VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.,
July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/
-- From the day he arrived as an 8 week-old puppy at Atlantic
Shores Retirement Community in Virginia
Beach, Virginia, black lab Godrick has profoundly touched
hundreds of lives. More than three years later, this special dog
has found his path, and is making a monumental impact on the family
he was destined to be with.
Along with fellow canine pal Joanie, Godrick was part of the
"Atlantic Shores/Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Love
Program" one of the first programs in the nation bringing
puppies, schoolchildren, and seniors together in a
multi-generational partnership to provide service dogs matched to
deserving individuals.
This unique program was created with Guiding Eyes For The
Blind (GEB), an accredited, nonprofit guide dog school that
provides the blind and visually impaired with free guide dogs and
lifetime support services. GEB relies on volunteers for the
critical first step of basic obedience training and socialization
for their puppies.
Godrick was matched with Atlantic Shores residents and staff,
who opened their homes and hearts to raise him during a critical
time in his life.
Partnerships were also formed with local elementary schools,
where the puppies made socialization field trips, and special
curriculum helped students understand the dogs' invaluable
services.
When training was complete, Godrick returned to GEB for
finishing training. With his special disposition and love of
children, Godrick was chosen for Guiding Eyes' Healing Autism
Program, where select dogs are trained to provide safety,
companionship, independence, and social acceptance for children
with autism.
At his recent graduation ceremony at GEB in New York, Godrick was placed with his new
family, who live in New Jersey. He
instantly bonded with their son, Ari, and has already made an
amazing impact on the family - - including giving them the
freedom to take their first-ever family vacation.
To honor Godrick's new path, Atlantic Shores' ROMEO men's social
group is committing time to supporting autism initiatives in the
Virginia Beach area. Updates on
Godrick's progress are also posted at
http://www.facebook.com/atlanticshoresliving
The time and love showered on Godrick has also earned national
attention, with the Puppy Love Program awarded the Silver "Stevie
Award" as Public Relations Campaign of The Year at the
10th Annual American Business Awards.
To learn more, visit:
http://www.atlanticshoresliving.com/category/puppy-love-program/
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atlantic-shores-retirement-community-puppy-grows-to-find-his-true-path-300120942.html
SOURCE Atlantic Shores Retirement Community