Leader Dogs for the Blind Announces $60K+ Donation from Purina in Celebration of the "Every Dog is a Star" Program

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., May 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leader Dogs for the Blind today announced a $61,196 donation from Purina in conjunction with the pet food maker's "Every Dog is a Star" program.

In celebration of the first-ever "Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina," which aired on USA Network Easter Sunday, Purina invited dog lovers across the world to share the positive impact their dog has made on their life and how they are the true stars of their family. The program, which ran from April 10-23, generated 61,196 pet lover stories using the hashtag #BHDogShow and tagged @Purina. For each post Purina donated $1 to Leader Dog. 

"Purina has once again proven themselves to be a great partner to Leader Dogs for the Blind," said Susan Daniels, president & CEO, Leader Dog. "For several years they've been donating Purina Pro Plan for all our Leader Dogs in training, providing the nutrition our dogs need to perform at their best. We were thrilled to partner with Purina for this campaign, and its success is a true indication of what happens when organizations focus on making a positive difference in the lives of humans and canines alike."

Purina's donation will support the training of future guide dogs and clients who are visually impaired. Leader Dog clients are provided all services free of charge so the donation will help cover the training and delivery of future Leader Dogs. Additional funds will assist with the ongoing operations of Leader Dog's recently renovated Canine Development Center which opened in January and includes housing villages for dogs in training, a veterinary clinic and expanded puppy area.

"We were honored to partner with Leader Dogs for the Blind on our 'Every Dog is a Star' program and to support their mission of providing guide dogs to people in need," said Daniel Henke-Cilenti, director, Purina marketing. "Leader Dog and Purina share the belief that pets make our lives bigger and better every day."

About Leader Dogs for the Blind
Rochester Hills, Mich.-based Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that has been providing independent travel to people who are blind through the use of Leader Dogs since its founding in 1939. Over the years, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided independent mobility to more than 15,000 individuals. The services of the organization are provided free of charge. The organization also provides classes for orientation and mobility, pedestrian GPS and a summer camp for teens. For more information on Leader Dogs for the Blind, call (888) 777-5332 or visit www.leaderdog.org.

Contact:  Rachelle Kniffen
Leader Dogs for the Blind
(248) 659-5013
[email protected]

SOURCE Leader Dogs for the Blind