Welcome to my WAGATHON page!
H. May
H. May
Hi!!!! Barben and I send many tail wags of appreciation to you for checking out Guiding Eyes' WAGATHON (a cumulative marathon - or in our case 50-miler - that you and your dog can do anywhere, at your own pace throughout the month of September).
Here are a few reasons I am raising funds for Guiding Eyes at a time that I know funds are scarce:
Blind folks are among the most un/deremployed people in the US. Though I am fortunate to have a fulfilling job,* this is relatively rare. Guiding Eyes covers all expenses associated with being a guide dog handler (such as travel to and from training, food and housing during training, an amazing team of dedicated staff, one-on-one training both at school and in the field, an array of harnesses, collar, leashes, and other gear, ongoing funding for veterinary care and medical supplies, continuing education, and much more). Guiding Eyes makes it possible for blind folks to have a guide dog regardless of income.
Guiding Eyes has the only running guide program in the States, training dogs specifically to be able to guide blind runners. Honestly, as hard as giving up driving has been, the thought of giving up running has been that much worse. Running provides me connection with nature, solace, physical activity, and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. If you know me, you know that the last few years have brought an ostrich egg-sized bump on my head and many other scars. Though we still have a lot of work to do to become a smooth running team, I am tremendously grateful to have a glimpse of a running future with fewer injuries.
Guiding Eyes is able to provide these services because of people who support their work - from puppy raisers to donors like you. If you have the means, I hope you will consider making a pledge and then follow along here throughout the next month plus as we work our way through the WAGATHON.
I've named our team Barhem...because we're still a little bit of chaos and Mayhem. (And a nod to my trainer on campus Dan Weesner with that one.)
If you and your pup feel like doing your own WAGATHON, we'd love to have you join team Barhem!
Whether you are here for the photos and videos or to make a donation, thank you for your support!
- H. and Barben
Here are a few reasons I am raising funds for Guiding Eyes at a time that I know funds are scarce:
Blind folks are among the most un/deremployed people in the US. Though I am fortunate to have a fulfilling job,* this is relatively rare. Guiding Eyes covers all expenses associated with being a guide dog handler (such as travel to and from training, food and housing during training, an amazing team of dedicated staff, one-on-one training both at school and in the field, an array of harnesses, collar, leashes, and other gear, ongoing funding for veterinary care and medical supplies, continuing education, and much more). Guiding Eyes makes it possible for blind folks to have a guide dog regardless of income.
Guiding Eyes has the only running guide program in the States, training dogs specifically to be able to guide blind runners. Honestly, as hard as giving up driving has been, the thought of giving up running has been that much worse. Running provides me connection with nature, solace, physical activity, and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. If you know me, you know that the last few years have brought an ostrich egg-sized bump on my head and many other scars. Though we still have a lot of work to do to become a smooth running team, I am tremendously grateful to have a glimpse of a running future with fewer injuries.
Guiding Eyes is able to provide these services because of people who support their work - from puppy raisers to donors like you. If you have the means, I hope you will consider making a pledge and then follow along here throughout the next month plus as we work our way through the WAGATHON.
I've named our team Barhem...because we're still a little bit of chaos and Mayhem. (And a nod to my trainer on campus Dan Weesner with that one.)
If you and your pup feel like doing your own WAGATHON, we'd love to have you join team Barhem!
Whether you are here for the photos and videos or to make a donation, thank you for your support!
- H. and Barben
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