Leader Dogs for the Blind Raises $14.5M for New Center

Rochester Hills, MI — Leader Dogs for the Blind, a national nonprofit based in Rochester Hills that trains and provides guide dogs, has reached a $14.5 million fundraising goal to build a new state-of-the-art Canine Development Center.

The goal was reached through a combination of donations including multi-year pledges and grants. The renovation to upgrade the previous kennel into the Canine Center began in August of 2014, with construction due to be complete in the fall of this year.

“We want to thank the community — individuals, organizations, businesses and Lions clubs — for all of their tremendous contributions,” Susan Daniels, Leader Dog president and CEO said in a statement. 

“Thanks to these donations, Leader Dog is able to accommodate and train a greater number of dogs, helping even more clients who face vision challenges to gain the skills needed for independent daily travel,” Daniels said.

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A grant from the Edward T. and Ellen K. Dryer Foundation was the contribution that allowed Leader Dog to achieve its fundraising goal. 

Edward Dryer was a Detroit-area banker who suddenly and unexpectedly lost much of his sight while on a business trip in the 1960s. He worked with his wife to become an independent investor with great success while traveling around Detroit with as few aids as possible.

Any additional donations received beyond the $14.5 million goal that are designated in support of the Canine Development Center will be utilized to support the ongoing operations of the Canine Center.

The Canine Center is designed to provide a living environment that reduces stress, promotes learning, increases socialization opportunities and supports the overall health of the dogs, among other benefits.

The nearly 75,000-square-foot facility will better prepare Leader Dogs for their life-changing and life-saving work. The Canine Center contains 255 housing suites, which allow dogs in training to cohabitate if preferred. It also includes an upgraded veterinary clinic, separate male and female breeding suites, and indoor/outdoor puppy enrichment areas.

Naming opportunities starting at $7,500 are still available. If you’re interested in pursuing please contact Melissa Weisse, chief philanthropy officer at (248) 651-9011.

Leader Dogs for the Blind, founded in 1939, has provided independent mobility to more than 14,500 individuals over the years. The services of the organization re provided free and include classes for orientation and mobility, pedestrian GPS and a summer camp for teens.

Image credit: Leader Dogs for the Blind