
In the News – July 2021
In The News
July 2021
This month the media really captured everything we do at Southeastern Guide Dogs. These stories focused on the littlest of pups and how dedicated volunteers raise them, all the way up to dogs with working careers, and the training that happens in between. Learn about raising a pup in the Osprey Observer, Citrus-County Chronicle, and Mooresville Tribune; hear about our veteran services in the Wellness & Wanderlust podcast; and read \ a touching story about class 300 graduate John Golom and guide dog Dawson in FIDO Friendly. Find these stories and more below.

For the Blind and Visually Impaired, a Guide Dog Serves as a Lifeline in the Sighted World
Class 300 graduate John Golom has been navigating through life with his guide dog Dawson by his side. In conjunction with the Florida Center for the Blind, John spoke to FIDO Friendly to share his journey and how Dawson has opened up his world. Read the magazine article here.
Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Raisers Open Their Hearts and Their Homes
A puppy raiser changes a puppy’s life and also changes the life of the handler who receives the fully grown and trained dog. Leslie Shepard spoke to the Osprey Observer to share the ins-and-outs of puppy raising and how those in the area can get involved. Read the article here.
How Service Dogs Change Veterans’ Lives
How can service dogs transform the lives of veterans with PTSD? Lauren Davis shared how on the Wellness and Wanderlust podcast. In the episode, Lauren educates on the difference between service dogs and ESAs, while also sharing the training process and how veterans can apply for their own service dog. Find the article and episode of the podcast here.
Bolt Can’t be a Guide Dog, but He’s Still a Lightning Celebrity
Earlier this month, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row. Ambassador dog Bolt was there for all the action. Before the game, the Tampa Bay Times caught up with Missy Davis, Bolt’s puppy raiser and now ambassador handler, to find out how Bolt has been spreading the mission of Southeastern Guide Dogs. Read the story here.
More Coverage
10 Tampa Bay: From Guide Dog Trainee to Lightning Ambassador: Bolt the Tampa Bay Lightning Dog Impacts Community
ABC Action News – Tampa: Dunedin Walkers Help Train Dogs and Clean Up the Area
Citrus County Chronicle: It’s a Dog’s Life: Pups Raised as Guide Dogs for the Blind, Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD
The Chattanoogan: Southeastern Guide Dogs Needs Puppy Raisers in Chattanooga
KCBX Public Radio: Journeys of Discovery: Life Saving Paws for Patriots
Mooresville Tribune: They Are Not Only Companions, They Are Life Changers
Suncoast Pet: Calling All Dog Lovers! Southeastern Guide Dogs Wants Your Help Raising Puppies
US News & World Report: COVID-19-Detecting Dog Screens – and Delights – Hospital Visitors
