Burnet Hill Elementary’s (BHE) kindergarten students were recently treated to a special outdoor visit from two representatives of The Seeing Eye®. The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization and guide-dog school whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.

The Seeing Eye’s community outreach programs teach children the importance of accepting and respecting everyone’s differences. During the presentation, BHE students had the opportunity to interact and learn from one of The Seeing Eye’s special pups, an 8-month-old female yellow Lab named Somerset. She was accompanied by her puppy raiser, Jacquelyn Sweigart. Puppy raisers are foster families who care for the The Seeing Eye dogs-in-training until they are about 13-16 months old. They teach the puppies house manners and basic obedience, and socialize them to a variety of situations and experiences.

Ms. Sweigart read the kindergartners a funny book and taught them all about Somerset and the other special canines who will one day become the Seeing Eye guide dogs that enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of people who are blind. Meeting Ms. Sweigart and Somerset in person provided an opportunity for students to develop empathy for those who are faced with visual challenges and appreciation for the loyal helpers trained by The Seeing Eye.