Spotlight on Miko

Breeding Program

The Center takes great pride in our robust genetics and breeding department. By ensuring strong genetic characteristics in the puppies we breed, we are able to create the next generation of working dogs.

Our current breeding program has 11 male studs and 25 breeding females. Today we spotlight one of proud fathers, Miko, and his puppy raiser family.

Miko, the son of Sasmine and Chico, was born at the Center on October 15, 2020. After his first two months at the Center, Miko began living with his puppy raisers, the Bar family in Rehovot learning important socialization, basic obedience, and potty training. At 14 months old, Miko returned to the Center to be evaluated for his career path. Miko’s wonderful temperament and genetics made him the ideal stud to join the breeding program.

As part of the breeding program, he visits the Center for a few days at a time. He loves the Center and always comes home happy and loved. Miko is now a proud papa of 37 puppies, each one off doing amazing things in the world.

Miko’s Puppy Raising Journey

Carmel and Amir Bar were puppy raisers when they were students—over 16 years ago. The dog they raised, Shandy, went on to become a Guide Dog. For years after, they didn’t have another dog in the house.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the family—like all of us—found themselves stuck at home. The isolation took a toll, especially on their daughters Noga and Rotem, who were missing their usual routines and outings. Carmel remembered how much light and joy Shandy had brought into their lives, and reached out to us, hoping that another dog might lift their spirits.

Because they were already an experienced puppy raising family, the process was quick—and in December 2020, Miko arrived.

Carmel recalls: “Suddenly, this tiny two-month-old pup entered our lives—a true baby—who loved nothing more than curling up on Rotem’s lap. The whole atmosphere at home changed. We took Miko everywhere—to my studies at the Weizmann Institute, on train rides to Amir’s office in Tel Aviv. He became our ambassador, visiting schools with our girls and helping us share the story of Guide Dogs and the Center. Coming home to him was always the best part of the day.”

From the start, the family prepared the girls for the day they’d need to say goodbye. And after a year, when Miko was called up to start his formal Guide Dog training, they all knew he was going to be amazing. Still, it was a tough goodbye. The days after were filled with tears—especially when Noga came home and Miko wasn’t there to greet her.

Then came the best surprise of all: after completing his assessments, Miko was selected to become a breeding dog – and one afternoon, when the girls came home, Miko ran toward them once again.

“It was a magical moment,” Carmel says.

Since then, Miko has been with the family. He’s perfect. He still comes to work with Carmel, rides the bus and train, and travels the country.

We’re lucky to have the Bar family as part of our Guide Dog community—and so lucky to have sweet Miko as a beloved member of our extended family!

Kelev Tov (Good boy) Miko!