The Iola Lions are supporting Leader Dogs for the Blind by collecting antlers and sheds. Jody Mork, owner of JR’s Sports Shop at 195 E. State in Iola, has graciously allowed us to place a collection box outside his store.
Wisconsin Leader Dog Ambassador Debi Delie spoke to representatives of several central Wisconsin Lions Clubs recently. In addition to financial donations, Delie said Lions Clubs could help by collecting deer antlers and sheds. Delie said LDB provides sponsors raising the dogs with a supply of antlers to chew on–unfortunately these can cost $15 or more each at pet stores.
Iola Lion Sandi Moore attended Delie’s presentation and brought the idea of a deer antler collection to the local club, which endorsed it. Lion Nick Sieckert made the collection box and Moore stained the box and delivered it to the sports shop.
According to www.leaderdog.org, “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. Dogs return to campus between 12–15 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.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organization, a global leader in serving people who are blind or visually impaired, and a valued partner to the Leader Dog mission.
To this day, the mission of the Lions, “We serve,” perfectly complements the Leader Dog mission
According to their website, Leader Dogs for the Blind (LDB) is a non-profit 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. This means that no one is excluded from living their most fulfilling life due to lack of funds”. LDB is completely funded by individual donors, Lions clubs, corporate partners and foundations. Over 4,900 Lions clubs in the U.S, and abroad support LDB, including Iola Lions. That was the impetus for this new project.