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GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND - ALUMNI NEWS
Volume 22 – Number 1 Theresa Stern, Director of Alumni and Outreach Services, Editor
Leanne Bremner, Copy Editor
Send submissions to the editor via tape, phone, mail, or e-mail [email protected]
Alumni Association Mission Statement
The Alumni Association will support the vision of GDB of “using our power of partnering to improve quality of life” by building a strong sustainable community of support among our Alumni. We will work to support Alumni success with their guide, in building relationships with others, and actively participating in the greater GDB community.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Mission Statement
Connecting Our Community through Leadership, Advocacy, Communication and Outreach
Alumni News is available electronically, in Braille, and on audio CD. If you are able to access email and would like future issues sent to you electronically, please let Theresa Stern know at [email protected]. Email allows us to get the news to you in a timely manner and is easy on the environment!
We'd like to send our very special thanks to all of our Alumni who, by their efforts and their examples, refer others to our program.
Table of Contents1. A Message from the CEO, by Chris Benninger 2. From Your Alumni Association
a. A Note From the Alumni Association Board Chair, by Becky Andrews b. 2015 Alumni and Friends Reunion & Retreat – Paws Around the World,
by Theresa Stern3. Chapter Chat
a. For 2015, Resolve to Get Involved, by Maile George b. Pins for Pups” Rolls in Dollars to Support our Guides and Puppy Raisers,
by Richard Faubion4. Client Services
a. Who Is the Counselor Anyway?, by Kim Samco 5. Development Spotlight
a. Two Easy Ways to Support GDB 6. As We See It
a. Thoughts on Food Rewards, by Sherry Gomes b. Learning From Nolan, By Frank Lopez
7. Alumni Bulletin Board8. In Memoriam, In Memory, In tribute 9. Gift Shop News 10.Announcements 11.List of Alumni Association Board Members 12.List of Alumni Chapters 13.Guide Dog News Issue 4, 2014
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By: Chris Benninger, GDB President and CEO
It has been such a pleasure and an honor to be part of the GDB community for the past 10 months! It’s hard to believe I’ve been here that long … the time has really flown by. I’ve had the opportunity this past year to visit a number of other guide schools throughout the U.S. and one of the things that stands out about GDB is the vibrancy of our Alumni community. No other school has such involved and committed Alumni. We all are much stronger and more effective when we stand together and I really believe that your involvement makes a huge difference here at GDB and sets our school apart from all the rest!
There are so many ways to get involved … join your local Alumni Chapter, let us hear from you about what is working for you and what is not, join a puppy club to help our puppy raisers understand the importance of the work that they are doing. The list goes on and on! However, one thing I hope that all of you will do this fall is come to our Alumni Reunion. I promise you will have an amazing time and you will learn a lot in the process. I really hope to see you there!
FROM YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONA Note from the Alumni Association Board Chair
By: Becky Andrews with GeorginaAlumni Association Board Chair
Happy New Year! I hope 2015 is off to a great start for you and your guides.
We just finished the conference call with all our GDB Chapter Presidents. I am truly inspired by the energy, excitement and support, not to mention information and advocacy that is happening in our chapters! Thank you to all of our chapter leaders and all who participate and are involved!
I am super excited with the activities that the Alumni Association has accomplished in the past and what is planned for this year. We will be sharing updates from our Committee Chairs in this and upcoming Alumni News. Thank you to Maile George, Chapter Coordinator, for sharing your report in this issue.
Time flies! Can you believe it is time for our next Alumni Reunion? For the first time, the reunion will be held in Portland, with the theme of "Paws around the World". This is such a great opportunity to become further involved with GDB, make new friends and reconnect with old friends, as well as gain further information and have a lot of fun. Stay tuned for more details.
Again, Happy New Year to you and your guides. I hope our paths cross this year via a chapter meeting, a speaker series call, at the reunion or connecting through email. Thanks to each of you. I so appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic Alumni Association.
2015 Alumni and Friends Reunion and Retreat – Paws Around the World – Join Us!By: Theresa Stern with WillsGDB Director of Alumni and Outreach Services
Have you been waiting to hear about the next GDB Alumni Association reunion? Were you wondering what adventures we were planning for all of you? Or maybe missing some of your classmates, and FEELING excited about networking and VISITING with old and new friends?Ready-- Get Set—Go!! It’s now time to begin thinking about your next trip with your guide to Portland, Oregon! Save the dates: September 10 through September 13, 2015!Our goal for the upcoming reunion is to ENLIGHTEN EVERYONE WITH some tips and tricks about life-journeys grads take with their guides, including exploring new and familiar destinations, and participating in unique quest both big and small! So join us on the journey of “Paws Around the World” -- Traveling, Adventure and so much more about technology, earning your passport to Portland, and invaluable resources from fellow grads. The Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center will serve as the main venue, and several opportunities to take in the natural beauty and local hospitality are on tap. To reserve your room today you can call or go to this link http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/R/RLLC-DT-GD9-20150910/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG. In addition, you can call the hotel directly to make
reservations by calling 503-281-6111 and refer to the special group code: GD9. The GDB rate is $189 for rooms with two queen beds or $169 for rooms with 1 queen bed.
Over the years, GDB reunions have been a fantastic way to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and learn all the latest and greatest GDB has to offer. 2015 will be no exception. Remember: Enthusiastic participation guarantees a great time for all! Event registration and more information will be forthcoming.
CHAPTER CHAT
For 2015 – Resolve to Get Involved
By: Maile George with Jasmine
Alumni Association Board Chapter Coordinator
Have you ever wondered how to connect with other GDB graduates in your area, or wished you could network with other graduates, volunteers, donors and others with common interests? If so, you may want to consider joining a GDB alumni chapter! Though each chapter is different, every chapter focuses on building a strong community of support amongst graduates, puppy raisers, donors, volunteers and agencies serving the blind. Besides getting together to support one another and to socialize, chapters may focus on educating others about the guide dog lifestyle, advocating on issues relevant to the blindness community, fundraising for GDB or other special projects, welcoming new GDB alumni when they return from training, and more! Read on to catch up on what many GDB chapters have been up to over the past few months!
Some chapters invited guest speakers to meetings where attendees were given a hands-on presentation about canine first aid, canine CPR and special things to consider during an emergency. The Washington state chapter invited Kim Samco, GDB’s licensed Counseling specialist to discuss the tough topic of retirement and the death of a Guide Dog. Several chapters invited one of their members who were also recent graduates to be their guest speakers and they provided an overview of the two-week class experience
In November, two chapters, Portland’s Raining Canines and Mommies With Guides, held a joint meeting at which they had a special evening with GDB President and CEO, Chris Benninger. Speaking of Mommies with Guides, this amazing chapter
raised funds for GDB through the sales of bracelets and note cards especially designed for this creative alumni chapter. Go Mommies GO!
Many other chapter meetings were centered on food. Utah’s Greatest Paws on Earth chapter held the “Paws and Pancakes” breakfast at which they honored local puppy raisers. One of the newest alumni chapters, Capitol Canines (Washington DC) recently held their second meeting combined with a festive holiday meal in a member’s home. The Oklahoma City chapter hosted an event called “Feed the Drivers”.” At this event, chapter members had an opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation for the transit service drivers in their area. Other chapters met at local pubs, restaurants or cafes. If you were thinking that chapters who meet via conference call might miss out on the food and drink, think again! The Montana/ Wyoming chapter asked each member to dial in, and introduce themselves along with the name of their favorite holiday beverage.
The Orange County and San Diego chapters both invited local puppy raisers to give chapter members a little peak at what it takes to transform a mischievous little puppy into what might one day become a responsible Guide Dog. The puppy raisers were also excited to spend a few hours witnessing what Guide Dogs do and how they interact with their blind partners. The Washington state alumni chapter also often involves the Snohomish county puppy raisers in their chapter activities. Says President Danette Dixon, “it is fun to be there as the puppies go through all their stages and watch each puppy grow.”
Other chapters head out into their communities to take advantage of local attractions and cultural activities. For example, The Paws of Fame chapter (Los Angeles County) was given a tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. At another meeting, members were able to get their dogs nails trimmed, bathe them, and just let the dogs play. In January, this lucky chapter will be treated to a tour of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. The San Francisco chapter, the Foggy Doggies, boarded ferry boats and motored across the San Francisco bay to Angel Island, where the park ranger entertained the group with an overview of the natural and cultural history of the island. In January, the Foggy Doggies will be treated to a special “Touch Tour” at the DeYoung museum in Golden Gate Park.
Why not make it one of your New Year's Resolutions to participate in a meeting of an Alumni chapter in 2015? Rest assured that you’ll get a tail-wagging warm welcome when you do!
Active alumni chapters are listed at the end of Alumni News. To get more information about any GDB alumni chapter, or to find out how to start a chapter, please contact Maile (pronounced My lee) George, GDB Chapter Coordinator, at [email protected]
“Pins for Pups” Rolls in Dollars to Support our Guides and Puppy RaisersBy: Richard Faubion with Parka
The Rocky Rovers GDB chapter in Colorado held its Third Annual Pins for Pups in August. This event has raised nearly $6000 over the past three years to support Colorado GDB alumni and puppy raisers and national GDB projects.
In early August, 17 GDB alumni, puppy raisers and their friends and family came out to Crown Bowling Lanes in Denver to participate in our chapter fund raiser. We had a ton of fun as well! Two lanes were set up with rails for participants who were totally blind enabling them to find their way to their lane and direct the ball.
Our guide dogs and puppies-in-training sat patiently while their handlers bowled in hopes of winning prizes. The top award to a guide handler went to our Chapter President, Andre Van Hall. Michael Brobst won the prize for highest score among the puppy raisers. The grand prize for raising the most funds by a guide handler was a weekend for two at the Hyatt Downtown Denver and was won by Richard Faubion. The top prize for the puppy raiser who raised the most money went to Barb Wells.
Funds raised by Pins for Pups, as well as special donations from Colorado alumni, puppy raisers and their friends, were donated to GDB to support the new dorm facility at the San Rafael campus, $1,545. Funds of $700 have also been used to buy two harnesses, to honor two local puppy raiser clubs who have raisers active in the Rocky Rovers group: Have Paws, Will Travel and Liberty on Leashes.
With over $2,900 in our chapter account at the end of 2014, these funds will help underwrite our annual Holiday Party; $500 is planned to be donated to GDB for the new Whelping Complex in San Rafael; and a $500 scholarship will be offered to a guide dog handler who would like to attend the Portland Alumni Reunion in 2015.
Any Colorado guide handler can request financial support by contacting the Rocky Rover’s leadership by calling 720-207-8362.
Our GDB Colorado Rocky Rovers chapter continues to have wonderful social events while raising money to make a difference for folks impacted by vision loss across Colorado and the United States!
CLIENT SERVICES
Who Is the Counselor, Anyway?By: Kim Samco with Wyla
GDB Councelling Specialist
It has recently come to my attention that many GDB graduates are not aware of the counseling services GDB offers. I’ll take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know what services are available.
Let’s start at the beginning, my name is Kim Samco and my title is Counselling Specialist. This is my 15th year officially on staff with GDB. I say “Officially” because I was a contract employee for a year or two before being hired on full time.
I was born and raised in southern California, moved to northern Washington in 1979, then to Portland in 1988 and now I live in central Oregon on an acreage with my husband, two dogs, Alice and Wyla, and rescued Maine Coon cat, Ziggy. We are frequently hosts to various life stock and ducks.
I graduated with my first guide dog, Rainey, a female German Shepherd Dog (GSD) in the summer of 1995. In about 2000, GDB experimented with the Smooth Coat Collie (SCC) breed and I received Kanya, a female SCC in spring of 2001. I graduated with my current guide, Wyla, a female GSD in the summer of 2007. Wyla is the last GSD to graduate from the Oregon campus. My cause of blindness is Cone/Rod Dystrophy and I was diagnosed in my early teens.
I have Bachelor degrees in Horticulture, Fine Art and Psychology and my graduate work was in psychology with a specialty in Family systems. I have been practicing since 1981 and have the privilege to work in the following areas: foster care and adoption for a private agency, private practice with contracts working with adjudicated youth, family work at a drug and alcohol treatment center, work with developmentally disabled adults, as well as a range of issues that you might expect to see in a private practice.
For eleven years I worked for the Multnomah County, Portland OR, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program, reaching out to communities with the greatest need of support services. I went to high schools and middle schools to work with students and their families dealing with significant life issues and/or when a crisis, such as a student or teacher’s death, upset the staff and student body, as well as visiting community projects working with gang members and their families. I loved working with this population but as the County began billing for services and becoming more of a “managed care” provider, it was no longer for me. This is where GDB comes in. I am GDB’s second counselor following in the footsteps of Marla Meriam, which many of you may remember.
Now, for what I do and the services offered. I wear a few hats but the one most often on my head is providing support to all of you. I can be reached via the Support Center and/or my direct number is 888-336-3039. We all know that working a guide dog is the coolest thing ever with times of upset thrown in for good measure. The upset might be created by an ill guide dog, a retiring guide dog, a dog whose work might be less than satisfactory and creating stress, family interference, thoughtless members of the public, your guide being attacked by
another dog, access issues where you are wrongfully asked to leave a public place, adjustments to changes regarding life with your guide dog, and questions about a new adventure you might be embarking on with your dog. I can be a sounding board for those needing to make difficult decisions regarding their guide dog and, sadly, end of life issues. This isn’t a complete list, but you get the idea. You probably also notice that some of what I do overlaps with what the Field Service Managers and the Specialists in the Support Center do. Basically, you can’t go wrong by contacting anyone in Client Services because they will get you to where you need to be.
My conversations are confidential with two exceptions: issues of harm to self or others and/or if it comes to my attention that the team is not safe. I do not make decisions arbitrarily so if I am not discussing with you that I need to inform someone about the call, then you don’t need to worry that I am going to make some sort of report. For purposes of good client support, I will note that I’ve spoken with someone but not the content without your permission. The exception is when I need to make calls related to your application in which case the applicant has signed consent for me to take action. Whew. This might sound a bit heavy to some and obvious to others, but I think it’s important that readers know what to expect.
I am also part of the Admissions Review Committee, the group who reviews applications. Once a week we meet to discuss applications that have something out of the ordinary as part of them. My part is to represent the graduate perspective and to follow up with anyone with a mental health diagnosis and/or some significant life situation that may present a challenge to training successfully with a new guide dog. My job is to set the applicant up to be successful and not to exclude applicants with “issues”. I am also available to provide support to students in class whether a first time handler or retrain or perhaps the instructor staff.
Lastly, I do some mental health trainings for GDB staff and a little writing (hand outs, policy, Alumni News) as well as the occasional special project.
I hope this has given you some sense of what I do and how I can offer you support. I love my work, and as many of you have heard me say, it’s a privilege to be able to walk beside you during your difficult times.
I can be reached via my direct line: 888-336-3039, as well as through the Support Center: 800-295-4050.
I look forward to getting your calls. In the meantime, here’s wishing you safe travels.
DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT
Two Easy Ways to Support GDB!Editor’s Note – I was recently asked at a meeting of the Alumni Chapter Presidents if one could donate to GDB through the United Way or the Combined Federal Campaign. Below is info regarding these programs from the Development Class Lecture.
Two long-standing ways to support GDB are the United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign. The United Way allows individuals to support the charities of their choice through contributions made at their place of work. You need only sign up for the program at your work and designate Guide Dogs for the Blind as your donation recipient. Your friends, family members, neighbors and colleagues can do the same.
The Combined Federal Campaign is a similar program except that it exists only in departments and agencies of the Federal government. If you are a Federal employee you can contribute to GDB by choosing to give through the CFC and selecting charity 1840 as your charity of choice. 1840 is the CFC number, which designates that your gift goes to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
AS WE SEE IT – Contributions from GDB Alumni
Thoughts on Food RewardsBy: Sherry Gomes with Petunia
I received my first guide dog from GDB in 1975. In those days, and for many years after, food rewards were not just frowned upon, they were forbidden in the direst of terms.
“Never give your dogs food rewards of any kind.” It was drilled over and over into our heads, and we accepted this as dog handling gospel. I certainly did. And it was the way of thinking at the time.
When I began to hear of GDB trying food rewards—in the early days called counter conditioning—I was frankly appalled and disturbed. It was more than twenty years later, and I couldn’t’ understand why this policy had changed. Would this make the dogs less behaved around food distractions? Weren’t the dogs supposed to work for nothing but their love of us, their bond to their handlers? What was going on?
The first class I was faced with food rewards was in the fall of 2002. I knew the class supervisor, as he’d trained my two previous dogs, and I called him on it, right there in front of everyone else.
“If you think we’ve never used food to help teach something or help a dog over a fearful situation,” he replied, “then you’d better think again. We’ve always used food under certain circumstances.”
Hearing that, I decided to give it a try, in spite of my continuing skepticism. And I became a convert. I fell in love with food rewards, and they may have saved one dog’s life, a dog who had bad offleash recall and got away from me in an airport parking lot.
But there’s more to why I love food rewards, and this is what I wanted to write about. I still hear many people saying they don’t understand or don’t like food rewards. Many long time guide dog handlers still feel concerned or unnerved at the idea of giving their dogs food during working situations. I still hear people say how they want their dogs to work for them only out of love.
As food rewards have evolved, the way it’s done, the amount and circumstances when food is used, I’ve have thought long and hard about it and why I like it so much. I think that we as humans tend to think like humans, but for a moment, let’s put ourselves in a dog’s head.
Dogs have a small number of what I think of as their primary drives: food, prey, play and sex, and food is the number one drive at the top of the list, more important than all the rest. Obviously, the last doesn’t apply to our dogs. But food being the number one drive for a dog is exactly why food rewards work so well.
Do we want our dogs to work for love of us? Of course, we all want that. What will make our dogs bond to us and love us faster than ever? Food, food, food. When it’s we who are handing over the kibbles, one by one by one, letting the dogs eat them from our hands, praising and loving the dogs at the same time, what are they going to think? They’re going to think they’re in dog paradise. They want to be with the person who is giving out all this yummy goodness. Why wouldn’t they want that? They quickly come to look to us for what they need, they bond and want to work for us. It’s not just that they are working for the food; they are working for it, sure, but they are also working for us, the ones who hand over the deliciousness. And the bond grows. You can almost hear it click into place with a firm solid snap.
There is another aspect to this, something that resonates with me as a working woman. How many people truly work in jobs they love? I would guess that most people work in jobs they can do, that give them some kind of satisfaction, that pay the bills, and maybe that they love, but I believe the percentage of people working for absolute love of the job is small. Even if we love a particular job, unless we only volunteer, we expect to receive that pay check. I know I do. I may or may not love my job, but I don’t work for the love of it. I expect and need to be paid. I like the positive reinforcement too, when a customer thanks me or commends me to my boss, but mostly, I like the pay check.
To me, the food reward is to my dog what the pay check is to me. It’s a tangible way of saying she’s done a good job, as the pay check is a tangible way for me to know I’m doing my work well. So, as I want my pay every two weeks, I also want to reward my dog with the pay she so richly deserves. She gets the kibble pay check,
the hugs, the pats, the joyful praise. She’s happy, and I’m filled with joy as she prances around me when we get home from a successful walk.
My point? Food rewards are fun! Your dog will love you; will work for love of you, because you and you alone are providing the fun, the food, the reward, the pay check, the one most important thing to a dog, the glorious food! I think of it as providing my dog all the thanks I possibly can give for the way she guides me and keeps me safe. I do things I would never have done because of having a guide dog, and food rewards just give me another way to say thank you to my dog. I’m glad I took that supervisor up on his challenge to try food rewards. I’ve never been sorry, and I’d never want to go back.
Learning from NolanBy: Frank Lopez with Nolan
After having used a white cane for more than twenty years, I was diagnosed with a hearing loss. My doctor recommended that I look into getting a guide dog. I spent some time researching guide dog organizations. I chose Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Raphael, California.
I can remember an intake worker asking me what type of dog and what type of temperament of dog I was interested in. My response was that I wanted one that I could trust my life to, a very social dog that would fit well with my high school teaching environment, and one that is smarter than me! Their immediate response was, “That will be easy!”
I received Nolan, my guide dog, in 2010 and we have been joined at the hip ever since.
Nolan is truly a social animal. He loves to interact with people, especially ladies and children. I think it has something to do with their high pitched voices. I like to tease that Nolan should have been named “Casa-nolan”.
He loves to do his job and he seems to take great pride in it. I am continuously learning what Nolan is capable of. When I first came home with Nolan, my wife Judy and I would go grocery shopping together with Nolan at my side. She would read off our grocery list as we went down the aisles. Unbeknownst to me, Nolan was taking all of this in. One day I asked Nolan to take me to the milk and he did! I was dumbfounded. He loves to find things for me in the grocery store and can take me to more than one hundred food Items by name. Of course, a kibble reward helps reinforce his memory. People often stop and stare and ask me if I am training Nolan. My normal reply is, “No - he is training me.”
What makes Nolan truly unique and special is his ability to empathize with people. I noticed this early on when I was teaching. When Nolan came in contact with a
student who had special needs or a physical disability, he seemed to sense that they needed his attention. He would go up to complete strangers in a wheelchair or using a walker and want to comfort them.
We moved to Sun Prairie, WI a year and a half ago and we have acclimated ourselves to the community. Everyone seems to remember Nolan’s name and not mine but he is a real ice breaker. He helps me to overcome social barriers. On the advice of my sister-in-law, Nolan and I went up to visit the nearby senior’s center last year. While we were there, Nolan happily approached one of the ladies in a wheelchair and she immediately asked if she could pet him. This gave me the idea of visiting the seniors once a week and they really enjoy Nolan’s visits. Many seniors tell me stories of the dogs they used to have. Sometimes they have tears as memories flood forward remembering their pets from the past. They often hug Nolan all the more as he sits patiently near them.
Nolan has taught me that you should never stop learning or contributing because you always will receive more than you give.
ALUMNI BULLETIN BOARDGDB Grad, Frank Frand and guide dog Cardinal invite you to join them for the 11th annual golf tournament, Tee Off for Dogs on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Oak Creek Golf Course in Irvine CA. Not a golfer, not a problem, for a donation of $200 you can sponsor a hole! For more information, please visit TeeOffForDogs.org. Proceeds go to help support GDB and our Puppy Raising Clubs. Thank you for your dedication and generosity Frank!
GDB Grad, Brett DeSalvo wants his fellow alumni to know that the Orange County Register published two stories about hisroommate, Devin and him as a human-interest story about two blind college students living in OC. Devin is a 26 year-old Psych major at Chapman University with a Seeing Eye Dog named Gavin, Bret is a 31 year-old Radio/TV/Film major at Cal State Fullerton with guide Jason. Here are the links to the articles: Blind, Devin Wishes To Help See Others Through Their Problems http://www.ocregister.com/articles/peck-645322-blind-eye.html, and Listen In On “Legally Blind Brett”http://www.ocregister.com/articles/desalvo-645440-radio-blind.htmland If you would like to donate to Brett and Devin’s college fund, click on, www.gofund.me/3i5xyk
Congratulations to GDB Grad Clark Roberts who has recently published a book! Order your copy of Wags to You-Short & Long Dog Tails, Clark L. Roberts’ new book at http://www.ultimate-vision.org today!
Kudos to Tom Kowalski and guide dog Dynamo for completing a ½ marathon in 3 hours 14 minutes, way to go!!!!
IN MEMORIAM, IN MEMORY, IN TRIBUTE
In Memoriam – Remembering Alumni Who Have DiedHarold Baker of Roseville, CA with female Black Lab guide Cherish (CA 705 - 4/17/10)
Emmitt (Wayne) Brumley of Dallas, TX with male Yellow Lab guide Wrigley (CA 716 - 12/11/10)
Irene Carroll of Lynnwood, WA with female Yellow Lab guide Lillian (OR25D - 3/7/98)
Gilbert Chief of Scanterbury, MB with male Yellow Lab guide Cassius (CA 617 - 9/1/01)
Timothy Godecker of Walnut Creek, CA with male Black Lab guide Carlo (CA 676 - 7/28/07)
Sally Hollins of Seattle, WA with female Black Lab/Golden Cross Tisha (OR41R - 6/26/99)
Dennis McGuffin of San Bruno, CA with male Yellow Lab/Golden Cross Burt (CA 659D - 10/21/05)
Michael Racho of Dallas, OR with female Black Lab guide Millicent (OR174 - 3/13/10)
Annabelle Zahl of Redwood City, CA with female Yellow Lab guide Halo (CA 553 – 11/18/96)
In Memory – Remembering Guides Who Have DiedSandler, male Yellow Lab/Golden Cross guide for Franklin Johnson of Joplin, MO (CA 634R – 5/17/03)
Arnold, male Yellow Lab guide for Tina Sohl of Tempe, AZ (CA 642 – 2-28-04)
Magician, male Yellow Lab guide for Heather Williams of Denver, CO (OR 78 – 7/27/02)
Brandon, male Black Lab guide for Jenny Anderson of Lynwood, WA (OR 127 – 8/26/06)
Madigan, male Black Lab guide for Kristi Durham of Austin, TX (CA 635 – 6/21/03)
Madrid, male Black Lab guide for Viola Spain of Missoula, MT (CA 639 – 11/14/03)
Taffy, female Yellow Lab guide for Jamie Sibson of Austin, TX (CA 634D – 5/10/03)
Faraday, male Yellow Lab guide for Wayne Sibson of Austin, TX (OR 94 – 11/15/03)
Hastings, male Yellow Lab guide for Michael Osborn of Laguna Beach, CA (CA 622 – 3/9/02)
Ramona, female Black Lab guide for Lindsay Sloane of Albuquerque, NM (OR 126 – 7/19/06)
Hercules, male Yellow Lab / Golden Cross guide for Louise Johnson of Surrey, BC (CA 667 – 9/2/06)
Nanny, female Yellow Lab guide for Linda Weber of Surrey, BC (CA 654 – 5/21/05)
Jarvis, male Yellow Lab guide for Mark Omelan of Toronto, Ontario CA (CA 635 – 6/21/03)
Collette, female Black Lab guide for Karin Williams of Concord, CA (CA 650 – 12/11/04)
Mikey, male Yellow Lab guide for George Kerscher of Missoula, Mt (CA 683 – 4/12/08)
In Tribute – Honoring Guides Who Have RetiredLaidley, male Black Lab guide for Marilyn Lind of Topeka, KS (OR 180 - 6/5/10)
Shadow, male Black Lab guide for Brian Petraits of Brownsburg, IN (OR 275 - 5/24/2014)
Hawk, male Black Lab guide for Louise Johnson of Surrey, BC (CA 728 - 9/17/11)
Dario, male Black Lab guide for Theresa Stern of Novato, CA (CA 672D – 2/9/07)
Wassail, female Yellow Lab guide for Ethel Kirtley of San Diego, CA (CA 652 - 3/12/05)
Torres, male Yellow Lab guide for Jamie Carley of Broomfield, CO (CA 683 – 4/12/08)
Nashville, male Yellow Lab guide for Mary Otten of Eugene, OR (OR 116 – 9/24/06)
Lopez, male Black Lab guide for Elaine Rooney of Garland, TX (OR 127 – 8/26/06)
GIFT SHOP NEWS
GIFT SHOP NEWS – January 2015By: Michelle McNew
GDB CCP Operations Specialist
Listed below are new items that have arrived in the gift shop recently:
Women’s Hooded Pullover Tee - This 3/4 sleeve hooded t shirt is 100% cotton with a v neck. At 4 oz, it is a great layering piece for the fall and winter. Available in Oceanberry with white embellishment or black with light pink embellishment in sizes XS thru XXL $29.00 – while supplies last
Women’s Nylon Poly-fill vest - This poly-fill vest will protect you from wind and weather without restricting movement. 100% nylon with poly-fill insulation, you are sure to stay warm this winter. Also, featuring an interior chest pocket and drawstring hem. Available in black in sizes XS thru XXL, embellished on the left chest with the GDB logo in blue. $65.00 – while supplies last
Women’s Windbreaker - This Women's North End brand windbreaker features a storable hood, slash pockets, adjustable elastic shock-cord at hem, elastic cuff band with adjustable Velcro tab, and a vented upper back yoke in mesh with Velcro for great breathability. Embroidered on the left chest with the Guide Dogs for the Blind logo in silver, the exterior is water resistant. Available in Deep Periwinkle in sizes XS thru XXL. $36.00 – whiles supplies last
Women’s Forward v- tee with braille - Made by District Made, this 100% ring spun cotton tee is super soft . The new Guide Dogs logo is screen printed in White on the left chest and the word 'forward' is screen printed in white in script and braille on the back. Available in heather red with white decal or black with light pink decal, sizes S thru XXL. $20.00 – while supplies last
Women’s forward tee in braille - Adorned with a GDB logo on the left chest and the back reads "forward" in braille and script. At 100% cotton, please order one size up to ensure fit. Available in black with gray design or heather navy in pink design $20.00 – while supplies last
Women’s forward v- tee in braille - Made by Fruit of the Loom, these Heavy HD collection tees are made of 90% cotton and 10% polyester. The new Guide Dogs logo is screen printed in black on the left chest and the word 'forward' is screen printed in black in script and braille on the back. Available in heather gray, sizes XS thru XXL. $20.00 - while supplies last
Women’s Sweatpants - Made from Gildan, this Heavy Blend of Cotton and Polyester will surely keep you warm. Outfitted with a matching drawstring cord and relaxed bottoms, these sweats are adorned with the GDB logo down the right leg. Available in purple with orange screen print or gray with magenta screen print. Sizes Small thru XXL, $28.00 – while supplies last
Men’s Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt - enjoy the cool weather in this hooded pullover. At 9.3 oz, it has a dry blend wicking. At 50/50, this hoodie is cozy for cold nights. Available in Charcoal in sizes XS thru XXL, adorned with the GDB logo in green. $39.00 – while supplies last
Men’s Nylon Poly-fil vest - This poly-fill vest will protect you from wind and weather without restricting movement. 100% nylon with poly-fill insulation, you are sure to stay warm this winter. Also, featuring an interior chest pocket and drawstring hem. Available in navy in sizes XS thru XXL, Embellished on the left chest with the GDB logo in silver. $65.00 – while supplies last
Men’s Sweatpants - These Jerzees Super Sweats are a cotton/polyester blend, with a white internal drawstring and cinched bottoms. They are available in Gray with blue screen print located down the right leg. Available in Medium thru XXL. $28.00 – while supplies last
Men’s Windbreaker - The jacket features a collar with attached lined hood, vented back yoke with Velcro closure for breathability, elasticized cuff band with adjustable velcro tab with a water resistant finish. They are embellished with the Guide Dogs for the Blind logo on the left chest in silver and are available in black in sizes Small thru XXL. $36.00 – while supplies last
Men’s Forward tee in braille with pocket - This 6 ounce, 100% cotton (preshrunk) tee with a front pocket, is sure to be a summer favorite. The shirt features the new GDB logo on the front chest and 'forward' written in braille and script on the back. Available in forest green or gray in sizes Small thru XXL. $20.00 – while supplies last
Braille Key-rings - This flexible key-ring features the GDB logo on one side and braille on the other that reads “Guide Dogs for the Blind”. Colors include: orange, red, blue and green. $3.00
Braille luggage tags - Let your luggage stand out while you travel with this bright colored GDB luggage tag! Adorned with the GDB logo and braille reading "Guide Dogs for the Blind" on one side, the reverse side has space for all your contact information. It attaches to your luggage with a belt like clasp, to ensure you will not lose it. Available in 4 fun colors: green, blue, orange and red. $6.00
Photo Tumblers - This 24oz, BPA free cup is the cutest cup you will ever own! It is decorated with pictures of GDB dogs (submissions from our Flickr site). You are sure to get compliments on this adorable cup. Clear straw included. $10.00
Postcards- Keep in touch with friends and family with these adorable GDB postcards. The pack includes a total of 12 postcards, 2 cards of each image. Pictures are submissions from our public GDB Flickr site. $10.00
Notecards - 10 notecards per pack, 2 cards of each design, envelopes included. All cards are blank inside. Pictures are submissions from our public GDB Flickr site. $12.00
Photo Pens - This photo pen has an adorable picture of a black Labrador guide dog and yellow Labrador guide dog. Available in multiple colors, let us pick a color for you. $2.00
Reusable Tote Bag – “Reduce Your Pawprint” design. Available in royal blue, lime green and orange. $3.00
Car coasters- These super absorbent stone car coasters will make a fabulous gift! They are decorated with the GDB logo and a picture of a dog in harness in blue and orange. There are two car coasters per pack. Fits most automotive cup holders. $5.00
Guide Dog shaped paperclips - These adorable and useful paperclips are shaped like guide dogs with harnesses. 10 per pack. $1.50
Goughnut tug toy - This super sturdy, super thick toy is a great tug toy for those serious tuggers! Available in black with red spots. $22.00
All orders are subject to applicable tax and shipping fees.
You can order Gift Shop merchandise online at store.guidedogs.com , call 1-800-295-4050 x4151 or 415-499-4151 and our volunteers will take your order by telephone.
Please check our website periodically for new merchandise updates.
Coming soon: Full Zip Hoodies, New backpack, New braille tees
ANNOUNCEMENTSGuide Dog Harness Research StudyMy name is Sean Mealin. I am a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University in the Department of Computer Science, as well as a guide dog user. I am working on a research project focusing on using technology to give guide dog users more information about their guide dogs in real-time. This information may one day help you tell things about your guide dog such as if they are getting dangerously hot or cold, if they are abnormally stressed, or even give you hints to their emotional state. In order to do this as unobtrusively as possible, I am designing a new handle that will give you updates while you and your dog are working.
To design the most effective handle I can, I am collecting information about how guide dog users hold their handles. What I am asking is that you get a friend to take close-up pictures of your hand on the handle while you go about your daily activity. Once you have the pictures, you or your friend can send them to me using a survey which is linked below, which will ask you simple questions like which school you received your guide dog from; this is to insure that we get as wide a sample as possible. No information that identifies you or your dog will be kept, and this information will only be used in a summarized form.
If you would like to participate, you can read more about what information is being collected, why it is being collected, and how your privacy will be protected at the link below. After you read that, and if you choose to participate, collect at most three pictures of your hand on your guide dog's handle, and submit them by using
the same survey link below. You must also be at least 18 years-old to participate. Please note that users of Jaws and the Fire Fox web browser have reported some accessibility problems with uploading the pictures. If you encounter any difficulty, please try using another browser, or contact me for assistance.http://ncsu.qualtrics.com//SE/?SID=SV_02hblylMkwQ6Q1D
If you have any questions or concerns about the data, how it will be used, or your privacy, please feel free to contact me, Sean Mealin, at [email protected], or by phone, (336) 365-8301. Thank you for your help with this exciting research.
Resource Guide for College Students with Disabilities - Check out this college guide for students with disabilities: http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/disabled-students/.
Verizon National Accessibility Customer Service Center - On October 15, Verizon Wireless unveiled the National Accessibility Customer Service (NACS). Designed to support people with special needs and requirements, the Charleston, South Carolina-based center will be staffed with approximately 200 dedicated representatives to address individual mobile needs – whether it is providing guidance on device selection, technical support or account transactions.
The dedicated phone number for the center is 888-262-1999 and its hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (local time zone). Depending on geographical location, if customers call after these hours, the call will be handled by other Customer Service and Technical Support representatives who are available from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., (local) seven day a week at 800-922-0204 or by dialing *611 from a Verizon Wireless phone.
TSA Notification Card - The Transportation Security Administration now has a notification card you can download and complete with your personal information prior to your airline travel. You can download and print out the card from the agency's web site, http://www.tsa.gov/. Then, while going through the security check points, you can choose to give the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) your notification card describing your disability and/or needs during the screening process. By handing the officer your notification card, you will be able to privately and discretely communicate your needs without others near you hearing your conversation.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2014 – 2015 Alumni Association Board Meetings:
Aug 22, 2014, Dec 6, 2014, Mar 7, 2015, Jun 6, 2015
Officers
Becky Andrews with Georgina
Bountiful, UT
Board Chair
801-259-3883 (Mobile)
Melanie Brunson with Sparta
Vienna, VA
Board Vice-Chair
703-307-6478 (Mobile)
Michelle Miller with Tango
Alexandria, VA
Board Secretary
703-664-0369
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Samantha Adams with Lotto
Gold River, CA
916-903-7065
Leanne Bremner with Ayanna
Toronto, ON
416-921-8984
Maile George with Jasmin
Concord, CA
925-381-7899
Bruce Gilmore with Marley
Vancouver, BC
604-828 5513
Dudley Hanks with Michener
Edmonton, AB
780-461-9358
Scott Wilcock with Senator
Harrisville, UT
801-737-9536
EX Officio Members
George Kerscher
Missoula, MT
GDB Board of Directors Representative
406-549-4687
Deborah Kendrick with Flo
Cincinnati, OH
GDB Board of Directors Representative
513-673-4474
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAPTERS
As of January 2015
British Columbia
Linda Weber
Colorado Rocky Rovers
Andre Van Hall
Northern Colorado
Sherry Gomes
DC Metro
Mary Wilson
Foggy Doggies San Francisco
Lauri Shay and Maile George
GDB Cruisers
Paul Walker
Special Interest: Cruising
GDB Handlers of the Northeast
Cynthia Detro
www.gdbhne.net
GDB Paws of Fame Los Angeles County
Melissa Hudson
GDB Surfer Dogs San Diego
Juliet Cody
GDB Tech Dogs
Deborah Kendrick
Special Interest: Technology
www.tech-dogs.net
Great White North GDB Alumni Chapter Canada
David Greene
Greater Toronto Area GDB Alumni Chapter
Joan Robinson
Forming
Greatest Paws on Earth Utah
Patty Ehle
Guide Dog Handlers All Ways
Paula Barton
Special Interest: Multiple Disabilities
Guide Dog Handlers of the Midwest Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan
Deanna Lewis
Guide Dog Teams of Orange County
Richard King
www.ocguidedogs.com
iSee Paws Guide Dogs Montreal Chapter
Kim Holdbrook
Las Vegas
Jean Peyton
Forming
Mommies with Guides
Tracy Boyd
Special Interest: Parents
Montana and Wyoming Guide Dog Handlers
Bruce Breslauer
North State Guide Dog Handlers Chico
Judy Alexander
Oklahoma City GDB Alumni Chapter
Cathy Tuton
Reigning Canines Portland
Bobi Earp
River City Guide Dog Users Sacramento
Samantha Adams
San Diego Alumni Chapter of Guide Dog Handlers
Launa Hardy
Sunshine Guide Dog Teams Florida
Alicia Eidson
Washington State GDB Alumni
Danette Dixon
Windy City Chapter Chicago
Roxanne Calibraro
***
Guide Dog News2014, Issue #4
COVER PHOTO
Danelle Umstead and her guide Aziza, on stage for her keynote presentation at GDB’s Oregon Fall luncheon in November. Danelle is a two-time Paralympic alpine skier. Read more on Page 10.
INSIDE Saying Goodbye: Join us as we honor and remember longtime GDB supporter and advocate, the
legendary actress and comedienne Joan Rivers. Board Profile: Meet GDB Board member George Kerscher and his yellow Lab guide dog Mikey,
who have just reached an impressive travel milestone. Staff Member Profile: GDB’s beloved California campus veterinarian, Dr. Craig Dietrich (“Doc”), is
retiring after 36 years. Read the reflections on his illustrious career.
Remembering an Icon: GDB Supporter Joan RiversGDB sends our condolences to the family and loved ones of actress and comedienne Joan Rivers, who recently passed away. The iconic entertainer had a profound and lasting impact on our organization; what started as a $50 memorial gift from Joan more than 25 years ago became an ongoing relationship with GDB in which she supported and championed our cause in numerous ways. Not only did Joan personally donate (including a team sponsorship of GDB alumna Kellie Dewveall and her guide dog Rivers, who had been named after Joan), she would routinely contribute proceedings from her live performances, tv appearances, and contest winnings. In addition, she consistently raised awareness of our organization in media interviews and via her sizable social media presence. Upon her passing, GDB was even mentioned in tributes worldwide as one of Joan’s three favorite charities. For all this and more, we are extremely grateful for Joan’s support. We are so honored that with all the demands on her time and resources she remained a loyal fan and supporter of our organization. She will be missed.
GREETINGS FROM THE CEO
Greetings,
In the nine months I have been with Guide Dogs for the Blind, I have met many wonderful people and had a number of really moving and memorable experiences. As the year comes to a close, I want to share a
few of the reasons I continue to be inspired by Guide Dogs for the Blind, our incredible community of support, and the collective commitment and dedication to both sides of the harness.
It takes a village to launch and support a successful guide.
It takes a minimum of 50 people just to launch and support one guide! Breeder custodians, puppy raisers, campus volunteers, veterinarians, all manner of GDB staff, and many, many more …. all of whom come together to focus on one objective: supporting a guide dog that will change the lives of many.
A guide is so much more than a mobility aid.
Guide dogs are more than just a means to get from one place to the next. They help increase confidence, independence, and freedom for our grads. They are also relationship builders, providing a social bridge between our alumni and the world at large.
Our clients are so amazing.
I’ve been awed by our students and our grads! Every single person is a hero in his or her own right. They negotiate the world so positively and with such grace. And they have such interesting lives—our alums include artists, lawyers, professors, nurses, parents, students, and much more.
We have the most compassionate, caring, and committed community of support.
I’ve never worked with such an incredible group of people who are so dedicated to an organizational mission. What a gift to the world you all are! We could not do what we do without all of you and we are so grateful for your generosity of time, spirit, and resources. Thank you for joining us on this uplifting journey of the soul!
With gratitude for all that you do and best wishes for 2015,
Christine Benninger, President and CEO
When it rains, it pours! A very special thanks to the generosity of many who provided new rain jackets for our students to use in class while training in inclement weather. The jackets were made possible by donations from the Training Paws puppy club in King County, Wash., and Bay Area puppy raisers Joe and Ellen Aguirre. Our corporate partner, Marmot, supplied the jackets at cost, and Andy’s Tee SHIRTS donated the reflective logo printing. Bring on the rain!
NORAH HAMILTON STRAUS DONORS’ CIRCLE PROFILESan Franciscan Dan L’Abbe has long known about Guide Dogs for the Blind, and even knows people who have gotten guide dogs from GDB, but it wasn’t until he attended the 2013 Canine Heroes Auction that Dan got actively involved with our organization. He was so impressed with the mission and the caliber of our work, that he’s been an ardent supporter ever since. In addition to his generous personal contributions, Dan now is a member of the Auction’s Host Committee and has enlisted his employees at Granite Solutions, where he is CEO and Head of Recruiting Services, to provide a company-wide day of volunteering at our California campus.
Dan has a long list of what draws him to GDB. It includes the dogs of course (Dan has two pet dogs, a Great Pyrenees and a Border Collie/Newfoundland mix), but it’s the graduation of our guide dog teams that appeals to him the most. “I like the fact that GDB provides amazing people with the opportunity to live amazing lives by providing them with a partner and companion that literally opens doors for them,” he said.
There are two key tenets in Dan’s philosophy of life: to keep moving, and to live every day to the fullest, both of which he feels are embodied by GDB’s mission. “I think it is so important for everyone to keep moving—it stimulates your mind, your body—and the two together allow you to live life to the fullest,” he said. “It is wonderful to be part of an organization that helps people do just that.”
Pictured: Dan L’abbe with lab/cross Anja
BOARD PROFILEGDB Board member and alum George Kerscher is an internationally-known advocate for access to information to all, particularly, helping to make published works accessible to persons with print disabilities through his job with the Daisy Consortium. In addition, he recently celebrated a remarkable achievement: in concert with his two guide dogs (first Nesbit and now Mikey) George has traveled over two million miles on Delta Air Lines. They have been to countries on every continent but Antarctica, as well as extensive travel throughout the U.S. and Canada (including to the White House several times to be honored by President Obama for his work). “My guide dogs have been all over the world with me,” he said. “There are a few places I have gone alone, but that is rare.”
George clearly embodies the spirit of independent travel, and appreciates the confidence and precision that a guide dog can offer him. George is an avid outdoorsman and apparently so is Mikey. “I live in Montana and the outdoors is part of my DNA,” he said. “This summer at Glacier National Park, Mikey got
me to the top of the Avalanche Lake Trail. He did a perfect job on a complicated narrow rocky trail; he is amazing.”
When asked what the most rewarding aspect of being affiliated with GDB is, he said, “Well, Mikey and Nesbit, of course! However, knowing that my volunteerism contributes to the delivery of the finest guide dogs in the world is a pretty great reward.” The one thing he wished people knew about GDB is that by becoming involved, there’s a strong, connected community of which you are a part. “I’ll be almost anywhere and somebody will say that they volunteer, or puppy raise, or donate, or that their guide is from GDB, etc.,” he said. “We strike up an instant relationship. I think this stems from everybody working together toward a common goal, and there is a magical guide dog behind it all.”
George is making a difference through the passion and expertise he brings to GDB. As he said,“I certainly can contribute to the technology GDB uses to disseminate information to persons who are blind, but otherwise, I am simply an alum with a profound love for the organization.”
Pictured: George Kerscher and guide Mikey with a gift from Hartmann luggage to commemorate his two million miles of travel on Delta Air Lines.
GDB welcomes Len Almalech of Saratoga, Calif., to our Board of Directors.
GRAD PROFILEMarlaina Lieberg of Burien, Wash., is nothing if not tenacious. As a 7th grader in the 1960s, she was the only visually impaired student at her school, and was not permitted to participate in PE classes. With the determination of a preteen keen to do all the same things as her classmates, Marlaina did what any 12 year-old would do: she wrote to President John F. Kennedy. To her delight (but not surprise), the President did intervene, and in due haste Marlaina was playing dodgeball with her peers.
About that same time, Marlaina knew that she wanted a guide dog. “It took a bit longer to get into guide dog school than it did for the President to help me with gym class,” she said, “but after two years of letter-writing, I got my first guide, a German Shepherd named Scamp.” Flash forward to 2014, and Marlaina, whose current guide is yellow Lab Agnes, is celebrating 50 continuous years as a guide dog handler, during which she has seen her fair share of changes. For instance, “It was a hard leap for me to make to give my dog food rewards,” Marlaina said (a practice GDB uses today as part of our positive reinforcement training techniques). “However, this old woman can learn new tricks, and now there isn’t a
day that I leave home without my dog’s treats. It is so joyful to reward a dog with love, respect and encouragement.”
Marlaina enjoys being a part of the greater GDB community. “When you meet new people who have dogs from GDB, there’s an instant spark of friendship,” she said. “Additionally, graduates support each other through the Alumni Association, and I can’t forget the puppy raisers! They are all truly amazing people, and I’m glad to count many of them as my friends.”
Marlaina believes that a commitment to the guide dog lifestyle pays rewards in spades.
“I think of my dog as my magic carpet to freedom of movement; with my guide, I’ll go just about anywhere and do so with confidence. I’m told that when I walk, I have a smile on my face and my head is held high. The key is total trust at both ends of the harness. It’s a joy to give it, and it’s a joy to receive it!”
This is an excerpt of an article that appears in its entirety on our blog, No Bones About It, available at guidedogs.blogspot.com.
ALUMNI UPDATES Dr. Walter Oi, an internationally esteemed economist, WWII Japanese-American internment
camp survivor, and GDB alum since 1987, passed away in December 2013 after a distinguished life and career. Walter was the Elmer B. Milliman Professor of Economics at the University of Rochester New York; a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; a distinguished fellow of the Society of Labor Economists, and a recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service. He also served as the staff economist on President Nixon's Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Force, and as the Vice-Chair of the President's Commission on Employment of People with Disabilities. Walter’s guide dog at the time of his death was yellow Lab Rosellen; Walter’s widow, Marjorie, recently wrote to us with the following news:
“I just wanted to update you about Rosellen. She was certified [in September] to be a therapy dog. I met with a trainer for an evaluation and she felt Rosellen didn’t need a class since she was already so well trained. I spent a couple of weeks working with her to prepare for the test. She passed easily. I still remember when Walter first received Rosellen in 2009 and how very good and sweet she was from the beginning. Walter was so pleased to have her. Even when he was no longer able to work with her, he would respond to her in the nursing home when I put her leash in his hand. It will be good for Rosellen to have a new career - I think she misses working and being out and about. Thank you for all you did for Walter and for us.”
Wayne Heidle of La Habra, Calif., was recently honored by the Low Vision Center at Marshall B. Ketchum University with the Individual Humanitarian Service V Award. As an assistant professor and adaptive technology specialist at the university, Wayne volunteers his expertise and teaches
the Center’s clients how to use new technologies and adaptive equipment like computers and digital books. Wayne’s guide dog is yellow Lab Poncho.
Ernest Jones, who is paired with black Lab guide Randy, recently celebrated 11 years of writing a monthly column entitled “Different Views” for the Walla Walla Union Bulletin. You can find his column online at union-bulletin.com.
Anne Ng, a management analyst in the Administrative Department of the Navy, and her black Lab guide dog Iza, are featured in a new promotional video by the U.S. Department of Labor about its Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). The WRP helps find and place qualified candidates with disabilities in internships and jobs with federal agencies. You can watch the video at youtu.be/w-CX6_Y4jGY.
Support GDB by shopping at AmazonSmileThe AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible items; please visit the link below to designate your support for GDB! smile.amazon.com/ch/94-1196195
This Is How We RollIf you live in Texas, keep an eye out for GDB’s new van cruisin’ down the road! GDB Community Field Representative Sandi Alsworth will be behind the wheel waving at y’all. Thank you to the Lone Star Puppy Raisers in Dallas for the vehicle donation. Look for more wrapped GDB vehicles in the future as we continue to update our fleet.
New LicenseesCongratulations to GDB’s newest licensed guide dog mobility instructors
April Hegland, who hails from Bremerton, Wash., was a GDB puppy raiser and got her bachelor’s degree in Biology (with minors in Equestrian Studies and Bible Studies) from Houghton College prior to coming to GDB’s Oregon campus. She also was a wrangler at Miracle Ranch Summer Camp. April enjoys hiking with her dog, riding horses, and playing the piano at her church. What does she love most about her job? “Everyday I get to do something I love while changing other people’s lives,” she said.
Rachel Sutton, originally from Snohomish, Wash., raised 11 puppies for Canine Companions for Independence, and worked at a dog boarding kennel teaching training classes before joining our Training Department in Oregon. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Zoology from Central Washington University. “I love training dogs and working with people,” she said. “It is still amazing to me how quickly the dogs learn to be guides, and watching the teamwork develop in class.”
STAFF PROFILEWhen people talk about Dr. Craig Dietrich, fondly known as “Doc,” they use words like kind, generous, dedicated, selfless, and genuine. The beloved veterinarian is retiring after 36 years with GDB, and we are grateful for the numerous contributions to our program that he leaves as his legacy.
Doc noted that seeing the evolution of the California campus veterinary clinic, from a modest two-room area in the 1970s to the modern facility that it is today, has been one of the highlights of his career. “Another equally important highlight is meeting as many of the grads, staff, and volunteers that I did,” he said. “I wish I could personally thank each and every one, because they all make GDB what it is.”
Longtime co-worker and friend, GDB Canine Welfare/Neonatal Manager Kathy Fenger, reflected on Doc’s dedication: “He has ALWAYS been there for us at all hours of the night and any day of the week,” she said. “Doc is one of the greatest and most giving teachers ever to come through this organization. In the most serious of situations Doc always had a steady hand and was a brilliant veterinarian sharing information as he goes, but at the same time saving the day for the animals and people related to them.”
Last year Doc was the recipient of the Sue Sullivan Award as an outstanding staff member. While he graciously accepted the award, he also made sure to mention the close collaborative efforts he shares with his fellow Veterinary Department staff. “I’m fortunate to work with such incredibly talented, mission-driven people; there is always a total commitment to the dogs and the people we serve,” Doc said.
Not only is Doc a highly-regarded veterinarian, he also possesses an exceptional bedside manner. He’s the whole package and it’s never been just a job to him. He invests himself in every dog he treats and conveys an extraordinary level of sensitivity to anyone at the other end of the leash. GDB is a better place because of Craig Dietrich. Thank you, Doc, for all that you have given through the years. Your kindness, generosity, dedication, selflessness, and genuine nature will always be remembered by everyone who has been fortunate enough to cross your path.
HAPPENINGS
GDB Graduation at Microsoft
Congratulations to GDB’s Oregon Class 285 that celebrated its graduation in October at a special ceremony held at the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Wash. Several Microsoft employees are tremendous supporters of GDB; not only as volunteer puppy raisers, but through generous fundraising
efforts as well. During Microsoft’s Month of Giving campaign in October, Debra Mailman, a puppy raiser and Microsoft’s Principal Solution Manager ECIT, spearheaded a “Puppy Piling Give Campaign” for the IT Department, where several stuffed guide dog puppies circulated around their offices to keep the campaign active amongst colleagues. Thank you to Microsoft and our champions there for your continuous support.
Pictured: Microsoft employees and GDB puppy raisers Gary and Kim Griffiths with yellow Lab
puppy Turbo.
Alaska Airlines Hangar Event Alaska Airlines recently held an exclusive event for GDB guests in a private hangar at SEA-TAC airport. At this interactive event, GDB graduates, puppy raisers, and staff had the opportunity to spend time aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 plane, which included: visiting the pilots in the cockpit, learning more about ways to improve the overall travel experience, sharing feedback and questions with Alaska Airlines personnel, and enjoying snacks and trivia games. This event was a tremendous success in celebrating independent travel and the guide dog lifestyle. In addition, Alaska Airlines also worked with GDB to create an educational video to help Alaska Airlines’ staff assist guide dog users and other visually impaired travelers so that they can have the best possible experience in the airport and while on board their planes. The video features GDB grad Jake Koch and his guide Angelina. A big thank you to Alaska Airlines for being such a wonderful partner, for supporting GDB, and working to improve the travel experience for all.
Canine Heroes AuctionGDB’s annual Canine Heroes Auction held in September was a rousing success, raising a record-breaking $886,000 for veterinary care. The event was held at Raymond Vineyards in the Napa Valley, and was a festive and lively affair with gourmet food, fabulous wine, and incredible auction lots on the block. Costumed performers, including a stilt walker and an aerialist, thrilled the nearly 300 guests during the reception and after parties; the exciting live auction was led by auctioneer Greg Quiroga.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Presenting-Kiewit Infrastructure West. Gold-Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. Silver-Callan Associates, Crowe Horwath, GCM Grosvenor, JP Morgan/Highbridge Capital Management, Silicon Valley Bank. Bronze-BlackRock, Inc., Goldman Sachs, Harrah’s & Harveys Lake Tahoe, Invesco, KOVARUS, Mesirow Financial, Natural Balance, Standish Mellon Asset Management. Wine Storage-Neil Aldoroty/55 Degrees. Printing -All-American Printing Services. Postage-The Engine is Red, First Republic Bank. Cocktail Napkins-Carol Ornstein in partnership with Granite Solutions.
Oregon Fall Luncheon In November, a sold-out crowd of 300 people joined us at The Nines Hotel in Portland for our 15th annual Oregon Fall Luncheon. Emceed by local media personality Kelley Day (pictured below with puppy raiser
Bailey Cheetum and black Lab pup Leonard), the event’s keynote address was given by Danelle Umstead with her guide dog, yellow Lab Aziza. Danelle is a Paralympic alpine skier; she won a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi, Russia games, and two bronze medals at the 2010 Vancouver, Canada games. A puppy delivery capped the festivities. Special thanks to our corporate supporters: Companion Sponsor—NW Natural. Buddy Sponsors—OnPoint Community Credit Union, The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. Friend Sponsors—Charles Schwab/Portland, Oregon Branch, Banner Bank.
SAVE THE DATE
Pinot & Pups Wine Auction
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Portland, OR
Dogs with Hearts of Gold V
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Reno, NV
Visit guidedogs.com/events for more info.
Want to Increase Your CD Income? Create a Charitable Gift Annuity
If you own low-performing CDs that are maturing, you might consider transferring your CDs to Guide Dogs for the Blind for a higher paying charitable gift annuity. The payments will be fixed for your life at a rate based on your age and a portion of your income could be tax free.
Contact us to request a free illustration that includes your gift annuity rate and income payment.
For all the latest news and tips on estate planning, visit the planned giving section of our website: guidedogs.com/plannedgiving.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!Send a donation today
Please use our mailing address for donations: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950. You can also donate online: guidedogs.com.
Eliminate checks and postageDirect your bank to automatically transfer your donation.
Make an Honor or Memorial giftPay tribute to a friend, relative or pet; we will send cards of celebration or sympathy in your name.
Create a Legacy in your estateName GDB in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of your annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan. We honor such commitments with membership in our Legacy Society.
Designate your giftDesignate your donation to go toward a specific GDB program. For info, contact us to receive a copy of our “Case for Support.”
Guide Dogs for the Blind will occasionally share donor information with like-minded nonprofit organizations in an effort to better fulfill our mission and serve our clients. If you do not wish to have your information shared, please call us at the phone number below, or email us at [email protected].
For more info, please contact our Development Department at (800) 295-4050 extension 4160.