Alumni Letters

Dear Leader Dog,

I would like to thank Leader Dog for allowing me to participate in the Accelerated Mobility Program. When I first heard about this special program, I was very interested. My rehabilitation instructor gave me barely two hours of instruction in cane travel back in 1994. Since I had already obtained four guide dogs from the Seeing Eye, I was afraid that Leader Dog would not accept me into their program.

I found Leader Dog to be an excellent school. The program far exceeded my expectations. I left with the confidence to face any travel situation as an adventure.

Sincerely,
Judy Presley

Dear Leader Dog,

I wanted you to know that Cooper, my Leader Dog, has been made the official dog of the Strasburg (Virginia) Town Council Chamber. I was elected to Council in May, and sworn in in July. Cooper received his designation right after I was sworn in at the first Council meeting.

Thank you for the wonderful work you do at Leader Dog and the difference you make in so many lives every day!

Sincerely,
Richard Redmon

Dear Leader Dog,

Katie had such a wonderful time at camp. She is using her Trekker whenever she gets an opportunity to navigate to new destinations, and she is mastering the laptop that was given to her at camp. She was so excited to be given the opportunity to become more independent in utilizing this technology. She is emailing her campmates and is completing some summer goals that she set for herself on becoming more proficient on the internet. I can’t thank you enough for these new opportunities for Katie. Please let the sponsors of this project know just how much this experience has meant to campers such as Katie.

I just wanted to send this note acknowledging everyone’s efforts on making this program a success. Thank you once again.

Susan M. Kelel

Dear Leader Dog,

I wanted to drop you a note and let you know that we are doing great. On our first day we had huge obstacles to get around. The town was doing work on our road and we had to go around barrels and vehicles to cross the street. The workers were absolutely amazed with Danae. On the second day we went the same route and through the obstacles again. The workers stopped and greeted us and asked questions. It was a very nice encounter. We went grocery shopping last night and Danae was listening to commands and we worked through the pet food aisle. She behaved herself and did great!

My husband is very impressed and told me that Danae is a beautiful dog. Our other dog is adapting well. He loves watching our daily obedience routine and he is actually trying to learn the commands too – awesome!

Again, many thanks for what you have done for me.

Bobbie Poling

Dear Leader Dog,

Hi, just writing to say hello and to let you know that things are going pretty good.
Since we left the school last year we have been pretty busy going to meetings and speaking at my church about the dog and what you need to know when you meet a Leader Dog in harness. The kids really love it and after we talk I give them a chance to see what being visually impaired is all about.

Sincerely,
Larry Skwarok and Leader Dog “Argus”