Hänel Storage Systems Sponsors

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Hänel Storage Systems has sponsored a puppy from Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, MI.
Portillo is a five-month-old Labrador/Golden Retriever mix currently being raised by a volunteer family in Illinois. Her personality is described as sassy and inquisitive, and her own tail is her favorite toy. The puppy's parents will teach her basic obedience and housetraining and socialize her in her environment.

She is one of more than 400 puppies being raised in the U.S. to become the eyes and ears of a blind person. After a year, Portillo will go to Leader Dog's campus for intensive four-month training to build her skills as a guide dog.  Eventually, she will be paired with a companion, and they will train together for 25 days to learn how to travel safely. When they return home, Portillo's partner will have the freedom, companionship and lifelong skills for safe and independent mobility.

"Many of our employees are dog owners, so we have been involved in several dog charities over the years," said Brian Cohen, Chief Executive.  "I'm originally from the Chicago area, and during the holidays we like to order food from the Portillo's restaurant chain for a company dinner.  When we learned that Leader Dogs for the Blind had a puppy named Portillo available for adoption, it was a natural fit for us." 

Since 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has offered a highly respected and innovative guide dog program. Leader Dogs for the Blind programs provide people who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind with the skills they need to move safely and independently throughout their lives, boosting their confidence and health, reconnecting them with their community and opening doors to education and meaningful employment.