Vision Guide Dogs

EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP AND PAWS

At Vision Guide Dogs, we believe independence starts with four paws and a wagging tail. For someone who is blind or visually impaired, a guide dog is a trusted companion and much more—they’re a bridge to confidence, connection, and the freedom to fully participate in their community and explore new places. Step by step, paw by paw, a guide dog helps their partner navigate busy streets, commute to work and school, attend social events and appointments—everyday independence most of us rarely think about. The heart of our mission is creating a world where individuals living with vision loss are met with respect and accessibility, and every guide dog team we graduate brings us one stop closer to that goal.

BE PART OF THE JOURNEY

Your support will provide for dogs at every stage of the journey—curious puppies learning the basics, dedicated dogs in advanced training, and skilled guide dogs already working alongside their partners. None of this would be possible without the kindness of our volunteers and the generosity of donors like you. Your support fuels every step of the process, from the bright-eyed puppy stage to the moment a guide dog proudly leads their forever person forward. This giving season, we invite you to be part of that journey and help more people experience the life-changing bond of a guide dog. Together, we can change lives one tail wag at a time.

TWICE THE TAIL WAGS, TWICE THE CHANGE

You can give BIG during Match Minutes—your donation to VGD = DOUBLE the impact, thanks to our generous sponsors. Double the power of your gift to VGD during the following times:

September 23: 6:13 pm (1 minute match), 7:13 pm (1 minute match), 

September 24: 10:13 am (1 minute match), 1:13 pm (1 minute match), 3:13 pm (1 minute match), 5:13 pm (1 minute match)

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much"  -Helen Keller

Helping Ensure a Future of Independence

Since 2001, I have partnered with four guide dogs, including my current companion, who is nearly eight years old. Over that time, I progressed from living with visual impairment and legal blindness while using a white cane to living with total blindness for the past 12 years.

I strongly believe in Vision Guide Dogs’ approach to preparing qualified, reliable, and safe guide dogs through the respected British method of guiding. This method and philosophy, which differ from those used by many American guide dog schools, have contributed significantly to my successful and graceful transition. The careful matching of each dog to my needs and level of vision at the time, combined with ongoing personalized support, has been essential to that success.

For these reasons, I am committed to doing all I can to help ensure that Vision Guide Dogs continues serving people for years to come. Please join me in supporting Vision Guide Dogs during the Big Give with a gift in any amount that is meaningful to you. I—and the clients and supporters whose lives this organization has touched and will continue to touch—will be truly grateful for your generosity.

J. Gail Walden, MPH, PhD
Co-Founder and Board Member
Vision Guide Dogs, Inc.