Resident assisted by guide dog

Eastlake resident Edwin Janoch has enjoyed newfound independence with the help of his new guide dog.

Janoch and his dog recently returned to Eastlake after a successful completion of the training program at Pilot Dogs Inc., a nonprofit organization that trains dogs to guide the blind, in Columbus.

For four weeks, Janoch and his dog worked with the professional trainers at the Pilot Dogs Inc. school. Janoch and his dog learned to navigate busy streets, use revolving doors, escalators and elevators, and utilize public transportation. While the dog does not know specific routes, it will be able to help Janoch arrive to his destination safely with instruction. Janoch plans to continue traveling independently in the Eastlake community with the skills he learned at Pilot Dogs.

The access laws guarantee a blind person the legal right to be accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public accommodations. Public facilities include restaurants, libraries, office buildings, and more.

Janoch stated that his favorite parts of training were long walks to downtown Columbus and a trail path along the Scioto river.

Janoch’s Pilot Dog is a Labrador retriever. This will be Janoch’s first guide dog. Pilot Dogs work an average of eight to 10 years.

According to Pilot Dogs Inc., individuals should not talk to, stare at or pet the dog.

“It is important for the dog to stay focused on the task at hand, which is to guide its master,” said J. Jay Gray, executive director. “While people want to be nice and pet the dog, this is a distraction for the team.”

Pilot Dogs Inc. is a nonprofit organization established to train and furnish the finest of dog guides to lead the blind.

Established in 1950, Pilot Dogs provides its trained animals to the qualified blind at absolutely no charge. The organization is supported entirely by public contributions including support from Lions Clubs, individuals, organizations and corporations.

The organization depends on volunteers to raise the puppies until they are ready to become Pilot Dogs. Individuals throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia provide foster homes for puppies that are 4-6 weeks old until they are about 12-14 months and ready for formal training.

During that time, raisers are asked to socialize the puppies and take them to an obedience course. Pilot Dogs reimburses the raiser for veterinary expenses and up to $75 for an obedience course. The raisers cover the cost of food. A variety of individuals have provided their home for this program including youth, adults, and 4-H members who raise puppies as a project.

—Submitted

More information: Call Pilot Dogs Inc. at 614-221-6367 or visit their website PILOTDOGS.ORG.

SUBMITTED Eastlake resident Edwin Janoch is pictured with his new guide dog. Janoch and his dog recently returned to Eastlake after a successful completion of the training program at Pilot Dogs Inc., a nonprofit organization that trains dogs to guide the blind,...