Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

In recognition of the holiday, our National Headquarters will be closed today, October 14. For our graduates needing immediate assistance, call us at 631-930-9000 and choose the emergency prompt. Image shows Miles, a male yellow lab, posing for his IFT picture.

Today marks the start of #NationalBrailleWeek! Braille is essential for many in the blind and low vision community, providing access to literacy and independence. This tactile writing system allows individuals to read books, navigate signs, and access everyday items, breaking down barriers along the way. Did you know Braille was developed in the 1820s by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight at a young age? Inspired by a military code, he created the 6-dot system we know today, transforming the lives of millions of people who are blind or have low vision. This week, we celebrate the importance of braille in empowering the blind and low vision community. 💙🦮 VD: All three images show guide dogs at different stages of their training (puppy, in for training (IFT), and as a guide dog). Each image features a brightly colored background with the phrase "guide dog" written in braille. The photos of each dog are slightly faded to let the background colors stand out. 1- Jack, a male Golden Retriever puppy, sits for his portrait wearing his "assistance dog in training" vest. The background color is yellow. 2 - Linny, a female Yellow Lab, poses for her IFT photo, wearing her guide dog harness. The background color is hot pink. 3 - Ronnie, a female Black Lab, sits proudly for her guide dog portrait, also wearing her guide dog harness. The background color is teal.

Big night for this little guy! 🐾 This 12-week-old Lab/Golden Retriever mix is about to get his official name! Stayed tuned later today for this exciting announcment. You can also catch him at UBS Arena tonight as the New York Islanders take on Utah Hockey Club! If you’re at the game, say hello! He’s in training to become a guide dog for an individual who is blind or has low vision, providing independence and mobility. 🦮💙 Shoutout to News 12 Long Island for chatting with our President & CEO, John Miller, about the impact of our Puppy With a Purpose® program and our guide dogs!

Today is #WorldSightDay. According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people worldwide are blind or have low vision. Today and every day, we seek to raise awareness and advocate for these people. At the Guide Dog Foundation, we’re proud to be part of this journey by training guide dogs to enhance independence and mobility. We also take a stand to ensure equal access and inclusion under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To learn more about our guide dog program and how to support it by visiting GuideDog.org. The image shows a recent guide dog class and their Guide Dog Mobility Instructors on an outing during their class. From left to right, there is GDMI Jody E., Rickie and his black lab guide dog Hayes, Audrey and her black lab guide dog Petunia, GDMI Jack, Craig and his black lab guide dog Hankie, and Guide Dog Program Manager, Laurel. Together they are all standing, smiling at the camera, in front of a harbor on a gloomy day. #guidedogfoundation #guidedog #blind #lowvision #nonprofitorganization #501c3nonprofit

Raise a Puppy. Change a Life. 🐾 Becoming a puppy raiser means you’re helping shape the future of someone who is blind or has low vision. For the first 12-18 months, these pups learn essential skills and build the confidence they need to become guide dogs. Your dedication gives them the foundation to lead someone through their everyday life with independence and freedom. Want to be part of this journey? Learn more about puppy raising at Puppy.GuideDog.org! The image shows Cody, a small black lab, lying in a “down” outside. She is wearing a blue figure-8 collar and their yellow “assistance dog in training” vest. The legs of Cody’s puppy raiser are seen standing next to them. #guidedogfoundation #guidedog #puppyraiser #puppyraising #volunteeropportunities #nonprofit

Help us choose a name for our newest Puppy with a Purpose! 🦮 We’re excited to introduce our FIFTH Puppy With a Purpose® in collaboration with the New York Islanders! This adorable yellow Lab/Golden cross will grow up to be a guide dog for an individuals who is blind or has low vision. But first, he needs a name! Tap the link below to cast your vote and help shape his journey! 💙 https://lnkd.in/eGt4WiKv #guidedogfoundation #lgi #islanders #guidedog #servicedog #hockeydog #longisland

NEW DATE, NEW LOCATION! 💃 Save the date for the Guide Dog Foundation’s 8th annual Dog on the Catwalk, our glamorous canine fashion show! 🐾✨ Join us for a night of fun, fashion, and fabulous dogs on April 24, 2025. Learn more at DogCouture.GuideDog.org. The image reads “Dogs on the Catwalk. April 24, 2025. Smithtown, NY. DogCouture.GuideDog.org.” It is a simple graphic featuring a black background with the updated gold gradient Dogs on The Catwalk logo and gold glitter. #GuideDogFoundation #GuideDog #DogsOnTheCatwalk #CharityEvent #NonProfitOrganization

This little guy needs a name! 🦮💙 This handsome yellow Lab/Golden Retriever cross is our newest Puppy with a Purpose® in partnership with the New York Islanders following in the paw-steps of Radar and Monte as the Islanders' fifth puppy with a purpose. He’s destined to become a guide dog for an individual who is blind or has low vision. Head over to the link below to cast your vote! Follow along with his journey by following @NYIslesPup on IG. https://lnkd.in/eGt4WiKv The video shows clips of a small yellow lab puppy in various locations around the Guide Dog Foundation's national headquarters. The pup is wearing an Islander blue puppy vest with the Guide Dog Foundation and Islander's logos. The text on the video reads, "Have you heard? There is a new Isles puppy in town! This cutie is being raised to one day become a guide dog for an individual who is blind or has low vision. But first, we need your help! Read the caption for more." #guidedogfoundation #newyorkislanders #hockeydog #futureguidedog #blind #lowvision

We’re excited to share a recent news segment featuring Kimberly, a recent Guide Dog Foundation graduate, and Cristina, one of our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors! 🦮 A big thank you to Fox Corporation Charleston for highlighting the important work that guide dogs do every day. #guidedogfoundation #guidedog #guidedoghandler #assistancedog

October is World Blindness Awareness Month, a time to recognize and advocate for individuals who are blind or have low vision. 💙🦮 By raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, we can work toward a world that offers equal opportunities and accessibility for everyone. The Guide Dog Foundation is proud to support this mission by providing specially trained guide dogs that provide greater independence and enhanced mobility. Tap the link below to learn more about our guide dog program. https://lnkd.in/eD-__phm VD: The images show Min and her yellow guide dog, Deedy having their ID photo taken. In the first photo Deedy is licking Min’s face. In the second photo, Deedy pulled back reviling the big smile on Min’s face. #guidedogfoundation #guidedog #blind #lowvision #livewithoutboundaries #servicedog #orientationandmobility #blindnessawareness