Leader Dog Welcomes International First For Campus Visit

Published February 25, 2026
Leader Dog Welcomes International First For Campus Visit

In February, the Lions engagement team and president and CEO, Lion Melissa Weisse, were honored to welcome International First Vice President Mark Lyon of Lions Clubs International to our campus at Leader Dogs for the Blind!

Mark was joined by his wife, Lion Lyn Lyon, Past International Director Justin Faber and Lion Shelly O’Henley of the Ubly Lions for a meaningful visit celebrating our long-standing partnership and shared mission of service.

Mark shared, “A few years back, I had the joy of serving on the Lions Advisory Committee for Leader Dog and learned so much about this premier organization that shares so many of our Lions values. Founded in 1939, Leader Dog and Lions have been working side by side to serve the blind and visually impaired to gain their independence and mobility. Together we toured the facility and learned about the current needs of Leader Dog. Lion Lyn and I look forward to partnering with Leader Dog in the days ahead.”

Lions and Leader Dog have worked side by side to empower people who are blind or low vision with the tools they need to live independent lives. We are thankful for the continued leadership and support of Lions everywhere, and we look forward to all we will accomplish together for many years to come!

If your Lions Club or District is interested in learning more about ways to partner with Leader Dogs for the Blind, please reach out to our Lions team at LionsSupport@LeaderDog.org.

A man, Mark Lyon, is kneeling down to receive kisses from a yellow Labrador retriever puppy.
A man, Mark Lyon, is kneeling down to receive kisses from a yellow Labrador retriever puppy.
A group of people pose in front of the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo in the lobby of the canine center. From left to right: Melissa Weisse, Lyn Lyon, Mark Lyon, Justin Faber, Claudia Gregory and Shelly O'Henley.
A group of people pose in front of the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo in the lobby of the canine center. From left to right: Melissa Weisse, Lyn Lyon, Mark Lyon, Justin Faber, Claudia Gregory and Shelly O'Henley.
A group of people pose in front of the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo in the lobby of the canine center. From left to right: Jess VandenBoom, Lyn Lyon, Mark Lyon, Justin Faber, Claudia Gregory and Shelly O'Henley.
A group of people pose in front of the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo in the lobby of the canine center. From left to right: Jess VandenBoom, Lyn Lyon, Mark Lyon, Justin Faber, Claudia Gregory and Shelly O'Henley.

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