For those not already familiar, I encourage you to check out Guiding Eyes' recently launched Heeling Autism program in which its world-renowned dogs are trained to bring safety, companionship, confidence, and social acceptance to children with autism. While young, the program has proven a great success with dramatic results - improving the overall quality of life for children and families affected by autism. I am a volunteer puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes, having just finished raising my first pup, and can attest the end result is an amazing thing to see.
For details, you can visit guidingeyes (dot org) and click on the "Children with Autism" link in the upper left. If you search for "Heeling Autism" on YouTube, there are also a few news features about the first families who have been matched with dogs.
Guiding Eyes is also currently in the running for a $250k Pepsi Refresh grant to expand their Heeling Autism program and better meet the overwhelming demand from families. To support the grant bid, you can visit Pepsi's Refresh website - refresheverything (dot com) - and search for "autism dogs" or can text 101731 to Pepsi at 73774 to vote once a day every day until August 31st. I think they're in 7th place at the moment (out of hundreds) but need to be in the top 2 to get funded. Totally worth 10 seconds of all our (and our friends/family) time each day to grow this program.
One of the most amazing things about GEB is that the dogs and life-long follow-up support services are provided completely free of charge. They receive no government funding and are supported solely by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations as well as their many dedicated volunteers.
I cannot say enough good things about the people, organization, and of course the dogs and encourage everyone to check the program out and vote for their Refresh grant.
13 Aug 2010, 9:01 am
Great idea!
