The Seeing Eye Comes to Naples

All the way from Morristown, New Jersey, The Seeing Eye traveled to Naples, Florida, to host an annual donor appreciation dinner for 80 of its supporters. Seeing Eye President and CEO Margaret “Peggi” Howard spoke at the event, along with Senior Instruction and Training Manager Brian Mckenna and Seeing Eye dog handler Sofia Pantel del Cueto on Monday, February 26, at the Imperial Golf Club, 

The Seeing Eye has specially trained and bred dogs since 1929 to help guide people with blindness and low vision. The mission of their philanthropic organization “is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs,” according to seeingeye.org. They also instruct the handlers on the proper use and care for the dogs and conduct and support research on canine health and development. The 501(c)3 non-profit significantly enhances their handler’s mobility and independence, allowing for a retained active lifestyle and purpose.  

With 18,200 partnerships between individuals and dogs, The Seeing Eye has transformed and improved lives in the United States and Canada. First-time students are expected to train with their furry friends for 25 days, and approximately one-third of the students graduate.  

Being the oldest existing guide dog school in the world, The Seeing Eye has paved the way for others in the guide dog movement. With their innovative technology and DNA sequencing, The Seeing Eye has become a research leader in canine genetics, breeding, disease control, and behavior.