4-H Delivers

Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Issue

Since the age of nine, Elizabeth Kaufmann has been aware of a fundamental fact of nature: everyone is endowed with different abilities, and too often the gift of sight is taken for granted. Blind people often have a more difficult time navigating through this sight-dominated world. By raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Service Dogs, Elizabeth has been able to give one of the most important gifts - independence.

What has 4-H Done?

Elizabeth has spent eight years dedicating her life to helping improve the lives of others. Through the Guide Dogs for the Blind program, Elizabeth has taken care-free puppies and trained them to be hardworking, loyal companions. Her fourth dog recently graduated as a breeder and has had her first litter of future guide dog puppies. Through Elizabeth's hard work, she has not only trained puppies, she has also trained the people of her community in the proper etiquette of being around a working guide dog or service dog.

The Payoff

Although puppy raising is "not all glamour and glitz," says Elizabeth, it serves a much greater purpose beyond self-satisfaction or college applications. "Puppy raising is about helping others compensate for their lack of sight." Elizabeth was recently honored with the Golden Clover award for Ironstone Concours Service Dog. She is looking forward to spending the summer interning at the veterinary department of Guide Dogs.

Author: Annalee Sanborn, Student Assistant, State 4-H Office