The Seeing Eye Begins Partial Reopening

Seeing Eye® Dogs Resume Training in July

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Starting July 6, Seeing Eye staff members and dogs will begin returning to the organization’s Washington Valley campus.

“We are fortunate to have some staff members who have been able to work from home during the pandemic and can continue to do so, but there are staff members who are essential in fulfilling our core mission of training Seeing Eye dogs for people who are blind and visually impaired,” said Seeing Eye President & CEO Glenn Hoagland. “We are proceeding with a carefully planned, phased reopening, bringing back small groups of our staff and dogs in the coming weeks, with the hope of welcoming our next class of students in late August.”

In addition to resuming activity at its Washington Valley headquarters, Seeing Eye instructors will resume training dogs on the streets of Morristown, starting July 13. All staff members will be expected to follow federal, state, and local guidelines, which include but are not limited to: regular handwashing, disinfection of common surfaces, social distancing protocols, and wearing masks when in close contact with others.

“We would like to remind our fellow community members that dogs are not capable of comprehending nor observing social distancing. Please give our dogs space when you see them out and about, whether they are with a graduate, student or instructor,” said Hoagland.

The Seeing Eye has been in limited operations mode since the start of the pandemic, when Governor Phil Murphy issued stay at home orders. Two hundred dogs, who were housed at the Washington Valley campus in Morris Township, were moved into temporary foster homes with Seeing Eye staff and volunteers.

Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind. Seeing Eye dog users experience greatly enhanced mobility and independence, allowing them to retain their active lifestyles despite blindness. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts.

The Seeing Eye is a trademarked name and can only be used to describe the dogs bred and trained at the school’s facilities in Morristown, N.J. If you would like more information on The Seeing Eye, please visit the website at www.SeeingEye.org, call (973) 539-4425, or email info@seeingeye.org.

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