In Episode 159 of the Eyes Free Sports podcast, we visit with three members of the Running Guides team at Guiding Eyes for the Blind – Jolene Hollister, Jenna Rovelli, and Sky Foshay. This team oversees the training of guide dogs that are trained to run with their blind or visually impaired handlers. During the conversation, they discussed:
The history of Guiding Eyes for the Blind and the programs the organization offersTheir roles with the Running Guides teamWhy Guiding Eyes decided to launch the Running Guides program over 10 years agoWhat they look for in a dog when identifying one that enjoys runningHow the guide dogs are trained to run with their visually impaired handlersThe leash and harness handlers use with their running guidesWho makes a good handler for one of these dogsExamples of handlers who have graduated from the programThe importance of physical activity for the blind and visually impaired and how these dogs can help increase these opportunitiesHow people can learn more about Running GuidesCheck out Guiding Eyes for the Blind at http://guidingeyes.org. For general inquiries about guide dogs, email
[email protected]. For specific questions about Running Guides, email Jolene Hollister at
[email protected].