Dog Day, Puppy & Handler Meet; Sam at the Met; Izzy at Foundation; US Merchant Marine Academy Pups; Free Hand Leash
Seeing Leo guide Sam down the famous steps of the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York was a very proud moment for us! We teach our #guidedogs to take each step when prompted. In the photo, Sam is taking the next step down, but instead of lunging forward, Leo stays where he is & looks up at Sam awaiting her cue. Their instructor, Mark, stands behind them and watches their progress. There is a red "The Met" flag hanging on the front of the museum in the background.
Styles have changed in the last 73 years, but our mission has not! For seven decades we have been dedicated to providing those who are visually impaired with highly trained #guidedogs. A man sitting face to face with his #guidedog in the 1960s. The dog is a Shepherd mix, and is pressing his nose to his handlers mouth.
An adorable task that our Puppy Raisers will use early on is called, “Touch"! Our pups join their Puppy Raisers regularly in public for critical socialization. For young pups, there may be instances of extra excitement, or sometimes a bit of nerves as they explore and overcome new things. “Touch!” is a task that is simple, and fun for a young pup to learn. We utilize it to keep the pup positive, and productive while moving through new experiences at their own pace
We are extremely excited to announce that VetDogs graduate, and Command Sergeant Major, Ret., Gretchen Evans, is competing in the "World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji"! This 10-episode TV series will air on Amazon Prime Video, and we can't wait to root for Gretchen!
It's no surprise that "Dog Day" at the Foundation is one of everyone's favorite moments When our handlers meet their dogs, there are many emotions flowing, and our favorite to see is joy. a man smiling as he hugs his yellow Labrador guide dog for the very first time
VetDogs was happy to recently receive a generous donation of 100 Hurtta America "Free Hand Leashes" for our service dog handlers! Our Service Dog Program Manager, Valerie, tells us, "The palm handle design fits snugly across the palm of the hand allowing the handlers to still grip the wheel of their chairs to propel themselves forward & at the same time keep the dog a safe distance from the wheels. Genius design!” The photo shows one of our recent graduates looking down at his yellow Labrador service dog, who is looking back up at him while standing alongside his wheelchair. The man is using one of the leashes.
WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore puppy, Camden, is currently working with her trainer, Kim, on the cue, "Brace". Brace can be helpful for a veteran who needs help getting in and out of chairs. We teach our dogs to square their shoulders, and standing firmly so that the handler can use their assistance.
Our Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility instructors, Anna, Cameron, and Cristina, posing for a photo with Yellow Labrador, Izzy, on our campus in Smithtown, NY
An adorable task that our Puppy Raisers will use early on is called, “Touch"! Our pups join their Puppy Raisers regularly in public for critical socialization. For young pups, there may be instances of extra excitement, or sometimes a bit of nerves as they explore and overcome new things. “Touch!” is a task that is simple, and fun for a young pup to learn. We utilize it to keep the pup positive, and productive while moving through new experiences at their own pace