Volume 17, Number 1, Fall 2006

Manistee County 4-H Opens Kids Eyes to Leader Dog Program

Debra Laws

Since the founding of the Leader Dog School in Rochester, Michigan in 1939, over 12,000 leader dogs have successfully completed training. Manistee County 4-H is hoping to add to that impressive total with its continued work in promoting the cause, the puppy raising program in particular.

In January and February of 2006, 4-H program associate Debra Laws partnered with Leader Dogs for the Blind to present a series of informative programs to over 1,650 students in Manistee County schools. Tom Silverthorn, a local resident who is sight-impaired, and his leader dog, Ranger, assisted. Members of the Kaleva Lions Club and the Manistee County 4-H companion animal committee were on hand to help with demonstrations and audience feedback.

The guest speaker from the Leader Dog School was Erin Dunn and her golden retriever, Dante. Dunn spoke about the life of a leader dog, from puppyhood to fully trained adult. Dante provided real-life examples in showing how these service dogs respond to commands, react in crisis situations and deal with unfamiliar territory. Silverthorn used the help of some of the Lions members to show how Ranger guides him to destinations and away from obstacles. Members of the 4-H companion animal committee brought some of their pets and helped Laws with a “show and tell” presentation.

During the presentations, Dunn or Silverthorn would quiz students about their knowledge of the white cane used by the sight-impaired as a navigating device. Surprisingly, an overwhelming majority of students were not familiar with this aid. One student remarked, “I’m glad I learned about this today, because I think I’ve seen them [white canes] before. In the future, I’ll understand what I’m seeing and what that person is trying to do.”

At the end of each presentation, students and teachers were given handouts that included animal activities and more information about getting involved in the leader dog and 4-H programs.

In addition to the daytime student presentations, there were two public evening presentations, one at Manistee High School and the other at the Norman Township Community Center. The presenters generated interest in both sides of the leader dog relationship: how to secure a leader dog for a sight-impaired family member, and how to complete the application process to raise a leader dog puppy. One community member remarked, “It is almost unbelievable what these dogs know and sense and are capable of doing.”

And it’s on to leader dog number two…

The Manistee County 4-H companion animal committee and Debra Laws are proud to welcome a new puppy as the second dog in their 4-H leader dog project venture. John and Barb Snyder of Bear Lake have taken possession of Honey, a golden Labrador retriever, from the leader dog facility in Rochester. In addition to financial support from funds received in part from the local Manistee County Lions Clubs, Laws and the committee will also lend moral support to the Snyders, who will raise and train Honey for 10 to 12 months.