THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 26, 1995 TAG: 9504250117
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Like most puppies, 8-week-old Lilac is cute and cuddly and in need of love, attention and a little socialization.
In a year or so, with those needs having been met, the hope is that Lilac will become a very important part of a visually impaired person's life, perhaps providing the freedom and independence that person has never known.
With the help of her foster parents, Allen and Marylynn Harvey of Portsmouth, Lilac is in a kindergarten of sorts - the first segment of training to become a graduate of the Guiding Eyes for The Blind guide dog school in Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
The Harveys have volunteered to raise Lilac, one of five local pups involved in the program, for her first year, seeing that she's given basic obedience and house training.
When they're between 12 and 15 months, Lilac and the other pups will leave their foster homes to begin more extensive guide dog training at the New York school.
All five families are fully aware the pups will one day be leaving for a more important job.
``We really have to know that people are committed to it (fostering the puppy),'' said Jane Russenberger, the director of breeding and placement for the non-profit organization. ``It's such an emotional involvement. After all, you're family for a year.''
``I really love dogs,'' said Marylynn Harvey, whose children are grown and who was looking for volunteer opportunities. ``It's great to combine the two - helping someone else and enjoying it at the same time.''
A friend at work, Bob Oakley, told Harvey about the puppy ``raiser'' program.
Bob and his wife, Sue Oakley, have raised two dogs in the program and are in the process of fostering another, 10-month-old Libby.
The first dog the Oakleys raised didn't go on to lead the blind, but became a member of a bomb detection group based in Greece.
The second dog is a regular visitor at a home for emotionally and physically abused children.
``It's just basic training,'' said Bob Oakley, a North End resident. ``When it's time (to go), it's OK because I know they're going to a good home and I know I'll get another one.''
Potential puppy-raisers are required to submit a written application, undergo an in-home study in which the whole family is involved, as well as travel to the school's puppy-raising facility in Raleigh, N.C., to be sure they know just what the program involves and just how much work a puppy takes, said Russenberger.
Puppy-raisers are not obligated to provide medical care or food for the animal unless they choose to. Usually, sponsors are sought and veterinarians donate their services, or the organization pays for the care.
The school routinely trains and breeds Labrador retrievers, such a Lilac, as well as golden retrievers and German shepherds.
More than 4,500 guide dog teams (owner and dog) have graduated from the school since its incorporation in 1954.
A local graduate of the school, a blond retriever named Buddy, lives and works in Virginia Beach with his owner, Jack Daniels, who is legally blind.
Daniels has had Buddy for about three years. Together, the two navigate the city on a daily basis.
Both were present last week when Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf proclaimed today as International Guide Dog Day in Virginia Beach.
Joe Hoffenberger, an extension agent with the Agricultural Department, is organizing a group of puppy-raisers, volunteers and others who are interested in forming a local chapter for Guiding Eyes for The Blind as part of the city's 4-H program. MEMO: For information on the program, call the Virginia Beach Extension office
at 427-4769.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LORI A. DENNEY
With the help of volunteer puppy-raiser Marylynn Harvey, Lilac, an
8-week old Labrador, is in a kindergarten of sorts - undergoing
basic obedience and house training as the first segment of the
Guiding Eyes for The Blind guide dog school in Yorktown Heights,
N.Y.
At 12 to 15 months, Lilac and the other pups leave their foster
homes to begin more extensive guide dog training at the New York
school.
by CNB