two by four february 2015 4th draft - gduc web viewtwo by four february 2015 . guide dog users ......
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Two by Four February 2015 Guide Dog Users of Canada Newsletter, Published Quarterly
Guide Dog Users of CanadaWebsite: http://gduc.caEmail: [email protected]/Fax: 1-877-285-9805
Please find complete contact information at the end of this newsletter.
Editor: Bob BerriganAssistant editor, past member of GDUC Board: Laurie Scott
Your suggestions or submissions are always appreciated. Contact Two by Four at [email protected]
In This Issue:
Editor's NotesPresident’s ReportOur Transition To The Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations ActNew Annual Membership RulesGDUC Unveils New Website - http://gduc.caA Sneak Peek At The 2015 AGM And ConferenceIn Dog We Trust – E-bookGone to The Dogs and Loving It – A Collection Of PoemsRate Your Guide Dog SchoolService Dog Users Often Denied Service Despite Alberta LawFake Service Dogs: Approaching Quebec’s National AssemblyFake Service Dogs: What You Can DoNew Feature: Honouring Our Guides – My Dog BrieDogs On Buses In VictoriaMore Quotes About DogsResearchers Create Harness That Translates Body Language Of DogsWhen Good Dogs Go And CrossbreedTalking Meters In Vancouver TaxisReal Songs About DogsFrito Feet – Why Do Dog Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?How To Contact Guide Dog Users of Canada
Editor’s Notes
Welcome to 2015 and the year’s first edition of Two by Four! On behalf of the entire GDUC Board of Directors, we wish all our readers all the best in the year ahead.
You may notice some small format changes in this edition of Two by Four. Our contact information, including names and applicable email addresses of the GDUC Board of Directors, is now at the end of the newsletter.
We’d like to bring your attention to a couple of important Matters in this newsletter. Of utmost concern to us all as trained and certified guide dog handlers are the continuing problems created by fake service dogs. Yes, we have a Fake Service Dogs Committee, and it is hard at work on these problems; however, these concerns are far more than a single committee can handle by itself. We all must take an active individual stand. You’ll read two items below about this important matter.
We also want to bring your attention to the new Annual membership rules. You’ll find a letter below from Member Relations Committee chairperson Patti Ellis.
You’ll also find information about our incredible new website, a tantalizing sneak peek at our 2015 AGM and conference, quotes that will make you smile, and of course, a number of articles of interest.
We are also introducing a new feature in this edition, Honouring Our Guides. If your guide dog or retired guide passes away and you’d like to share a poem, essay, or an obituary, please send it along to me at [email protected] and I’ll add it to our next edition.
Each member is important to this organization. If there is a reason why you joined, then maybe a friend who is a guide dog user may also join GDUC for the same reason you did. Please tell your friends about why you are a member and how they can become a member too.
Refer a friend to: http://gduc.ca/membership.
Please contact the Board members if you are willing to work on any of our committees listed at the end of this newsletter. GDUC can only become more well-known if we all do the work it takes to reach out to others. If you know of guide
dog users, please give them the information to join. If you know of a group that would like information about GDUC, or would like to have a speaker come talk about what we do, contact the board at [email protected] and we will try to arrange for a presentation.
Thank you to all members. Thank you everyone who supports GDUC with your lifetime or annual membership, and thank you to all who have submitted information for this newsletter.
Bob Berrigan, Editor.
Guide Dog Users of CanadaPresident’s Report February 2015
Dear Members:
In this issue of Two By Four, you will read all about the exciting changes to our website. Greg Thompson and Shane Davidson were instrumental in getting our new website developed. Thank you to the technical committee for all their hard work.
In order to keep our new website current, we are asking members to contribute content. If you have a story about your guide dog, tips on working your dog or dealing with distractions, you can send this information to Greg Thompson at [email protected]
Guide Dog Users of Canada is celebrating its 15th year. We now have a web site that we can be proud of. If you have not gone to the web site lately, please take a few minutes to see, and appreciate the fine work our organization has been doing. There is a lot of new information on the site and it is easier to use. Give us your feedback please.
Having a friendlier and dynamic site means we can utilize this asset to raise money, knowing we are sending people to a site that is professional and shows why GDUC needs donations. If you can help with fund raising email us at [email protected] subject line “help with fund raising.” Please tell us how many hours you can contribute to this work.
Our newsletter editor, Bob Berrigan, has been busy collecting articles for our reading pleasure. If you hear of something newsworthy, or you have a story to share send your information to Bob at [email protected] We thank Bob and his team for compiling and editing this newsletter. Thank you to members who have contributed.
Lynn Raloff leads our wellness Committee. Members were asked for their input about articles on dog health. GDUC members can expect articles about canine care every month. We are lucky to have an active wellness committee, thanks to each member.
Lynn Raloff, chairperson of the advocacy committee has a hard-working leader of the Fake Service Dogs project under her directorship. Alan Conway has been trying to make politicians aware of the growing concerns of the affect of pet owners trying to pass their pets off as trained service dogs. Canada needs a lot of letters to go out to Members of Provincial parliament. If you understand that pet owners do not have the right to bring their pets into places, that they do not have the right of access in public facilities, then only you can bring the facts to members of parliament. Thank you to the members of the Fake Service Animals project.
Our conference and AGM is off to a fantastic start; Christine Duport-Switzer, Conference and AGM Chairperson, prepared information so that you can start planning to put money aside to join us in Kingston! Thanks to the team of members who help Christine.
Susan Neveu-Bhatti is new to GDUC and she is giving feedback and learning about how we work.
Devon Wilkins, the past president of GDUC, now has a list serve to assist her in managing the public relations work. With a new website we can bring more people to our site by including links to areas we know will assist us in educating the public and getting the word out about who we are. Devon is an experienced communicator. She knows the needs related to public education, as well as bringing guide dog users to our site to learn how they can secure the access rights we have in Canada and abroad.
Patti Ellis is looking for members to join her member Relations Committee. She is also looking to expand our membership base. Our organization needs new people to grow and enhance GDUC. Please contact Patti if you are a member who would
like to see our organization grow and attract younger members. Send an email to [email protected]
Best wishes,Penny Leclair,President
Our Transition To The Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act
We are delighted to inform you that Corporations Canada issued our Certificate of Continuance (Transition) to the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act on Tuesday, October 7, 2014.
The process of transitioning posed many challenges and we are grateful that so many of you stepped up to help. A special, heartfelt thank you goes to all those who:• Participated on the bylaws email list;• Responded to questions/requests for information/interpretation from members of the Board;• Sacrificed a major portion of the conference lunch break to help with the redraft of our charitable purpose; and• Provided much needed moral support.
There are still a few follow-up administrative tasks to complete which your board of directors is dealing with.
We are now operating under our new NFP compliant bylaws which are available at http://gduc.ca/gduc/mygduc/bylaws2014.asp.
Please email questions or comments to [email protected] and we will do our very best to respond.
New Annual Membership rulesPattie Ellis, Member Relations Committee Chair
Of utmost importance are our new guidelines concerning annual memberships. In keeping ourselves in line with other not-for-profit organizations, annual membership dues will be due on January 1 of each year. If you do not pay for your
membership by the end of January, we are required to remove you from our list of active members and unsubscribe your email address from our Announcements mailing list. If you would like to renew your membership or join GDUC any time after January 31, your annual membership will only be good until December 31 of the current year. If you wish to vote at our AGM, you must pay for your membership on or before August 5, 2015, which is 45 days prior to the date of our AGM. Keep in mind that you’ll have to renew your membership again on January 1 of 2016. Therefore, earlier is better!
As no organization of this type can run without fundraising through membership dues, I would like to request that every member find someone with a guide who used to be a member, or who has never been a member, and encourage them to sign up. An annual membership in Guide Dog Users of Canada costs only $5.00, which is less than two cents per day, and a life membership costs $50.00. Please go to http://gduc.ca/membership to read about the benefits of belonging to GDUC and to renew your membership or join us. Again, please keep in mind our new guidelines.
Presently the Member Relations Committee consists of Greg Thompson and myself. We are looking for additional members to flesh out the Committee. If you are interested in joining our not so august, but definitely enthusiastic Committee, please email me at [email protected]. We could definitely use your help!
GDUC Unveils New Website - http://gduc.caGreg Thompson, Technical Committee Chair
About a week before Santa took to his sleigh for his around-the-World delivery run, Guide Dog Users of Canada launched its new website. We hope you like it!
Designed around our updated charitable purpose, the website is, first and foremost, GDUC’s public face. We want people to visit us to learn about the abilities of guide dogs and our other programs and services.
In terms of public education, the site contains what we believe to be a ground-breaking piece on “What Guide Dogs Do”. Among other things the article discusses the dos and don’ts of interacting with a guide dog and goes into some detail about how handler and guide work together to travel safely.
Other pages of interest include Peer Support, Advocacy, and Wellness. There is even a page containing a comprehensive listing of North American Guide Dog schools. Let’s face it, small organizations like GDUC require donations to keep operating and developing content in such a way as to encourage giving was one of our main objectives.
The secure My GDUC platform has been integrated into the new site for your convenience. My GDUC allows you to update your contact information, renew your membership/join GDUC, apply for a grant from the wellness Fund, review a guide dog school, and more. Please go to http://gduc.ca/mygduc to check it out.
To move forward we need to acknowledge where we’ve been and to that end special thanks go to Anthony Tibbs for his long-term efforts in looking after our former site.
A project of this magnitude relies on team work to make it a success. While your Technical committee took the lead in developing the new site, its efforts were well supported by countless individuals who gave of themselves to write content, proof read, and provide ideas/inspiration. We view the site as a work in progress and are constantly striving to make it better. We plan to improve the look and feel for those of you with partial site by adding an alternate colour scheme. We’re also considering creating a Useful Links page and a blog to provide you with a venue for sharing your thoughts and ideas on the internet.
Now, it’s your turn! We want to hear about what you like, what you don’t like, and your feelings about the layout and content. Our proverbial door is always open so please email [email protected] with your feedback.
A Sneak Peek At Our 2015 AGM And ConferenceChristine Duport-Switzer, Conference/AGM Committee Chair
Guide Dog Users of Canada's AGM Committee and Board of Directors are looking forward to seeing you at our next AGM and conference to be held during the weekend of September 18-20, 2015. We will be happy to welcome you and your guides in a new and exciting location - the beautiful and historic city of Kingston, Ontario.
We will be staying at the Ambassador hotel, a couple of blocks away from the friendly, affordable, and well-known for its home cooking, Aunt Lucy’s restaurant where we will have our own separate dining room.
This year, your AGM Committee has chosen a new theme for workshops and discussions. We are all very knowledgeable about our guide dogs, but how much do we know about their colleagues, the other types of service dogs? We have invited other service dog handlers to talk to us about their special needs, the training of their dogs, the tasks they perform, and the issues they face in public.
On Friday evening, before walking to dinner at Aunt Lucy’s, we will take you on a visit to one of Kingston’s very popular attractions. Which one, do you ask? Well, keep an ear or an eye on our website as we will be providing the answer soon!
In Dog We Trust E-book
Written by GDUC members and volunteers, compiled by Volunteer Paul Bennett of LaBeag Publishing and GDUC President Penny Leclair, this E-book is now for sale online at COBO and Amazon. From Heart-warming to humorous, from thought-provoking to poignant, these stories and essays speak of guide dogs and the people who love them. All proceeds from sales will be donated to GDUC’s Wellness Fund. Click on the following link to purchase In Dog We Trust www.labeag.com Go to published and you will find the book and how to purchase it.
What’s more, Accessible Media inc., AMI, is producing an audio version of “In Dog We Trust”, narrated by professionals from AMI. This audio book will be available for sale in the near future. Keep checking our website http://gduc.ca for further developments.
Gone to The Dogs and Loving It - a Collection Of Poems
If you are like most of us, your family and friends love dogs. Now you can give them a birthday, Christmas or thank you gift that is unique and will help Guide Dog Users of Canada. Thanks to Devon Wilkins you can purchase a ten dollar CD or MP3 download called Gone to The Dogs and Loving It. The collection features 27 poems about dogs. Many of the poems were written by Devon Wilkins, (past president of Guide Dog Users of Canada). Several Poems have sound effects or
musical backgrounds. Every cent of the ten dollar purchase price will be used to benefit GDUC. You can order CDs or the MP3 download by going to http://gduc.ca/gonetothedogs.
A work of love by a dedicated member of GDUC - Devon has included "A Guide Dog's Prayer", the poem read at the 2013 AGM which everyone enjoyed so much. Get your copy today!
Rate Your Guide Dog School
This is your opportunity to tell others what's good, and in some cases not so good, about your guide dog school. We're sure others will find your opinions helpful as they consider their options for obtaining a guide dog.
Please go to http://gduc.ca/schools to access a comprehensive list of North American guide dog schools. Click the school's name to be taken to a page containing contact information and a link to the school's website. Beside the school's name you will find a link which indicates the number of reviews for the school. If no reviews exist the link will say "Log In To Write a Review". You must have a My GDUC account to rate a school. If you don't already have one, there is a "Create a My GDUC Account" link near the bottom of the my GDUC Login page.
You can see how others have rated their schools in the following areas: Admissions Training At school experience Field support
Share it with your friends.
Try it today and let us know what you think!
If you have any problems please email [email protected] for assistance.
Service dog users often denied service despite Alberta law, critics say From CBC News, December 02, 2014.
Diane Allard, who gets around with help from her guide dog Zircon, has been refused service by many establishments. Some Alberta businesses are violating provincial regulations by denying access to people with disabilities who are accompanied by service dogs, a Calgary advocate says.
People are being refused service in restaurants, stores and taxis, said CNIB spokesman John McDonald.
He said business owners are probably unaware that in most cases a refusal of service can bring a fine of up to $3,000 under provincial legislation. To be a qualified service dog under the Service Dogs Act, the dog must be trained through an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited school.
Diane Allard, who lost her sight 16 years ago, gets around with help from Zircon - an intensively trained golden retriever-Labrador cross.
But Allard and Zircon have been turned away from many places including grocery stores, shops and restaurants. On one occasion, a cab driver once refused to pick her up.
"He showed up, he said, 'Is that your dog?' and I said, 'Yes.' And he said, 'That dog is not coming in my car'. And he drove away and it was -25 C that day," she said.
Public awareness needed
"He didn't even bother calling another cab or anything. I did call the cops and they approached him and he lost his job because of that."
McDonald said more needs to be done.
"Raising public awareness, education about what the laws contain and don't contain, and more vigilance on the part of the public as well as the handlers themselves about bringing forth these times where they have been denied access."
McDonald said when people with disabilities are refused service, they are not able to fully participate in society.
Information released this week by Courageous Companions says Calgary is one of the worst cities to live in with a service dog.
The study only included data collected from 300 service dog owners, but tracked their stories over 18 months. It found the worst offenders of denying public access were airports, taxis, restaurants, grocery stores and hotels.
Information on Alberta service dogsThere are an estimated 80 to 100 service dogs in the province, but the exact number assisting individuals with disabilities is not known.Not all service dogs wear a harness or a vest and they can be of various breeds.
Advanced training of a service dog starts when the animal is about 14 months old and takes between six and eight months. During this time, they receive between 120 and 360 hours of training.
Service dogs are working and should not be treated as pets by members of the public. Speaking to or petting service dogs without the permission of their owner can disrupt their concentration, potentially causing harm to the owner.
Identification cards are available to owners of qualified service dogs.The identification cards display the Alberta Government logo and a picture of the owner and service dog. Source: Government of Alberta
http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/canada/calgary/story/1.2857287End of article.
Fake Service Dogs: Approaching Quebec’s national assembly
In her Presidential Report in this newsletter, penny Leclair stated that Alan Conway has been trying to make politicians aware of the growing concerns of the affect of pet owners trying to pass their pets off as trained service dogs.
Recently, Alan, a Quebec resident, submitted the following letter to the GDUC Board of Directors. With Alan’s permission, it is quoted in its entirety.
Hi everybody,
I just got back from a meeting with my local member of the National Assembly of Quebec. She was very interested in the situation we face and the upshot of our discussion is that she will right to the Minister of Justice to see if anything can be done. I stressed the importance of keeping our highly valuable dogs safe and also mentioned that we are aware of the responsibilities connected with our rights of access.
She has promised to keep me informed on her efforts. I told her I would even be prepared to appear before a committee of the Assembly if necessary.
I have no idea how long it will take to get a response, but the process has started and the preliminary results are encouraging.
Bye for now,Alan
Fake Service Dogs: What You Can Do
The following is an excerpt from a letter from GDUC President Penny Leclair posted on the GDUC Friends discussion list in early January.
The Fake Service Dogs Committee of Guide Dog Users of Canada needs each person who works with a guide dog to contact their member of Provincial Parliament to request help in changing laws. We can succeed in making it less likely that people will misrepresent their pets as service animals if the fines are increased. It takes many people to send letters to their MPPs. Educate your MPP now so that he/she is aware of this problem and will hopefully be able to assist us.
We have the greatest number of members living in Ontario, so if we could have as many people as possible contact their MPP it could make a big difference. Ontario could lead the way for changes to heavier fines for people who misrepresent their pets as service dogs.
We need our members to do this. A single committee within a single organization is not enough. The risks are real to everyone with a guide dog, including you. We all must participate, act, protect and support each other.
New Feature: Honouring Our Guides: My Dog Brie
As were so many of our members on the Friends discussion list, Two by Four editor Bob Berrigan was deeply moved when the following poem appeared on January 15, 2015. It is a loving tribute to a guide dog written by a woman named Debbie Sigouin for her friend Barbie Allard. It is quoted in its entirety with permission, and followed by your editor’s comments.
MY DOG BRIE (JAN. 12, 2015)
You were born on June 26th, in the year 2006.You were with another owner, and this created a mix.For you went back to Mira and for you it was a fixBecause we came to meet, and you gave me lots of licks.
Jan 12, 2009 was the day I brought you homeYou were such a comfort knowing I would not be alone.You were there for me, you were my stepping stoneOh Brie, how I love you, for your spirit remains at home.
I tried my best to take care of you as best as I could beYou always were there for me and were my eyes to see.You brought me everywhere and were my big security,By mostly now, I think of you and how I miss you Brie.
We both trained together so we would be a teamWe were meant to live together, I thought you were a dream.I could go anywhere, for you would always lead.But now it is your presence that I really need.
You brought a lot of light into my dark world of lifeYou took away my sorrows and a lot of my strife.You gave me so much confidence and made me come to lifeNow without you, it just cuts me like a knife.
You were such a big part of my life, that left me too fastI wish I had you back, but then you would not last.You were not getting better, and the exam you could not passI knew it was your time, for you had exceeded and surpassed.
Brie, you were my huggy bear, you were always down belowBrie, you were my guide dog, I cry because I let you go.Brie, you will always be in my heart for now I knowThat Brie, you are at peace where all the good doggies go.
Debbie Sigouin January 15, 2015(I wrote this for my good friend Barbie whom I grew up with)
Editor’s Note:Bob invites all GDUC members to submit memorials and obituaries for their own guide dogs, working or retired, to run in the Two by Four newsletter. Please limit these items to your most recent dogs. These obituaries and memorials don’t have to be poems, as with the above; simply words you care to share with your fellow GDUC members. We reserve the right to edit for length, although there is no set word count.
Dogs on buses in Vancouver
Decision delayed on letting dogs ride transit busesKatherine Dedyna, Times Colonist15 December 2014
Photo caption: Thousands of B.C. Transit patrons in Victoria will have to wait a few weeks to find out whether city buses will be going to the dogs--at least those on leashes travelling at off-peak hours.
Thousands of B.C. Transit patrons in Victoria will have to wait a few weeks to find out whether city buses will be going to the dogs--at least those on leashes travelling at off-peak hours.
It's an issue that has drawn 4,500 submissions to the Greater Victoria Transit Commission--some barking mad and others wildly rubbing up against the idea--since the commission opted to study the issue on Sept. 16. That's when a petition with 800 names in favour of the idea was brought forward by Daphne Taylor and Fran Thoburn of the Raging Grannies.
The commission meeting was originally expected to address the canine controversy on Dec. 9, but the meeting has been tentatively rescheduled to Jan. 27
in light of membership changes due to the November municipal elections, said Transit spokeswoman Meribeth Burton.
The composition of the new commission has not been decided.
The mayors of Saanich and Victoria are automatic appointments under the B.C.Transit Act and those municipalities are allowed one more member, often chosen by a vote of their councils. Other commission members are appointed by Minister of Transportation Todd Stone.
Current B.C. Transit policy allows small dogs, cats, birds and other creatures on board buses, provided they are small enough to fit into secured laptop carriers.
Transit staff have been looking at jurisdictions such as Montreal, Toronto and Calgary and how they cope with canines using transit, as well as the legal liability and concerns of bus operators, who would face added responsibilities, such as refusing to allow some dogs on board.
SOURCE:http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/decision-delayed-on-letting-dogs-ride-transit-buses-1.1683949
More Quotes About Dogs
In the last edition of Two by Four, we featured a number of quotations about dogs. Here are more. Thanks to GDUC member Sandy Brooks for submitting these!.
"When its raining cats and dogs, be sure not to step in the poodles."--Unknown
"I know that dogs are pack animals, but it's difficult to imagine a pack of standard poodles... And if there was such a thing as a pack of standard poodles, where would they rove to? Bloomingdale's?"--Yvonne Clifford
"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult."-- Rita Rudner
"Never trust a dog to watch your food."
--Unknown
"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."--Sydney Jeanne Seward
"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."-- Dave Barry
"I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl."-- Penny Ward Moser
"The dog's kennel is not the place to keep a sausage."-- Danish Proverb
"Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend, and inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."-- Groucho Marx.
"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs."-- Aldous Huxley
"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."-- John Steinbeck
"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives."-- Sue Murphy
"I think animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers."-- Unknown
"No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation."-- Fran Lebowitz
"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!"-- Anne Tyler
"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money."-- Joe Weinstein
"You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets."-- Nora Ephron
"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."-- Ann Landers
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."-- Ben Williams
"Cat's Motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it."-- Unknown
"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail”-- Unknown
"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."-- Christopher Morley
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."-- Josh Billings
"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be."-- Holbrook Jackson
"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."--Andrew A. Rooney
"Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."
-- Mark Twain
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."-- Unknown
Researchers Create Harness That Translates Body Language Of DogsDroid Informer, Oct. 31, 2014
RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina researchers said they have created a dog harness outfitted with technology designed to ease interspecies communication with canines. The North Carolina State University team said the harness includes technologies aimed at interpreting the body language signals used by dogs, as well as technologies designed to translate human language into signals the dogs will understand. We have a fully functional prototype, but we'll be refining the design as we explore more and more applications for the platform, said Dr. David Roberts, an assistant professor of computer science at the school and co-author of a paper on the team's work.
The harness also bears temperature and heart-rate sensors that can give users information about the dog's emotional state, which can be useful in analyzing the stress levels of guide dogs and other service animals. This can help handlers identify and mitigate stress for the dogs, improving the length and quality of a dog's life, said Sean Mealin, a Ph.D. student and co-author of the paper.
It's an important issue. Particularly because guide dogs are bred and trained not to display signs of stress in their behaviour.
The team said the technology could also have applications for search-and-rescue dogs with additional sensors to detect environmental factors such as gas leaks.
Source: http://www.droidinformer.com/news/item/9565-researchers-create-harness-that-translates-body-language-of-dogs
When Good Dogs Go and Crossbreed
Pointer + Setter =Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet
Kerry Blue Terrier + Skye Terrier =Blue Skye, a dog for visionaries
Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso =Peekasso, an abstract dog
Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel =Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever =Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists
Newfoundland + Basset Hound =Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors
Terrier + Bulldog =Terribull, a dog prone to awful mistakes
Bloodhound + Labrador =Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly
Malamute + Pointer =Moot Point, owned by....oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway
Collie + Malamute =Commute, a dog that travels to work
Deerhound + Terrier =Derriere, a dog that's true to the end
Vancouver Taxi Association Will Install “Talking Taxi Meters”
Following its nine year efforts to lobby BC's Passenger Transportation Board to require the installation of a taxi meter with optional audio output, Access for Sight Impaired Consumers is pleased the industry has taken a leadership role with the following announcement:
December 4, 2014
Vancouver Taxi Association Will Install “Talking Taxi Meters” In All Taxis: A first In Canada
Date and Time: Friday December 5th 11:30 Location: TELUS Science World Special Guests The Honourable Don McRae - Minister of Social Development and Social innovation Donovan Tildesley MC/Paralympian Swimmer Councilor Geoff Meggs - City of Vancouver John Mulka- Regional Vice-President/Executive Director, CNIB BC/Yukon Division Jane Dyson - Executive Director Disability Alliance BC [Formerly BC Coalition of People with Disabilities]) The Vancouver Taxi Association (VTA) will install “talking taxi meters” in all of its cabs to provide an improved service to people with disabilities and seniors, particularly those who are blind or partially sighted.
The VTA is committed to providing the best possible service to people with disabilities and seniors and has been working closely with the disability and seniors communities to fulfil this promise.
The first step was an innovative driver training program that VTA developed with community stakeholders on how to assist seniors and people with disabilities. The introduction of talking meters, the first in Canada and possibly North America, is VTA’s latest innovation towards fulfilling its commitment to serving people with disabilities and seniors. “It’s been my honour to work with Rob Sleath from Access for Sight Impaired Consumers and the CNIB, Jane Dyson from Disability Alliance BC, Lorraine Logan from Council of Seniors Citizens Organizations, Jill Weiss from City of Vancouver Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee and others to develop the training. And now we’re delighted to introduce the wonderful talking meter,” said VTA’s Carolyn Bauer. Customers will be able to ask taxi drivers to turn on the optional audio featureAt the beginning of their trip. The meters will announce the starting fare, the fare as it increases throughout the trip and the final fare amount. The meters will be
installed in all new Vancouver taxis and will be used to replace all current meters as they age out.
“This is a great example of private industry stepping up to help B.C. meet its Accessibility 2024 goal of becoming the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada,” said Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae. “The Vancouver Taxi Association’s new talking meter technology will provide an improved level of service for customers, including seniors and people with disabilities, and particularly those who have visual challenges.”
“Providing quality service to people with disabilities is one of the most important Obligations we impose on our taxi companies. Innovations like this talking meter are proof that the industry takes this responsibility seriously and is committed to Accessible and inclusive service for all customers,” said Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs.
“The VTA strongly supports the Province’s Accessibility 2024 Plan and the City of Vancouver’s commitment to accessibility. This initiative reflects our support,” said Bauer, “and we look forward to continue working with the community to ensure we Provide a safe and respectful service to people with disabilities and seniors.”
For more information please contact: Carolyn Bauer, Vancouver Taxi Association: 604-619-8428
Real Songs About Dogs
These truly are all songs, some of them famous, others not quite. Still, as dog lovers, we simply have to enjoy the list!
For your listening pleasure we have tried our best to include links to the songs on YouTube.
How Much Is That Doggy In The Window? – Patti Page Black Dog – Led Zeppelin Good Ol’ Blue – Peter, Paul and Mary, The Byrds
Hound Dog – Big Mama Thornton, Elvis Presley Me And You And a Dog Named Boo – Lobo My Dog – Kurt Swinghammer Old Shep – Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Elvis Presley, Red Foley Old Tige – Jim Reeves Bingo – nursery rhyme, many versions The Puppy Song – Harry Nillson Martha My Dear – The Beatles Cracker Jack – Dolly Parton Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog – Johnny Cash I Love My Dog – Cat Stevens Black Eyed Dog – Nick Drake Hey Bulldog – The Beatles My Dog And Me – John Hiatt Every Dog Has Its Day – Toby Keith Old King – Neil Young Don't Pet The Dog – John Hadley, Pinkard and Bowden How Come Your Dog Don't Bite Nobody But Me – Mel Tillis and Webb
Pierce Like My Dog – Billy Currington
Frito Feet - Why Do Dog Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM Veterinary Medicine Expert
Question: 'Frito Feet' - Why Do Dog Paws Smell Like Corn Chips, Nuts, orPopcorn?
Questions about pet odors are common. Often a bad smell indicates a problem or Disease process, but not always. What should you do if you notice that your Dog’s feet have an odor, often described as smelling like corn chips or old Popcorn? Is this something to worry about? Read this FAQ to find out more About what is commonly termed "Frito Feet."
Answer:
Bacteria and fungi live on the skin of healthy animals, including dogs andCats. The feet, being what they are - on the ground, walking in stuff, and
Occasionally licked by the dog's tongue (containing additional microbes) may have more of an odor than the rest of the body. And thankfully, this faintly-food-related smell is, in most cases, just a curiosity.
But what if this odor is a problem?There are many possible conditions that could cause a foul odor of feet.Here are a few:. Bacterial or fungal infection (overgrowth of normal or pathologic microbescausing disease).. Grass awn or other foreign body causing an irritation or abscess.. Skin tumor (e.g. foot melanoma) or lick sore that has become ulcerated or infected.. Toe nail injury or nail bed infection.
Signs that indicate a possible problem. Flaky/crusty skin or foot pads.. Redness, licking, hair loss.. Lumps, bumps, swellings between or on toes.. Cracked, flaky or broken toenails.. Moistness or drainage (from skin surface or from wound).. Limping or change in gait.
If any of the above signs are noted, a check in with your veterinarian is inorder to rule out something more serious than "Frito Feet."
Please note: this article has been provided for informational purposes only.If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarianas quickly as possible.
How To Contact Guide Dog Users of Canada
Website: http://gduc.caEmail: [email protected]/Fax: 1-877-285-9805
Mailing address:Guide Dog Users of Canada300 Hedonics RoadApt. 1009
Peterborough, ON K9J 7T1
GDUC Committees and Representatives
Current Board MembersExecutive Committee:
Penny Leclair, PresidentEmail: [email protected]
Lynn Raloff, Vice President and Wellness Fund Committee ChairEmail: [email protected]
Greg Thompson, Treasurer and Technical Committee ChairEmail: [email protected]
Bob Berrigan, Secretary and editor of Two by Fouremail: [email protected]
Directors at Large:
Christine Duport-Switzer, Conference/AGM Committee Chairemail: [email protected]
Phil Goodwin, Fund Development Committee Chair
Patti Ellis, Member Relations Committee Chairemail: [email protected]
Susan Neveu-Bhatti
Devon Wilkins, Past President and Public Relations Committee Chair
GDUC Representatives
Alan Conway heads up the Fake Service Dogs Committee and attends meetings of the Canadian Transportation Agency Advisory Committee on our behalf.
Penny Leclair is our representative on the Consumer Access Group, CAG.
This concludes the January 2015 edition of Two by Four, Guide Dog Users of Canada's quarterly newsletter. We hope you have enjoyed reading this issue. If you would like to contribute material for inclusion in a future edition, please submit either a hyperlink to an article, or send an article as a Word document to [email protected] with the words “Submission For Two by Four” in the subject line. If used, we’ll gladly acknowledge your contribution.
Thanks to our members who contributed to this issue, and thanks for the help from President penny Leclair, Tecnical Chair Greg Thompson, my other fellow board members, and assistant editor Laurie Scott.
Thanks for reading!
Bob Berrigan, Editor