If you’re someone who struggles with a visual or mobility impairment, you understand the challenges that come with navigating the world around you.

Whether you can’t see at all or have difficulty walking, it can be difficult to feel a sense of independence when you’re unable to do things that others take for granted. Fortunately, guide dogs exist to help you live more freely and confidently. One organization that’s helping to connect blind and visually-impaired individuals with these essential allies is Liberty Guide Dogs.

What is Liberty Guide Dogs?

Established in 2008, Liberty Guide Dogs is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing guide dogs to people who are blind or visually-impaired, as well as veterans with PTSD.

This organization believes that everyone has the right to live happily and freely, regardless of any limitations they may have. To that end, they offer a wide range of assistance and services to help connect people with the guide dogs that will help them live autonomously.

One of the things that sets Liberty Guide Dogs apart from other similar organizations is their approach to training. The organization has its own state-of-the-art facility where they train their dogs.

They don’t use traditional kennels, which can be loud and stressful for dogs. Instead, they use a unique approach where the dogs live with foster families while they’re being trained.

This gives the dogs a more personalized and loving environment in which to learn, and it also allows them to be socialized and comfortable in a home environment, which makes them more adaptable to their new owners’ homes when they’re ultimately paired with them.

The Benefits of Guide Dogs

If you’re someone who’s struggling to live independently because of a visual or mobility impairment, you may not know how a guide dog could benefit you.

There are many benefits to having a guide dog that go far beyond simply getting from point A to point B:.

1. Increased Safety

One of the biggest benefits of having a guide dog is that they keep you safe.

Whether you’re crossing the street, walking through a crowded area, or simply navigating uneven terrain, a guide dog is trained to help you avoid obstacles and potential hazards that could cause harm.

2. Greater Mobility

Guide dogs are trained to navigate the world with their owners in a way that allows them to move more freely. This means you can take on tasks and go places you may not have felt comfortable doing before.

With a guide dog by your side, you may feel more confident and independent than ever before.

3. A Companion for Life

One of the best things about guide dogs is that they become more than just a helpful tool – they become a loyal companion. Guide dogs are incredibly intelligent and intuitive, and they form a strong bond with their owners.

This can help you develop a more positive outlook on life and make each day feel more fulfilling.

How to Get a Guide Dog from Liberty Guide Dogs

If you’re interested in getting a guide dog from Liberty Guide Dogs, the process is relatively simple:.

1. Fill Out an Application

The first step in the process is to fill out an application. You can find the application on the Liberty Guide Dogs website. You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself, including your name, address, and contact information.

You’ll also be asked questions about your vision, your mobility level, and your lifestyle. This information will be used to help determine whether a guide dog is the right choice for you.

2. Have an Assessment

If your application is accepted, the next step is to have an assessment. This is a comprehensive evaluation of your visual and mobility abilities.

You’ll be asked to perform a series of tasks that will help Liberty Guide Dogs determine whether a guide dog is the right option for you.

3. Meet the Dogs

If you’re approved for a guide dog, the next step is to meet with the dogs. Liberty Guide Dogs will help you identify dogs that might be a good fit for you based on your lifestyle and needs.

You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the dogs and see how they respond to you. This will help you make an informed decision about which dog to choose.

4. Training

Once you’ve selected a guide dog, the final step is to go through the training process. Liberty Guide Dogs provides its own training program, which involves spending two weeks at their facility in upstate New York.

During that time, you’ll work with your guide dog and learn how to work together as a team. The training is designed to help you feel comfortable and confident when you bring your new guide dog home and begin integrating them into your daily life.

Conclusion

If you’re someone who’s struggling to live independently because of a visual or mobility impairment, a guide dog could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Not only do guide dogs make it easier to move around in the world, but they also provide loyal companionship that can help you develop a more positive outlook on life. If you’re interested in getting a guide dog, consider reaching out to Liberty Guide Dogs to learn more about their services and whether they might be a good fit for you.