Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind Visits the Desert

“The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind is the only accredited guide dog program serving Israel’s 24,000 blinded and visually impaired citizens, and the only such program in the entire Middle East,” said Mr. Leventhal. This year’s annual luncheon drew more than 150 guests. During the last 13 years, local supporters of this unique event once again gathered to hear about the latest developments at the Guide Dogs of Israel’s innovative training center in Israel.

have been touched by family members, co-workers, and community members as these partnerships between a service dog and their owner navigate life together,” Mr. Leventhal said.

Participating in the event were David Attal and his guide dog, Yellow, who traveled with him on the flight between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles.

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Their innovative training techniques have had impressive results since the first “Guide Dog team” was launched in 1991. Since then, the Center has established 739 Guide Dog partnerships for people who cannot see, 17 PTSD Services for soldiers who have seen too much, and 382 Emotional Support Dogs for children. “That’s 1,138 lives that have been directly affected because of these amazing animals, but many others

The success of the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind goes to Rancho Mirage resident Helen Varon; she has brought the Guide Dogs of Israel to the desert since 2009. She graciously welcomed guests as they arrived for the luncheon and program, narrated by Dan McGrath, who once again served as Israel Guide Dog Centers emcee.

“The luncheon was more like a reunion, as it had been three years since the last event because of COVID requirements,” remarked Phyllis Eisenberg, a loyal supporter of the Israel Guide Dog Center.