FB pixel

Leader Dog Blog

Welcome National Volunteer Week 2025!

Written by Melissa Pletcher, Manager of Volunteer Engagement Dedication When I first joined Leader over three years ago, I thought I knew what dedication was. I have met and worked with many fine volunteers who were so dedicated and gave ...
Continue Reading This Article

On the Road with Barry – Alabama

Day One I’m on the way to Mobile, Alabama. Flying into Mobile, actually. Staying in Sarahland and working in Chickasaw. The weather forecast keeps changing for the worse every time I check it. I pay a little too close attention ...
Continue Reading This Article
A group of ten people stand together in front of a Leader Dogs for the Blind sign smiling at the camera.

How Veterinary Students and Leader Dog Collaborate to Ensure Healthy Eyes in Future Leader Dogs

As part of their advanced ophthalmology elective, veterinary students from Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine are diving deep into the world of eye care. Leader Dogs for the Blind’s breeding team invited these students to help perform ...
Continue Reading This Article

On the Road with Barry – Kansas

Day 1 Kansas. I was supposed to be here in January, but Mother Nature decided to have a blizzard instead. Now, if you know anything about Leader Dog, we don’t cancel training for cold weather. We’re based in Michigan, for ...
Continue Reading This Article

On the Road with Barry – Tennessee

Image description: Kathy using her new cane while walking across the grass in her front yard. Day 1 I’m on my way to New Tazewell, Tennessee. Pronounced "taz" not “taze”. I flew from Houston to LaGuardia and then to Knoxville. ...
Continue Reading This Article
Optometry equipment displayed in a medical office, showcasing tools for eye health assessments and diagnostics.

The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams

Eye exams are crucial to maintain maximum eye health and play a vital role in diagnosing eye conditions and diseases. Early detection is essential. Eye exams can detect a broad range of vision issues, many of which can be corrected. ...
Continue Reading This Article
Four people stand in a hallway holding white canes. The canes are all pointed together in the middle as the people pose and smile at the camera.

About Blindness and Low Vision

What is Blindness & Low Vision? Vision loss represents a broad spectrum ranging from minor visual impairment to the complete inability to see. Vision loss results from varying underlying causes and can significantly impact daily living. According to the World ...
Continue Reading This Article
Two individuals posing for a photo, one wearing a gray fleece jacket and the other in a historical costume with a fur hat and carrying a musket, standing in an indoor area with stairs in the background.

On the Road with Barry – Morgantown, WV

Day 1 I’m in Morgantown, West Virginia, to visit Debbie. Get this y’all: She’s had dogs from Leader for 40 years! Can you imagine? She’s getting a little orientation and mobility (O&M) brush-up while waiting to apply for her next ...
Continue Reading This Article
Person sitting on the floor inside a whelping area holding a 'Gravity Falls' book, petting a black dog lying next to them.

The First Leader Dog Puppies of 2025: A Special Beginning and the Heart of a Volunteer

The first Leader Dog puppies of 2025 are here! Born on January 7th, this adorable litter of three puppies marks an exciting milestone for Leader Dogs for the Blind and the dedicated volunteers who help bring these dogs into the ...
Continue Reading This Article
Group of three people and a guide dog posing in a modern conference room. They stand in front of a screen displaying a logo with the text Taking the Lead. Two women wear casual attire, smiling alongside a man holding the dog's harness. Professional lighting equipment and a whiteboard are visible in the background.

Reflecting on Three Years of Taking the Lead: A Personal Note

I still remember my first day at Leader Dogs for the Blind when I was asked to help create a podcast. As someone new to the team, I was both excited and nervous about the opportunity to share our clients' ...
Continue Reading This Article