A future Leader Dog for the Blind visits with Everest students. Photo provided

Eric Rodman and Ashley Ayers, dog trainers from Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, visited Everest Collegiate High School & Academy with some of their furry students on Jan. 10.
These dutiful pups – Cricket, Iris, Hope Francine, and Korky – spent four months of their lives learning how to lead clients with visual impairments.
Rodman and Ayers demonstrated some of their training at Everest in hopes these puppies would also become masters in the classroom, since some are going to clients who spend their days in schools.
Everest students saw the dogs find doors, navigate around obstacles, and focus on attending their handlers in every situation.
The Labrador Retrievers and lab mixes will soon be paired with their new owners as their guide dogs.
“Of course, when not on duty, these puppies loved the deserving pets and attention from Everest students and enjoyed their time in a new environment,” said Mary Williams, advancement administrator. “Thanks to Leader Dogs for allowing the Everest students to help with your training and for the cool bookmarks and pencils you brought with you. We’re happy to support these honorable leaders.”