The Seeing Eye® to Begin State-of-the-Art Kennel Upgrade

An illustration of the covered outdoor play area for the renovated kennel space.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The Seeing Eye will soon begin construction aimed at upgrading the living quarters of the dogs who are housed at the Morris Township campus during the 4 months of training it takes them to become Seeing Eye® dogs. The $7.6 million project should take about 18 months to complete.

The Golden Dome Foundation, a Middletown, N.J. based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has pledged a $2 million donation in memory of its founder, Dr. Robert H. Harris. Dr. Harris is the late husband of the organization’s President, Mary Ellen Harris. The Harris’ created the foundation together in 2015, to support charitable causes.

“The Seeing Eye is grateful to the Golden Dome Foundation for its generous gift to The Seeing Eye,” said Seeing Eye President & CEO Jim Kutsch. “The Seeing Eye is pleased to honor the memory of Dr. Harris by naming the new kennel the ‘Dr. Robert H. Harris Canine Pavilion’.”

“It is with great pride that The Golden Dome Foundation Trustees have chosen to make this transformational gift to The Seeing Eye. I have been in awe of the work of The Seeing Eye for many years. As a dog lover I am amazed at the care which the potential guides receive; from breeding to training through to matching, The Seeing Eye distinguishes itself as the leader. The dogs and blind individuals with whom they are matched create extraordinary partnerships. I am pleased to be able to play a part in the continuation of this most important mission. My husband, Bob, for whom the building is named, helped insure healthy lives for individuals stricken with disease. He would be proud of this tribute to him at The Seeing Eye,” said Golden Dome Foundation President Mary Ellen Harris.

Dogs at The Seeing Eye campus are currently housed in two separate buildings, one which has become outdated. The new structure combines the living quarters, and gives all dogs direct access to covered all-weather exercise areas. The facility is designed to allow for an abundance of natural light, state-of-the-art ventilation and air exchange systems, newly designed dog grooming and food prep areas, and much more. The design incorporates new technology and information from the most current research aimed at increasing stimulation and a sense of well-being, making the dogs feel more comfortable, and improving the success of the overall program.

For more information about the project or to learn about how an individual, corporation, foundation or other organization can support The Seeing Eye’s “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising project, please contact Deb Morrone-Colella at 973-539-4425.

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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