© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

WKAR Sports content is reported by Sports Journalism students in the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.

Michigan State’s Leader Dog Club trains service dogs for the blind

MSU Leader Dog Club puppy raisers smile for a photo with their future leader dogs.
Sarah Shapiro
MSU Leader Dog Club puppy raisers smile for a photo with their future leader dogs.

The club is dedicated to helping the community, through training young dogs for their future roles helping support humans.

Michigan State University’s Leader Dog Club trains service dogs to assist people with visual impairments. Members and puppy raisers dedicate time to socializing and training the dogs, preparing them for the important role of guiding their future owners.

MSU Leader Dog Club practicing with the dogs on the stairs.
Sarah Shapiro
MSU Leader Dog Club practicing with the dogs on the stairs.

The club has become important to the MSU community, not only providing assistance to those in need but also raising awareness about the importance of service animals.

WKAR Sports spoke with members and puppy raisers about the difference the program is making for individuals and all the work done behind the scenes.

Shapiro WKAR Nov Dog Leaders Video Final.mp4

Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.