No Bones About It: Guide Dogs' Blog
Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is a nonprofit organization with campuses in San Rafael, California, and Boring, Oregon. GDB offers guide dogs and training free-of-charge to blind and visually impaired people throughout the US and Canada. Learn more about the organization by visiting guidedogs.com.
Updated: 17 min 3 sec ago
Snapshots!
Here is a sample of some of the fantastic photo submissions we received in the month of February, 2010. To see a slideshow of all of the month's submissions, please visit the gallery on our Flickr site.
Retired breeder, Golden Noelle, in the snow. Submitted by Brenda Douglas.
Guide Dog puppy Tiki in the snow. Submitted by Stacie Logan.
Black Lab Guide Dog puppy Alisa. Submitted by Pat Whitehead.
Retired breeder, Golden Noelle, in the snow. Submitted by Brenda Douglas.
Guide Dog puppy Tiki in the snow. Submitted by Stacie Logan.
Black Lab Guide Dog puppy Alisa. Submitted by Pat Whitehead.
Newshounds!
- Passenger Profile "Georgie and Dugan" (Milwaukee Country Transit System Newsletter, February 2010): Profile on a working team in Milwaukee, Wis.; pictured, above.
- Guide Dog Puppy Joins Wilson Class (San Juoquin Record, Stockton, CA, February 27, 2010): Teacher and puppy raiser Joanne Shojinaga brings her pup to class.
- Clovernook Exhibit Pays Tribute to African-American Heritage (Cincinnati Enquirer, February 12, 2010): GDB alumna and artist Wanda Owens presents an exhibit of her work, "Virtual Soul Vision 2."
- Dogs Honored for Achieving First Step in Special Training (The Emunclaw Courier-Herald, Enumclaw, Wash., January 11, 2010; also featured in the American Kennel Club's Evaluator News, February edition): A slideshow and article about the pups from one puppy raising club that are all graduates of the AKC's S.T.A.R. puppy program (S.T.A.R. stands for socialization, training, activity and a responsible owner).
- Betty White's Love for Animals Started 'In the Womb' (People Magazine's peoplepets.com, February 16, 2010): Betty White gives a shout-out to GDB.
- A Blind Runner and His Amazing Guide Dog (Bark Magazine, March 2010): A feature on GDB grad Kerry Kuck and his guide Audi.
- Guide Dog Sets Sights On New Route (YouTube video, by Marla Friedman of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism): Video feature of GDB alumna Kathy Austin and her guide, Solomon, working with GDB Field Manager Lauren Ross.
- Solutions In Sight: Getting Around Town (YouTube video by the Braille Institute in Los Angeles): An educational video prominently featuring GDB alumna Adelaida Ortega and her guide Caraway.
Retired Guide Gets a Disney Salute
GDB alumna Kathy Kennedy works as a reservation sales agent at the Walt Disney Travel Company. The following is an article printed in the Disney employee magazine about the office retirement party thrown for Kathy's guide, yellow Lab Katela.
In August of 2001 a new friendship developed between Disney Travel Reservation Sales Agent Kathy Kennedy and her Guide Dog, Katela. At the time, the playful Labrador pup was just 2 years old and ready to assist Kathy, who is legally blind.
“She guides me around trees and posts and if something is in the way, she takes me around it,” she said.
Like many owners of assistance dogs, the trained companion allowed Kathy to feel safe and lead a confident, independent life. When she is with Katela, she says people are more receptive to her than if she walks with the assistance of a cane.
Although the dogs appear approachable, Kathy stresses the importance for others to be aware when Guide Dogs are with their owners. “When we are holding on to their harness they are working and their focus should be on us,” she said. The appropriate way to approach someone with a guide dog is to first ask the person’s permission to pet their companion. Avoid calling out the animal’s name as it may distract them from doing their job.
After eight years of service, Katela is being retired and will be adopted by Kathy's sister who has three young boys to play with their new family member. Kathy will be getting a new guide in a few short months. “She is 70 years old in dog years so it must be hard for her,” said Kathy. “It is breaking my heart to retire her, but I will still get to see her.”
A retirement party for Katela was held at The Walt Disney Travel Company, complete with treats and smooches from Pluto!
In August of 2001 a new friendship developed between Disney Travel Reservation Sales Agent Kathy Kennedy and her Guide Dog, Katela. At the time, the playful Labrador pup was just 2 years old and ready to assist Kathy, who is legally blind.
“She guides me around trees and posts and if something is in the way, she takes me around it,” she said.
Like many owners of assistance dogs, the trained companion allowed Kathy to feel safe and lead a confident, independent life. When she is with Katela, she says people are more receptive to her than if she walks with the assistance of a cane.
Although the dogs appear approachable, Kathy stresses the importance for others to be aware when Guide Dogs are with their owners. “When we are holding on to their harness they are working and their focus should be on us,” she said. The appropriate way to approach someone with a guide dog is to first ask the person’s permission to pet their companion. Avoid calling out the animal’s name as it may distract them from doing their job.
After eight years of service, Katela is being retired and will be adopted by Kathy's sister who has three young boys to play with their new family member. Kathy will be getting a new guide in a few short months. “She is 70 years old in dog years so it must be hard for her,” said Kathy. “It is breaking my heart to retire her, but I will still get to see her.”
A retirement party for Katela was held at The Walt Disney Travel Company, complete with treats and smooches from Pluto!
Breeders Digest, 12.30.09-1.31.10
Here's all of our new arrivals from January 1, 2010 through January 31, 2010. To see photos of these litters, please visit GDB's Flickr site, Littermate Photos.
Litter Announcements
Labrador Retrievers
- 1/1/10 Jenkins x Tinella – 2 males, 3 females
- 1/1/10 Kentucky x Deanne – 4 males, 3 females
- 1/3/10 Danny x Marikay – 5 males, 3 females
- 1/3/10 Samuel x Fontina – 2 males, 5 females
- 1/5/10 Denzel x Meredith – 2 males, 4 females
- 1/6/10 Simon x Albertine – 3 males, 3 females
- 1/9/10 Norbert x Parkay – 4 males, 4 females
- 1/13/10 Cabby x Favor – 5 males, 3 females
- 1/16/10 Jay x Michelle – 2 males, 4 females
- 1/20/10 Atrus x Peach – 2 males, 3 females
- 1/22/10 Baker x Fritzie – 1 male, 4 females
- 1/22/10 Bond x Edelyn – 5 males, 2 females
- 1/25/10 Simon x Gilda – 4 males, 2 females
- 1/30/10 Bond x Simone – 8 females
- 1/4/10 Norbert x Brazil – 4 males, 6 females
- 1/20/10 CCI’s Kaelen x Fame – 4 males, 3 females
- 1/23/10 Tiburon x Aiko – 3 males, 2 females
Labrador Retrievers
- Cathy – raised in OR
- Damsel – raised in CA
- Dream – raised in CA
- Molly – raised in WA
- Starling – raised in CA
- Ultra – raised in CA
Not So Fast.... An Update About Cadillac Heading to Chile
Yesterday, we announced that GDB career change-turned-search and rescue dog, Cadillac, was being deployed to Chile to assist with earthquake recovery efforts (read about it here). Unfortunately, it looks as though Cadillac and his handler will remain stateside for now. The following message is from Search Dog Foundation, explaining the situation:
In the wake of Saturday's devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, six Search Dog Foundation teams mobilized as part of Los Angeles Task Force 2. They traveled to Pacoima, CA where they met up with the 74-person Task Force, and were on standby to depart for March Air Force Base where they would board a military cargo plane bound for Chile.
Unfortunately, on Tuesday evening the teams learned that the mission had been cancelled because the Chilean government has not yet officially asked for assistance from the United States.
Had the teams reached Chile, we know one thing for certain: the handlers and their dogs were at top deployment readiness, prepared to face the most challenging search environment, and prepared to save lives.
Major disasters can occur anywhere, anytime. Four of the teams activated for Chile recently returned from Haiti, where their combined efforts helped find ten people buried in the rubble. The knowledge they gained during that deployment is being shared with teams across the country to advance their training techniques and search methods.
We deeply appreciate the support of SDF friends across the country that ensures that the next time disaster strikes, our Canine Disaster Search Teams will be there to make sure everything possible is being done to make sure no one is left behind.
In the wake of Saturday's devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, six Search Dog Foundation teams mobilized as part of Los Angeles Task Force 2. They traveled to Pacoima, CA where they met up with the 74-person Task Force, and were on standby to depart for March Air Force Base where they would board a military cargo plane bound for Chile.
Unfortunately, on Tuesday evening the teams learned that the mission had been cancelled because the Chilean government has not yet officially asked for assistance from the United States.
Had the teams reached Chile, we know one thing for certain: the handlers and their dogs were at top deployment readiness, prepared to face the most challenging search environment, and prepared to save lives.
Major disasters can occur anywhere, anytime. Four of the teams activated for Chile recently returned from Haiti, where their combined efforts helped find ten people buried in the rubble. The knowledge they gained during that deployment is being shared with teams across the country to advance their training techniques and search methods.
We deeply appreciate the support of SDF friends across the country that ensures that the next time disaster strikes, our Canine Disaster Search Teams will be there to make sure everything possible is being done to make sure no one is left behind.
Cadillac's Good Deeds Continue
Cadillac, a GDB career change-turned-search and rescue dog that helped with Haiti rescue efforts (previous blog post here), is now on his way to Chile with other teams from the Los Angeles Task Force 2 to assist with rescue efforts there. They are prepared to be in Chile for about 10 days.
Please see the following link on the Search Dog Foundation's website for additional details:http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/98/html/1-2_chile.html
Photo from Search Dog Foundation
Please see the following link on the Search Dog Foundation's website for additional details:http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/98/html/1-2_chile.html
Photo from Search Dog Foundation
Christine's New Career
Submitted by Cathy Gregory
Cathy is the proud custodian of retired breeder, Christine (Christine is the mama of the famed F litter pups that we write about often in this blog). Since Christine's retirement from the Breeding Program, she has gone on to do other great things. We'll let Cathy take it from there...
Last September, Christine became certified as a therapy dog. I feel strongly that I want to help veterans Injured emotionally by war’s trauma so we began volunteering at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto. Usually we go with my good friend Gretchen and her 10 year-old lab, Daisy. Every visit is a new set of challenges.
The “twin” labs as they have come to be recognized, come into their workplace through two locked and monitored doors. The vets inside are at risk—so they aren’t allowed outside their ward. On the upstairs ward, there is camaraderie; vets wanting to talk about the dogs they have known, their wartime experiences and sometimes their plans for the future. There is also some interest in getting involved with Paws for Purple Hearts—a vets helping vets dog therapy program. We visit the common lounge and eating area, and then work our way down the two halls. The recreation therapist, who is always with us, knocks on each door and says “do you want to see the dogs today?” Usually Christine and Daisy take turns approaching the patient in bed. Some of these visits last only a few minutes. When a patient smiles and breaks the silence, the dogs will move in a little closer. Daisy is a masterful licker if given the go ahead.
After an hour is up, the four of us head toward our second stop, downstairs. The rec therapist tells us that today might be a short visit. We go through the locked doors and it is quiet inside. It turns out that half of the patients are in the patio. The sun is breaking through the clouds and there is an afternoon warmth in the air. The exterior walls are several feet taller than the basketball hoop at one corner. The dogs do their best to engage. I’ve had good conversations with some of these men on previous visits, but today the tension is palpable. Soon we are back inside. and we tour the lounges and bedrooms. By holding onto Christine’s leash one patient has annoyed the others so much that our visit concludes.
The last couple of months at the VA Hospital has shown me how pet therapy is a positive therapy. One guy upstairs who followed us for much of a visit one afternoon told me “we don’t need these fancy doctors they give us, we just need a dog.” Even when it is difficult, as yesterday was on the downstairs ward, I have seen how the dog’s attention can engage the person inside, however fragile their exterior may be.
The attached picture was made into a poster for the two wards we visit, with a short bio about each dog.
Cathy is the proud custodian of retired breeder, Christine (Christine is the mama of the famed F litter pups that we write about often in this blog). Since Christine's retirement from the Breeding Program, she has gone on to do other great things. We'll let Cathy take it from there...
Last September, Christine became certified as a therapy dog. I feel strongly that I want to help veterans Injured emotionally by war’s trauma so we began volunteering at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto. Usually we go with my good friend Gretchen and her 10 year-old lab, Daisy. Every visit is a new set of challenges.
The “twin” labs as they have come to be recognized, come into their workplace through two locked and monitored doors. The vets inside are at risk—so they aren’t allowed outside their ward. On the upstairs ward, there is camaraderie; vets wanting to talk about the dogs they have known, their wartime experiences and sometimes their plans for the future. There is also some interest in getting involved with Paws for Purple Hearts—a vets helping vets dog therapy program. We visit the common lounge and eating area, and then work our way down the two halls. The recreation therapist, who is always with us, knocks on each door and says “do you want to see the dogs today?” Usually Christine and Daisy take turns approaching the patient in bed. Some of these visits last only a few minutes. When a patient smiles and breaks the silence, the dogs will move in a little closer. Daisy is a masterful licker if given the go ahead.
After an hour is up, the four of us head toward our second stop, downstairs. The rec therapist tells us that today might be a short visit. We go through the locked doors and it is quiet inside. It turns out that half of the patients are in the patio. The sun is breaking through the clouds and there is an afternoon warmth in the air. The exterior walls are several feet taller than the basketball hoop at one corner. The dogs do their best to engage. I’ve had good conversations with some of these men on previous visits, but today the tension is palpable. Soon we are back inside. and we tour the lounges and bedrooms. By holding onto Christine’s leash one patient has annoyed the others so much that our visit concludes.
The last couple of months at the VA Hospital has shown me how pet therapy is a positive therapy. One guy upstairs who followed us for much of a visit one afternoon told me “we don’t need these fancy doctors they give us, we just need a dog.” Even when it is difficult, as yesterday was on the downstairs ward, I have seen how the dog’s attention can engage the person inside, however fragile their exterior may be.
The attached picture was made into a poster for the two wards we visit, with a short bio about each dog.
Wild Kingdom: Blind Pet Deer and Guide Dog Best of Buddies
Three years ago, GDB graduate Brandon Foshee adopted a baby deer who was blind and named it Maple. Brandon decided to adopt the baby fawn after it was abandoned by its mother and rescued by a local forester. When Maple was found she only weighed 4.5 pounds and needed to be bottle fed.
When Brandon brought the 1 week-old baby deer home, his first Guide Dog, Salsa, a female yellow Lab treated Maple like she was her pup. In 2009, Brandon was partnered with his current Guide Dog, Shakespeare, a male black Lab. Since Maple and Shakespeare are close in age, they have a more spirited sibling relationship. When out of harness, Shakespeare and Maple run around the yard for hours playing with each other.
Maple has another unusual trait… she loves meat. If Brandon is cooking up something on the BBQ and brings it inside to eat, Maple will knock at the back door with her hoof.
Brandon is not sure if Maple thinks she is a dog or a deer.
When Brandon brought the 1 week-old baby deer home, his first Guide Dog, Salsa, a female yellow Lab treated Maple like she was her pup. In 2009, Brandon was partnered with his current Guide Dog, Shakespeare, a male black Lab. Since Maple and Shakespeare are close in age, they have a more spirited sibling relationship. When out of harness, Shakespeare and Maple run around the yard for hours playing with each other.
Maple has another unusual trait… she loves meat. If Brandon is cooking up something on the BBQ and brings it inside to eat, Maple will knock at the back door with her hoof.
Brandon is not sure if Maple thinks she is a dog or a deer.
We've Got Mail: Grateful Grad Sends Thanks
Dear Guide Dogs,
My boyfriend recently reminded me of how important it is to thank those people and/or places that have done anything that has influenced one's life. So, I was inspired to write a thank you note to Guide Dogs for the Blind, because GDB influences my life, every day.
I applied to GDB at the tender age of 17, but I had researched the topic of guide dogs since I was 8. I knew it was a lifestyle I always wanted to have, but I was terrified that I would never measure up, mobility wise. Through encouragement and through the help of some orientation and mobility professionals, I worked hard to hone my skills necessary for working with a dog. It took me a full year before I felt confident enough to attempt the home interview. Even after the interviewer left, having said kind words, I still felt that I wasn't good enough for GDB. However, when the email came stating that I had been accepted, I was thrilled beyond belief!
In August of 2005, I met my first guide on the California campus of GDB. I still kept thinking this was some sort of dream and that I would wake up, dogless. My first walks were hindered by a lack of confidence in my own skills, but through encouragement and reassurances from GDB instructors, I managed to get through those jitters. It's amazing how a professional and qualified staff can make a nervous wreck feel confident, so I have to say, thanks to them.
So now let's fast-forward to 2010. That faithful guide who I met in 2005 is still working now, leading both me and my child through whatever the physical world throws at us, with the fervour and zeal that makes her such a wonderful companion. We've been through harsh winters, multiple cities, traffic encounters, and the birth of a baby, and she is still the same consistent rock she's always been. She has a love for new challenges, a love for her work, and a love for each new day. Therefore, I want to take the time to thank GDB, as a whole, for influencing my life in such a complex way, through the dog that I trust not only with my life, but the life of my child, as well.
Forever Grateful,
Elaine Harrison with Guide Carmel
Dogs Change Lives
Submitted by Dawn Benbow
Dawn has entered the following essay about the relationship she has with her Guide Dog Baskin in a "Dogs Change Lives" essay contest. If you'd like to vote for Dawn and Baskin's story, please visit http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/dawn-and-baskin/
In August of 2007, I boarded a flight early in the morning taking me to Oregon to meet and train with a very special dog. When I met him it was love at first kiss. I sat down in the trainers' office, my ears straining to hear anything from the dog that I knew they had for me. When the trainer brought Baskin over to me, he sniffed me once, and then the kisses started! As he kissed me, and I hugged him I knew this was going to work.
That feeling was solidified when we had our first walk together. He guided me so well, and we worked together with a flow and grace that I had not expected to happen for months. That's when I was certain this was the perfect guide dog for me. That feeling has only been strengthened through our years together as a working team.
Because of Baskin, I am able to do all those everyday things that every mother does with her children, with just as much dignity and independence as any sighted woman. On our first days home, we began the daily mile and a half trek to and from my daughters school so that I would be there to meet her and walk her home at the end of her day in kindergarden, just as all the other parents of the boys and girls in her class did. Her father worked, so this was my job as a stay at home mom. Being there to walk her home, volunteering in the classroom, talking about dogs, and guide dogs. Baskin was my eyes for all of it, and the kids' favorite thing to see at the end of the day. I would hear them say to each other and their parents "That's Bridget's Mom, don't pet her dog because he's working. Some dogs have jobs!"
Baskin guides me every Sunday at church, and he guides me through stores, the mall, parent meetings, and everything else in my life. He's always there when I need him, when I'm not feeling well from my asthma he'll always find a way to make me laugh. He is my four legged son and an important part of the family. He gives me unconditional love, and teaches all of us what that looks like. He soothes my kids when they get upset, he makes us laugh, and above all and most important to everyone he guides me through the world, acting as my eyes, with even more grace and confidence then we had on that first day together.
Having Baskin at my side has increased my confidence to move through the world as I do, knowing that as long as I have this wonderful companion with me, I am never alone and always have another pair of eyes watching out for me where ever we go, and whatever situation life may present to us. We can travel through it all working together as a team.
Dawn has entered the following essay about the relationship she has with her Guide Dog Baskin in a "Dogs Change Lives" essay contest. If you'd like to vote for Dawn and Baskin's story, please visit http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/dawn-and-baskin/
In August of 2007, I boarded a flight early in the morning taking me to Oregon to meet and train with a very special dog. When I met him it was love at first kiss. I sat down in the trainers' office, my ears straining to hear anything from the dog that I knew they had for me. When the trainer brought Baskin over to me, he sniffed me once, and then the kisses started! As he kissed me, and I hugged him I knew this was going to work.
That feeling was solidified when we had our first walk together. He guided me so well, and we worked together with a flow and grace that I had not expected to happen for months. That's when I was certain this was the perfect guide dog for me. That feeling has only been strengthened through our years together as a working team.
Because of Baskin, I am able to do all those everyday things that every mother does with her children, with just as much dignity and independence as any sighted woman. On our first days home, we began the daily mile and a half trek to and from my daughters school so that I would be there to meet her and walk her home at the end of her day in kindergarden, just as all the other parents of the boys and girls in her class did. Her father worked, so this was my job as a stay at home mom. Being there to walk her home, volunteering in the classroom, talking about dogs, and guide dogs. Baskin was my eyes for all of it, and the kids' favorite thing to see at the end of the day. I would hear them say to each other and their parents "That's Bridget's Mom, don't pet her dog because he's working. Some dogs have jobs!"
Baskin guides me every Sunday at church, and he guides me through stores, the mall, parent meetings, and everything else in my life. He's always there when I need him, when I'm not feeling well from my asthma he'll always find a way to make me laugh. He is my four legged son and an important part of the family. He gives me unconditional love, and teaches all of us what that looks like. He soothes my kids when they get upset, he makes us laugh, and above all and most important to everyone he guides me through the world, acting as my eyes, with even more grace and confidence then we had on that first day together.
Having Baskin at my side has increased my confidence to move through the world as I do, knowing that as long as I have this wonderful companion with me, I am never alone and always have another pair of eyes watching out for me where ever we go, and whatever situation life may present to us. We can travel through it all working together as a team.
Puppy Raiser Making Guide Dog Friends in Poland
Contributed by puppy raiser Dana Pardee
Dana and Guide Dog puppy Amato
At the beginning of February, I had the opportunity to represent Guide Dogs for the Blind in Poland. I have been studying in Katowice, Poland since September and since the day I landed I have been researching the use of guide dogs in Poland. I came across the name of the only guide dog school located in Poland and from that moment on, I was anxious to meet with them! So, on February 1st en route from Berlin back to the south of Poland, I stopped in Poznań and met with the director, two trainers, and a member of the board of directors of Fundacja na rzecz Osób Niewidomych Labrador-Pies Przewodnik. Their program is very young; it was only recognized as a non-profit organization for the public advantage in 2004. They currectly have 10 puppies in training with volunteer puppy raisers (mainly located in Poznań). Puppies are purchased from breeders at around 7-8 weeks of age (after being assessed by trainers) and are placed with a family. They are then raised by that family until they are around 14-18 months of age. However, the process of raising is different then it is in the US, mainly because Poland does not have the same access laws for dogs in training. When talking with the trainers, they said this happened to be one of the most challenging aspects. People in Poland just do not have the same understanding of a “service dog” as they do in the US. Therefore, people are less willing to allow access for the dogs.
In 2003, to gain support for the program, the foundation created an initiative in which volunteers visited businesses throughout Poland to educate employers and to distribute stickers that would allow raisers to recognize the shop as being guide dog friendly. This created much more access for the puppies, but it was mainly centralized in the Poznań area. New legislation and access laws are being reviewed and written, so the foundation is eagerly awaiting their approval. These new laws have been found to benefit the puppy raisers, but more importantly the trainers who take the dogs into public for the formal guide training.
When the dogs reach their formal traning, they are taken in by the trainer and taught various routes and the key aspects of guidework. The foundation works very closely with the Slovic guide dog school Vicvikova Skola Pre Vodiacich Psov UNSS. Trainers from Slovakia routinely travel to Poland to assess dogs and assist the Polish trainers. The foundation is also a member of the International Guide Dog Federation, so they are receiving assistance from many different schools. The foundation may be small, but they are very eager to learn from the larger organizations. What I thought was going to be a quick meet-and-greet and some quality puppy time in fact turned into a business meeting in which I fielded questions about GDB’s programs. They asked questions concerning everything I could think of; from selection of the breeders and puppies, training techniques and phases, assessment, to how the potential guide dog users are screened. Thank God I pay attention at meetings and Fun Day presentations! I did my best to represent GDB and provide useful information. The foundation may be young, but they have already suffered their fare share of hardship and are trying to learn from their mistakes. The few people who are trying to keep the foundation alive through their volunteer efforts are truly passionate about what they are trying to achieve, and it was an honor to represent GDB and provide them with any little bit of help that I could. This meeting also made me realize just how much work has gone into GDB to make it what it is today. I read the stories of Lois Merrihew and Don Donaldson and their humble beginnings, yet it almost hard to imagine all the hardship and effort that they initially faced. But being able to see a guide dog school in the initial stages, trying to gain support and build their program really made me appreciate the program that I work for. We are a community that supports and encourages each other. I think as a community it is our duty to continually educate people, whether they be from the U.S. or Poland, about guide dogs and all the potential that they provide. I would also like to say thank you to all the members of GDB, past, present, and future, who have made our program so amazing. I hope that someday the passion and commitment that GDB has maintained for 58 years will continue and spread, perhaps all the way to Poland – and beyond.
To read more about the Polish Guide Dog Foundation, follow this link (don’t worry, it’s in English): http://www.fundacja.labrador.pl/informacje,lang=en
Dana and Guide Dog puppy Amato
At the beginning of February, I had the opportunity to represent Guide Dogs for the Blind in Poland. I have been studying in Katowice, Poland since September and since the day I landed I have been researching the use of guide dogs in Poland. I came across the name of the only guide dog school located in Poland and from that moment on, I was anxious to meet with them! So, on February 1st en route from Berlin back to the south of Poland, I stopped in Poznań and met with the director, two trainers, and a member of the board of directors of Fundacja na rzecz Osób Niewidomych Labrador-Pies Przewodnik. Their program is very young; it was only recognized as a non-profit organization for the public advantage in 2004. They currectly have 10 puppies in training with volunteer puppy raisers (mainly located in Poznań). Puppies are purchased from breeders at around 7-8 weeks of age (after being assessed by trainers) and are placed with a family. They are then raised by that family until they are around 14-18 months of age. However, the process of raising is different then it is in the US, mainly because Poland does not have the same access laws for dogs in training. When talking with the trainers, they said this happened to be one of the most challenging aspects. People in Poland just do not have the same understanding of a “service dog” as they do in the US. Therefore, people are less willing to allow access for the dogs.
In 2003, to gain support for the program, the foundation created an initiative in which volunteers visited businesses throughout Poland to educate employers and to distribute stickers that would allow raisers to recognize the shop as being guide dog friendly. This created much more access for the puppies, but it was mainly centralized in the Poznań area. New legislation and access laws are being reviewed and written, so the foundation is eagerly awaiting their approval. These new laws have been found to benefit the puppy raisers, but more importantly the trainers who take the dogs into public for the formal guide training.
When the dogs reach their formal traning, they are taken in by the trainer and taught various routes and the key aspects of guidework. The foundation works very closely with the Slovic guide dog school Vicvikova Skola Pre Vodiacich Psov UNSS. Trainers from Slovakia routinely travel to Poland to assess dogs and assist the Polish trainers. The foundation is also a member of the International Guide Dog Federation, so they are receiving assistance from many different schools. The foundation may be small, but they are very eager to learn from the larger organizations. What I thought was going to be a quick meet-and-greet and some quality puppy time in fact turned into a business meeting in which I fielded questions about GDB’s programs. They asked questions concerning everything I could think of; from selection of the breeders and puppies, training techniques and phases, assessment, to how the potential guide dog users are screened. Thank God I pay attention at meetings and Fun Day presentations! I did my best to represent GDB and provide useful information. The foundation may be young, but they have already suffered their fare share of hardship and are trying to learn from their mistakes. The few people who are trying to keep the foundation alive through their volunteer efforts are truly passionate about what they are trying to achieve, and it was an honor to represent GDB and provide them with any little bit of help that I could. This meeting also made me realize just how much work has gone into GDB to make it what it is today. I read the stories of Lois Merrihew and Don Donaldson and their humble beginnings, yet it almost hard to imagine all the hardship and effort that they initially faced. But being able to see a guide dog school in the initial stages, trying to gain support and build their program really made me appreciate the program that I work for. We are a community that supports and encourages each other. I think as a community it is our duty to continually educate people, whether they be from the U.S. or Poland, about guide dogs and all the potential that they provide. I would also like to say thank you to all the members of GDB, past, present, and future, who have made our program so amazing. I hope that someday the passion and commitment that GDB has maintained for 58 years will continue and spread, perhaps all the way to Poland – and beyond.
To read more about the Polish Guide Dog Foundation, follow this link (don’t worry, it’s in English): http://www.fundacja.labrador.pl/informacje,lang=en
Dog Attacks Against Guide Dogs: Working for Change in Portland
During the past couple of weeks, dog attacks on our Guide Dogs have been the subject of great concern in the city of Portland, Oregon. One of our dogs in training was attacked by a loose, aggressive dog, and in a separate incident, a working guide was attacked by two dogs that had been left tied to a sidewalk post. Here are links to news coverage of both incidents:
"We had a very productive meeting with city officials last week," said Oregon Director of Training Brad Hibbard. "Several agencies and departments were represented and I was very happy with the outcome. All of the attendees were engaged in the meeting and the Commander of the Central Precinct made it clear that this has become a priority for his department."
The agencies and departments that were in attendance include:
- Guide Dog trainers worry about attacks by street dogs (The News Tribune)
- Guide Dog attacked (KOIN-TV)
"We had a very productive meeting with city officials last week," said Oregon Director of Training Brad Hibbard. "Several agencies and departments were represented and I was very happy with the outcome. All of the attendees were engaged in the meeting and the Commander of the Central Precinct made it clear that this has become a priority for his department."
The agencies and departments that were in attendance include:
- Commander of the Central Precinct
- Deputy District Attorney
- Chief Animal Control Officer for Multnomah county
- Sergeant in charge of the Street Crimes Division
- Sergeant in charge of the Neighborhood Emergency Response Team
- Portland Business Alliance (who oversees the Clean & Safe security detail in downtown)
- Lead officer for the Bike Patrol team
- A system was developed for the Police Department, Animal Control, and the District Attorney’s office to work together more effectively on this situation. There was much discussion on which laws are the most effective for the scenario when a service dog is attacked.
- It was determined that “911” will be called for emergencies; for cases of “interference” (the definition of which can be broad) we have a direct number to the bike patrol officers who are generally be able to respond within minutes.
- The Portland Business Alliance offered monies to hire an additional Animal Control officer that might be used primarily in the downtown core.
A Windy Walk
Contributed by Ernest Jones of Walla Walla, Washington. Ernest's guide is black Lab Randy.
The wind was howling as if in a great hurry to remove the last leaf from off the trees as my guide and I set out for our morning walk. Though I really don't like walking when it is so windy one can't always wait for the perfect day before he heads out. Thus on this windy day we started down the road to find what new discoveries we might come across.
In case you have never thought of it, hearing is very important to all of us, but all the more when one can no longer depend on eyesight. Since I have relatively good hearing, I can't say how the deaf manage when out walking in adverse weather, but for me I depend on my hearing.
My guide and I walked down our narrow country lane. Not only was it very blustery but it was still dark with the sunrise about one hour away. Yet knowing the wind was to continue most of the day and also knowing the traffic would be much heavier later as those going to school and to work nearly flew down the country road, I wanted to get our walk in early.
The cows in the nearby fields were quiet and even the usual vocal birds, including the pheasants were silent; only a few barking dogs could be heard above the wind. I had to keep up a constant vigil for approaching traffic, especially those coming towards us as sometimes we must walk on the pavement instead of the shoulder of the road.
My guide acted like nothing was different than any other calm morning and was pulling hard, encouraging me to walk faster. We made a left turn onto a narrow dead end lane and walked to the end of the pavement where we paused a moment to listen to a pair of mallards playing in the gurgling stream. This stream flowing several feet below the surface of the land kept the ducks protected from the blowing wind. The early hour was with us and the road was all ours.
As we once again neared the main road I heard the approaching car and immediately grew more attentive. Reaching the intersection we paused to wait for the car to pass before crossing the road.
The section of road I was most concerned about was still ahead of us. This was a place where rain often produced massive puddles that could extend from the road's shoulder into the center of the road. Let me add here that my guide will not, if he can help it, walk through the puddles, so it is likely he will take me into the middle of the road to avoid them. Approaching where I knew puddles often existed I stopped my dog so I could listen as I checked for any nearby traffic. Hearing nothing but the wind we preceded and I gave a sigh of relief when once again I felt the gravel/dirt shoulder under my feet.
This morning I decided to change our route and we were walking in the opposite direction around the loop. At first the wind came from behind me and fairly pushed me along. But when we turned to face towards home the wind buffeted straight into me and I found myself leaning into the wind just to remain on my feet. I was concentrating completely on our safety and on getting home out of this wind and I think my guide was thinking the same when suddenly a couple dogs gave a chorus of barking only a few feet to our left. I jumped and felt my guide also jump and turn to see just where these dogs were. Fortunately they were behind a fence so could not get any closer to us but I will say they got our full attention. You need to try this sometime and enjoy the thrill one feels when he becomes fully awake.
We were also fortunate that morning for we only had to deal with 2 passing cars and both respected us, thus this morning we did not get a cold shower. Try taking a walk when your full attention is on the wind and have a car plow right through one of the many water puddles; if the wind has not awakened you the sudden deluge from the passing car will, but very likely the wind will blow dry you before you reach home.
Get out and enjoy life; have a great day.
The wind was howling as if in a great hurry to remove the last leaf from off the trees as my guide and I set out for our morning walk. Though I really don't like walking when it is so windy one can't always wait for the perfect day before he heads out. Thus on this windy day we started down the road to find what new discoveries we might come across.
In case you have never thought of it, hearing is very important to all of us, but all the more when one can no longer depend on eyesight. Since I have relatively good hearing, I can't say how the deaf manage when out walking in adverse weather, but for me I depend on my hearing.
My guide and I walked down our narrow country lane. Not only was it very blustery but it was still dark with the sunrise about one hour away. Yet knowing the wind was to continue most of the day and also knowing the traffic would be much heavier later as those going to school and to work nearly flew down the country road, I wanted to get our walk in early.
The cows in the nearby fields were quiet and even the usual vocal birds, including the pheasants were silent; only a few barking dogs could be heard above the wind. I had to keep up a constant vigil for approaching traffic, especially those coming towards us as sometimes we must walk on the pavement instead of the shoulder of the road.
My guide acted like nothing was different than any other calm morning and was pulling hard, encouraging me to walk faster. We made a left turn onto a narrow dead end lane and walked to the end of the pavement where we paused a moment to listen to a pair of mallards playing in the gurgling stream. This stream flowing several feet below the surface of the land kept the ducks protected from the blowing wind. The early hour was with us and the road was all ours.
As we once again neared the main road I heard the approaching car and immediately grew more attentive. Reaching the intersection we paused to wait for the car to pass before crossing the road.
The section of road I was most concerned about was still ahead of us. This was a place where rain often produced massive puddles that could extend from the road's shoulder into the center of the road. Let me add here that my guide will not, if he can help it, walk through the puddles, so it is likely he will take me into the middle of the road to avoid them. Approaching where I knew puddles often existed I stopped my dog so I could listen as I checked for any nearby traffic. Hearing nothing but the wind we preceded and I gave a sigh of relief when once again I felt the gravel/dirt shoulder under my feet.
This morning I decided to change our route and we were walking in the opposite direction around the loop. At first the wind came from behind me and fairly pushed me along. But when we turned to face towards home the wind buffeted straight into me and I found myself leaning into the wind just to remain on my feet. I was concentrating completely on our safety and on getting home out of this wind and I think my guide was thinking the same when suddenly a couple dogs gave a chorus of barking only a few feet to our left. I jumped and felt my guide also jump and turn to see just where these dogs were. Fortunately they were behind a fence so could not get any closer to us but I will say they got our full attention. You need to try this sometime and enjoy the thrill one feels when he becomes fully awake.
We were also fortunate that morning for we only had to deal with 2 passing cars and both respected us, thus this morning we did not get a cold shower. Try taking a walk when your full attention is on the wind and have a car plow right through one of the many water puddles; if the wind has not awakened you the sudden deluge from the passing car will, but very likely the wind will blow dry you before you reach home.
Get out and enjoy life; have a great day.
A Grape Reminder
We all want our dogs to live happy and healthy lives, and go out of our way to love and care for them. But did you know that raisins and grapes - commonly used as treats for our furry friends - can be toxic? The following is taken from a letter written by Laurinda Morris, DVM, of the Danville Veterinary Clinic in Danville, Ohio, and is a great reminder that raisins and grapes can be deadly to your pooch.
This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 year-old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1 a.m. on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7 a.m.
I had heard somewhere about raisins and grapes causing acute renal failure in dogs, but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had the owner bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but... Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give the dog IV fluids at 1-1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.
He started vomiting again overnight and his renal values continued to increase. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. His urine output decreased, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure skyrocketed to 220. He was on three different anti-vomiting medications yet continued to vomit. The owners ultimately elected to euthanize.
This is a very sad case - a great dog, with great owners who had no idea raisins and grapes could be a toxin to dogs. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as seven raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.
This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 year-old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1 a.m. on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7 a.m.
I had heard somewhere about raisins and grapes causing acute renal failure in dogs, but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had the owner bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but... Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give the dog IV fluids at 1-1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.
He started vomiting again overnight and his renal values continued to increase. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. His urine output decreased, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure skyrocketed to 220. He was on three different anti-vomiting medications yet continued to vomit. The owners ultimately elected to euthanize.
This is a very sad case - a great dog, with great owners who had no idea raisins and grapes could be a toxin to dogs. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as seven raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.
Good Dogs, Good Kids
This past week, a group of kids from the Novato Youth Center participated in the “Good Dog” Program at our California campus. The 4-day program provided a hands-on orientation to GDB’s best practices with regards to safe, appropriate dog handling and the foundation of a Guide Dog team. GDB hopes the “Good Dog” Program will ultimately inspire young people to join GDB in fulfilling ways, and to consider us as a resource within their community for employment, services, and empowerment. All in all, the kids had a dog-gone good time; they especially loved their time spent with the puppies! (Who wouldn't?!)
GDB Pups Melt Hearts for Valentine's Day
Sherri Paru with Rhubarb
Sightmasters, one of our puppy raising clubs in the Portland, Oregon area met over the Valentine’s Day weekend to celebrate puppy love at GDB's Downtown Volunteer and Visitors Center in Portland. The puppy raisers and their pups arrived via the MaxLine where they met up with more of the GDB family, including several people with career change dogs and retired guides. The entire group shared the day participating in a social outing throughout the downtown area. All day long, the dogs were greeted with “oohs and aaahs” wherever they went, showing that Valentine’s Day or not, folks will open their hearts when there's a wagging tail involved. There’s just something about our dogs – be they pups or older retired guides – that makes folks feel good. We're thrilled that we were able to spread some cheer and look forward to more downtown Portland outings in the future!
Sightmasters Puppy Club and friends
Chris Conrad with Rhubarb
Sightmasters, one of our puppy raising clubs in the Portland, Oregon area met over the Valentine’s Day weekend to celebrate puppy love at GDB's Downtown Volunteer and Visitors Center in Portland. The puppy raisers and their pups arrived via the MaxLine where they met up with more of the GDB family, including several people with career change dogs and retired guides. The entire group shared the day participating in a social outing throughout the downtown area. All day long, the dogs were greeted with “oohs and aaahs” wherever they went, showing that Valentine’s Day or not, folks will open their hearts when there's a wagging tail involved. There’s just something about our dogs – be they pups or older retired guides – that makes folks feel good. We're thrilled that we were able to spread some cheer and look forward to more downtown Portland outings in the future!
Sightmasters Puppy Club and friends
Chris Conrad with Rhubarb
Fame Puppies Are Famous!
Feel good moment of the day: a video of the new litter of puppies born to Fame, the GDB breeder dog of Captain Chesley and Lorrie Sullenberger, was featured on today's episode of "The Bonnie Hunt Show." The litter of seven safely arrived in our kennels on January 20th. Here's the link to the segment: http://www.bonniehunt.com/blog/feel_good_moment_of_the_day_38.php
All together now: "Awww....."
All together now: "Awww....."
Snapshots!
Here is a sampling of the photo submissions that we've received recently. You can check out all of January's photo submissions on our Flickr site, as well as those that have been uploaded to our Flickr Group Photo Pool. Keep those photos coming!
Guide Dog puppy Amena. Submitted by Wendy Harris.
Guide Dog puppy in training, yellow Lab Jackson, with his buddy, yellow Lab career change dog Foxboro. Submitted to GDB's Flickr Group Photo Pool by Btrob.
Diane Shapiro and her career change dog, black Lab Hobson. Submitted by Megan Minkiewicz.
Guide Dog puppy Amena. Submitted by Wendy Harris.
Guide Dog puppy in training, yellow Lab Jackson, with his buddy, yellow Lab career change dog Foxboro. Submitted to GDB's Flickr Group Photo Pool by Btrob.
Diane Shapiro and her career change dog, black Lab Hobson. Submitted by Megan Minkiewicz.