BluePath Celebrates October Graduates
BluePath Service Dogs is marking its 10th anniversary with the opening of its new headquarters and training center, accreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), and the placement of seven new working dogs.
Founded in 2016, BluePath provides expertly trained service dogs to children with autism, free of charge. This month, four new autism service dog teams graduated from the program, while three facility dogs began work in schools.
“Our first 10 years have shown us what is possible when an extraordinary community comes together around a shared purpose,” said BluePath Chief Executive Michelle Brier. “As we look ahead, our focus is simple: train more exceptional dogs and reach more children and families.”
BluePath service dogs are trained to prevent dangerous wandering behaviors, as well as to provide companionship, emotional support, and greater independence, helping families participate more fully in everyday life.
Laura and Mike Guinan of Ballston Lake NY are the proud recipients of Wordle, an autism service dog for their sever-year-old son Louie.
“There is no way to describe the sickening feeling of running after your child who is eloping, or the tension created by having to watch your child’s every move every single time you leave the house,” said Laura Guinan. “During our home interview, we went Target with BluePath and Louie started to get uncomfortable. Instead of running away like he normally would, he immediately sat on the ground with Wordle, and his panicked face melted into a smile. That’s when I knew this is exactly the connection he needs.”
BluePath’s facility dogs work alongside trained handlers in schools, supporting mood regulation, social engagement, connectedness, and student well-being.
“Our students are navigating academic pressure, social challenges, family circumstances, uncertainty about the future, and all the normal ups and downs of being a teenager,” said Karen Despres, Assistant Principal and Special Education Supervisor at Berlin High School in Connecticut. “Destiny will help students feel more comfortable walking through our doors, provide a calming presence when things feel overwhelming, bring a little joy to a difficult day, and remind our students that they belong.”
The celebrations follow a transformative year for BluePath. In June, the organization purchased a 16-acre campus in Carmel and relocated its operation. Following extensive renovations, BluePath will officially open its new headquarters and training center with a ribbon cutting ceremony later this month. The campus gives BluePath the space and resources to train more dogs, strengthen its programs, and significantly expand the number of children and families it can serve.
The purchase and renovations are supported by BluePath’s Anchoring Our Future capital campaign. Phase One is 93% funded, with $5.4 million raised toward its $5.8 million goal. Phase Two will include expanded training space, greater accessibility, kennel modernization, and additional infrastructure improvements.
BluePath also recently earned accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the leading global authority in the assistance dog industry. ADI establishes rigorous standards for assistance dog acquisition, training, placement, client support, and organizational operations. Accreditation follows a comprehensive review of an organization’s practices and confirms that BluePath meets ADI’s internationally recognized standards of excellence.
With autism now affecting 1 in 31 children in the United States, the need for highly trained service dogs remains significant. BluePath’s expanded capacity will allow the organization to steadily increase the number of dogs it places while continuing to provide its service dogs and lifetime follow-up support to families at no cost.
