Leader Dogs for the Blind is non proft seeing eye dog training program located in Rochester Hills, MI. Founded in 1939 by local Lions Club member, it is the second guide dog school founded in the United States and one of the largest of its kind. Students stay free of charge at the Canine Development Center for up to 26 days for training with their “leader dog”.
This year the Development Center is finishing up a $14.7 million renovation and expansion. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a behind-the-scenes look at this project, thanks to my father being the construction site superintendent. With beautiful new facilities, I felt that Leader Dog could use a fresh new identity to further the brand.
CONCEPT
My idea for this project came from a quote by Helen Keller in a speech to the Lions Club International Convention in 1925, in an appeal to for them to adopt vision loss as a community service focus.
“I appeal to you, Lions…will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in my crusade against darkness?”
Knights are portrayed as being honorable, brave, professional and chivalrous in their service. It’s a fitting description for the dogs in these programs, as they are trained with their human to be by their side, protecting and guiding them through the world.
