Mason City Evening Lions Club

Amazing program and always deserves our support!

When a dog in training doesn't quite meet the criteria to become a guide dog, they may be given the opportunity to become a canine ambassador. These remarkable dogs serve as excellent representatives of Leader Dog, attending events, meet-and-greets, and assisting with blindfold walks for various groups.

One such canine ambassador is Finley, who recently retired after an exceptional career. Since 2019, Finley has participated in countless meet-and-greets and provided blindfold walk experiences to hundreds of individuals. Throughout her tenure, she played a vital role in raising millions of dollars for Leader Dog and raising awareness about our mission among the public, Lions clubs, and potential clients.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Finley for her invaluable contributions over the past five years and wish her a well-deserved, relaxing retirement.

Photo description: A yellow Labrador retriever wearing a green Leader Dog Ambassador jacket while sitting down in front of a white backdrop with the Leader Dog logos on it.

When a dog in training doesn't quite meet the criteria to become a guide dog, they may be given the opportunity to become a canine ambassador. These remarkable dogs serve as excellent representatives of Leader Dog, attending events, meet-and-greets, and assisting with blindfold walks for various groups.

One such canine ambassador is Finley, who recently retired after an exceptional career. Since 2019, Finley has participated in countless meet-and-greets and provided blindfold walk experiences to hundreds of individuals. Throughout her tenure, she played a vital role in raising millions of dollars for Leader Dog and raising awareness about our mission among the public, Lions clubs, and potential clients.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Finley for her invaluable contributions over the past five years and wish her a well-deserved, relaxing retirement.

Photo description: A yellow Labrador retriever wearing a green Leader Dog Ambassador jacket while sitting down in front of a white backdrop with the Leader Dog logos on it.

Wonderful program and always deserves our support!

When a dog in training doesn't quite meet the criteria to become a guide dog, they may be given the opportunity to become a canine ambassador. These remarkable dogs serve as excellent representatives of Leader Dog, attending events, meet-and-greets, and assisting with blindfold walks for various groups.

One such canine ambassador is Finley, who recently retired after an exceptional career. Since 2019, Finley has participated in countless meet-and-greets and provided blindfold walk experiences to hundreds of individuals. Throughout her tenure, she played a vital role in raising millions of dollars for Leader Dog and raising awareness about our mission among the public, Lions clubs, and potential clients.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Finley for her invaluable contributions over the past five years and wish her a well-deserved, relaxing retirement.

Photo description: A yellow Labrador retriever wearing a green Leader Dog Ambassador jacket while sitting down in front of a white backdrop with the Leader Dog logos on it.

So cute and they do so much good to help those who need them!

A Litter of Future Leaders!

Imagine a scene straight out of a heartwarming tale – a devoted Leader Dog mom, her ebony coat shining, surrounded by an adorable litter of ten precious puppies.

We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated breeding hosts, whose unwavering commitment plays a pivotal role in shaping the future generation of Leader Dogs. These remarkable individuals open their homes and hearts to our expectant moms, providing a nurturing environment where the puppies can thrive during their earliest stages of life.

The journey of these ten bundles of joy has only just begun, but we have no doubt that with the guidance of our skilled puppy raisers and guide dog mobility instructors and the foundation laid by their caring breeding host, each one will excel and grow into an exceptional Leader Dog.

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a breeding host or supporting our mission, please visit https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer/host-a-breeding-dog/

Photo description: A collage with a photo of a black Labrador retriever wearing a blue Leader Dog "Mom" bandana in the center with photos of her 10 puppies, all black and each wearing a blue Future Leader Dog bandana, surrounding the mom. In the collage, there are 4 puppies on the top, one of either side of the mom, and four puppies on the bottom.

Amazing!

A Litter of Future Leaders!

Imagine a scene straight out of a heartwarming tale – a devoted Leader Dog mom, her ebony coat shining, surrounded by an adorable litter of ten precious puppies.

We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated breeding hosts, whose unwavering commitment plays a pivotal role in shaping the future generation of Leader Dogs. These remarkable individuals open their homes and hearts to our expectant moms, providing a nurturing environment where the puppies can thrive during their earliest stages of life.

The journey of these ten bundles of joy has only just begun, but we have no doubt that with the guidance of our skilled puppy raisers and guide dog mobility instructors and the foundation laid by their caring breeding host, each one will excel and grow into an exceptional Leader Dog.

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a breeding host or supporting our mission, please visit https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer/host-a-breeding-dog/

Photo description: A collage with a photo of a black Labrador retriever wearing a blue Leader Dog "Mom" bandana in the center with photos of her 10 puppies, all black and each wearing a blue Future Leader Dog bandana, surrounding the mom. In the collage, there are 4 puppies on the top, one of either side of the mom, and four puppies on the bottom.

Exciting news! Leader Dogs for the Blind is proud to announce the expansion of our free Guide Dog and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) programs to Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States and Canada.

For over 60 years, Leader Dog has provided our Guide Dog program to clients from Spanish-speaking countries who could not access this training locally. Now, this exceptional programming will also be available to Spanish-speakers in the U.S. and Canada.

We will also offer our groundbreaking Orientation and Mobility (O&M) program in Spanish. This training teaches individuals how to travel safely using a white cane and develop orientation skills.

“According to the CDC, Hispanic and Latino communities experience a higher risk of vision loss, offering our free programs to those who speak Spanish allows us to meet this critical need and empower more people with travel safety and independence,” said Melissa Weisse, Leader Dog's President and CEO. "People often learn best in their native language, especially when acquiring skills as impactful as guide dog handling or orientation and mobility."

Both free programs will follow Leader Dog's high standards, simply conducted in Spanish rather than English.

If you're interested, you can apply at LeaderDog.org or call 888-777-5332 and press 1 to speak with client services.

Photo description: A man wearing a red shirt, blue jeans and a black pouch on his right hip is kneeling down with his nose touching the nose of a light yellow Labrador retriever wearing a brown Leader Dog harness sitting on a sidewalk. There are trees lining the sidewalk with pink, white and red flowers surrounding each tree trunk.

Good news!

Exciting news! Leader Dogs for the Blind is proud to announce the expansion of our free Guide Dog and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) programs to Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States and Canada.

For over 60 years, Leader Dog has provided our Guide Dog program to clients from Spanish-speaking countries who could not access this training locally. Now, this exceptional programming will also be available to Spanish-speakers in the U.S. and Canada.

We will also offer our groundbreaking Orientation and Mobility (O&M) program in Spanish. This training teaches individuals how to travel safely using a white cane and develop orientation skills.

“According to the CDC, Hispanic and Latino communities experience a higher risk of vision loss, offering our free programs to those who speak Spanish allows us to meet this critical need and empower more people with travel safety and independence,” said Melissa Weisse, Leader Dog's President and CEO. "People often learn best in their native language, especially when acquiring skills as impactful as guide dog handling or orientation and mobility."

Both free programs will follow Leader Dog's high standards, simply conducted in Spanish rather than English.

If you're interested, you can apply at LeaderDog.org or call 888-777-5332 and press 1 to speak with client services.

Photo description: A man wearing a red shirt, blue jeans and a black pouch on his right hip is kneeling down with his nose touching the nose of a light yellow Labrador retriever wearing a brown Leader Dog harness sitting on a sidewalk. There are trees lining the sidewalk with pink, white and red flowers surrounding each tree trunk.

Thank you to the Monticello, Iowa Lions Club for inviting our program manager, Chelle, to speak at your meeting last night! We had a great turnout and a lot to celebrate! The two vision screeners that recently screened the 750,000th child in Iowa were present!

Thank you to the Monticello Lions Club and their continued commitment to Iowa KidSight! Your generosity of time and support are making a lasting impact on the children in your area!

Iowa Lions University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Monticello, Iowa Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
District 9EC Iowa Lions

Let's go!

Send a message to learn more

Urgent Alert!

Now is your last chance to help Leader Dog beat the Matching Gift Challenge before it ends! Through May 31 at midnight, your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar.

Our friends at Chief Financial CU originally challenged Leader Dog to raise $54,000 in April. But to make EVEN MORE perfect matches possible, two generous donors have extended the match through May, bringing the total matching gift amount to a whopping $99,000!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to double your impact and support the life-changing work of Leader Dog. Every dollar you give will be matched, so act now!

Donate now here: https://give.leaderdog.org/for/d031/info/fb

Photo description: A black Labrador retriever and a yellow Labrador retriever lying down with their noses touching. Both dogs are wearing blue Future Leader Dog jackets.

Can you help them?

Urgent Alert!

Now is your last chance to help Leader Dog beat the Matching Gift Challenge before it ends! Through May 31 at midnight, your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar.

Our friends at Chief Financial CU originally challenged Leader Dog to raise $54,000 in April. But to make EVEN MORE perfect matches possible, two generous donors have extended the match through May, bringing the total matching gift amount to a whopping $99,000!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to double your impact and support the life-changing work of Leader Dog. Every dollar you give will be matched, so act now!

Donate now here: https://give.leaderdog.org/for/d031/info/fb

Photo description: A black Labrador retriever and a yellow Labrador retriever lying down with their noses touching. Both dogs are wearing blue Future Leader Dog jackets.

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? Consider joining our extraordinary team of volunteers as a puppy raiser or breeding host for Leader Dogs for the Blind!

Whether you're nurturing a Future Leader Dog or providing a loving home for one of our incredible Leader Dog moms, you'll play a vital role in empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to lead independent lives.

Learn more about these rewarding volunteer opportunities and how you can be a part of our mission: https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer

Photo description: A close up of a Leader Dog mom black Labrador retriever touching her nose to her very young black Labrador retriever puppy sitting on a blue and white striped couch which is blurred for effect in the background.

Yes, a great reminder!

What a great reminder to start the week off! Have a great day my family and friends❤️💕

We had a great District Convention in Parkersburg last Saturday.

Kate Humphrey received Warren Colman award at 9nc convention

Iowa KidSight is thrilled to shine a spotlight on eye education! 🌟 Join the fun as we unveil 4 exciting eye facts perfect for sharing with friends and family. Let's spark curiosity & keep those young eyes sparkling with wonder!👀✨

National Eye Institute National Institutes of Health (NIH)

🍎 Happy National Teacher Day! 📚 Today, we're celebrating all of the extraordinary teachers who dedicate themselves to shaping young minds. Your hard work, passion, and commitment are truly appreciated! 🌟 🍏

We had a wonderful District Convention in Parkersburg!

A great reminder to start off your week. Good morning my family and friends.

👓 Myth busted! Glasses aren't a sign of poor eye health, just a stylish solution to normal eye changes! Embrace your glasses and the thriving glasses community. We love to celebrate healthy eyesight!🤓

National Eye Institute National Institutes of Health (NIH)

From the team at Iowa KidSight, we want to thank all Iowa Lions Volunteers for your unwavering commitment, which has made a significant impact from the very beginning to the present day. Today, we proudly recognize the exceptional dedication of 7,525 individual volunteers across all 7 Iowa districts, who've selflessly served as vision screeners since 2000. Happy National Volunteer Week! 🦁👁️

Iowa Lions District 9NW
Iowa Lions District 9NE
Iowa Lions District 9MC
Iowa Lions District 9EC
Iowa Lions District 9SW
Iowa Lions District 9SE
Iowa Lions District 9NC

Smiles, dedication, and captured moments of impact. 📸🦁 As Volunteer Week comes to a close, we honor the Iowa Lions volunteers for their unwavering commitment to ensuring every child gets a chance at clear vision 👓⭐💗

Spring is getting closer and we're all so anxious for it!

Hanging baskets COMING SOON.