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Donor Profile
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Lon and Barbara Grossman: Donors for Over 30 Years
- Published in: Update - Issue 3 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Lon's story:
Lon and Barbara Grossman
My father was blind. In those days, blind people had many stumbling blocks. My family was poor and my dad needed help, Leader Dog was very gracious and extremely kind to my dad. They gave him a dog and asked for nothing in return. They not only trained him to use the dog, they also gave him a life of independence.
Dad's Leader Dog was a wonderful white shepherd named Peanut. Sure, she gave my dad independence, confidence, and a pair of eyes, but more importantly, Peanut was the soul of our family - I mean the real soul of the Grossman family. I still have Peanut's dog tags on my key ring and a picture of her in my wallet. When Peanut died, Barbara and I felt as if we lost a child.
Lon's dad with Leader Dog “Peanut”
The experience my family had with Leader Dog happens all the time with a recipient's family. I have heard repeatedly how someone's dog made a difference in all the family members' lives, not just the person who is blind.
The most precious gift that Barbara and I have ever received was a thank you note from a student, Starla Bidwell. The note was written in her own handwriting, on a piece of paper torn from a notebook. Starla spent her time at Leader Dog in the room that Barbara and I sponsored. In her note she thanked us for her room and explained how Leader Dog has improved her life. That precious note is framed and hanging in my house. Nothing that I have means more to me than that note from Starla.
Barbara and I started giving to Leader Dog when we were just starting out as a married couple. Although we didn't have much money and could not give very often, we did what we could. But I can tell you, the saying is true, “The more I give, the more I'm blessed.” We get an incredible amount of emotional satisfaction out of giving to Leader Dog. We believe it is the responsibility of all people to help those in need.
We want to make sure other visually impaired, blind or deaf-blind people receive the guidance, independence and blessings that my father received from Leader Dog. Barbara and I encourage everyone to tell their family and friends about Leader Dogs for the Blind and to donate. People do not have to give a lot, but everyone needs to give. By doing so, you offer a better life for people who are blind and make the world a better place.
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