
In the News – May 2021
In The News
May 2021
Our puppies and dogs were making the news in the month of May, from national publications like The Wall Street Journal to local TV stations like Suncoast News Network. This month provided a focus on the joy of puppy raising. Leslie Shepard, director, puppy raising service, and Anina Green, Austin area coordinator, both shared the love and delight that goes into raising a puppy, along with how interested raisers can volunteer. And who doesn’t love seeing adorable puppies on their TV screen?
May was also Military Appreciation Month. Marine Corps Veteran Bob MacPherson and his service dog, Blue, shared their story with Reader’s Digest. This touching and empowering story lead Blue to be a finalist in the America’s Best Pet Pals campaign. If selected as a winner, they could be featured in the print edition of the magazine in October.
These are some highlights of our recent media coverage. We encourage you to read these stories and more to stay up-to-date on all Southeastern Guide Dogs news.

How Blue, the Big Yella Fella, Helped Turn This Veteran’s Life Around
Military service and decades of humanitarian work left Bob MacPherson with PTSD. Service dog Blue helped him accept and overcome it. Bob shared his story with Reader’s Digest and Blue is a finalist in America’s Best Pet Pals! Read their story here.

Puppy Raisers Needed at Southeastern Guide Dogs
Suncoast News Network got a dose of puppy love when they came out to learn about puppy raising and how the local community can get involved. Watch the segment here and enjoy the reporter’s blooper reel of working with our lovable puppies here.

From Pups to Lifelong Partners
It’s not just the Suncoast media sharing the puppy love; our puppy raising group in Austin, Texas was featured in Austin Woman Magazine. Area Coordinator Anina Green shared what it’s like to raise a puppy and how the group is looking to grow in the area. Read the article here.

Buffy the COVID-Detecting Dog Brings Safety & Smiles to Florida Hospital
Buffy continued to impress both local and national media outlets. People Pets shared how Buffy was trained to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 and how she is an extra layer of protection at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. Find out more here.
More Coverage
Bradenton Herald: How Do You De-Stress Healthcare Workers? With a Little Four-Legged Love, Of Course
Digital Journal: “Samantha’s Friends” Benefit Featuring Daytime Actors, was a Success
Medium: Southeastern Guide Dogs has Adorable Puppies and They Want YOU to Raise Them
News of Sun City Center: Interfaith Council Gives Grant to Southeastern Guide Dogs
Ormond Beach Observer: Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club Raises Funds for Southeastern Guide Dogs
USA Today: Virus-Sniffing Dog, Vegas Boom, Vaccine Hecklers: News from Around our 50 States
The Wall Street Journal: Your Next COVID-19 Test Could Be a Dog’s Sniff
