Roland, a LeaderDog for the Blind puppy in training, was a guest at Aurora farmer’s market Saturday, Aug. 24.
Sponsored by Aurora Lions Club, the four-month-old golden retriever/labrador mix was escorted by Leader Dog puppy raiser Sherry Perkowitz of Round Lake Beach.
Founded by three Detroit-area Lions club members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind empowers people who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind with skills for a lifetime of independent travel, opening doors that may seem to have closed with the loss of sight. The free program welcomes clients who are legally blind, at least 16 years old, have good orientation and mobility skills and are able to care for a dog.
The program is personalized for each client. Thanks to sophisticated breeding, puppy raising and dog training programs, the nonprofit is able to match clients with a dog that best fits their lifestyle, travel pace, physical size, stamina and other considerations. Clients have the opportunity to train with their guide dog in a wide variety of situations to fit current and future needs, including urban, suburban and rural locations; college campuses; busy stores and malls; public transit and other environments. Programs are:
•Guide dog training: Matches clients with a Leader Dog and offers training in a variety of situations
•Orientation and mobility (O&M): A seven-day program that teaches people how to use a white cane to travel safely indoors and outdoors
•Teen O&M: A seven-day program for teenagers 16 and 17 years old and a supporter
Other programs include youth camp and GPS technology integration. Programs also include meals, housing during training, travel, and equipment.
The guide dog program is offered in a variety of formats: on-campus training at Rochester Hills, Mich., in-home delivery, flex training, urban training, warm weather training, and training specifically for individuals who are deaf/blind.
Lions have been dedicated ambassadors and loyal supporters of the mission since its founding. Over 4,900 Lions clubs both nationally and internationally contribute financially to Leader Dog. Lions identify people in their community who could benefit from Leader Dog’s services, offer assistance to clients and widely communicate information about programs throughout their hometowns and districts.
Lions step forward to support the people Leader Dogs serve in significant ways, acting as Leader Dog chairs in their districts, as puppy raisers and hosts for breeding stock dogs and as advocates for the community of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Lions Clubs throughout the world have continued to support Leader Dog and its clients financially, brought thousands of people who needed assistance through Leader Dog’s doors and have continued to serve on the Board of Trustees. They are puppy raisers, volunteers, breeding hosts and so much more. Many recipients of Leader Dog services have become Lions after experiencing their support and mission firsthand.
—Al Benson