Leader Dog Report March 2025 Leader Dog Pins Available This year, Leader Dogs for the Blind celebrates 85 life-changing years in partnership with Lions everywhere. Join them in celebrating this monumental year by donating $25 and receiving a limited- edition Leader Dogs for the Blind 85 th anniversary pin, while supplies last. Puppies! The first litter of puppies for 2025 has arrived, born on January 7 th . These three adorable Future Leader Dogs are temporarily named Piglet, Tigger, and Kanga. Behind their arrival is Colleen, who is a dedicated host home whelp and litter care volunteer. These little ones are already showing their unique personalities. These puppies will eventually train as guide dogs, thanks to the support of dedicated volunteers. Future Leader Dogs Puppy Raisers Needed Future Leader Dogs take an incredible journey in their first year of life, priming them for success as guide dogs. This crucial time is made possible thanks to the dedication of Leader Dogs volunteer puppy raisers. Leader Dogs are looking for puppy raisers to provide essential training to the puppies in their first year. By raising a puppy, you’ll help them grow into a Leader Dog who changes a life. As a puppy raiser, you’ll help teach them basic cues, encourage calm behaviors and introduce the difference between working time and playtime. You’ll also socialize them, ensuring they are comfortable in the many different environments and situations they might encounter while working. It builds their confidence, their ability to focus and their understanding of how to serve their future partner. Anyone interested in learning more about raising a Future Leader Dog can visit the puppy raising page of Leader Dog's website. Teen Orientation and Mobility, and Teen Summer Camp There are three dates set for Teen Orientation and Mobility available: June 15-21, July 13-19, and August 10-16. Summer Camp is set for June 22-28. Orientation builds independent travel skills by working one- on-one with a Certified Specialist. The teens work with an adult supporter and travel to Rochester Hills, MI. Both the teen and adult supporters learn new skills, build empathy, and gain resources. In Summer Camp, teens explore mobility options and build leadership skills. They travel independently to Rochester Hills, MI, experience guide dogs, night travel, accessible GPS and more. They also participate in camp activities, including a rock wall, zip line, and team building. March Newsletter The March Newsletter included a Mission Moment: Orientation & Mobility Client. This was a testament from Melissa, a successful business owner, who gained life-changing independence through White Cane training. Melissa told her story of independence with the help of Tommy, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. The March Newsletter also included a 5 minute video that PBS published entitled ‘How Canine Advocates Help Victims in the Courts’. Leader Dogs partners with the Canine Advocacy Program. This video shares the story of Belle, a career changed Leader Dog and how she has gone on to help children and families navigating the legal system after a traumatic event. Belle provides a calming influence to children and people with disabilities after a traumatic event, and helps enable them to open up and talk about what happened. Belle helps alleviate their fears when telling their story to the courts, including on the stand.