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Submitted by Sheila Styron Hello, everyone. Sometimes when I think about how long it has been since I wrote my last message to all of you here in Forward, it feels as if so much time has flown by that it is difficult to know where to start. Then, when I think about the quick passing of time between issues of Forward, I am left wondering where the summer ran off to. As I compose this message, Labor Day is just around the corner, and our fall convention is close at hand. The ACB/GDUI conventions which took place in Pittsburgh last July were a great success combining lots of fun with some very worthwhile information. I would like to extend my personal thanks to Gina McGaughey, who served as GDUC's delegate to the GDUI convention and worked hard on our behalf selling GDUC sales items and taking notes for her convention report. You will hear more about the convention later in Forward, but two highlights for me personally were the GDUI luncheon which featured a hilarious radio reading style theater presentation written by De'anna Noriega entitled Dog Club, and Stephanie Dohmen's appearance as GDUI's guest of honor at the Monday evening reception. Stephanie is the brave woman who dared to stand up to the Iowa Department for the Blind when they refused to provide services to her because she chooses to work with a guide dog. As I mentioned, our fall convention is fast approaching, and as always, will be held in conjunction with that of the CCB, with GDUC's activities taking place on Saturday, October 18. More to come on GDUC's program later in Forward. GDUC continues to be very interested in hearing from handlers in writing regarding dog interference and attack experiences. Your responses are crucial as we move toward strengthening California legislation on behalf of working teams. With your compelling personal accounts to bolster our efforts, GDUC stands a much greater chance of success this coming year in Sacramento. Most of you remember the "Welcome Service Animals" video series. GDUC wants everyone to know that copies can be obtained for $5.00 to cover shipping and duplicating. Checks are to be made out to GDUC and sent to Sheila Styron, 1215 N. Olive Dr. #306, West Hollywood, CA 90069. GDB's fabulous Topanga Canyon crew is assisting GDUC with the prompt mailing of the videos, and we extend our sincere thanks to Pete Egus who has donated his duplicating talents to this worthy cause. As Dave Foster's editorial comments precede this report, you have all most likely by now read the news of Dave's resignation as editor of Forward. Dave has devoted much energy, organization and personal commitment to GDUC's quarterly publication over the past several years, and I'm sure all of you join me in offering him GDUC's most sincere thanks for everything he has contributed to the successful production of Forward. Dave's successor has not been chosen, and I encourage any of you who have ideas or suggestions regarding this to please contact me or any of GDUC's other board members. Of the many activities that will be taking place during this fall's convention, among them are elections for 3 officer and board positions in GDUC, president, secretary and one director. If you are interested in running for any of these positions, contact Ann Kysor, nominating chair, or her committee members, Jerry Arakawa and Lee Morton. Stay tuned for the nominating committee report coming up later in this issue of Forward. It is my sad duty to inform you at this time that I will not be seeking re-election to a second term as GDUC's president. I love the guide dog movement, and ever since attending my first Guide Dog Day at the Capitol, it has been my great pleasure to serve this community in whatever ways I can. So don't think I am going very far away. I will wholeheartedly support GDUC's next president, and I hope to be able to continue to work on projects for GDUC which will benefit California guide dog handlers. By the time you read my final message in the winter edition of Forward as GDUC's president, we will have elected my successor, and I strongly encourage each of you to support him or her by stepping forward to participate in the important work of GDUC. It takes the efforts of many to build and grow a successful organization, and I sincerely hope all of you will contribute in whatever ways you can to Guide Dog Users of California. Now, give your dogs a heartfelt pet from Dorian and me, and please enjoy the rest of Forward. |
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By Gina McGaughey I found the GDUI summer convention, held in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to be absorbing and informative. Many important issues were raised, with special focus on those which could directly affect the future of our civil rights as guide dog users. Our program began on Sunday, July 6, 2003, with our credentials meeting. We commenced with the necessary business of determining which delegates were present, along with verifying the number of votes for each affiliate. Then many of the delegates `shared issues faced in their states and the means by which their members have addressed them. The Texas affiliate, for example, was instrumental in implementing passage of a stronger and more effective law protecting service dogs and their handlers. Due to the timeliness and continuing significance of this issue, positive news in this regard is always encouraging. Sheila Styron and I, of Guide Dog Users of California, discussed relevant videos, one of which is still in the making. I reminded everyone about the "Welcome Service Animals" videos as they are valuable resources for everyone. These videos are being distributed to interested persons by Guide Dogs for the Blind in Topanga. Five dollars from each video is being donated to GDUC. It is hoped that the information in the soon to be produced "Protect Working Teams" video will bring about a greater awareness, of the urgency of swift and immediate action on the part of the police when a dog attack occurs. Three new affiliates were welcomed into GDUI, Guide Dog Users of Georgia (GDUG), Keystone Guide Dog Users from the state of Pennsylvania, and Maryland Area Guide Dog Users (MAGDU). Goals for the future were also discussed, and many suggestions were made, including a walkathon. A common consensus was that GDUI should be involved in more activities designed to increase the visibility of guide dog users in the community, thus making known the name GDUI. On Sunday afternoon, some of us got a chance to flex our muscles and take part in walking in and around the grounds of the hotel; and, for some of us, walking downtown in the community. Two orientation sessions were held, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. These sessions were led by guide dog instructors and managed with a great deal of flexibility in order to meet the needs of all of our members. There was an orientation through the inside of the hotel, another on the grounds immediately outside the building, and another to some of the restaurants close by. It should be noted here that this orientation, though designed to aid GDUI members in getting to and from the convention site and to the various meeting rooms, also served once again to make GDUI members very visible in the Pittsburgh community near the Convention Center. Each morning, several GDUI members gathered in the hotel lobby for what we called the Breakfast Club. Facilitated by Sheila Styron, this event became a pleasurable way to begin a busy day. Many of our members walked to a place called the Steel Caf‚, and at first it was a challenge for them to serve so many of us. However, after a couple of days, they increased their wait staff so that our members could eat and get back to the convention sessions on time. By the end of the week, I think it can be said that GDUI members were very well-known at the Steel Caf‚. They are to be commended for their service to us for those few days. Then, at two o'clock on Monday afternoon, a fascinating panel was held around the theme of guide dog travel in combination with technology. This panel was facilitated by Mike Moran of the Seeing Eye. The panelists were Mike May, from the Sendero Group and Humanware, Lucas Frank, of Seeing Eye, and Jeff Moyer, of Talking Signs. Mike May gave a fascinating presentation on the versatility of the GPS technology in mapping out routes and even altering a route when necessary. He related how he was able to use the GPS technology in a car, where his unit announced the approach to their destination. He also briefly spoke of the miniguide, a hand-held unit, to be used in conjunction with a dog or a cane, that can pick up nearby objects in the immediate environment. This unit is only $329 and does not require the knowledge of complex technology. Jeff Moyer discussed the current status of talking signs in malls, on buses, and street intersections. He also revealed an unfortunate setback of talking signs with regard to airports. As late as September 10, 2001, there was a plan in motion to put talking signs in LaGuardia Airport. However, after the events of September 11, security issues became top priority. As a result, it is not likely that talking signs will be placed in airports in the near future. Lukas Franck, from Seeing Eye, gave a presentation filled with humor, imagination, and perceptiveness. He spoke of his cell phone and other technology that he carries on his belt, referring to himself as a geek, but adding, And I like dogs, too. He discussed the many challenges of learning a new technological aid while still attempting to maintain competent dog-handling skills. He cautioned about the pitfalls of using a guide dog with a talking sign or a GPS unit without first becoming familiar with the way the information given by that technology is gathered and interpreted. He recommended that a dog handler first use a cane when learning a new technology tool. It is also important to determine how to identify those situations in which dog and handler might reach different conclusions about how to navigate the immediate environment. He gave an example of an incident in a BART Station in San Francisco where a dog saw the glass as reflected by infrared light. There was a counter underneath the glass that would have been a hazard for the student. The student, on the other hand, was hearing the information from the talking sign, unaware of what the dog was seeing that caused him to disobey his handlers command to go forward. Since safety and good orientation are always definite goals when using a guide dog, a firm understanding and knowledge of a chosen technology aid can be crucial in maintaining the smooth operation of the dog/handler team. Lukas also introduced a new word into our vocabularies, thigmotaxis, the state of being in balance. He gave the example of how a handler might lean one way and the dog another; thus, thigmotaxis. The general consensus among all of the panelists was that portability, versatility, and affordability remain important goals to be achieved. Mike May pointed out that since the Braille Note and other computer technology is used for a variety of purposes, it is financially more feasible to include the GPS technology in a notebook computer, rather than in a stand-alone unit. The next panel of the afternoon was facilitated by Jenine Stanley and was called Flying Handlers. It was devoted to the many facets of flying with a service dog, from getting through security to taking your place in the cabin with your service dog at your feet. There were several speakers: Melanie Brunson, ACB Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy, Blane Workie, Attorney with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Bob Leon of Delta Airlines, and Don Day, from Atlantic Southeastern Airlines, one of the Regional carriers for Delta Airlines. The panelists shared much practical information that will aid many of us in our communications with airline personnel. Blane Workie, Attorney with the U.S. Department of Transportation, reviewed the latest revision, done in 1996, of the Guide Document on Transporting Service Animals, also discussing the recent guidance documents that have so many of us worried about future airlines regulations. She reiterated the FFA provisions that all service animals are permitted in the cabin with their handlers in the seat requested by the passenger. Guide dogs are not limited to the bulkhead seat. Passengers with service animals are also not required to carry health certificates on domestic flights. Don Day, of Atlantic Southeastern Airlines, acquainted us with the term CRO (Complaint Resolutions Officer). A passenger may ask to speak with a CRO when a misunderstanding arises with airline personnel, such as failure to get a requested meet and assist at your destination. The term CRO is a common term in the airline industry and will be understood readily by airline personnel. In the event that speaking with a CRO fails to resolve the situation, a passenger can call the ADA Hotline at (800)778-4838 (voice) or (800) 455-9880 (TTY). If a formal complaint becomes necessary, it should be sent to the Department of Transportation in writing. Further contact information concerning the Department of Transportation can be found on the GDUI web site, GDUI.org. On Monday evening, Sheila Styron and DeAnna Quietwater Noriega facilitated the panel on choosing a guide dog school. The panel was conducted by introducing a series of questions to the various school representatives, pointing out concrete issues prospective as well as experienced handlers might consider asking when choosing a guide dog school. Some of these were areas served by the school and training options offered, follow-up services, and training of people with special needs. Many of the schools are increasing their efforts for in-home training and instructor follow-up after class. With the final question, each school representative got the chance to talk about what makes their school unique. Fidelco mentioned their exclusive use of shepherds, and Seeing Eye mentioned their graduate ownership policy and their charge of a small fee to guide dog recipients. Southeastern also spoke of their training of people who are blind and in wheelchairs. Later that evening, after a brief break, we attended the GDUI reception. This was a lively and enjoyable event, where members could mix and mingle and socialize with one another. However, we also had the opportunity to welcome Stephanie Dohmen, the courageous woman whose complaint against the Iowa Department for the Blind has been talked about across the Internet on many email lists. The Departments refusal to enroll her in training classes because of her guide dog has become a critical issue where strong feelings have surfaced on both sides within ACB, and, to some extent, within GDUI itself. As will later be discussed, this issue was critical for many members in choosing candidates during the voting process. Stephanie only spoke a few words and said very little about the issue for which she is so well-known. But she credited her father, a strong and determined man, for teaching her to have the courage to speak out and act when there were principles involved. She spoke of her deep appreciation of the welcome she was given by GDUI and was glad to have been a part of our gathering. Tuesday afternoon was the GDUI business meeting and caucus, a pivotal highlight of the GDUI program. Several of the candidates running for positions on the ACB board gave brief presentations, with time allotted for questions and answers. Steve Speicher, who was contending for the presidency of ACB, M. J. Schmitt, first vice-president, and Mike Godino and Ardis Bazyn, contenders for Treasurer, spoke about what they intended to accomplish if they were elected. Though there were many issues for GDUI members to consider, the Stephanie Dohmen complaint was the common issue on everyone's minds, causing an electricity and tension beneath the surface. It was felt by many that the ACB Board, having voted not to sign on to the Stephanie Dohmen complaint, had called into question the strength of its commitment to the long-established right of accessibility for guide dog users. This is of particular concern, since the Iowa Department is an organization claiming to train, rehabilitate, and support blind people. When the voting began, GDUI delegates, by-and-large, voted for nonincumbent candidates. One member expressed concern about giving a unanimous vote of acclimation to MJ Schmitt (candidate for another term as first vice-president) and Donna Seliger (candidate for another term as secretary), two board members who had voted against signing on to the Stephanie Dohman complaint. Debbie Grubb, GDUI president, suggested that we consider giving a no vote if the convention was asked to consent to unanimous election of these candidates to their current positions. After the break, GDUI members were treated to a change of pace with a practical discussion about different dog food diets. There were three panelists: Roxe Olmstead, Lisa Salinger, and Christie Hutchinson. Lisa Salinger spoke about Flint River Ranch, the human grade dog food, and its components. Roxe Olmstead spoke about the raw food diet and gave practical information about how it can be obtained when traveling. Christie Hutchinson spoke about Iams, a food easily obtained in most pet stores. On Tuesday night, guide dogs and their handlers had an evening of pure fun. Joann Kucic facilitated the game of Simple Simon, patterned after the gave so many of us played as children. Simple Simon says, Tell your dogs to sit, and everyone laughed and collected lots of door prizes, thanks to all the hard work of Kae Madera and Patricia Kepler who collected them. Wednesday and Thursday much of our program turned to the lighter side of life with our dogs. At the luncheon on Wednesday afternoon, a play called Dog Club, a delightful play written by DeAnna Quietwater Noriega, was presented. The cast displayed a light-hearted humor, presenting a day in the life of our guide dogs from their point of view, that made us all laugh. We were also introduced, by Nancy Trczinski, to four instructors who had some tall tales to tell about the humorous side of guide dog training. We decided to vote on the best tale, and this award was won by Shanon Giordano, from Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York. Her tale was about one of those days where humans and dogs were going out of their way to engage in unpredictable behavior. It would be difficult to duplicate in writing how hard we all laughed as she recounted one of those day she would probably never forget. Not to be outdone, the handlers themselves wanted a chance to tell some tall tales of their own. This made us all look back at those special moments with our dogs that still make us laugh when we think of them. We also presented awards for three persons, one posthumously, who have shown special dedication to the guide dog movement. The Moffitt/Gleitz Award was given to Rhonda L. Clark, a guide dog handler who was extremely dedicated to the guide dog movement during her lifetime. The Ethel Bender Award went to two guide dog instructors, who showed great dedication and skill in their work with their students and in promoting guide dogs throughout the country. They were Roger Taylor, from Seeing Eye, and Tom Ainsworth, recently retired from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. We then returned, for a while, to more serious matters. Sheila Styron and Becky Barnes facilitated a town-hall discussion concerning many aspects of traveling with service dogs and finding ways of identifying those dogs who are fraudulently brought into areas of public access and whose training is in question. We dealt with such matters as what steps should be taken to protect the rights of legitimate service animals. How can we legally distinguish between trained service animals from those who are not. Should we carry ID and should restaurant owners and bus drivers, etc., have a right to ask for it? Should there be ID on our harnesses? These were among the many questions discussed during that panel. Even Though many handlers have strong feelings about some of these issues, the discussion was well-controlled and many ideas were expressed. Wednesday night there was another practical and informative panel, led by Jenine Stanley, called What Goes In Must Come Out. It was a discussion of how caring for our dogs and meeting their daily needs can also be a means of monitoring their health and well-being. Questions were raised about treating diarrhea and other bacterial infections. Clean-up tips were also discussed, and several ideas were given about removing the evidence of those dreaded accidents. On Thursday afternoon, the last event of the GDUI program took place, and it was a very enjoyable one. Several of us met at the Hilton Hotel for a walk down by the river. We later ended up back at the Hilton for some refreshments, and some of us then walked back to the Westin Hotel together. It should be mentioned here that throughout the convention certain matters were brought to our attention concerning relieving issues and policies about use of the ice buckets in the hotel rooms. On Sunday afternoon, prior to the credentials meeting, Margie Donovan introduced us to a service called Doodle Scoopers, who had been hired to help keep the hotel relieving area clean, thanks to a grant procured by Charlie Crawford. Their service was carried out in an organized fashioned, and they carried walkie-talkies so that they could be notified if any relieving accidents occurred that needed their attention. GDUI members were admonished, however, to do their best to clean up after their dogs or to wait near the soiled area until help could be rendered. Members were also told not to use the ice buckets in the rooms for giving water to their dogs, or they would have to be destroyed and the handlers fined. Every attempt was made to provide a relieving area that met the needs of all of the dogs and their different relieving preferences, and help was provided when relieving problems occurred. The conventions planners are to be commended for bringing Doodle Scoopers aboard as a definite help for the difficult problem of maintaining cleanliness with our dogs while in or near the hotel. Overall, it was a convention with a lot of intensity, where some critical issues were voted on and discussed. During the Friday convention session, several resolutions were passed concerning the Stephanie Dohmen issue. These resolutions will be covered further by Sheila Styron, delegate from GDUI to ACB. On Friday, July 11, ACB conducted and concluded the final 2003 convention. business including electing officers and passing resolutions. Of interest, was the election for president. Chris Gray faced a challenge at the last minute from Steve Speicher, a lawyer from Nebraska, currently ACB's first vice president. The vote was 645.7 for Gray and 400.3 for Speicher re-electing Mr. Gray to a second term as ACB president with 61.23% of the vote. Having lost the election for president, Steve ran for first vice, the position for which the nominating committee had chosen him, defeating challenger, Ed Bradley, 528.82 to 488.68 winning with 51.983% of the vote. Illinois's MJ Schmidt was unchallenged as ACB's second vice president, as was Donna Selliger from Iowa who were both re-elected by acclamation. the vote for treasurer was very close with Ardis Bazyn defeating Mike Godino receiving 50.23% of the vote. I will limit my discussion of resolutions passed to those of particular concern to guide dog handlers, as a complete report will be published in the Braille Forum for those of you interested in learning more. I had the privilege of chairing a task force for GDUI that wrote two resolutions which passed with strong support from the membership. One directs ACB to consider the needs of individual ACB members before those of affiliates and to take actions necessary to support those individuals' rights. The other resolution GDUI brought to the floor directed ACB to write a letter of support for the Iowa complaint which I am pleased to report has now been done. There was another defeated resolution that originated with ACB's board which was essentially a restatement and clarification of their actions when the decision was made to not sign on to GDUI's complaint and instead offer national office and staff support. This resolution's defeat made it obvious that the board's decision was not a popular one. The 2003 ACB Pittsburgh convention will be remembered as both a venue for fun activities as well as emotional fireworks. |
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by Lena Contreras On a nice, sunny, warm Saturday, my little yellow lab, Baltic, and I went to the Guide dog Fun Day held at Guide Dogs for the Blind's, GDB, San Rafael campus with my local Guide Dog Puppy Raisers club. This is an annual event where puppy raisers get together to share stories about their puppy, meet the litter mates, learn about guide dogs and dog care, buy dog related items and much more. There were lots of puppies there and some graduates and breeding stock too. There were booths set up where a raiser could find pictures of their puppy's parents, do a Juno walk with an instructor, learn how to do a dog massage and groom the puppies, which included ear cleaning and teeth brushing, and other booths and exhibits. I went to the breeder information booth to find out about Baltic's parents. I wasn't sure if I would find out anything but I did remember the names of her mom and dad. Baltic's mom, Sunflower, is a more brownish colored lab and is small like Baltic. She is 4 and a half years old and still an active breeder. Baltic's dad, Arctic, is 8 years old and is light in color, like Baltic is. He is no longer a breeder. The people at the booth, and the raisers I went to the event with, said Baltic's face looks a lot like her dad's. The staff at the booth said that given Baltic's age, she was probably Sunflower's first litter. I wish I could have brought those pictures home of Baltic's parents to make a family picture album. I also went to a lecture about poisoning given by Dr. Detrick and a presentation about water therapy for the dogs who have had surgery or an injury to a joint and those dogs who have arthritis. They put the dog in a life jacket before putting him in a Jacuzzi for a 3 to 5 minute swim session. A person, in the Jacuzzi, holds on to the back strap of the life jacket to prevent the dog from moving so that the dog swims in place. The therapy sessions are done every couple of days. It was interesting to watch. I had a good time and I think Baltic did too. She didn't want to drink water from the bowls Guide Dogs had put out for the dogs and so I had to water her out of her own bowl. A puppy from our group was also picky about only drinking water out of her own bowl too. They also had kids wading pools out for dogs to splash around in but Baltic didn't want to go in. I like to go to the Fun Days when I can to see the dogs and to buy doggie related items. There wasn't much dog stuff the puppy raiser clubs were selling this year so that was a disappointment. Oh well, its not like I don't have enough dog related stuff around here. |
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Submitted by Sheila Styron Guide Dog Users of California proudly invites you to participate in its fall activities held in conjunction with the CCB convention, Thursday, October 16 through Sunday, October 19, at the Crown Plaza Los Angeles Airport Hotel, 5985 West Century Blvd, in Los Angeles, 310-642-7500. . On Saturday morning, October 18, GDUC will start off the morning by serving a complimentary continental breakfast at 8:15, just prior to its business meeting which will begin promptly at 8:30. there will be great door prizes as always, and we will discuss what GDUC has been up to as well as plan GDUC's future activities together. There will be elections for the positions of president, secretary and one board member at large. We will discuss legislation, the interference with working teams video project and more. After a short break, GDUC's morning program will take place at 10:15, where several guide dog schools from around the country will provide information to assist handlers in making informed choices when choosing a guide dog school. There will be a break from 11:30 to noon, at which time Guide Dog Users of California's luncheon will get underway. Our guest speaker will be CJ Daniel from Guide Dogs of the Desert, International. An area of concern very near and dear to the hearts of many handlers is what services guide dog schools have in place to better meet the needs of handlers facing other physical challenges besides blindness. CJ will give us an overview of how GDD is expanding its training program to provide service dogs as well as guide dogs which it will continue to train. With its educational morning panel presenting information designed to assist handlers in making informed choices and a luncheon presentation where we will take an in depth look at how one school in particular is stepping up to the plate to meet the wide range of handler needs in California, you won't want to miss any of GDUC's convention activities this fall. |
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August 19, 2003 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., owner of the Sheraton, Westin and W hotel chains, is seeking a new breed of customer dog owners. Dogs will be allowed to stay with guests at hotels in the U.S. and Canada, White Plains, N.Y.-based Starwood said in a statement. Oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes and in-room dog massages will be among the services offered. Starwood, the world's largest hotel owner, is reaching out to dog lovers as a slump in business travel and tourism reduces sales. |
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See how many of these statements apply to you and your dog. - if you do these things with a guide dog! It just shows how the other dogs live.
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Universal Studios Hollywood gets a leg up as Guide Dogs of America help inaugurate the world's first theme park "Service Dog Facility" designed to accommodate guests with special needs during visits to the world's largest movie studio and theme park. Created exclusively for licensed and accredited service dogs, Universal Studios installs two service dog facilities located adjacent to attraction favorites "Animal Planet Live" and "Jurassic Park — The Ride". Universal City, California, August 27, 2003 - It was a dog day afternoon at Universal Studios Hollywood as fifteen Guide Dogs of America puppies-in-training gathered in a ceremonial "christening" of the world's first "Service Dog Facility," designed to accommodate visually impaired or other special needs guests who use service dogs while visiting the world's largest movie studio and theme park. On hand to help mark the territory were Tom Gunderson and Annette Ruiz, Universal Studios' resident animal trainers from the popular attraction, "Animal Planet Live," along with "Animal Planet Live!" canine stars, Fly ("Babe") and Freckles ("The Truman Show," "Pleasantville," "101 Dalmatians"). Debbie Sands, Guide Dogs of America spokesperson, 15 volunteer puppy trainers, as well as Lorri Bernson and her guide dog Nigel, both recent Guide Dogs of America graduates were also in attendance. Universal Studios Hollywood specially-created "Service Dog Facilities" are provided for licensed and accredited service dogs only. Personal pets are not permitted in the theme park; kennel services are available. Featuring such unique and ground-breaking attractions as "Shrek 4-D," "Terminator 2 — 3D", "Jurassic Park — The Ride" and the world-renowned behind-the-scenes "Studio Tour", Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's largest movie studio and theme park. |
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Treasurer Nomination Committee Here's hoping that all of you and your canine partners had a wonderful summer, whether you were on the go, or just taking it easy. But as the weather cools off, and leaves begin falling from the trees, our thoughts and fancies turn to just one thing at the CCB fall convention, of course! As always, this means it's time for those exciting annual elections! As Chair of the GDUC nominating committee, I am writing to let everyone know that we will be holding our elections during our Saturday morning program taking place this year in Los Angeles. We will be seeking nominees for the following offices: President, Secretary, and one Board of Directors position. If you have any suggestions for candidates, or are interested in running for one of these positions yourself, please feel free to contact either of the following committee members:
I'm looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Los Angeles. Constitution and Bylaws Legislative Committee Fund Raising |
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Bright eager eyes and a metronome tail, During our short year together, He's always beside me wherever I go, Finally the recall letter arrives, The dark day arrives when he must return, There's an empty spot beside my bed, During the next months of training, The long months of waiting have ended, A tour of the beautiful campus, With a frenzy of wags and wet kisses, His home is by his partner's side That empty spot within my heart, So good luck, God-speed and safe travels, Written by Dot Dill (a puppy raiser for GDB in Colorado) |
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By Ken Altenburger My guide dog is, "Honcho," a male black Labrador Retriever and he is 9 years old. We have been together now for over 7 years. People often mistake my dog's name--some examples are "Hondo," "Gaucho," and "Poncho." However, the best one of all was when "Honcho" was referred to as "Macho." Now if people want to call my dog "Macho," I am certainly not going to stop them. Aside from being an excellent Guide Dog, he has another talent of equal excellence. "Honcho" is a great believer in sleeping as much as possible. You might find it interesting to know that his motto is "If we stop, I drop." I have been blind now for over 11 years due to diabetic retinopathy. My trouble began in July of 1991. After treatment and surgery I had lost the vision in one eye and some sight loss in the other eye. I was declared "legally blind" in January of 1992. For quite a while I had false hope and because I still had some sight, I would not accept the possibility of losing all of my sight. After about a year and a half it became clear to me that eventually I would lose all of my sight. I am originally from Southern California. Initially, I did not know whom to turn to for help. Several times in my life I had seen a person using a white cane or using a Guide Dog, but I never knew where one would go for help or training. Eventually I went through a rehabilitation program and became a very good cane user. But even though I could travel independently, I always felt awkward. After a friend of mine got a dog from Guide Dogs, I could not keep up with him and at that point, I knew a dog would be the answer to my awkwardness in traveling. I am often asked what I remember most about my month in class. Although I have many fond memories, I will always remember the day I met "Honcho." The day you receive your dog is called "Dog Day" and for us that was April 3, 1996. I cannot put into words how it feels to receive such a wonderful gift when you really need it. I cannot imagine my life now without him in it. What he has given me is the confidence to try new things and go places I never would have before. In September of 1996, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. I volunteered for four months at Guide Dogs when the position of "program assistant" in the Kennel Department became available. I was chosen for the position and started in January of 1997. I stayed over four years at that position, and then applied to become the program coordinator for the Training Department, a position I've held ever since. When people ask me "What besides getting 'Honcho' makes Guide Dogs for the Blind so special?" My response is, the staff and volunteers. These people all work to make the mission of the organization function at a level seldom achieved in any area. It is truly a privilege to work along side the staff. It is a real pleasure to come to work every day knowing the staff is behind you. As for the volunteers, the word that comes to mind is "impressive." The dedication they show coming to the campus each week to help the organization is amazing to watch. Perhaps for me the most inspirational people are the puppy raisers. It is one of the best examples of unselfishness I have ever witnessed. To think that they have a puppy in their home for a little over a year, only to have to return it just as it reaches a really enjoyable age. Then they turn around and do it again. Many families end up raising several puppies before they are done. "Thank You" is hardly giving them their just due, especially for a guide like "Honcho." |
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List of Guide Dog Schools
[NOTE: Area codes may have changed since this list Eye Dog Foundation Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc. Freedom Guide Dogs Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. Guide Dogs for the Blind (Oregon Campus) Guide Dogs of America Guide Dogs of the Desert, Inc. Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Inc. Kansas Specialty Dog Service Leader Dogs for the Blind, Inc. Pilot Dogs, Inc. The Seeing Eye, Inc. Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. Southwest Guide Dog Foundation Upstate Guide Dog Association Inc. |
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Sheila Styron, President Ann Kysor, Vice President Abbie Vincent, Secretary Dan Kysor, Treasurer Jerry Arakawa, Director Linda Chung, Director Melita Waters, Immediate Past President |
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