Leader Dog for the Blind Faces Critical Shortage of Volunteers

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Rochester Hills-based Leader Dogs for the Blind is in immediate need of volunteer puppy raisers and host homes and volunteers for three breeding stock “moms.”

Volunteers are critical to its success of Leader Dog, which empowers people who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind with skills for a lifetime of independent travel, opening doors that may seem to have closed with the loss of sight, the organization said.

“The future of our guide dog program depends on volunteers who provide loving homes for our Leader Dog puppies, and host specially selected breeding dogs,” Sue Daniels, president and CEO of Leader Dog, said in a statement. “This dedicated group of volunteers directly contributes to a puppy’s chance of becoming a Leader Dog.”

Puppy raisers are responsible for housebreaking and teaching good manners, as well as basic obedience training. Breeding stock hosts to “moms” are responsible for keeping breeding dogs healthy and safe in their homes, whelping puppy litters and caring for puppies for their first six to seven weeks of life.

Being a puppy raiser requires a 12 to 15 month commitment. Volunteers are required to be located within one hour of Rochester Hills. Raisers are also responsible for socializing puppies to many different kinds of environments, people, animals and situations. Having raised or owned a puppy in the past is not a requirement to become a puppy raiser.

Breeding stock host is a long-term volunteer position that provides homes for Leader Dog breeding stock dogs during the time they are producing puppies for the nonprofit’s program, which is closely monitored and managed for the health of the dogs. Volunteers with “dads” are required to be located within four hours of Rochester Hills; volunteers hosting “moms” may live up to eight hours away.

Both volunteer positions have transportation requirements and financial obligations, including providing food for the dogs. Volunteers are provided ongoing support by Leader Dog throughout the experience, which ranges from free veterinarian care to training support.

To apply or for more information on either position, visit www.leaderdog.org/volunteers or call (888) 777-5332.

The nonprofit Leader Dogs for the Blind has been providing independent travel to people who are blind through the use of Leader Dogs since its founding in 1939. Over the years, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided independent mobility to more than 14,500 individuals. The services of the organization are provided free of charge.

The organization also provides classes for orientation and mobility, pedestrian GPS and a summer camp for teens.

» Photo via Leader Dogs for the Blind Facebook page