Leader Dogs for the Blind

06/24/2026

Leader Dog Graduate Helen found both empowerment and confidence after attending our Orientation and Mobility program.

Helen said, "I learned this week how to feel empowered with my cane and become more confident and independent. I use my cane daily. It has become an essential tool that protects me, helps me identify objects and identifies me as a person who is blind. I am eager to explore new environments with my cane."

Photo description: A woman with short hair stands beside a man wearing a floral button-down shirt. The two are standing in front of a backdrop with Leader Dogs for the Blind logos in blue and green repeating. The woman has a white mobility cane in her hand.Client Story

06/22/2026

Consider raising a Leader Dog puppy! These adorable Future Leader Dogs are ready for loving homes to help them prepare for their journey as a guide dog. They have already started learning some basic cues and leash skills - making your job easier!

Our on-campus volunteers have given them a great foundation through positive reinforcement and enrichment activities. You'll be making a real difference in someone's life, experiencing the joy of raising a future service dog.

Find out how to become a puppy raiser at https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer/raise-a-puppy/

Photo description 1: A black Labrador retriever is lying on a blue elevated dog bed, looking directly at the camera, with a green and yellow chew toy in front. Other puppies and chew toys are pilled around him in the background.

Photo description 2: A yellow Labrador retriever is laying on the ground with many colorful toys around it looking at the camera. The puppy is outdoors on a sunny day.

06/22/2026

Our Leader Dog community depends on strong systems that support access to education, independence, and opportunity and those systems are changing.

Recent federal actions are moving key programs like special education services and civil rights enforcement out of the U.S. Department of Education and into other agencies. Without the same structure, expertise, and oversight, there is real concern about how these services will be delivered and protected moving forward.

For the people we serve, these supports are essential.

Leader Dogs for the Blind stands with our clients, alumni, and community members as we navigate what this could mean together. Staying informed is critical right now. Please find the statement from American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) below to learn more.

https://bit.ly/4vtpYP0

AFB Concerned About Moving Disability Programs out of the Department of Education June 16, 2026 The Department of Education announced today that two of its primary offices serving people with disabilities will be moved in some capacity. It has said that it will partner with the Department of Health....

06/19/2026

Juneteenth honors the day in which the final slaves in America were freed in Galveston, TX, and is a day to show appreciation for African American people, culture and the positive influence they have had on America.

Learn more about the history of Juneteenth at https://s.si.edu/3tMfxIr

Image Description: A multicolored graphic of numerous busts of African American people in a side profile view. At the top of the image is the word "Juneteenth" and the bottom of the image has a white Leader Dogs for the Blind logo.

06/18/2026

What’s next for Leader Dogs for the Blind?

On this week's episode of the Taking the Lead podcast, President and CEO Melissa Weisse shares how client feedback, innovation and collaboration are helping shape the future of our programs and services.

From enhancing the on-campus experience to exploring new opportunities to serve people who are blind or low vision, Melissa offers an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes—and what's ahead.

🎧 Listen now: https://takingthelead.transistor.fm/episodes/building-the-future-of-leader-dog

PD: A woman kneels next to a golden retriever, both smiling for the camera. They are in front of a glass wall with the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo.

06/17/2026

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a time to focus on this leading cause of vision loss.

Did you know that cataract affects over 20 million Americans aged 40 and older? While it's more common as we age, cataracts can occur at any stage of life - even in newborns. Our mission at Leader Dog is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired with safe and independent daily travel.

Whether you're dealing with cataracts or supporting someone who is, remember: there are resources and support available.

Check out more resources about cataracts here: https://bit.ly/4c0xbMT

Photo description: Close-up of a person having their eyes examined by a doctor using a penlight. Below the photo reads "Cataract Awareness Month".

06/16/2026

Leader Dog Graduate Sandra found her time at Leader Dogs for the Blind to be full of community. She felt connected to our volunteers, fellow clients, and our team members throughout her time. The support she received lifted her up to start her journey with her guide dog.

"Leader Dog Emmit is going to give me more independence, which is what I'm looking forward to," says Sandra. "I just will feel better not being alone."

Photo Description: A woman in a black button-down shirt, jeans, and glasses has her arms around a black Labrador retriever in harness. The two side together in front of a white backdrop.

06/11/2026

Our Future Leader Dogs are ready to strut out and about this summer!

Are you ready to be part of something truly life‑changing? A guide dog doesn’t just provide mobility—it empowers people who are blind or low vision with greater independence, confidence and connection to the world around them. These incredible partnerships open doors to education, careers, travel, and everyday moments many of us take for granted.

Volunteer to raise a puppy or host a breeding stock dog with Leader Dogs for the Blind and play a vital role in shaping a future filled with freedom and possibility. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer/

Photo Description: A black Labrador retriever puppy is walking alongside a person on the sidewalk. The puppy is wearing a blue bandana around its neck with the words "Future Leader Dog" embroidered on it.

06/08/2026

"At 31, I became legally blind due to usher syndrome, a condition that took both my hearing and my vision. But thanks to Leader Dogs for the Blind, I learned how to navigate life with confidence and independence. The white cane, once intimidating, is now my freedom — giving me the ability to move through the world on my own terms," says Leader Dog Client Krista.

Leader Dog offers more than just guide dogs and white cane instructions — we provide life-changing programs that open doors for individuals with low vision to travel independently, reclaim their confidence and build new futures. Our programs are completely free, and for so many of people who are blind or low vision, they are the key to a life filled with possibility.

"I’m living proof of how life can still be full of adventure, creativity, and growth — no matter the challenges," says Krista.

Watch Krista's full story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onbIsQatWqM&t=17s

Video description: The following video tells the story of Leader Dog Client Krista Webb. In this video we see Krista sitting inside a workshop in her home speaking toward the camera. The video also includes testimonials with Krista's family, including her husband, Jae, and her friend, Michelle. Throughout the video we see some supporting clips of Krista walking with her white cane and working on her wood burning projects.

Client Krista Webb shares her story with Leader Dogs for the Blind....

06/05/2026

For our Future Leader Dogs, their time with puppy raiser volunteers marks the beginning a lifetime as a companion for someone who is blind or low vision. It builds the foundation of skills they need to empower people to travel safely and independently. Teams like Leader Dog Graduate Victoria and Leader Dog Knight are a testament to the hard work our puppy raiser volunteers accomplish.

"I will have more confidence and independence in life with Leader Dog Knight," says Victoria. "I will also have companionship that I will enjoy. "

Photo Description 1: A woman with gray hair in a ponytail has her arms around a black Labrador retriever. The dog is wearing a brown leather Leader Dog branded harness. The two are looking at each other.

Photo Description 2: A black Labrador retriever puppy is walking and has its mouth open. The dog is wearing a blue "Future Leader Dog" bandana.