)
Carolyn Clark and “Robby” German Shepherd (Puppy Raiser:
Sheila & John Robertson)
Circle of Life
News about our canine partners
New Arrivals
Suri (hosted by the Ziebron Family) x Quincy (hosted by Sandy &
Gary Frick) and Copper (hosted by Rhonda Wilson) – 5
shepherd/goldens
Abby (hosted by the Solomon Family) x Dante – 12 goldens
Izzy (hosted by Marlene Strang) x Hunter (hosted by Beth Mattei)
– 3 labs
Knickers (hosted by Ann Kowalec Family) x Seamus (service
donated by Laura Michaels) – 9 labs
Kali (hosted by Judy Kwiatkowski) x Mack (hosted by the Harris
Family) – 8 labs
Sophie (hosted by the Barrett Family) x Ryder (service donated by
Judy Schlecht) – 2 goldens
Claire Reesa (hosted by Sybil & Mary Simpson) x Axel (hosted by
Sue and Mike Kinyon) – 9 goldens
Ruth (hosted by Edith Yemmans) x Bono (service donated by
Nicole McCarthy) – 3 labs
Dreamer (hosted by Kelly Crake) x Quincy (hosted by Sandy &
Gary Frick) – 4 goldens
Sissy (hosted by Carrie Pryce) x Bono (service donated by Nicole
McCarthy) – 5 labs
Tesa (hosted by Ann & Frank Davis) x Rocky (hosted by Jean
Jacquin) – 6 goldens
Cammy (hosted by Jamie Gunnick Family) x Trax (hosted by Beth
Hitchcock) – 7 lab/german shepherd
Mia (hosted by Gail Haba Family) x Cooper (hosted by Jason &
Christie Holton Family) – 11 labs
Breeding Stock Retired
Xena – female lab (hosted by Kathy Hersman Family)
Breeding Stock Deceased
Cody – male lab 9 yrs (hosted by the Malover Family)
Crystal – female lab 13 yrs (hosted by Jeanne Holmes Family)
Snowy – male lab 14 yrs (hosted by the Felker Family)
Leader Dogs Retired
Arthur – William Esser
Belle – Francine Korte
Boris – Fran Schneider
Brogan – Christy Reid
Cece – Eloise Garrett
Djali – Maria Rosario Hurtado
Ella – Phyllis Collett
Felicity – Monique Ivey
Fred – William Ness
Gibson – Michael King
Gouda – Claire Lofgren
Gunnar – Edith Powell
Gypsy – Kathleen Spear
Gypsy – Lisette Cuthbert
Jester – Cathy Hutson
Karley – Kathy Martinez
King Ole – Fernando Povedano
Lenny – Jeff Guiffre
Makayla – Gina Braxton
Malachi – Joaquin Gil Arpal
Max – D. Guevera
Morgan – Jesus’ Gonzalez
Patch – Helen Layne
Rosie – Barbara Tweedy
Roxie – Jane Jibson
Samson – Nemoy Malcolm
Shaylee – Debra Brooks
Sterling – David Hernandez
Tali – Rebeca Baranda
Vincent – Walter Austin
Wolfgang – Mark Agnello
Zen (Zena) – Lorie Roersma
Leader Dogs Deceased
Abby – Ginny Quick
Bandit – Jerry Sanders
Buck – Josefa Navarro Canovas
Cider – Patricia Kelly
Dixie – Teresa Arroyo
Duchess – Gail Lasko
Freedom – Jack Burge
Hagrid – Tyler Butler
Jackson – Chuck Pettke
Lillie – Robert Steppler
Lucy – Patti Schonlau
Murphy – Virginia Hester
Myrtle – Beverly Rounsaville
Pepper – Ryan King
Prince – Florence Cunningham
Sadie – Louis Southwell
Shadow – Susan Dunham
Sidney – Tammy Barnett
Sparkle – Kelli Givens
Teekona – Doris Smith
Violet – Barb Gieseke
Yogi (Yoko) – Terry Walker
Calendar of Events
June 1 Dog Guide class 09-12 begins
June 7 Accelerated Mobility Program class begins
June 28 Dog Guide class 10-01 begins
July 5 Accelerated Mobility Program class begins
July 26 Dog Guide class 10-02 begins
August 14 Trekker class begins
August 23 Dog Guide class 10-03 begins
August 30 Accelerated Mobility Program class begins
Youth
June 19 Trekker GPS Camp Goes to the Dogs begins
July 17 Trekspedition at Bear Lake Camp begins
Professionals
June 3 Orientation, Mobility and Leader Dog Travel seminar begins
July 12 O&M University seminar begins – Western Michigan
University, Northern Illinois University, University of Louisville,
South Carolina State University
The mission of Leader Dogs for the Blind is to enhance the
lives of people who are blind and visually impaired.