Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Thinking about raising a future guide or service dog? Join us virtually on April 10 at 7 PM EST for our next Puppy Raiser Info Session! You'll hear from our puppy department team as they walk through what it takes to raise a pup and answer any questions you have along the way. Whether you're ready to get started or just want to learn more, this session is for you! 🦮🐕🦺 Sign up through the link below. https://lnkd.in/er9UhQmN VD: A black Labrador Retriever puppy wearing a yellow "GuideDog.org" vest looks up attentively while sitting on a warehouse floor. Text above the puppy reads: “Puppy Raising Info Session. Interested in puppy raising for the Guide Dog Foundation & America's VetDogs? Save the date: Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 PM ET via Zoom. Sign up using the link in the caption!” Logos for the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs appear at the bottom.

April is National Volunteer Month! To all of our volunteers, we say THANK YOU. Your dedication helps us provide service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost. We could not do it without you. Thinking about giving back to our nation's heroes? Tap the link in our bio to learn how you can volunteer with America's VetDogs & the Guide Dog Foundation. VD: 1. Three adults smiling and posing for a photo at an event, standing inside a building near a garage door on a sunny day. 2. A woman sitting and gently brushing a young yellow Labrador Retriever puppy in a playpen, with an adult Labrador nearby. 3. Six people posing in front of a branded van, some holding black Labrador Retriever puppies, with one person wearing a Santa hat. 4. Five people standing in front of a large outdoor Christmas tree at a shopping plaza, each holding a leash attached to a guide dog in training wearing a yellow vest.

Meet Olivia D., a Field Services Representative on our Graduate Support Team who has been with the Guide Dog Foundation (GDF) since 2020. Originally from Long Island, Olivia discovered GDF after watching 'Pick of the Litter' and realizing it was the perfect way to combine her passion for animals and helping people. She started as a guide dog apprentice in our training department before transitioning to her current role, where she supports graduates and applicants throughout their guide dog journey. One of her favorite parts of the job is witnessing the full journey from meeting applicants during the interview stage to supporting them as they head home with their new guide dog. She also cherishes the friendships built during her apprenticeship, especially navigating the challenges of COVID alongside fellow instructors. Outside of work, Olivia lives in New Jersey with her two black Labs, Clancy and Dorothy. She also lived in England for almost six years before returning to New York. VD: This image is an "Employee Spotlight" featuring Olivia, a Field Services Representative at the Guide Dog Foundation. The top of the image has large text that says “EMPLOYEE” with the word “Spotlight” written over it in a script font. The background has soft-colored paw prints in blue, tan, and pink. In the center, there’s a photo of Olivia sitting on a beach next to a black Labrador retriever wearing a brown guide dog harness. Olivia is smiling, wearing sunglasses and a navy Guide Dog Foundation jacket. The dog is also facing the camera, looking happy. At the bottom, a banner reads: OLIVIA D. Field Services Representative

We’re less than a month away from Dogs on the Catwalk 👗🦮 Join us on April 24, 2025, at 6 PM at Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, NY for an unforgettable evening in support of the Guide Dog Foundation. Enjoy a fashion show featuring guide dogs in training and their volunteer puppy raisers, inspiring stories from graduate speaker Tom Ryan and his guide dog Monte, the NY Islanders’ third Puppy with a Purpose, raffles, music, and more. This year’s show will feature an inclusive and accessible fashion experience like never before with detailed audio descriptions, sensory boards with fabric swatches, and enhanced lighting to improve visibility for guests with low vision. All proceeds support our mission to provide guide dogs to individuals who are blind or have low vision at no cost to them. ✨ Visit GuideDog.org/Catwalk to get your tickets! VD: The flyer is promoting the Guide Dog Foundation’s "Dogs on the Catwalk" event. At the top, the event name is displayed in large gold letters. Beneath it is a smiling yellow Labrador Retriever puppy with its tongue out, facing forward. The text below the puppy reads: "Join the Guide Dog Foundation and ‘Master Pet Couturier’ Anthony Rubio for a Canine Couture Fashion Show April 24, 2025 Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club, Smithtown, NY" In the bottom left corner is the Guide Dog Foundation’s logo, which shows a simplified outline of a dog in harness with the words “Guide Dog Foundation Est. 1946.” In the bottom right corner, it says: “To purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit GuideDog.org/Catwalk”

We're so grateful to IHOP for inviting a recent guide dog class to a local store for a unique training opportunity and breakfast! The joy was contagious, and everyone left feeling ‘eggs-tra’ satisfied with full bellies and big smiles. Thank you, IHOP, for supporting our mission to provide individuals who are blind or have low vision with specially trained guide dogs. Your generosity helps us make a difference! VD: 1- A group of individuals, including those with guide dogs, standing outside an IHOP restaurant. The group is lined up in front of the IHOP entrance, with the restaurant's sign in the background. 2 - A group of people sitting around a table inside the IHOP, enjoying their meals together. Each person smiles at the camera. The table is filled with breakfast items like pancakes, eggs, and drinks. 3 - A close-up of people eating their meals at the table, with a waitress serving them drinks. Some individuals are enjoying their food, while others chat with each other. The table is filled with condiments and beverages.

"I am looking forward to quickly, efficiently, and confidently using the DC Metro with [Taki]... I am excited to navigate in and out of the city with her." - Matthew, two-time Guide Dog Foundation graduate Guide dogs provide independence, mobility, and confidence to individuals who are blind or have low vision. It costs more than $50,000 to train just one guide dog, but thanks to supporters like you, we provide them at no cost to those who need them. Make a lasting impact. Become a Visionary with a monthly contribution and help change lives. Tap the link below to learn more. https://lnkd.in/gfCQuZeq. VD: Matthew and his guide dog, Taki, a Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever Cross, stop at a curb. Taki wears boots and stands with her front paws on the curb, looking up at Matthew for instructions. Matthew stands in the street with one foot lifted as he assesses the curb. In the background, there is a gazebo, benches, and a building. Orange traffic cones and a barrier are nearby.

Happy St. Paw-trick’s Day from the Rosie x Luke litter! May your day be filled with luck, love, and a little puppy magic. 🌈 VD: The video shows Labrador/Golden Retriever mix puppies during puppy portrait day. Each puppy sits on a white surface with a white backdrop, wearing a yellow "assistance dog in training" vest. First, a yellow lab puppy curiously sniffs a shiny green tinsel leprechaun hat. Next, another yellow lab looks directly at the camera. Then, a black lab puppy sniffs a soft rainbow toy. Finally, another black lab looks at the camera and then turns away.

Growing up in Hawaii, Jay Kamibayashi was always active, but his vision challenges went undiagnosed for years. It wasn’t until adulthood that he learned he had retinitis pigmentosa. Determined to provide for his family, he built a career as a skilled shiatsu massage therapist. When it was time for a guide dog, Jay traveled to New York to meet Todd, a yellow Lab from the Guide Dog Foundation. Now back in Hawaii, Todd helps Jay navigate life with confidence, independence, and a loyal friend by his side. 💙🐾 Read more about Jay & Todd through the link below! https://lnkd.in/eaWZYxis VD: 1 - Jay and his family posing on the beach with the ocean behind them. Jay is in the center wearing a blue button-up shirt. His wife, two daughters, and a man stand beside him, all dressed in coordinating blue and floral outfits. Todd, wearing his guide dog harness, is lying down on the sand in front of them. The family is smiling and holding hands. 2 - Jay is standing on a sandy beach holding Todd’s leash. Jay is wearing a black t-shirt, dark shorts, flip-flops, and a light-colored cap. Todd, still in his red life jacket, sits on the sand looking off to the side. The ocean waves and a bright sky with clouds are in the background. 3 - Todd, a yellow Labrador Retriever, wearing a red life jacket while standing on a sandy beach. His fur is wet, and he tilts his head slightly to the side. The background features a calm ocean, an island in the distance, and a sky with soft clouds at sunset.

We’re proud to announce that the Guide Dog Foundation has once again earned the prestigious Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2025! 🏆 This is the highest level of recognition, achieved by only 12% of nonprofits among nearly 158,000 organizations evaluated by Candid. What does this mean? It highlights our dedication to transparency, providing comprehensive insights into our operations, impact, and financial health. This recognition from Candid (formerly GuideStar) reinforces trust with our supporters and underscores our commitment to accountability as we continue to serve individuals who are blind or have low vision. 🦮 VD: The image features Kacey, a young woman kneeling on the sidewalk, smiling as she holds and pets Ronnie, a black Labrador Retriever wearing a guide dog harness. The background is slightly faded, making the bold black text in the foreground stand out. The text reads: "Platinum Transparency 2025 Candid."

Tom and his guide dog Monte, the New York Islanders’ third Puppy with a Purpose, invite you to this year’s Dogs on the Catwalk, a glamorous evening celebrating the impact of guide dogs. 🦮 The Guide Dog Foundation proudly presents Dogs on the Catwalk, a dazzling couture fashion show featuring exciting raffles, exclusive items, and a lively atmosphere with a DJ and light-up stage. Tom will take the stage as this year’s keynote speaker, sharing his journey of finding the Foundation and being paired with Monte. Join us on April 24, 2025, at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, NY. All proceeds benefit the Guide Dog Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. Learn more and get your tickets today at GuideDog.org/Catwalk. VD: video features Tom speaking directly to the camera. As the video plays a photo of Tom and his black lab guide dog Monte flashes across the screen. Towards the end of the video footage from Dogs on the Catwalk 2023 plays. The video ends with a gray screen with the Guide Dog Foundation logo. The text reads April 24, 20205 Smithtown, NY GuideDog.org/Catwalk.