Celebrating National Dog Day & Guide Dog Month

National Dog Day was August 26th and September is National Guide Dog Month, so what better way to celebrate than to spread the word about our mission, our beloved Guiding Eyes pups, and amazing life-changing dogs? CEO & President Thomas Panek, along with his guide dog Ten, and Running Guides Manager Jolene Hollister, with 9-week-old future guide dogs Fleetwood and Finneas, and Duncan and Doyle, are visiting TV stations FOX5 and ABC News in NYC today.

First they appeared on Fox’s Good Day New York, a popular morning show that many in the New York area tune into for news, weather, traffic, sports… and today a little puppy love. Thomas and Jolene discussed Guiding Eyes’ mission, the journey of future guide dogs, and our unique Running Guides program. Thomas shared how much of a difference having a running guide like Ten, has made in his life and the lives of others with vision loss. When the conversation included the need for volunteer puppy raisers, adorable Fleetwood and brother Finneas were there to help make the point. Who could resist these sweet and amazing puppies!

Watch the segment on Good Day New York here.

“Most importantly, they are learning about the world and everything that they might experience as a guide dog out in the real world. Going to restaurants, going on the train, just seeing and being with people in environments like this, believe it or not, is a huge learning experience for them, and that is what helps them grow up to be confident dogs able to handle being a guide dog.”  ~Jolene Hollister, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Behind the Scenes at Good Day New York

Watch the segment on ABC News Live here.

Their appearance on ABC News Live aired on Monday, September 2nd, in honor of National Guide Dog Month. The segment highlighted the process of training a puppy and matching it with someone in need of a guide dog. They also talked about this month’s WAGATHON and how viewers can get involved. Ten and Jolene gave a quick demonstration of the “Touch” skill. Ten, an admirable ambassador for guide dogs, lay calmly yet responsively by Thomas’ chair. The adorable yellow puppies, Duncan and Doyle, continued the long tradition of Guiding Eyes puppies stealing the show while stealing hearts.

It’s importantly personally – I have experienced vision loss throughout my life, and I am legally blind, and I want to be able to help other people with the gift of a guide dog. That’s really important, to be mobile and active and remain fit even though you might have a challenge of losing your vision.”  ~Thomas Panek, President and CEO of Guiding Eyes