Four First-Time Moms Welcome 24 Offspring During Leader Dogs for the Blind's Puppy Boom
2024年8月14日 - 3:44AM
Leader Dogs for the Blind is excited to announce that four
first-time Leader Dog Moms have given birth to a total of 24
puppies that are destined for great things. This puppy boom is a
joyous occasion but also highlights the critical need for
volunteers to support these future guide dogs as they begin their
journey.
Meet the Fantastic Four:
Fleur-de-lis: This wonderful mom has her paws full keeping her
brood of five male Labrador retriever puppies in check. (Leader Dog
Dad Van Gogh)
Toffee: This sweet mom welcomed eight Labrador retriever/golden
retriever cross puppies. These adorable canines are sure to melt
hearts wherever they go. (Leader Dog Dad Hartley)
Mildred: Proving that good things come in small packages,
Mildred brought three male Labrador retriever puppies into the
world, each already special in their own way. (Leader Dog Dad
Ace)
Taffy: Not to be outdone, Taffy delivered a litter of eight
yellow Labrador retriever/golden retrievers that keep her moving.
(Leader Dog Dad MacGuyver)
These 24 puppies represent a future of self-confidence and
independence for 24 people who are blind or visually impaired that
they will someday guide. But their journey is just beginning, and
they need your help to reach their full potential.
"Each of these puppies has the capacity to dramatically change
someone's life," says Vijay Joshi, manager of raiser and host
experience at Leader Dogs for the Blind. "Our volunteer puppy
raisers and volunteer breeding mom hosts play a crucial role in
nurturing these puppies and setting them on the path to becoming
exceptional guide dogs."
Leader Dogs for the Blind is actively seeking two types of
volunteers:
- Volunteer Breeding
Mom Hosts: These dedicated individuals provide year-round homes for
a breeding mom like Fleur-de-lis, Toffee, Mildred, and Taffy. They
assist the mom during birth and care for the puppies during their
critical first weeks of life. It's a unique opportunity to
experience the miracle of birth, the joy of puppyhood, and the love
of an adult dog while making a significant impact on the lives of
people who are blind or visually impaired. And hosts get to adopt
their Leader Dog Mom when she retires after four litters.
- Volunteer Puppy
Raisers: After a few days at Leader Dog’s campus, these puppies
will be ready for their next big adventure – living with volunteer
puppy raisers for about a year. Puppy raisers provide a loving
home, basic obedience training, and crucial socialization
experiences. It's a role filled with puppy kisses, learning
experiences, and the knowledge that you're helping to create a
life-changing partnership.
"Raising a Future Leader Dog is like being part of a real-life
feel-good story," adds Vijay. "Our volunteers experience the joy of
a dog while knowing they're contributing to something truly
extraordinary – the independence and mobility of individuals who
are blind or visually impaired."
No prior experience is necessary to volunteer for either
position. Leader Dog provides comprehensive training and support
throughout the process. The main requirements are a love for dogs,
a sense of commitment, and a desire to make a difference.
Ready to embark on a tail-wagging adventure for a great cause?
Visit LeaderDog.Org/Volunteer or call 888-777-5332 to learn how you
can join the Leader Dogs for the Blind volunteer community. Your
journey in changing lives – both canine and human – starts
here!
All Leader Dogs for the Blind services are provided free to
clients thanks to our volunteers and donations from individuals,
foundations, corporations and service organizations like Lions
Clubs International. Leader Dog receives no government funding or
insurance payments.
Go to LeaderDog.org to learn more about Leader Dogs for the
Blind.
###
About Leader Dogs for the Blind
Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization providing
people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for
safe and independent daily travel using a guide dog or a white
cane. All services are provided free of charge. The organization
also trains guide dogs for people who are DeafBlind, offers a
summer camp for teens, and holds seminars for orientation and
mobility (O&M) professionals and university students. Leader
Dogs for the Blind partners with agencies and O&M professionals
throughout the U.S. to provide their clients with supplemental
O&M training. For more information, call (888) 777-5332 or
visit LeaderDog.org.
- Leader Dogs for the Blind - Mildred
- Leader Dogs for the Blind - Toffee
Christina Hepner
Leader Dogs for the Blind
2486595007
christina.hepner@leaderdog.org