No. 16 Vol. 6
www.mypaperonline.com
June 2018
4-H Seeing Eye Puppies To Visit Mendham Township Library
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By Steve Sears he Seeing Eye, which proudly state on its website that it is “a philanthropic organization whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs,” will present a program on July 10, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mendham Township Library. The presentation details the history of Seeing Eye and puppy raising itself. About 10 - 15 puppies will be present at the event, each handled by a youth or adult. Kristin Kabis, who is co-leader of the Morristown-based 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club, Puppy Tails, will present the program. Kabis is in her fourth year as co-leader, and her mom, Linda, who is in her 20th year, is also a co-leader. She says, “We like to share the puppy
love with the public whenever we can. It offers a socialization experience that helps our puppies become successful guide dogs. The community benefits by learning more about The Seeing Eye that is so close to home, the opportunity to become a puppy raiser, and to learn how amazing these dogs are.” She continues, “Puppy raising is a wonderful experience for both youth and adults. It teaches you to love and let go while making such a difference in the life of someone else. You learn about patience, dog care, kindness, and giving back. These puppies give you so much love during the year you’re raising them that it helps you when you have to say goodbye. You also want to continue in the program and do it all over again; in our family’s case, we are now raising puppy #29, a female golden retriever named Carina.” All puppy raisers are volunteers. Trish Hall, program director at the Mendham Township Library, explains a bit about the library and its programs, especially the Seeing Eye event. “The Mendham Township Library strives to bring educational, informative, cultural, interesting, and thought-provoking programs throughout the year,” she said. “We offer three programs each month to adults and additional programs for children including story time and Lego club, and events for teens as well. The Seeing Eye event that we have planned for July 10 at 7 p.m. should encompass all age groups, from small children to seniors.” Per Hall, Seeing Eye is an important part of the community, and the fact that the Morristown school and training facility for puppies neighbors Mendham more encouraged the presentation. “Many families are part of the puppy training program and we see the Seeing Eye dogs frequently,” she says. “We hope to enlighten the community with the pro-
gram; to tell the people more about The Seeing Eye and more specifically about the 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program. By giving people the opportunity to see the puppies and meet their trainers they will understand the program and possibly wish to participate as well. If nothing else, we will give people the chance to learn a little more about The Seeing Eye and the 4-H Puppy Raising Program in addition to having some time seeing many puppies and most likely the chance to pet them as well. We hope to have a large group at the program of all ages, as many people are dog lovers and supporters of the Seeing Eye.” More information about Seeing Eye can be found at www.seeingeye.org and by calling (973) 539-4425. To register to attend the program, visit http://mendhamtownshiplibrary.org.