With Braille Institute’s Orientation & Mobility Program focusing on guide dogs as their open forum topic for the month of August, we thought it would be great to share with you some of the many great audio books available on BARD about guide dogs.

A Handbook for the Prospective Guide Dog Handler (DB92557)
Author: Guide Dog Users, Inc. | Read by Jill Ferris  

Fourth edition of a handbook for those considering working with a guide dog. Sections include asking if a guide dog is for you, teaching old dogs new tricks, the path of independence, when things go wrong, and helpful resources.

Two Plus Four Equals One: Celebrating the Partnership of People with Disabilities and Their Assistance Dogs (DB74137)
Author: Kathy Nimmer | Read by Mitzi Friedlander

A collection of stories, essays, and poems about beloved canine partners from individuals who have disabilities and others. Describes the challenges and rewards of training guide dogs, the first days with a new service animal, and daily life. Shares moments of humor–and of loss.

Through A Dog’s Eyes (DB71937)
Author: Jennifer Arnold | Read by Kerry Dukin

Founder of Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for people with disabilities, offers a guide to training service animals. Arnold, who has multiple sclerosis, recounts developing her program and recalls acts of heroism and hard-won successes. Discusses positive reinforcement methods from the viewpoint of the canine.

Free Online Workshop: Am I Ready for a Guide Dog?

A yellow lab guide dog leads its owner on an asphalt path through grass.

If you would like to learn more about service dogs, Braille Institute is offering a free online workshop Friday, August 21, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Am I Ready For A Guide Dog? This workshop will discuss how to prepare for a guide dog, the application process, and information regarding the different guide dog schools. Come gather information to help narrow down the best guide dog school for you.

More Information & Registration

For more information about service animals, please visit The Association of Specialized Government and Cooperative Library Agency’s (ASGCLA) website.