UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WLUC) – An organization created by the Lions Club International gives visually impaired people a service dog free of charge there is even a chapter in the Upper Peninsula.
A golden retriever puppy named Ginger is already in training to be a Leader Dog. Lions Club International’s Leader Dogs for the Blind started in 1938. The U.P. chapter’s program chair, Gretchen Preston, says the goal is to provide guide dogs for visually impaired individuals.
“It is international; it was the first program globally to provide dogs for people who are both blind and deaf,” Preston said.
The program is run through donations and the goal is to provide the dogs at no cost. People apply online and are guided through extra training to be given a guide dog.
Preston herself benefitted from the program and has her own leader dog, Floyd, who is now retired. She says that between leader dogs and other resources the program offers, plenty of support is available.
“This is a great time in history to be blind with all the technology that is available. Leader Dogs for the Blind does use a special GPS technology created for the blind to also use in our orientation and mobility program,” Preston said.
One of the puppy counselors, Pam Miller, says the main way they train the dogs is through positive reinforcement.
“Whenever they’re working as she is now with her bandana on she’s out in the community socializing. The biggest thing is working on just impulse control and different distractions such as dog distractions,” Miller said.
If you want to help, Preston says there is always a way to support the program.
“You will see throughout the Upper Peninsula that different lions clubs doing educational sessions and fundraising events for leader dogs for the blind. Please attend those sessions, if you’re interested in being a puppy raiser,” Preston said.
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