• Bruce and Betsy Hundley

• Getting Involved in…Everything

• Published in: Update - Issue 2 - 2010
• Listen to Article

Look no further than the Hundley’s for a great example of the spirit of cooperation needed for Leader Dog to achieve our mission. Bruce and Betsy are donors, puppy raisers, third party event hosts, and their company, Advance Metal Alloys, Inc., has done pro bono work for Leader Dog.

Their connection to serving the blind began during Bruce’s youth. His grandmother was blind and as a child he experienced first hand the difficulty a person living without sight can encounter. Combine this with a 12-year old Bruce’s interest in training german shepherds and a chance meeting with a member of the Roseville Lions Club (MI), and he was destined to become an LDB supporter sooner or later.

Bruce’s love of dogs followed him into the Army where he became a Scout Dog Handler with the 63rd Infantry Platoon Combat Trackers in Vietnam. He worked with german shepherds during his tour though many of the other handlers worked with labradors. He was impressed with the labs which he says, “Could track an ant in a cornfield!”

Several years ago, Bruce and Betsy accepted an invitation to tour Leader Dog’s campus. They were deeply moved when they saw first hand the positive impact LDB has on the individuals we serve. Before the tour ended, they both knew they would become donors, but after learning about the puppy raising program, they knew their commitment would include a few pounds of wiggly, furry puppy.

Currently raising their second puppy, a yellow lab named Grace; the Hundley’s continue to be amazed by the dedication of the LDB team and the puppy raisers. “When you meet individuals that are raising puppy number 6, 7, 12, or even 15, it just makes you realize that life is bigger than we are. To be part of the foundation of a Leader Dog that is going to make an impact on someone’s life is truly a blessing. This is our ministry in life.”

In their circle of friends, each has a nonprofit that fuels their passion. Some support children with disabilities while others support helping women and children leave abusive environments. Each friend supports the others’ cause; and each one believes that life is bigger than they are!

To learn more about becoming a partner with Leader Dogs for the Blind, please contact Roberta S. Trzos, CFRE at 248- 659-5014 or rtrzos@leaderdog.org.

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