Maven and Pilot Raise Money for Guiding Eyes, at Andover Orange Leaf

Submitted by Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Next time you swing on over with the family to Orange Leaf on Park Street for a sweet frozen treat, don’t be surprised if you bump into a yellow Labrador and her pup hanging out in the new, recently expanded lounge area. The Labradors, named Maven and Pilot, come from the Eastern Massachusetts’ region of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit guide dog school that raises puppies to become guide and autism service dogs.

“Maven and Pilot are essentially a life-sized guide dog “piggy” bank which help us grow awareness and raise funds to offset the training, food, and medical expenses necessary to raise the finest service dogs in the world,” notes region volunteer Jeff Borkowski. “We’re regular patrons of Orange Leaf and thought they would make a great host for our Donation Dog. Orange Leaf didn’t hesitate in welcoming us in, which is testament to their commitment to the community and giving back.”

The Eastern Massachusetts Puppy Raising Region of Guiding Eyes for the Blind has thirty to fifty volunteers raising between ten and twenty puppies at any given time. It takes approximately two years in total to prepare and train a puppy to become a working guide dog at a cost of ~$45,000 per dog - all of which are provided free of charge to those in need.

“We receive no government assistance and are funded solely by contributions from individuals, standout local businesses like Orange Leaf, community organizations, and the services of many dedicated volunteers,” shares Borkowski. “The average American household has $90 spare change ‘lost’ between couch cushions, under car seats, and orphaned in junk drawers. Maven and Pilot help us collect that change to change people’s lives, literally. There is nothing better.”

For more information on becoming a volunteer puppy raiser and other ways to support Guiding Eyes, join Guiding Eyes volunteers and their pups in training for a Meet & Greet on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Orange Leaf in Andover between 1- 2:30 p.m. or visit www.guidingeyes-ema.org.