Out and About


Bark Fest A barking good time was had by participants during the first annual Bark Fest at Franklin Park, Purcellville, Va. The venue for Bark Fest included a perfect autumn day at a picturesque park. Barbara, Kendra and Kachina together with Karen and Nemo helped visitors learn about Guiding Eyes puppy raising program. Though this was Kachina's first out reach event, she earned gold stars in people greeting skills and manners around other dogs.


A tapestry of holiday crafts provided the framework for displaying the Skyline Quilters, Dresden Plate Raffle Quilt. Guiding Eyes Walden lured craft show attendees to readily purchase raffle tickets from Phil "of many hats".

Summer Reading Program "Get the Buzz; Follow Me" on a guide dog's journey. Over 500 young summer reading program participants went on the journey of a Guiding Eyes pup with help from the Shenandoah Region Puppy Raisers. Jayne Lyman described where the puppies are born and their early life at the Canine Development Center. Virginia Lyman shared the training and experience activities that puppy raisers provide to build the skill and confidence of future guide dogs. Kathleen McAllister explained how guide dogs work with their human partner to provide independence and mobility. During the program volunteers from the audience assisted with an exercise called "getting dressed" in which the future guide dogs donned tee shirts and socks. Following the program, the audience had the opportunity to meet Shenandoah puppy raisers and pups including Phil and retired guide Gil, Brit and Carbon, Kathleen and Clipper, Virginia and Koi, and Dex the youngest pup with pup sitter Meghan. Rosie and Carys welcomed participants and distributed guide dog puppy stickers and bookmarks. Andrea and Karen prepared a terrific reading list on the topics of blindness, service dogs, and dogs in general. Photos were taken by Brad.