Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,
My name is _______ and I am a guide dog trainer. I am with you today to talk about the importance of guide dogs.
I want to start off by saying that the guide dog training industry is essential. I know that just by taking time out to be here today that all of you feel the same way.
Let me first explain to you the processes involved in choosing a guide dog. Their candidacy is based on top physical and mental health, with no history of problems or no hereditary diseases. The training process is an 18-month program.
The first phase involves "puppy walking," which is basically training the dog how to walk, how to lead and how much distance to give between objects or people. The second phase is five months of intensive training followed by a one-month probationary phase with the actual client. As you can see, the screening process is very strict.
Let me say a few things on why I feel this industry is so important.
Guide dogs are not just trained to be excellent guides. They are also trained to be gentle and loving companions. Being visually impaired can make someone feel very secluded and lonely. These creatures take away some of the loneliness. They become best friends.
Not only do they become a life-support system, but they give their owners a kind of freedom and independence that they may never have had before. They give mobility where mobility may have been absent or difficult to attain.
Having said this, I know you'll agree with me when I say this is an essential industry. Our goal is to help visually impaired people. But we cannot do this without help. Your help.
Thank you.