The situation in Israel remains heart breaking and we are all feeling the pain of the last year. For those of us here in the US, there is only so much we can do to help alleviate the suffering and desperation that the last 12 months have caused throughout Israel. But on the ground, the Israel Guide Dog Center is at the forefront of the national rehabilitation effort, spreading love and hope through our amazing super pups. Since our last update in March, the Center has been hard at work continuing its mission. See below for some highlights.

Puppies in basket

New Puppies!

To meet the exponentially growing demand for our dogs, we diverted ten new dogs into our breeding program and expect a record number of new puppies this year.

More puppies = more dogs in training = more clients whose lives we can transform.

Construction site of a modern building with a steel frame and bright blue exterior insulation panels under a clear sky.

Veterinary Clinic Renovation

In May, renovation on our veterinary clinic began. The new Clinic and Breeding Center will house a larger state-of-the-art surgery and recovery room, breeding and insemination room, laboratory and kennels.

A yellow Labrador in a blue vest licks the face of a man lying in bed on a gray patterned pillow.

PTSD Awareness Month

June was PTSD awareness month. This year was marked by overwhelming numbers of civilians and soldiers, veterans and children, deeply scarred by the effects of post-trauma. Israel’s Ministry of Defense estimates 50,000 IDF veterans battling PTSD by 2030.

A large group of smiling people outdoors holding several white puppies, posing together under a tree.

3rd Annual Puppy Raisers Event

In July, the Center hosted its 3rd annual puppy raisers event. This event shows our thanks to our puppy raisers for their dedication and commitment to raise our puppies during the first 14 months of their lives. This year was particularly meaningful, as most of our puppy raisers were drafted into military reserve duty and served in Gaza for months.

Athletes carry the Israeli flag during a Paralympic opening ceremony, accompanied by a yellow Labrador service dog.

Israel's Women Team Wins Silver at the Paralympic Games

Gal Hamrani and Roni Ohayon, two of our clients, won an olympic medal with the Israeli Women Goalball team–Israel’s first Olympic medal in the sport. Gal and her guide dog Dylan carried the Israeli flag together with swimmer and gold medallist Ami Daddon at the closing ceremony in Paris.

A yellow Labrador service dog sits in front of a wall of photos and Hebrew text dedicated to hostages and missing persons.

Looking into the Future with Hope

With the 101 hostages in our hearts, and the several thousands who lost their loved ones, suffered injuries, were evacuated or scarred by trauma, we at the Israel Guide Dog Centre remain determined to make a positive impact and bring comfort and joy to people with our truly outstanding dogs.