Guide Dog Center Receives Grant - SuffolkJournal.com

Grant Supports Guide Dog Training Center

December 6, 2002 click on photo for larger view

NOVARTIS ANIMAL HEALTH PRESENTS $25,000 DONATION TO THE GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND

Novartis Support Recognized At Dedication Of Foundation’s New Facility

In a show of support for the important work of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Novartis Animal Health presented this non-profit organization with a $25,000 donation encompassing cash and Novartis Animal Health products. A symbolic check presentation was made at the Foundation’s dedication ceremony for its expanded, renovated campus in Smithtown, New York. The Guide Dog Foundation provides trained guide dogs to the blind and visually impaired at no cost. It also offers a 25-day residential training and orientation program for all recipients of its guide dogs. The expanded facility includes a new student residence hall, student union, administrative center and training center.

Novartis Animal Health Sr. Corporate Communications Manager, Bob Seitz, made the presentation to Wells Jones, CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation and Robert F. Brandt III, Chairman of the Board. Says Seitz, “The contribution was made on behalf of Novartis Animal Health as a whole and on behalf of each and every one of our employees. This is a company that shares our commitment to the human – animal bond, which cannot be more intense than in the partnership of a guide dog and its owner. The Foundation has a tremendous record of over 55 years of selfless service to all in need of these professional guide dogs.”

“We will put this generous gift to good use,” says Wells Jones, “as we breed, raise and train many more guide dogs to help the growing numbers of sight-impaired and blind individuals in our society.”

Guide dogs in training will benefit from Novartis’ INTERCEPTOR (milbemycin oxime) Flavor Tabs, a market leading, once-a-month heartworm tablet for dogs.

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind based in Smithtown, New York, provides Second Sight through the eyes of guide dogs. Its clients are people who are blind or visually impaired and seek the increased mobility, independence and companionship a guide dog provides. The Foundation’s programs are provided free of charge and are supported solely through contributions.

Novartis Animal health researches, develops and commercializes leading animal treatments that meet the needs of pet owners, farmers and veterinarians. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and present in 40 countries, Novartis Animal Health employs approximately 2300 associates worlwide and achieved sales of USD 573 million in 2001. For more information, please consult http://www.ah.novartis.com.