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Three Alarm Leader Dog Puppy Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beverly Moody
Office: (248) 659-5019
Cell: (248) 917-6035
bmoody@leaderdog.org

Burr Ridge, IL, February 17, 2008 - It’s a three alarm Leader Dogs for the Blind puppy training at Pleasantview Fire Protection District Station #2! Puppies that are being raised to become Leader Dogs are experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a fire station.

“It’s fantastic that the fire department allows us to bring the puppies here to learn. This is our first visit to a fire station. The puppies will be able to see firefighters dressed in full gear, speaking through oxygen tanks; watch fire engines drive by sounding their alarms; walk through a safety trailer with smoke; sniff the inside of an ambulance; and even practice walking on the staircase in the fire tower,” said Leader Dogs for the Blind Volunteer Puppy Program Counselor, Lynn Kimble of Steger.

Leader Dog puppies are with volunteer puppy raisers for the first year of their lives. During this year, puppy raisers teach the puppies house manners, basic obedience and expose them to as many experiences as possible. Learning to master and be comfortable with all of the different types of staircases is an integral part of Leader Dog training.

“Most dogs get startled when ambulances and fire engines speed past sounding their sirens and flashing their lights Leader Dogs can’t afford to budge. Having a calm and confident Leader Dog could be life-saving. We are proud to provide this training environment for them to practice,” said Captain Keith Miller.

Leader Dogs are provided completely free to qualified individuals, including travel and 26 days of room and board at the Leader Dog facility. The estimated value is $38,000. Leader Dogs for the Blind is located in Rochester, Michigan, and is funded by donations from Lions and Lioness Club members, individuals, foundations and corporations dedicated to community service.