[Image: The Vision Guide Dogs logo features a winding road with a guide dog standing in the center and "Vision Guide Dogs" printed in the upper-right corner. Next to the logo it reads "Navigate the World."]

New Year, New Career for Buddy!

[Image: Yellow Labrador retriever and seizure alert dog Buddy is standing next to his forever person, Avery.]

Oh, the Places You'll Go, Buddy! Sometimes, when we set out with a plan, things don’t unfold exactly as expected. But every so often, those unexpected twists and turns lead to an outcome so perfect that it feels like it was meant to be all along. That’s exactly what happened with Buddy.

Guide dogs-in-training can be released from guide dog programs for various reasons. When it was decided that Buddy wasn't an ideal fit for guide dog work, another door opened. Buddy was given the opportunity to train as a seizure alert dog with local dog trainer, Cindy Buechner. At the end of 2024, Buddy completed his training and was matched with his forever person, Avery. In a short amount of time, they have created a bond so strong that it can only be described as magical. We are beyond thrilled that Buddy has found his true calling as Avery's seizure alert dog and, equally important, constant companion. Thanks to Buddy, Avery will be able to complete her university studies safely and confidently.

As we ring in the New Year, here's to exploring new paths and embracing fresh beginnings. Happy 2025 to our amazing supporters! May the year ahead bring you peace, joy, and good health.

Photos

[Image: Black Labrador retriever Star in a down-stay position with an ornament-adorned Christmas tree behind her and a "My 1st Christmas" cookie in front of her.]

[Image: Yellow Labrador retriever Joy is in a sit-stay position facing VGD volunteer and Board member Beth Hepp during a training session at Bass Pro Shops. Joy is wearing a special head collar around her snout called a Gentle Leader designed to reduce pulling.]

[Image: VGD volunteer and Board member Lou Ann Williams is standing in front of a table at the Kendra Scott Gives Back fundraising event. Her guide dog Keller, a yellow Labrador retriever, is in a sit-stay position next to her.]

[Image: Yellow Labrador retriever Elroy is in a sit-stay position on a brick walking path. He has a Gentle Leader head collar around his snout.]

[Image: VGD volunteers and Board members Melissa Jozwiak and Gail Walden are posing with Santa Claus at Vibrant Works' Breakfast with Santa event. Gail's guide dog Mark, a yellow Labrador retriever, is in a sit-stay position in front of her. There is a light-up snowman and decorated Christmas tree in the background.]

Upcoming Events

[Image: Flyer that reads, "VGD 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament. Smash, Serve, & Rally for VGD! Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at Chicken N Pickle. Swag Bags & Game Prizes! Entry: $80/team." There is a photo of a pickleball paddle and three balls. There is a second photo of VGD guide dog Zuke during an advanced training session with GDMI Mark Hartridge.]

Volunteer

[Image: Black Labrador retriever Star is in a sit-stay position next to a sign that reads, "LAB," with an arrow pointing left towards a clinic laboratory and also Star.]

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Vision Guide Dogs is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Federal Tax ID 92-0898185