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My Pass Along Journey: Welcoming Yoko into Our Home - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Written by Anne Preston, Leader Dog Puppy Raiser Being a part of the volunteer engagement department at Leader Dog, I’ve always been curious about the puppy raising experience from a volunteer’s perspective! Since starting my career with Leader three years ago, I’ve been waiting for the right time to raise a puppy. I recognized it ... Read more
Welcome National Volunteer Week 2025! - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Written by Melissa Pletcher, Manager of Volunteer Engagement Dedication When I first joined Leader over three years ago, I thought I knew what dedication was. I have met and worked with many fine volunteers who were so dedicated and gave so much of themselves to their organizations. But when I arrived, I discovered an entirely ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Alabama - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One I’m on the way to Mobile, Alabama. Flying into Mobile, actually. Staying in Sarahland and working in Chickasaw. The weather forecast keeps changing for the worse every time I check it. I pay a little too close attention to the weather since I fly so much. So close that I know what they ... Read more
March 2025 – Future Leader Dog Gram Update - Leader Dogs for the Blind
It’s time for another update about Future Leader Dog Gram! He’s being raised and supported by six team members at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Traci is a part of the team and wants to share some of the exciting progress and experiences her and Gram have had together in the last month. February was ... Read more
How Veterinary Students and Leader Dog Collaborate to Ensure Healthy Eyes in Future Leader Dogs - Leader Dogs for the Blind
As part of their advanced ophthalmology elective, veterinary students from Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine are diving deep into the world of eye care. Leader Dogs for the Blind’s breeding team invited these students to help perform some routine eye exams on our breeding stock dogs. The students that participated have a ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Kansas - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 Kansas. I was supposed to be here in January, but Mother Nature decided to have a blizzard instead. Now, if you know anything about Leader Dog, we don’t cancel training for cold weather. We’re based in Michigan, for pity’s sake, it gets pretty cold there. The Kansas Department of Transportation, or whatever they’re ... Read more
February 2025 - Future Leader Dog Gram Update - Leader Dogs for the Blind
It’s time for another update about Future Leader Dog Gram! He’s being raised and supported by six team members at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Kasey is a part of the team and wants to share some of the exciting progress and experiences her and Gram have had together in the last month. As the ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Tennessee - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 I’m on my way to New Tazewell, Tennessee. Pronounced “taz” not “taze”. I flew from Houston to LaGuardia and then to Knoxville. New York always looks better to me when it’s covered with snow and it was today. I hope the weather in Tennessee is what I packed for, which was definitely NOT ... Read more
The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Eye exams are crucial to maintain maximum eye health and play a vital role in diagnosing eye conditions and diseases. Early detection is essential. Eye exams can detect a broad range of vision issues, many of which can be corrected. Vision loss can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform essential daily living skills, considerably ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Morgantown, WV - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 I’m in Morgantown, West Virginia, to visit Debbie. Get this y’all: She’s had dogs from Leader for 40 years! Can you imagine? She’s getting a little orientation and mobility (O&M) brush-up while waiting to apply for her next dog. I sat with her first thing this morning to get to know her and ... Read more
About Blindness and Low Vision - Leader Dogs for the Blind
What is Blindness & Low Vision? Vision loss represents a broad spectrum ranging from minor visual impairment to the complete inability to see. Vision loss results from varying underlying causes and can significantly impact daily living. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally more than 2 billion people have a vision impairment, almost half ... Read more
The First Leader Dog Puppies of 2025: A Special Beginning and the Heart of a Volunteer - Leader Dogs for the Blind
The first Leader Dog puppies of 2025 are here! Born on January 7th, this adorable litter of three puppies marks an exciting milestone for Leader Dogs for the Blind and the dedicated volunteers who help bring these dogs into the world. This year’s first litter comes from Leader Dog Mom Winnie and Leader Dog Dad ... Read more
Reflecting on Three Years of Taking the Lead: A Personal Note - Leader Dogs for the Blind
I still remember my first day at Leader Dogs for the Blind when I was asked to help create a podcast. As someone new to the team, I was both excited and nervous about the opportunity to share our clients’ stories and spread our mission with the world. Now, I find myself looking back in ... Read more
December 2024 - Future Leader Dog Gram Update - Leader Dogs for the Blind
It’s time for another update about Future Leader Dog Gram! He’s being raised and supported by six team members at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Emily is a part of the team and wants to share with you what happened in the last month. With the holidays right around the corner, I have some time ... Read more
January 2025 - Future Leader Dog Gram Update - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Time for another update on Future Leader Dog Gram! He’s been getting a lot of love and support from his six-person raising team at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Mariana is a part of the team and wants to share with you what happened in the last month. December has been a fun month for ... Read more
November 2024 - Future Leader Dog Gram Update - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Christina, Kasey, Emily, Mariana, Traci and Cheryl – Gram’s six amazing raisers – have an update that’s sure to make you smile. Our fluffy, affectionate and oh-so-smart puppy is growing up fast! At nearly six months old, this black Lab/golden retriever mix is stealing hearts everywhere he goes. We like to say, he’s a “big ... Read more
Change Lives: Become a Future Leader Dog Puppy Raiser - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Have you ever dreamed of making a lasting impact while sharing your life with an adorable puppy? As a Future Leader Dog puppy raiser, you can do exactly that. Every year, dedicated volunteers spend 12-15 months nurturing and training puppies that will go on to become invaluable guide dogs for individuals who are blind – ... Read more
On the Road with Barry (and Sarah) - Phoenix, Arizona - Leader Dogs for the Blind
To introduce myself: My name is Sarah Duyck, I am an orientation and mobility (O&M) and field service representative, DeafBlind, at Leader Dogs for the Blind. However, that is an extremely new title for me. Today’s my first day! I am a guide dog mobility instructor (GDMI) and have been a member of the DeafBlind ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - North Carolina - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One I’m flying with the other airline today, so I don’t have high hopes. I’m seated near the back of the cattle car—I mean, cabin—next to two folks who don’t look happy to see me. As I put my tray table down, I realize I’ve managed to rip my pants. Not a tiny tear, ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - West Virginia - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day one I flew into Pittsburg, an airport I really enjoy. It’s a small airport representing a big city. Major flights without the major hassle. I’m on my way to Clarksburg, West Virginia to work with Kris, who I first contacted in May about coming out to see him. It’s a beautiful drive down through ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Morrisville, PA - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One I flew into Philadelphia, picked up my rental car and set the GPS for my drive out to Morrisville, Philadelphia, which is just across the river from Trenton, New Jersey. I’ve only been to Philadelphia one other time many years ago. I took a train trip down the East Coast to see some ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Elgin, Illinois - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One I traveled from Minneapolis to Chicago on Saturday, got the rental car and on to the hotel. I barely took any time to look around as I was a bit tired of being on the go. Also, the Razorbacks are playing down to their competition, so I really need to get in front ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Wisconsin - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day Zero I started this trip a little early this time. I went out to West Texas to visit my mom who had a little surgery. I love my extended family and cherish the time I get to spend with them. My cousin Shana works at a meat market, and they make the best jerky. ... Read more
My Veterinary Externship at Leader Dog - Leader Dogs for the Blind
My full circle experience Hi everyone! I’m Chelsea, and I’m thrilled to share my experiences as a veterinary extern at Leader Dogs for the Blind. My connection to this organization is both personal and professional, and it’s been a rewarding journey so far. From Leader Dog’s involvement in my family to my current role as ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Iowa - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day one I started this trip a week early. I’m traveling back-to-back weeks this time because I’m scheduling around my son’s water polo games. I’ll miss some games, which I hate, but I’ll miss fewer if I do it this way. So I was in Michigan last week, at the Mother Ship. I only go ... Read more
Preparing Leader Dogs for Emergency Environments: Puppy Raising Group Outing - Leader Dogs for the Blind
The journey to becoming a Leader Dog is as much about exposure and experience as it is about training. Leader Dog puppy counselors organize puppy class outings to give both the puppies and raisers new experiences to help make them more successful. About twice a year puppy groups will visit a local firehouse, where these ... Read more
On The Road With Barry - Jacksonville, NC - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day one My client called me yesterday to ask me if I was still coming to Jacksonville. I told him that I was, and not to worry. “Are you sure?” he asked. I told him I was very sure that I already had car, plane and hotel reservations. I was sure. He then told me ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Freeport, FL - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day one I felt weird all day: from the drive to the airport through the drive to Freeport. I’m going to Florida to see Teresa, who’s doing her best to become a more independent traveler, but I didn’t make it to our first day of training. The “feeling weird” turned ugly after I arrived at ... Read more
A Legacy of Success - Leader Dogs for the Blind
By Vijay Joshi KPA CTP, FFCP, Manager of Raiser and Host Experience at Leader Dogs for the Blind There is no question that our Leader Dog Moms (LDM) and Leader Dog Dads (LDD) are incredible dogs. They were each hand picked to continue the Leader Dog mission and pass on ideal traits to the puppies ... Read more
Dog Safety in July - Leader Dogs for the Blind
By Alyssa Otis, GDMI/Outreach Specialist As Independence Day draws near, so does the anticipation of fireworks lighting up the night sky. It’s important to remember the impact it can have on our pets. This season can be stressful for some of our dogs, putting them at risk of hurting themselves or running away. It’s important ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Jellico, TN - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One The lesser airline reared its ugly head again this morning. But despite their best efforts, I still got to Knoxville well before dark just as I’d hoped. I’ve got about a two-hour drive, and I don’t like doing that kind of thing, especially in the dark and uncharted territory. I’m on the way ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - North Richland Hills, TX - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 – 3 The week started a little earlier than normal as I was on the road by Wednesday to attend a camp at the request of a former co-worker, Tricia. She’s been in blind rehab for as long as I have, which is a long time, but still seems the same age as ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - La Crosse, WI - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One This trip is starting off great. I’m headed to La Crosse, WI to work with David, a serial LD grad who needs some O&M training. Because La Crosse is much closer to Minneapolis, I flew in there. I love the Minneapolis airport; so clean, big windows and very bright. It’s big, so getting ... Read more
Tick and Flea Prevention Season - Leader Dogs for the Blind
David Smith, DVM It’s that time of year again, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the ticks are everywhere! The best way to avoid discomfort or disease from ticks and fleas is to do your best to keep them away from yourself and your pets. This is especially important for working dogs, ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Mechanicsburg - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 I’ve got a plan. I’m flying to Baltimore, then driving to Mechanicsburg. On the way, there’s this little town called Gettysburg. You may have heard of it. I’ve wanted to come here for most of my adult life and it’s finally going to happen. I got an earlier-than-normal flight so I could do it. I ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Lumberton, Texas - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 Well, this is unusual. I’m usually headed to an airport and have a story to tell about someone I sat next to on the plane or the shuttle, or something like that. Lumberton, Texas is a two-hour drive from my home in Nacogdoches. My very first trip for Leader back in the summer ... Read more
My Volunteer Experience - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Happy National Volunteer Week to all my fellow volunteers! My name is Margaret Lopez, and I am a Volunteer Engagement Assistant for the Puppy Development and Breeding Departments. Through this role I learned about being a breeding host for Leader Dog. My husband and I are currently breeding hosts for Leader Dog Mom Kaiya! I ... Read more
National Volunteer Week 2024 - Leader Dogs for the Blind
How Lucky Am I? As a volunteer management professional for more than 20 years, I have had the pleasure of being involved in several professional networking groups. Currently, I am facilitating two groups. Locally, I facilitate the Volunteer Coordinator’s Network of SE Michigan. This group of over 175 talented individuals is comprised of professional volunteer ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Georgia - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day One I have reached status in my life. Through the blessings of my work with Leader, I have attained… Silver Medallion status (insert dramatic music here). Among the plethora of perks of a Silver Medallion member, I am afforded the opportunity to check one bag for free. This is a big one, folks. I ... Read more
On the Road with Barry - Redding and Oroville, California - Leader Dogs for the Blind
Day 1 I flew out to Sacramento on Sunday, with a connection in Salt Lake City. I love Salt Lake City’s airport. So bright, with floor to ceiling windows everywhere which provide the natural sunlight and a view of the mountains surrounding the Salt Lake Valley. Just gorgeous. And, the men’s restroom has a ledge ... Read more