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.

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