Leader Dogs
Leader Dogs for the Blind was founded in 1939 by a group of Michigan Lions. Their goal was to train dogs to lead the blind and to provide facilities and means whereby trained dogs could be matched to a blind master. The training school and executive offices are located in Rochester, Michigan. Over ten thousand blind people have become self-sufficient through the use of a Leader Dog. The dormitory stands as a tribute to the many Lions Clubs who have unselfishly given their time and money to make the Leader Dog School what it is today.
People who are legally blind, 18 years of age or over, in good health, emotionally stable and of good moral character may be eligible for Leader Dog training. Students live under the supervision of competent instructors during a four-week training period. Training is perceived as an emotional and physical re-education to a new way of effective living.
When not training on the streets of Rochester or other nearby communities, the student and his Leader Dog can practice on the training course in the orchard. This training course was constructed to augment the student's experiences in town by offering a controlled area in which the instructor could submit student and Leader Dog to further active testing. Following the "practice makes perfect" principle, the student begins on the orchard course. The instructor reinforces lessons to student and dog alike, and builds on each subsequent session to prepare the student and Leader Dog for their final street encounters.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is supported by contributions from the public-Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs; sororities; various public-supported agencies and private individuals. There is no charge for a Leader Dog or any part of the four-week training program. It costs the school approximately $20,000 for each team.
This year $1,000 was collected from the recycling. Our goal for next year is $2,000. Please help us help those in need. Save your aluminum cans and drop them off where they will make a difference. If you would like more information please contact us at Fairbanks Choice Lions, P.O. Box 72995, Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-2995.
