This year marks a century since Helen Keller’s powerful challenge to Lions Clubs International, urging them to become “knights of the blind.” That call to action led to the creation of Leader Dogs for the Blind 85 years ago, right here in Rochester Hills. What began as a small farmhouse operation on an apple orchard has since grown into one of the world’s largest organizations providing guide dogs and mobility training for people who are blind or visually impaired. Leader Dog’s mission has always been about more than just training exceptional guide dogs, it’s about restoring independence, breaking barriers, and fostering an inclusive world. With clients arriving from across the United States and beyond, this organization continues to provide life-changing services at no cost, thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, and the greater Rochester community.
The guide dog training program, which lasts three weeks, offers a comprehensive, immersive experience akin to a small university. Clients stay in a residential facility, have private rooms, receive meals from a dedicated culinary team, and train with their guide dogs in controlled and real-world environments. “We want people to come to a place that is really a sanctuary where they can focus on their training with their guide dog or cane and work on gaining the mobility skills they need to go into the world”, says Melissa Weisse, CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind. “Many people have little access to services in their home communities and this is the place where they're coming to get their first introduction to cane training and mobility.”
Twenty years ago, Leader Dogs for the Blind expanded its services to include orientation and mobility training using the white cane. The organization now serves over 200 people annually with this program, offering an alternative for those who choose not to work with a guide dog.
“We aim to serve the whole person,” Weisse states. “Not every environment is suitable for a guide dog and we are proud to be the only school in the U.S. to offer such an extensive white cane training program.” In addition, Leader Dogs for the Blind recently introduced a psychosocial support program to help clients cope with the emotional challenges of vision loss or the transition of retiring a beloved Leader Dog. “There’s a lot of grief and trauma associated with losing one’s sight,” Weisse says. “We want to provide lifelong support to our clients, helping them navigate these changes with confidence.”
Leader Dogs for the Blind is more than a training center—it is an advocate for disability rights and inclusion. The organization actively participates in national conferences and international collaborations to promote accessibility and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. “As part of the American Foundation for the Blind, I work to ensure that our clients have a voice at every table,” Weisse explains. “We want people with disabilities to have access to education, employment, and community spaces.”
The process of matching clients with Leader Dogs is thorough and personalized. Applicants must submit a video demonstrating how they navigate their home environment and surrounding area, alongside reference letters and a doctor’s note. Once accepted, Leader Dogs staff carefully analyze the applicant’s needs and match them with a dog suited to their environment and mobility requirements.
Once paired, the dog undergoes four months of training before being introduced to the client during their three-week immersive class, where they live and train together on campus in Rochester Hills. After training, a field rep team follows up with clients across the country to support their transition back home. “My first dog was like a big Cadillac, slower, smoother. Caius is like a Porsche, fast and nimble. He’s exactly what I want and need now. I couldn’t be happier with him,” Says Greg I. with Leader Dog, Caius.
Leader Dogs for the Blind operates its own breeding program, ensuring that each dog possesses the ideal temperament and traits for guide work. With three full-time veterinarians, including a theriogenologist specializing in animal reproduction, the organization meticulously selects breeding pairs to produce confident, intelligent, and adaptable Leader Dogs.
“We start from pre-birth, analyzing genetics and inheritable traits to develop the best guide dogs,” Weisse explains.
The puppy raiser community is the heart of Leader Dogs for the Blind, providing love, structure, and foundational training to prepare young dogs for their future as guide dogs. These volunteers play a vital role in shaping dogs capable of guiding individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Raising a Leader Dog is a significant but deeply fulfilling commitment. As Melissa Weisse shares, “We all know that volunteerism adds to your quality of life, belonging to a community and something greater than yourself.” For many, it becomes a lifetime of service, with some raisers dedicating themselves to raising over 50 puppies.
As Leader Dogs for the Blind marks 85 years, it remains committed to growth, inclusion, and accessibility. With over 1,000 volunteers, its impact extends far beyond Rochester. “We’re always looking for new puppy raisers, volunteers, and community partners,” says Weisse. “This work is about social justice, inclusion, and making the world more accessible for everyone. Rochester Hills is not just our home—it’s the heart of this movement.”
With every puppy raised, guide dog placed, and client served, Leader Dogs continues to fulfill Helen Keller’s vision, empowering people to live independently and confidently in a sighted world. From puppy raisers to trainers and instructors, Leader Dog stands as a testament to the power of collective compassion and commitment.
Leader Dog is always looking for puppy raisers, breeding host families, volunteer drivers, and foster families in Rochester Hills. You can also host fundraisers or school events to support their mission. Getting involved means empowering people who are blind or visually impaired and advocating for disability rights and inclusion. Join Leader Dogs and make a difference!
“This work is about social justice, inclusion, and making the world more accessible for everyone. Rochester Hills is not just our home—it’s the heart of this movement.” -Melissa Weisse
Melissa Wiesse CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind
Melissa started volunteering with Leader Dog 20 years ago, “Through volunteering at Leader Dogs, my life was changed because you're part of this community and this culture that's a force for good. It's a very unique culture, from the puppy raisers that are fostering dogs to the 1000 volunteers, I felt I was part of something so meaningful.”