OccuPaws Guide Dog Association, based in Madison, Wisconsin, places trained guide dogs with visually impaired residents of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota at no charge. The program includes a one-on-one, in-home training period, which differs from guide dog programs that require recipients to travel to a training site. The two-week, in-home training allows clients to learn how to work with the dog on the routes they frequent. Clients learn all aspects of caring for their guide dog companion including canine health and nutrition, general care and grooming, guide dog mechanics, public access, and etiquette. The goal of the fully-volunteer, non-profit organization is to place 6 to 8 dogs per year helping people with visual impairments lead a more fulfilling and independent life.
Through the Sonnentag Foundation, County Materials supports dozens of charitable organizations in four key service areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Member & Veteran Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building.
