Serving the Greater Kent Community Since 1938
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Guide dog schools exist to train dogs (usually German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers) to perform the important task of providing a blind, hearing impaired or physically challenged person with greater mobility. The one to two-year-old animals go through a five- to nine-month training period, during which they are taught to be reliable and efficient companions. Guide dogs are usually provided free of charge; when attendance at the school is required, the usual costs to the individual are transportation and expenses during the month-long training period when they learn how to use and care for their new guide. Leader Dogs are trained by the nonprofit organization, Leader Dogs for the Blind. Based in Rochester Michigan, the school has trained over 11,000 Leader Dogs since its founding in 1939. Graduating hundreds of student and dog teams each year, the school strives to minimize the challenges of blindness by providing safe and independent travel. As a project of the Lions Club, and internationally recognized service organization, Leader Dogs for the Blind has been supported for almost 60 years by the generous donations for club members. Spreading the word of is services through members in every state, Lions Clubs have sponsored approximately 70% of Leader Dog's students.
The Kent Lions has granted funds over many years to this fine cause. Our Club and District supports the: LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND Visit Leader Dogs for the blind at http://www.leaderdog.org/ |
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