Students Train Seeing Eye Dog

FALL 2013
Students from LVCC at Nazareth Area Intermediate School
received a puppy, Echo, to train for the Seeing Eye program.

Every year with instruction from Center Director Colleen Heimbach, the students enrolled with LVCC at Nazareth Area Intermediate School help raise a puppy to enter the Seeing Eye guide dog program.

The children each take responsibility in the care of the dog during operational hours. Since guide dogs must lead the visually impaired away from obstacles, the children perform obedience instruction by giving and reinforcing basic commands like turning and sitting.

Throughout the year, Ms. Heimbach introduces her students to the world of working dogs by reading books and stories about the functions of guide and service dogs.

JANUARY 2014
Echo earned his Seeing Eye vest thanks to help from
LVCC at Nazareth Area Intermediate School students.

This year's German Shepherd pup, Echo, recently earned his guide dog vest after testing with a Seeing Eye representative. He was evaluated on his basic obedience, as well as his reaction to strangers and the environment.

Echo will advance to further training with The Seeing Eye until he is placed into a home. In time, the students will receive letters following up on how the dog has adjusted to training and his new forever home. The children can feel proud that they had a hand in helping people enhance their daily lives by becoming more independent.