Iola effort supports funding for leader dogs
The Iola Lions are supporting Leader Dogs for the Blind by collecting antlers and sheds at a local business.
Jody Mork, owner of J.R.’s Sport Shop in Iola, has allowed the organization to place a collection box outside his store, located at 195 E. State St.
Wisconsin Leader Dog Ambassador Debi Delie recently spoke to representatives of several central Wisconsin Lions clubs. In addition to financial donations, Delie said Lions clubs could help by collecting deer antlers and sheds.
Leader Dogs for the Blind provides sponsors raising the dogs with a supply of antlers to chew on, which can cost $15 or more each at pet stores.
Iola Lions member Sandi Moore attended Delie’s presentation and brought the idea of a deer antler collection to the local club.
Club member Nick Sieckert built a collection box; Lion family member Brittany Schnobrich did the stenciling; and Moore stained the box and delivered it to the sport shop.
“Leader dogs spend the first year of their lives with volunteer puppy raisers, who are responsible for teaching them basic obedience and social and house manners, as well as exposing them to life experiences,” according to the organization’s website, www.leaderdog.org. “Dogs return to campus between 12 and 15 months of age for at least four months of formal training with qualified guide dog mobility instructors prior to being matched with a client. Approximately 200 client/guide dog teams graduate annually.”
Once dogs and blind or visually impaired recipients are matched and trained at LDB’s Michigan facility, the new pet owners have greater freedom for independent living and travel.
According to its website, Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization established in 1939 that believes everyone deserves a life of independence and mobility.
“All of our services are provided free of charge to our clients, including travel in the U.S. and Canada, room and board, equipment and training,” according to the website. “This means that no one is excluded from living their most fulfilling life due to lack of funds.”
Individual donors, Lions club, corporate partners and foundations fund the organization.
“Over 4,900 Lions clubs in the U.S. and abroad support LDB, including Iola Lions,” Moore said. “That was the impetus for this new project.”