Seeing Eye awards scholarship to puppy-raiser
Andover Bridget Stewart, 18, of Andover, has received a scholarship from The Seeing Eye® for raising several puppies for the dog guide school. James Kutsch, president of The Seeing Eye, formally congratulated Stewart, among the 72 puppy-raisers to receive scholarships at Family Day, an annual celebration for puppy raisers and their families held recently. Stewart is a freshman at Delaware Valley College where she is studying animal science and conservation. She has been a puppy-raiser for three years as a member of a Seeing Eye puppy club. In this capacity, Stewart taught her puppies basic obedience, attended local puppy club meetings once a month, exposed puppies to a variety of social situations, and provided them with love and companionship. After a year and a half, she returned each puppy to The Seeing Eye for its formal training. “Young adults like Bridget are special because they provide a rock solid foundation for a Seeing Eye dog’s formal training,” said Peggy Gibbon, director of Canine Development for The Seeing Eye. “We are delighted to recognize Bridget for her dedication to the puppy-raising program and wish her well in her future endeavors.” “We applaud the extraordinary commitment of Bridget and her fellow scholarship winners, enabling blind people to lead more independent lives,” said Kutsch. “My experience with The Seeing Eye showed me that my true love is canines,” said Stewart. “My hope is that once I get my degree, I can take it along with my experience raising puppies and improve the lives of dogs and the people they give independence and companionship to.” Each year, The Seeing Eye recognizes exceptional puppy raisers by presenting them with $1,000 college scholarships. Recipients have raised at least two dogs, have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and are active in their communities. For more information on The Seeing Eye or how to become a puppy raiser, call 973-539-4425 ext. 1769 or visit www.seeingeye.org. Bridget Stewart is the daughter of Amy Stewart, a freelancer for Straus News.