Recent News
January 20, 2010
Leader Dog "Bijou" Wins Humane Society Award
The Augusta, Georgia Humane Society awarded the Casey Ritchhart Award to Leader Dog "Bijou" for the work she does for her owner Cassandra Gentry. Cassandra is a chemistry teacher at Lakeside High School and credits Bijou with helping her regain her passion for teaching. Watch the video to learn more about "Bijou" and the special service she provides to Cassandra.
November 23, 2009
Leader Dog "General" Meets His Match
On Wednesday, November 18th, Leader Dog "General" was issued to his new master, Donald Bowman. General was sponsored by, and named after, General Motors Corporation. Coincidentally, Don retired several years ago from General Motor’s Lansing Assembly Plant where his first Leader Dog, Lyle, accompanied him to work for seven years.
During his puppy year, General attended several events representing GM and Leader Dog. Here he poses with a classic Chevy GTO at the Woodward Dream Cruise.
"Between my connection with GM and General’s connection with GM, it’s kind of like we were meant to be together," says Don.
November 5, 2009
Leader Dogs for the Blind Receives the Alfred P. Sloan Award
Leader Dog is proud to be a 2009 recipient of the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. This prestigious award recognizes employers across the country that are successfully using flexibility to meet both business and employee goals.
Applicants are measured against national data from the Families and Work Institute’s National Study of Employers in the areas of workplace flexibility programs, policies and culture. Those ranking in the top 20% become finalists and an extensive survey on the organizations practices is sent to all employees. Winners are chosen based on a combined score of both employer and employee survey responses.
Some of the practices that lead Leader Dog to receive the award are:
- Many team members choose their own starting and quitting times and flex their daily work hours and weekly work schedules.
- Employees can work as few as 32 hours per week while retaining their benefits and opportunity for upward mobility within the organization.
- Work resources are provided for team members choosing to work from home 1-2 days each week eliminating their commute time and making their kids school and sports events more accessible.
- Personal/sick days are taken or scheduled with ‘no questions asked’ so the employee uses them as needed in order to have the flexibility to manage personal and family responsibilities.
- Team members can bring their pet canine to work which reduces the time spent away from their pet and enhances their workday.
October 1, 2009
Leader Dog graduate visits the Oval Office
On June 26th, a group of young adults who are deaf-blind had an opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama in the Oval office – including Leader Dog graduate Jason Corning. The young adults were in D.C. to celebrate Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week 2009, and by their example, to show that “Deaf-Blindness Didn’t Stop with Helen Keller” - the theme of this special week.
September 18, 2009
Lions Summer Visits 2009 – A Great Success
A Lion guest walking under blindfold in front of the LDB kennel building with Apprentice Instructor Catherine Palid.
Approximately 345 District Governors, Vice District Governors, Leader Dog Chairs and special Lions guests attended this year’s summer visits at Leader Dog. Presentations were made on our finances, programs and services, Lions recognition programs, the role of LDB Chairs, and the breeding and puppy raising programs. Lions toured the kennel, met the veterinary team, and experienced walking under blindfold with a Leader Dog.
MD-17 Council Chair Bryce Day and PDG LDB Graduate Richard “Buss” Brauer presented “Lions Success Stories” highlighting a major fundraiser they held last year in Kansas. As a result of their efforts, Kansas contributions to LDB quintupled from the previous year and MD-17 made the list of Top 15 Multiple Districts for 2008-09.
Here are a few of the comments we’ve received:
“You folks did an excellent job this past weekend and the passion is very obvious in everybody who had the microphone.” – Leader Dog Chair Ken Bauer, Minnesota District 5M-11
“My last visit to Leader Dog was the summer of ’96…I am happy to say that I am glad some things did not change like the chili and donut luncheon. Please convey my appreciation to all those who work tirelessly to assist those who are visually impaired.”
– District Governor Evelyn Spiering, Ontario A-1
“A lot of us [Lions Club members] always knew what you were about, and we always promoted the Leader Dog program in our travels as Lions – but until I visited the campus and saw it first hand, the weight of it all and the importance of what you do there didn't really hit home…. My commitment to you has deepened ever so much. I wish words could convey my highest gratitude and appreciation for the work you do!” – District Governor Randy Burton, Iowa District 9-SE
August 13, 2009
Guests join Leader Dog for an Enchanted Summer Evening
Over 65 guests joined us under our outdoor pavilion on August 13th to celebrate an Enchanted Summer Evening. Though the refreshments, great weather and kennel tour were great hits, the real enchantment of the evening were presentations by two Leader Dog users. Current student, Tyler Butler (with Leader Dog “Rogan”) and graduate Jim Platzer (with Leader Dog “Maddy”) shared their personal stories on how Leader Dog has transformed their lives. Jim related how he lost his sight from retinitis pigmentosa, what it is like to live without sight and how his life was changed by his four-legged hero.
Our next donor gathering is scheduled for October 10th, 2009. If you’d like to attend and learn more about Leader Dog and our students, please email donorsupport@leaderdog.org.
August 5, 2009
Leader Dog awarded $19,000 grant from Art Van Furniture
Leader Dogs for the Blind was one of 50 Michigan-based non-profits to receive a grant from Art Van Furniture as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebration, dubbed the “Million Dollar Charity Challenge.” The grants, totaling $1,000,000 and ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 each, were awarded to non-profits focusing on children, health and human services programs. Leader Dog was awarded $19,000.
“If you're fortunate enough to be as successful as we have been, then I believe it is your responsibility to give back,” said Mr. Van Elslander, “The Million Dollar Charity Challenge will benefit 50 remarkable and deserving organizations to help them continue their outstanding work and improve the lives of people across our state. We designed these grants as challenge gifts in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities.”