We’re delighted that you are considering applying for a guide dog. We’ve seen firsthand how significant and life-changing these partnerships can be. Here you’ll learn about our application and admissions procedure.
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Listen to Guiding Eyes for the Blind President and CEO Thomas Panek discuss pros and cons of working with a guide dog and how Guiding Eyes trains its guide dogs in an interview on Eyes on Success: www.EyesOnSuccess.net/eos_1751_podcast.mp3
![This week's feature for Transformation Tuesday is a steady and sweet black lab named Ira. The handsome pup trained with first-time handler David, a Vietnam veteran from Caribou, Maine. Swipe ⬅️ to see Ira all grown up as an official guide dog!
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David can already feel the difference with Ira at his side. "The absolute biggest thing for me is that I have independence again. For the first time in years, I can go Christmas shopping for my wife completely on my own. He’s opened doors and opportunities for me too."
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David remembers a particularly sweet highlight from training, "One of the best moments during training happened on a day we were working in the mall. Being able to stand up next to my wife and hold her hand as we walked – that was a huge, huge thing for us. It was enormously special."
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A special thanks to Robin Liberty, Ira's volunteer puppy raiser from our Eastern Massachusetts Puppy Raising Region (@guidingeyes_ema). She sent us this lovely write-up about her experience raising Ira: "To say that raising Ira was life-changing would not be an over-statement. His nickname amongst my region team was 'Sweet Boy Ira' and he was my best friend. He brought me out of my shell as he drew curiosity and wonder wherever we went. Every afternoon became an adventure because there was no outing he wouldn’t try(and excel at). Together, we visited festivals, hit a theme park, and cruised the mall. He was fearless, curious, and kept me on my toes. I am so proud that he is fulfilling his destiny of providing independence to someone with low vision. To the new team, I wish many years of happiness and bold adventures. May he bring you as much joy as he brought me."
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Read more about David and Ira by clicking the link in our bio.
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Picture Description:
[1] Ira is pictured as an adorable puppy while wearing a light blue pup on program bandana.
[2] David & Ira’s official graduation photo: David stands in the grass with Ira in a sit by his side.
📷 [1]: @trainer.in.training
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