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For most people, blindness is more dreaded than any other disability
because it brings with it a life of darkness and danger.
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.
Without exception, the owners of our guide dogs tell us of their
new-found independence and of having a far richer and productive
life.
"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."
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, 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, Jimmy. He is now employed at the Center
as Director of Community Relations and regularly gives tours at the
Center.
Tal Masela and his family are 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.
More Testimonials - NEW!
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