Leesburg Teen Recognized for Work Raising Guide Dogs

About six years ago, the Lang family in Leesburg wanted a dog. In the end, teenager Olivia Lang appears to have set herself on a long, rewarding journey raising dogs for people who rely heavily on our canine friends.

Kathleen McAllister, the Shenandoah Region area coordinator for Guiding Eyes for the Blind recently presented Olivia with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her work as a Puppy Raiser for Guiding Eyes.

“As a puppy raiser, Olivia demonstrated outstanding service to Guiding Eyes for the Blind by puppy raising, puppy sitting and participating at community outreach events,” McAllister said.

Mother Kelly Lang said Olivia’s older sister, Hannah, first suggested raising a guide dog. Their father resisted at first, telling the girls they’d have to do some research on the subject and thinking that would be the end of it.

“He honestly didn’t think she’d do it,” Kelly Lang said, but Olivia took up the challenge and found the information. Turns out Mr. Lang had known someone who used a guide dog and soon “was on board,” Kelly Lang said.

McAllister said Olivia has been a natural.

“It was quite a responsibility for someone Olivia’s age to take an eight-week-old puppy and to have the commitment to raise him for the 14-month period,” McAllister said. “It’s the foundation for the lessons that a guide dog needs master. It can be challenging, but they find they really enjoy teaching the skills.”

Puppy raisers develop a bond with their puppy and socialize the animal as they are assessed for more intensive training, according to McAllister. About half of the dogs do not complete the program for a variety of reasons.

Olivia’s award was given for her care of a puppy named William, but the family has raised three puppies. Another by the name of Floss was placed with a new owner. The family’s first puppy, Wagner, was not suited to complete the program and became the family’s pet.

“They are an exemplary family,” McAllister said. “They are very dedicated and committed to Guiding Eyes.”

The hard part can be giving the puppies up.

“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” Kelly Lang said, but placing the canines with their owners have proven rewarding. “To see a dog graduate and meet that person makes it all worthwhile.”

The entire Lang family has proven to be of the giving spirit. Kelly and Olivia Lang have both been puppy raisers, and Olivia’s younger sister, Anya, has been pitching it. Hannah is council president of BBYO, a Jewish youth organization.

For more info about Guiding Eyes, visit the website www.guidingeyes.org, the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/guidingeyes) or follow the organization on Twitter at @guidingeyes.