Leader Dogs and the Cycle of Love
From puppyhood to retirement, Leader Dogs experience a life of love and devotion. Puppy raisers become enormously attached to the pups they raise, and enjoy the pride of seeing them become Leader Dogs. Many describe it as seeing their own children graduating high school. They get to meet the people who will own the Leader Dog, and they often form a strong attachment. The Leader Dog and owner form a loving bond far stronger than that of most pets and owners. After many years of service, when the Leader Dog is ready to retire, if the owner is unable to care for him, the dog sometimes ends up back where he began, in the loving home of his puppy raiser!
How does a dog adjust to living in one home as a puppy, then in a kennel environment during training, then to a whole new owner in a distant city? "Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula," Rachelle explains. "No matter what they do or where they go, at dinnertime, they always have Pro Plan in their bowl." Rachelle says the dogs adjust very well, but making sure they get the same Pro Plan diet keeps them from having any digestive upset during their transitions, and gives them a certain level of comfort.
How Purina Supports Leader Dogs for the Blind – and how you can too
Leader Dogs for the Blind is a remarkable organization that provides all their services to the blind for free. Everything in the 26-day training program - the flight to and from Michigan, room and board, the dog and all of his supplies are absolutely free of charge. And once the person is back home with their new Leader Dog, the organization continues to provide support and guidance.
Purina and Pet Supplies Plus are donating $25,000 to support Leader Dogs for the Blind. By purchasing your pet food and toys at Pet Supplies Plus, you help support the organization.
If you'd like to donate, volunteer as a puppy raiser, or host a breeding dog, go to leaderdog.org.
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