"GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA – GUIDE DOG" PROGRAM
WHATProvide assistance guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women.
WHYSo that seniors and others may continue to pursue their goals with increased mobility and independence.
WHEREGuide Dogs of America.
Across the United States and Canada.
Across the United States and Canada.
Program Description
"Guide Dogs of America" relies on staff, puppy raisers, volunteers, donors and others in order to serve blind and visually impaired seniors and others.
"Guide Dogs of America" is skilled in matching the unique personalities and attributes of each service dog and each visually impaired person to make a good match.
The relationship that develops between a visually impaired person and their guide dog strongly benefits independence along with companionship and social needs.
Examples of some of the tasks service dogs for elderly are trained to provide include:
- Opening doors and cupboards
- Retrieving phones and any other items
- Helping in dressing
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Assisting seniors or others with a disability up from a fall
- Help in walking and climbing stairs
The "Guide Dogs of America – Guide Dog" Program consists of:
Training And Breeding: Participants live on the training campus four about a month in order to train with the guide dogs. All meals, rooms and activites are included free of charge. Instructors head the guide dog training including matching of the dogs to blind and visually impaired seniors and others. Instructors also deal with dog breeding.
Admissions: Qualified blind and visually impaired applicants go through a thorough and careful evaluation in the admission process when applying to receive a guide dog
Graduate Services: After seniors and others have been trained on how to use their new dog guide they will continue to receive follow-up care and support through Graduate Services
"Guide Dogs of America" is always looking for volunteer "Puppy Raisers" who can volunteer their time to teach the puppy basic obedience in a home like environment after which the puppy returns to Guide Dogs of America for formal guide dog training.
source: guidedogsofamerica.org
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