Our Journey as Leader Dog Breeding Hosts

Written by Jamie Joseph, Leader Dog Breeding Host

When we moved to Michigan and learned about Leader Dogs for the Blind, we knew we needed to be involved. While puppy raising is an incredible opportunity, I wasn’t sure I was selfless enough to train and love a dog for a year and then let them go (even though they would hopefully go on to an amazing guide dog career). Then I learned about being a breeding host: taking in a mom or dad dog and helping to create and raise the next generation of Leader Dogs.

My husband and I got matched with Mia this past November, the sweetest Labrador retriever we have ever met. On January 12th, 2025, Mia whelped 9 healthy puppies in our home. We had no prior experience with veterinary care, dog pregnancies, or newborn dogs, but we had an amazing support system through Leader Dog and other experienced hosts.

It was honestly the craziest couple of months of my life, and helping those little bundles grow into confident puppies became one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been part of. We invited many friends and families to visit when the puppies were old enough, which helped us forge connections in our new community. Watching the puppies open their eyes and begin to explore the world brought a satisfaction that I cannot adequately put into words.

The litter returned to campus on March 3rd, and Mia is now transitioning into the canine ambassador program, where she’ll represent Leader Dog at events and spread awareness about their mission. Having Mia become part of our family was the true gift; we will never be able to repay Leader Dogs for the Blind for this transformative experience.