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Steve Boyce: A job that is sheer “Bliss”
January 7, 2011 at 11:09 am
A man named Dodge helped start Leader Dogs for the Blind. A man who builds Chevrolets is helping keep the dream alive.
In 1939 S.A. Dodge and two friends started an organization to train dogs to be helpers for people who had lost their sight. Today GM Flint Assembly electrician Steve Boyce is raising a puppy that will one day become a Leader Dog.
In its more than 70 years of operation thousands of people have been assisted by dogs trained at the Leader Dogs for the Blind headquarters in Rochester Hills, Michigan. But before those four-legged heroes became Leader Dogs they were puppies, and caring families hosted those pups prior to the start of their training. That’s what Steve Boyce is doing today. A few months ago he became a puppy raiser for Leader Dogs and for the next year a black Labrador retriever named Bliss is living with Steve and getting a start on her career as an assistance dog. Boyce said, “We thought this would be a good way to give back to the community and give to a blind person.”
Bliss is one of more than 250 pups being hosted by a generous family prior to the start of her career providing mobility to blind people. And she may be one of the only Leader Dogs ever to be welcomed as an honorary member of the UAW.
During the time the future Leader Dogs are hosted by the puppy raising families, they go through some basic obedience training and they are taken into all types of situations to help them develop focus and confidence. Steve Boyce thought the Flint Assembly Plant would provide plenty of potential distractions for Bliss, so he brought her into the plant where they build Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. He said, “We’re here at the factory to get her used to the noises and the things that go on around her.” Bliss behaved very well and was welcomed by many of the employees during her visit. The biggest honor she received was when UAW Local 598 Shop Chairman Dana Rouse presented her with a jacket with the UAW and GM emblems and made her an honorary member of the local. Boyce joked, “She doesn’t even have to pay (union) dues.”
One of the toughest issues facing puppy raisers for Leader Dogs is that after a year the families have to break off the relationship they’ve developed with the pup. Boyce says, “We know we’re going to have to give her up. It’s going to be tough to do that, but she’ll be going to a person that needs the eyes to see for them.”
Support from organizations like the UAW, companies like General Motors and families like Steve Boyce’s are critical to the continued success of Leader Dogs’ mission. If you’re interested in finding out more about Leader Dogs for the Blind, you can log on to www.LeaderDog.org.
Mary Henige
Jan 7th, 2011
Steve,
A woman at my church has a leader dog – Hannah. You and your family are doing a great service by raising this beautiful and amazing puppy.
Thank you fo sharing your story.
Mary Henige
GM Social Media
Glinda King
Jan 7th, 2011
Thanks for an outstanding story that is movtivating and inspiring for the new year. Keep up the great work.
jason lowell
Jan 7th, 2011
i think that anytime someone gives back what to companys that title shows that big companys are very human again
Barb Schalk
Jan 7th, 2011
My neighbors, the Knoth’s, have been raising for years and the husband worked for GM also (now retired). It is a great service and really hard to say goodbye at the end.
Erica Finley
Jan 7th, 2011
Love, love, love this story! What a great way to offer the public a glimpse into the life of a GM employee, while also raising awareness about an incredible program. Can’t wait to read more from this blog.
Mitch
Jan 7th, 2011
AWESOME!!!
I hope he finds a way to make the separation easier. Glad to see GM & the union working with a great cause!!!
Go GM and best wishes to all of your employees! (wish I was one)
Please bring more jobs in the USA! (so I, a welder, can work there to make American Cars better.
Thom Lengyel
Jan 8th, 2011
Raising Leader pups, I think That Makes You a LEADER as well.
Thanks Steve
Dlaynn Murphy
Jan 8th, 2011
I am so proud of my brother! He is always giving not only back to his community but to everyone he comes in contact with! Way to go big bro!
Melissa Tonkinson
Jan 8th, 2011
Awesome keep up the good work. I have known since the day I hired in what compassionate and great people work at General Motors I have seen it over and over again through the years. This gives me great pride and constantly renews my faith in Americans.
Susan Baumann
Jan 10th, 2011
Great story! Thanks for sharing it. Any story involving dogs will always get my attention! Keep up the great work!
Susan Baumann
GM SupplyChain
Lacy Davis
Jan 11th, 2011
I am so proud of you uncle Steve !!!Bliss is a Doll and I know that she will change someones life .
Christina Baker
Jan 11th, 2011
As a Rochester Hills resident I am well aware of the great work being done by Leader Dogs. We see the dogs, handlers, and new owners training all over town. I applaud Steve for his efforts and wish him and Bliss the best.
Judy Miller
Jan 11th, 2011
What a terrific story. It always amazes me to see the different awesome things that fellow GM employees are involved in. You are an asset to GM and to the Leader Dog program.
Thank you for sharing your story,
Judy (fellow GM employee)
Terry Wathen
Jan 11th, 2011
Steve: You’ll be a better man for the experience. Thank you for making me a better man too. I am now motivated to do more volunteering in my community and less wasting time at home. As the song says “It’s all about what you leave behind”.
Kathy Becksvoort
Jan 12th, 2011
Steve,
Thanx for sharing ! Leader Dog for Blind is a great orgainzation ! Taking Bliss to the plant was very cool !! Our family may take a dog some day !