The Lee’s Summit Lion’s Club met at the Neighborhood Cafe on April 24, 2018. At that meeting Lion Aaron Troester from the Independence Eastview Lions Club presented information on the Leader Dog Program. Lion President Troester was accompanied with Morrigan a six-month old puppy who is a mix between a Yellow Labrador and Golden Retriever. Morrigan was given to Lion Troester from the Leader Dog Program to raise and train for 12 to 15 months in preparation to be sent to Rochester Hills Michigan for further training to become a certified leader dog for the blind or visually impaired.

Pictured is Lion Kirby Vanatta, club treasure, who presented a $100 check from the club to the Leader Dog Program. Receiving the check is Lion Aaron Troester and puppy Morrigan getting a treat.

Only about half of the puppies being trained pass the rigid training to be certified. Lion Troester volunteered to be responsible for the housing, feeding, training and veterinary services required for the entire period of time of training. He is one of many Lions throughout the country that does this service. Clients who are qualified to receive one of these dogs has to go to Rochester Hills to be orientated and matched up with one of the dogs. There is no cost to the client for this dog which cost approximately $26,000 paid for through donations to the Lions Club Leader Dog Program.
For more information on this go to leaderdog.org.

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