Pilot Dogs - we are proud partners...
The Eye Centers of Northwest Ohio are proud to be associated and have Pilot Dogs as it nominated charity. Here at the Eye Centers we understand and appreciate how important a guide dog can be to someone who is registered sightless. A guide dog doesn’t only provide a vital resource allowing a blind individual to lead a normal day to day life as best as possible, but also gives the guide dog owner a much loved friend.
Pilot Dogs, Inc. was established in 1950 to train and furnish Pilot Dogs to guide the blind. Since its first class of four students, the program has grown to serve more than 150 individuals each year.
Pilot Dogs provide the finest dog guides to the qualified sightless and are trained to offer greater mobility and independence.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to receive a Pilot Dog an individual must be legally blind and physically and mentally capable of handling and caring for a dog guide. Individuals of all races and creeds are welcome. Ore selection committee reviews all completed applications.
How are the students chosen?
A sightless person who is physically and mentally capable of receiving benefit from the Pilot Dog may apply. Students of all races and creeds are served after being approved by the school’s Student Selection Committee.
How can you help?
There are several ways to help Pilot Dogs, Inc. Individuals and companies can become members of the organization by making a monetary donation.
Become a Puppy Raiser
Regardless of the quality of breeding, a pup has little chance of becoming a guide dog unless it is raised in a home and accustomed to playing with children, meeting strangers, and go through an obedience course.
What is a Puppy Raiser?
Pilot Dogs is always looking for Puppy Raisers. These individuals volunteer to foster our dogs for their first year of life before they begin their formal guide training.
The purpose of this program is to get the dogs well socialized, which gives them a higher potential to become Pilot Dogs.