Breaking Barriers: September is National Guide Dog Month

September is National Guide Dog Month, a time to honor the incredible partnerships between people with disabilities and their guide or service dogs. These highly trained animals are more than companions—they are lifelines to independence, confidence and connection. 

Michigan’s Leaders in Service Dog Training 

There are a few great organizations and programs in Michigan that provide training to these exceptional animals and get them placed with people that can benefit from their assistance.  

Leader Dogs for the Blind 

Since 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has empowered people who are blind or visually impaired through free programs including: 

•  Guide Dog Training 

• Orientation & Mobility Training 

• Summer Experience Camp 

Paws With A Cause 

Paws With A Cause (PAWS) custom-trains assistance dogs to support people with: 

• Mobility challenges 

• Hearing loss 

• Seizure disorders 

• Autism 

• Medical alert needs 

They also place facility dogs in schools, hospitals and advocacy centers to provide emotional support and enhance therapeutic environments. A few examples include:  

• Bacon at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, who comforts children during forensic interviews and therapy sessions, helping them feel safe and supported.  

• Vandy at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, who motivates and comforts patients during physical rehabilitation, making therapy sessions more engaging and less stressful.   

Blue Star Service Dogs 

Blue Star Service Dogs transforms shelter dogs into highly trained psychiatric service animals for military veterans and first responders living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other invisible wounds. Through an innovative program through the Michigan Department of Corrections, shelter dogs are trained by inmates in basic obedience and socialization before being placed with individuals, creating life-changing partnerships that promote healing, independence, and reintegration.   

Service and Therapy Animals at KDL 

At Kent District Library, we proudly support and welcome service and therapy animals in our branches. This policy ensures that individuals with disabilities can access library services with the support of their trained animals, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.   

(See Policy 4.1.4 for full details.) 

Service Dog Etiquette 

To support the independence and safety of service dog teams, here are a few important guidelines everyone should know: 

•  Don’t pet or distract a working dog. Even if they look adorable, they’re doing an important job. 

• Always ask before interacting. Some handlers may allow petting when the dog is off duty but never assume. 

• Don’t offer food or treats. This can interfere with training and focus. 

• Respect the handler’s space. The dog is part of their mobility and support system. 

• Teach children to observe from a distance. It’s a great opportunity to model respectful behavior. 

By following these simple rules, we help ensure that service dog teams can navigate public spaces safely and confidently, including our libraries.  

Let’s take September to celebrate the powerful bond between people and their guide or service dogs—and to recognize the organizations and policies that help make independence possible.