We are making a dramatic difference in the lives of blind Israelis, enabling them to enjoy something most of us take very much for granted - freedom of movement and the wonderful gift of independence. To give you a little insight into how much of a difference, please meet some of our graduates.

"Two good things have happened to me in the last few years. One is my guide dog Vicky, and the other is that Nir was born. Thanks to Vicky I have no problem taking my son for a walk."

Nir Li-On was half-way through his army service when he was blinded in a tragic car accident. Nir, unable to cope with his loss of vision, became totally dependent on his family to do even the simplest errands. Today, with one of our guide dogs, he is a very busy young man. Now married, his time is filled with abundant activities. playing with his two toddlers, participating in community events, and being a member of a sports team for the visually handicapped. He recently completed his studies as a therapeutic masseuse and is the trainer for a large professional basketball team. His family and friends are amazed at the difference in his life due to the independent mobility he enjoys with his guide dog. Recently, Nir saved the life of his neighbor who was having a heart attack. Here is the news story

Hani is my second guide dog. The first one I brought from the States. I am very happy Hani was trained here because she's used to the weather, she's used to the pavements here. But most importantly, in case I have a problem with the functioning of the dog, I have someone I can talk to and someone who can help me out coping with the problem.

Nava Itzhaki is the mother of two grown daughters and had relied on them to assist her until she received her instruction with a guide dog. Now she is able to organize her own time, handling shopping and other chores, and has even gone back to work. There are no words to describe the joy "Lady" has brought to her life--renewing her independence and self-confidence.

"A guide dog means absolute independence for me, it changed my life completely, raising my self-esteem and self-respect."

When Eli Perlman applied for a guide dog, he was begging for mobility and independence. He had lost his confidence as a result of rarely leaving his home for the previous four years. His wife used to leave cups of coffee for him to microwave while she was away at work. Eli's sedentary life made even simple walking a difficulty during the instruction course at the Center. Watching him now makes one believe in miracles --one would never think it was the same person! Eli and his dog grew to be a confident team. He lost weight, began working as an x-ray technician in a hospital and cannot imagine how he could have gone so long without enjoying the efficient mobility and independence his guide dog provides.

Itzik Ben-David, father of four and owner of a small business, slowly became blind due to a hereditary eye disorder. He tried to be as useful as possible but still relied heavily on family help. Today he can't believe that he ever resisted his wife's suggestion to use a guide dog. He was so proud when, after graduating, his wife gladly gave up the chore of weekend supermarket shopping in his favor. From that first taste of real independence, he has moved on, and is now so busy that he is usually only available by mobile phone. He regularly lectures on behalf of the Center, accompanied by his most loyal friend, John. When you ask him about John, -- he says, "I used to have green eyes, but now my eyes are black.

Tal Masela and his family are new immigrants from Ethiopia. Although blind since the age of eight, the move to Israel meant that this young man, in his early twenties, had to cope not only with his blindness, but with a new language, environment and culture. It is easy to imagine how this combination harmed his self-confidence. Now he has "Billie" and you should see the two of them go! He has become a real asset to his family, capably taking over various chores with the independent mobility he enjoys with Billie.

Without exception, the owners of our guide dogs tell us of their new-found independence and of having a far richer and productive life.

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