Welcome to Freedom Guide Dogs
Where independence begins, partnerships are built, and lives are changed.
WHO WE ARE
Our Story
Founded in 1992 by husband and wife Eric and Sharon Loori, Freedom Guide Dogs has spent more than three decades helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired experience greater independence, confidence, and freedom through the partnership of a guide dog.
At the heart of our work is the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to live life with greater independence, confidence, and the freedom to pursue their own goals. We recognize that no two individuals are alike, and we are committed to creating partnerships that reflect each person’s unique needs, abilities, and lifestyle.
Every puppy is purposefully bred and lovingly raised, and every guide dog is carefully trained and thoughtfully matched with the individual they will one day serve. From the earliest stages of puppy development to the formation of a working guide dog team, each step is guided by our commitment to building successful, lasting partnerships.
Through our unique Hometown Training™ program, we bring personalized instruction directly to our clients, allowing them to learn alongside their new guide dogs in the familiar surroundings of their own homes and communities. We are especially proud to serve individuals who have additional disabilities alongside blindness or visual impairment, adapting our instruction to support their individual needs.
Every puppy purposefully bred and raised, every guide dog trained and placed, and every hour of personalized instruction reflects our commitment to making independence more accessible. Our guide dogs and all accompanying training are provided at absolutely no cost to the individuals we serve.
As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to strengthening our programs, expanding our reach, and creating more opportunities for individuals to expereince the life-changing partnership of a guide dog.
WHAT SETS US APART
The Freedom Guide Dogs Difference
Personalized training. Meaningful partnerships. Greater independence.
Hometown Training
Personalized instruction in the homes and communities where our clients live, work, and travel.
Individualized Support
Proudly serving individuals with additional disabilities alongside vision loss.
At No Cost
Every guide dog placement and all accompanying instruction are provided at no cost to our clients.
Lifelong Commitment
Our dedication to our guide dog teams continues well beyond the day of placement.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Meet Our Team
Dedicated people. Shared purpose. A passion for independence.
Ashleigh Pace
Executive Director
Director of Breeding Ashleigh@freedomguidedogs.org
Edward Burr
Operations Manager Ed@freedomguidedogs.org
David Sutch
Director of Training
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Dave@freedomguidedogs.org
Becky Rowling
Puppy Advisor
Jeff Butterman
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
Kala Stafford
Guide Dog Mobility Apprentice
Kathleen Haskins
Canine Care Kennel Technician
Shawn Bilger
Canine Care Kennel Technician
LEADERSHIP & STEWARDSHIP
Judy Bergman
Director
Kimberly Gottfried, RN
Board President
Leigh Cohen, MPH
Director
Susan Harden
Director of Alumni Relations & Recording Secretary
Our Board of Directors
Providing guidance, leadership, and a shared commitment to our mission.
Edward Hochman, Esq.
Director
Barry Honig
Director, Blind Graduate Representative
Alison Sinnott
Director
Eric & Sharon Loori
Founders of Freedom Guide Dogs | Est. 1992
HONORING OUR FOUNDERS
A Legacy That Lives On
Freedom Guide Dogs began with the shared vision of husband and wife Eric and Sharon Loori, who believed in the extraordinary difference a guide dog could make in someone’s life.
In 1992, they turned that belief into a mission, establishing an organization dedicated to helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired experience greater independence through the partnership of a guide dog.
Over the decades, Eric and Sharon devoted themselves to building something far greater than they could have imagined. Their passion, determination, and unwavering commitment helped shape Freedom Guide Dogs into the organization it is today.
Although we said goodbye to both Eric and Sharon in 2026, the foundation they built remains strong. Their influence can be felt in every puppy raised, every guide dog trained, every volunteer who gives their time, and every individual whose life is changed through a new partnership.
As we carry Freedom Guide Dogs into its next chapter, we do so with tremendous gratitude for the vision they shared and the opportunities they created.
Their legacy is not simply what they built, but the independence they made possible and the lives that will continue to be changed for generations to come.
TOGETHER, WE CHANGE LIVES
Be Part of Their Journey
Every life-changing partnership begins with people who believe in the power of independence. Whether you give, raise a future guide dog, or share your time, you can help make the next journey possible.
Give Today
Your generosity helps make life-changing guide dog partnerships possible at no cost to those we serve.
Become a Volunteer
From raising a future guide dog to supporting our programs, your time can change lives.
Spread the Word
Help us reach more people by sharing our mission and introducing other to Freedom Guide Dogs.
