[nagdu] Pilot Article from Matilda Ziegler Magazine

[Criminal Justice Major]

Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 3:35 PM
Subject: Pilot Article from Matilda Ziegler Magazine
Feature Writer Terri Winaught -
>From Humble Beginnings
In January 1950, Pilot Dogs, Inc. was chartered as a nonprofit, the foundation having been laid by Stanley Doran, vision impaired since the 7th grade; Charles W. Medick, the father of a blind child; and Everett R. Steece, an administrator for what was then called Services for the Blind in Ohio. Bishop Bernard J. Sheil from Chicago, IL took an interest in the new school, as did Henry Staffel, President of Perk Foods, who provided significant financial support. Mr. Staffel set up a program in which Returning Veterans Brand Dog Food labels were collected, with prime collections having been done by the Illinois American Legion Auxiliary. The return of 850,000 labels generated an annual income of $60,000 for Pilot.
>From its humble beginning of training four students in 1950, Pilot now trains over 150 people each year, and has matched over 5,000 guide dog teams at their Columbus, OH facility.
In 1960, Lions Clyde R. Tipton and Dwight Swepston from the Tri-Village Club presented a motion at the state convention of the Ohio Lions to adopt Pilot Dogs as a state project. With the passage of that motion and permission from Lions International, Pilot is now called, "Lions Pilot Dogs." Over 500 clubs now give to Lions Pilot, and it is this type of support which enables the school to provide services at no cost to its students. These services include: round trip transportation, a month of training, and each student having a private room and the Pilot Dog.
Some of the breeds that Pilot uses are: Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and standard poodles. Though trainers try their best to match prospective guide dog users with their preferred breeds, the main criterion trainers use is the type of dog they feel will best meet a student's needs. Another positive aspect of Pilot's training is that they keep their classes small to provide more individualized support.
To complete an application or for more information, visit www.pilotdogs.org
write to 625 West Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215; call 1-614-221-6367; or fax 1-614-221-1577.