Alumni Letters

It is with a heavy heart that I send this to you, but I thought that you would want to know. My husband, Michael Mollohan, lost his wonderful companion, Daisy, yesterday. Daisy had fought some type of anemia since January and lost the fight yesterday on the way to the vet. Please know that she was with the people who loved and cared for her. Michael attended Leader Dog in February of 1999 and returned home with Daisy in March, 1999.

Thank you for all of the wonderful work that you do. You are all angels of hope.

Warmest Regards,
Pat Mollohan

I really didn’t get a chance to say thanks for the education. As I settle in with Shadow and we work in this environment, I have a greater understanding and appreciation of the methods you used to train him. He is doing GREAT! I couldn’t ask for better. Shadow does the mall, grocery stores, and eateries like a champ. I don’t have to give verbal commands too much when we are in a store, I give him two small pulls on the leash and he lays right down. “Hop up” and he waits until I have the handle. Getting him to slow down is no longer an issue as he has accustomed himself to my gait. I guess you were right, training at home is just as important as what you do at Leader Dog.

Again, I want to say thanks for matching me and Shadow as a team. I’m going to be “tying the knot” this summer and Shadow is going to be the Best Dog.

Thanks again,
Mike Keech

[My Leader Dog “Ella” and I] have done so much together. We’ve vacationed in Spain twice, hiked in the Colorado mountains, “jeeped” in Canyon DeChelly in Arizona, taken the Metro in Washington DC, eaten meals in mall food courts and in fancy restaurants, enjoyed the West Virginia countryside and ridden in too many planes to count (including at least 15 trans-Atlantic flights).

If it’s time for Ella to retire, she has most certainly earned it!

Sincerely,
Phyllis Collett

A Poem for My Leader Dog “Garnet”

My life used be cheery and bright,
but four years ago today I lost my sight.
But it’s really not that bleak
‘cause it’s for what you make of it after that and what you seek.
And lately there has been a lot fewer sighs
for now I have a Leader Dog for my eyes.
‘Cause in her I have so much pride,
she is always by my side.
So no more the dark I fear,
‘cause I know that my Leader Dog is here.
Now with her guiding me, I can go down the sidewalks
and across any street.
She protects me and keeps me from harm and it’s really neat.
All she ever expects is a pat on the head, “good girl,” or a treat.

Ken Clark