Submitted by Charlotte Lions Club
(Photo Provided)
The Charlotte Lions Club is inviting the public to attend a special presentation about Leader Dogs for the Blind on April 12, 2023, at 6:30-7:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Community Library. There is no cost to attend and children with parents are invited to pet the dogs and learn about the intensive training both the dogs and the visually impaired individuals receive. Lion Eileen Delaney, from the Holt Lions Club is the District Chair of Leader Dogs for the Blind. She and her husband have delivered nine litters of puppies over the last 10 years, 50 of which have become future Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Members of the Lions Clubs International founded Leader Dogs for the Blind. The Leader Dogs for the Blind Foundation was incorporated as a Michigan non-profit in Rochester Hills, MI in 1939. The venture at that time paid fifty dollars a month to rent a farmhouse for clients and staff, a barn for the dogs, and a garage. Today the facility in Rochester is truly amazing with an in-residence training facility for 24 clients. The Canine Development Center is the hub for all dog-centric operations. Up to 400 dogs, from puppies to retired Leader Dogs, may be housed here at any time.
Lions Clubs have been loyal supporters of Leader Dogs for the Blind, with members stepping forward to serve as puppy raisers, hosts for breeding dogs, and as an advocate for the community of people who are blind or visually impaired.
To this day the mission of the Lions, “We Serve,” perfectly complements the Leader Dog mission of empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
