February 24, 2004

By: Colten Rice
Website: http://www.1st-in-pets.com

Seeing eye puppy parade planned for Newark Airport

Forty-five photogenic, seeing-eye dogs-in-training will walk through Newark International Airport on Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. as part of a program to help them become accustomed to airport sights, sounds and smells.

Port Authority personnel at the airport will take the 18-month-old puppies on a tour of Terminal A. The dogs will also be introduced to airport police emergency equipment and vehicles.

"This is the sixth consecutive year that the Port Authority has had the privilege to work with The Seeing Eye program to train guide dogs," said Susan Baer, General Manager of Newark International Airport. "Familiarizing these dogs with a major international airport helps to make air travel more accessible to their future owners."

United Airlines will take the puppies on board an airplane and on a tour of the Terminal A baggage claim areas.

"Socialization and exposure" outings like this are part of a guide dog training program created by The Seeing Eye Foundation, a philanthropic organization that helps blind adults achieve mobility through the use of guide dogs. The puppies are first placed with volunteer families who teach them obedience and expose them to all of the stimuli and distractions found in the world in which they will work. After about 16 months with volunteer families, the dogs begin a five-month formal training course that prepares them for life as full-fledged guide dogs.

"The more experiences we can give these dogs, the less likely they are to become frightened by the unfamiliar," said Christine Dickson, Manager of Puppy Placement for The Seeing Eye Foundation. "That's why we are grateful to the Port Authority for making this tour possible." For more information, see pet training aids.

About The Author:

Colten Rice is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-pets.com.  Pamper your pet and get up to date information on pet health, food, accessories, behavior, gifts and toys.