NJ Nonprofit Brings Guide Dogs, Puppies To Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Some adorable guests recently paid a visit to Montclair: guide dogs and puppies from The Seeing Eye.

The Morristown-based nonprofit brought some animal ambassadors along for a trip to Montclair earlier this month. The Seeing Eye offered a recap of two events that it held in the township.

FILM SCREENING

“On the evening of Nov. 16, The Seeing Eye hosted members of the Montclair community at the 505 Montclair Film space. Attendees had the chance to hear from The Seeing Eye’s president and CEO, Peggi Howard, Seeing Eye trustee the Honorable Governor Thomas Kean, and long-time supporter Josh Weston. Guests watched a preview of The Seeing Eye’s newest 25-minute video, From Puppy to Partner, which explores the journey each Seeing Eye dog takes over their lifetime.

“After the video, audience members listened to two brothers closely connected to The Seeing Eye. Pat McKenna, a Seeing Eye dog handler, and Brian McKenna, Wohlers Family Foundation Master Instructor and Senior Manager of Instructor Training, explained how they both became a part of The Seeing Eye’s community and answered questions from the audience.”

TRIP TO JUDY WESTON GARDEN

“The Judy Weston Garden at Watchung Park was full of dog lovers on Nov. 18 for The Seeing Eye puppies who assembled to greet visitors.

“The event gathered the Montclair community to the beautiful garden to educate attendees about the importance of The Seeing Eye’s mission. Volunteer puppy raisers answered questions and their Seeing Eye puppies were there to soak up the attention. Seeing Eye Apprentice Instructor Daniel Hedden demonstrated the skills he teaches to Seeing Eye dogs, including obstacle awareness and navigation.

“Attendees also heard a first-hand perspective from Haledon resident and Seeing Eye dog recipient Jessica Calvo-Varela. She shared why she decided to get a Seeing Eye dog and how her Seeing Eye dogs helped her regain her independence and dignity. Josh Weston was also in attendance and received a happy tail wag greeting from Judy, the black Lab Seeing Eye puppy named after his late wife.”

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