Guide Dog Users
of California

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A WELL BEHAVED MOM
2004 SPRING CONVENTION PREVIEW
DECORATING WITH DOGS
GUIDE DOG DAY AT THE CAPITOL 2004
GUIDELINES FOR FEEDING AND
     ADVANCE PREPARATIONS FOR AIR TRAVEL
GDUC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As I begin writing to all of you, members and friends of GDUC, a lot is happening. Probably the most exciting news is Assembly Bill 1801. This bill will strengthen 3 existing penal code laws in California and is being authored by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley and co-authored by Senator Sheila Kuehl with several other legislators who have signed on to the bill. Known as the Safe Travel Act of 2004, one penal code upgrade deals with people interfering with the use of guide, signal and service dogs or other mobility aids, and another section increases penalties for persons who intentionally cause injury or death to working dogs, providing for fines of up to $10,000 plus restitution. The penal code that has captured the attention of so many handlers is the one that refers to people who allow their uncontrolled pet dogs to interfere with or attack our guides. This injustice is being addressed on two levels. If a dog belonging to a person exercising ordinary care causes injury or death to a guide, signal or service dog while it is in discharge of its duties, this is an infraction, only a minor crime. However, if death or injury is caused as the result of wreckless disregard on the part of the pet owner, the crime is a more serious misdemeanor. On a personal level, many of us would like to see even stiffer penalties imposed on anyone who interferes with our dogs whether they are working or playing. However, the California Council of the Blind and Guide Dog Users of California recognize the importance of the progress we are making this year if we can get this safe travel legislation passed, and GDUC extends its gratitude to the bill's sponsors.

GDUC's video, SAFE TRAVEL FOR WORKING TEAMS is about halfway completed, and this tool, when it is available next summer for distribution, will assist us in our efforts to protect working teams and educate law enforcement to respond appropriately when our guides are attacked.

By the time you read this issue of Forward, GDUC will have realized profits from the Amish Country Traditions Fair quilt raffle held in Orange County. As she has for many years, Melita Waters is once again ably managing this fundraiser which will unfortunately be the last one to take place. Thank you for your efforts this year and in the past, Melita, and we look forward to an upbeat report on this activity in the summer issue of Forward.

GDUC's spring convention activities are almost here, and I hope to see many of you there in Freemont, where the California Council of the Blind will meet April 15th through 18. There will be a convention event preview later in Forward, but I am pleased to mention here that GDUC will be presenting its Lifetime Achievement award to Harry Thomas, Executive Officer of the state guide dog board and friend to the blind on many other levels as well.

Guide Dog Day at the Capitol will take place this spring on May 5 at noon on the west Capitol steps in Sacramento, where all of you are encouraged to join us for lobbying activities for AB1801 and awards presentations.

It is with deep concern that I inform all of you that Guide Dogs of the Desert is experiencing serious difficulties as an organization. Their status is not very clear with most of the staff gone and training of students and dogs suspended. The school's future appears to be highly uncertain at this time. The other two California schools are providing assistance to GDD clients, and GDUC extends its best wishes for a positive outcome in this most difficult situation. The Desert was able to serve a population with special needs who might not otherwise have an opportunity to train with a guide dog. If GDD is unable to regroup, the result will be very sad indeed for this group.

On a personal note, my guide dog, Dorian, will be ten years old on March 14, and appears to be in great health as well as still loving her work. We will be going to Norway late in March to enjoy some spectacular cross country skiing which I will tell you all about in the next issue of Forward. As if this isn't enough exciting news, I have become engaged to be married to Bill Stephan of Kansas City, Missouri, and will be relocating there later this year. I am committed to fulfilling my responsibilities as GDUC's president as I write this message, although I haven't had an opportunity to research the constitutional ramifications of moving out of state.

In wrapping up my spring message to all of you, nobody has stepped up to the plate to assume the position of editor for Forward. So yours truly is staying committed to making sure this quarterly newsletter does not go away. However, I am spread so thin that for now, print mailings will not be sent out, and if people don't submit much material, there may be fewer articles than you have been used to seeing in the past. In the meantime, thank you for all your support, enjoy the rest of Forward and give your dogs' tails a little tug from Dorian and me.

In memory and loving tribute of Lois Jean Goss, my Mom
By Shirley Manning
Los Angeles, California

Mom and I used to go shopping for clothes together often, along with my guide dog, Winnie. Although not always approving, Mom knew my tastes and was willing to keep an eye out for what I liked. Shopping has never been Winnie's favorite job, but she knew at the end she would get to play with Mom's dog, Ladybug, so she put up with a long day of being on the go.

On one shopping trip, I was looking for a dressy sweater to wear with a skirt I'd bought a while back. After spending most of the day looking, we were finally successful in a department store. As we approached the checkout counter, the cashier was bending down behind it digging in a box of hangers - she did not see Winnie by my side. From where she worked behind the counter she still could not see Winnie. Several people were ahead of us in line and the woman next to me began asking about Winnie and making comments. As she often would, my mom left me at the counter to look at something that caught her eye. The cashier was listening to the woman and me talking.

"She's really beautiful," the woman said.

"Thanks! I think so too. She's a lot of help and a great companion" I replied.

From behind the counter the cashier said, "It's so nice of you to feel that way. Does she go everywhere with you?"

"Oh yes. We're together almost all the time," I said.

Then the woman next to me said, "And she's so well behaved!"

At this point, the cashier could not help herself. In a perplexed tone she said, "Well behaved…?"

By this time, there were quite a few people in line at the register. It was obvious to all except the poor cashier what was going on. The cashier had not seen Winnie, but she had seen my mom. I and several other folks near by laughed aloud. I backed up a little allowing the cashier to view Winnie and said, "I believe you haven't seen my trusted friend down here."

My mom, noticing the commotion, came back. I informed her that she was, "Very well behaved!" Now it was her turn to be perplexed, so I explained. All within earshot had a good laugh, including the cashier.

GDUC invites you to join us in convention with the California Council of the Blind at the Newark/Fremont Hilton Hotel , 39900 Balentine Drive in Newark, California, phone 510-490-8390 or 800-445-8667.

GDUC will be selling some of its popular products in the exhibit hall, and we will be offering two other special activities as fundraisers. Carla Campbell, canine and equine body worker, will be on hand to massage our guides for $15.00 with 20% of the proceeds going to GDUC. Carla will be our morning program presenter, guiding us through some techniques guaranteed to lower stress levels in our guides. JoAnn Bitting will also be there providing doggy peticures for our guides at $5.00 to help fill GDUC's treasury. Dorian is currently wearing a hot pink color that really shows up nicely against her shiny black fur.

GDUC's business meeting will get underway with a complimentary continental breakfast, and we will proceed to elect delegates, discuss fundraising, and some other new ideas.

At our luncheon, GDUC will present its second Lifetime Achievement Award to Harry Thomas. Besides serving as Executive Officer for the California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Harry was previously a board member himself, and before that, he ran his own printing business for many years in Southern California. Harry has always been there for me when I have needed assistance, and I am not the only person who has benefited from his kindness and willingness to help. I know all of you join me in warmly congratulating Harry.

GDUC's luncheon speakers will be Sergeant William Herndon and Officer John Denny from San Francisco's Vicious and Dangerous Dogs Unit. These dedicated champions of working teams have made their city's streets much safer for our dogs through such efforts as impounding dogs who attack working teams pending investigation of crimes. This presentation will inspire you to lobby for similar programs in your local jurisdictions. So come join us in Newark this spring, as our convention activities promise to be some of the best yet.

Decorating when you have pets can provide unique opportunities to express your own personal style and taste. Here are some tips I'd like to share:

1. Bare floors, without carpet or throw rugs, can give a nice open feeling to a room. It can provide a soothing balance when you have many art objects that reflect your love of animals.

2. Paw prints and nose smudges on glass doors and windows break up glare and soften the light in a room.

3. Dog crates, when stacked three high, can add height to a room and pull the eye up. If fastened securely to the wall, the top can provide a safe and dramatic place for exotic plants or statuary that otherwise might be molested by your pets. An up light can make it a real focal point. Cats love to inhabit the upper crates, leaving the lower ones for the dogs.

4. Old towels and blankets thrown casually on upholstered furniture can add a wonderful homey, country-quilt look to an otherwise bland room.

5. Common smooth upholstery fabrics can look almost velvety when lightly textured with pet hair.

6. Vari-kennels, placed end to end and topped with plate glass can create an unusual coffee table, one your friends will really remember.

7. Doggie beds, randomly placed around a room, can add color and texture, much as throw pillows do.

8. Shredded or chewed books and magazines send a message to guests that they are free to relax and feel at home.

9. Dog crates can make versatile end tables, and can be slip covered to match any room decor.

10. There is absolutely nothing that makes a guest feel as welcome as three friendly dogs hopping in his lap as soon as he sits down.

So throw away those videos by Martha and others, and express your own unique tastes. Your home should reflect what YOU like!

Come join Guide Dog Users of California and the California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind May 5, in Sacramento, where we will spend the morning lobbying for AB1801 and then assemble at noon on the Capitol's west steps to publicize our message of safe travel for working teams. At this year's event, we will present GDUC's California Instructor of the Year award to Todd Jorek from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Todd played an important role in the success of the recent in community training program carried out in partnership with the Foundation for the Junior Blind.

Guide Dog Day is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of working teams. You will have the chance to educate legislators about the importance of making travel safer for working teams in California by passing AB1801, and when we all come together at noon at the conclusion of our lobbying efforts, we will impress the press with our determination and strong message to irresponsible pet owners. For the grand finale, all in attendance will proudly pose for a huge triumphant group photo, right there on the west steps of the Capitol.

If you plan on attending or would like more information, please contact Sheila Styron at sharkent@aol.com or 323-822-9872.

By Paul Keasberry, Field Representative, Graduate Services, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.

If your trip is going to take several hours, it is advised to modify your dog's food and water intake. If you have an early-morning departure, feed your dog a half-ration the evening before, and then none before departure. For a midday or later flight, feed 1/4 normal portion two to four hours prior to leaving the house.

Water intake before flying should be limited to a few laps to quench thirst. Do not allow your dog to 'tank up' like a camel. In flight or during a stopover, provide a cup of ice cubes as a 'snack' and to satisfy thirst.

These food and water guidelines are adequate to maintain comfort for a healthy dog in normal temperatures for up to 12 hours. In extreme temperatures your dog may require more frequent watering.

For longer trips, such as to Asia or Australia, you could take a small bag of kibble (or a couple of biscuits), and feed it piece-meal about halfway through the flight, along with another cup of ice cubes.

If your dog has special medical issues be sure and check with your veterinarian for food/water requirements.

Leash-relieve the dog at least twice in the last few hours prior to departure to ascertain evacuation.

Call ahead to find out about 'relief' areas at stopover airports and hotels; make arrangements for airline/hotel staff to assist you in finding those areas.

Intestinal upsets due to a change in water or the stress of the trip are not uncommon. As a precaution, carry 10 or 12 sheets of paper towels in a plastic bag for mop-up. Also carry plenty of pick-up bags for upcoming excursions to a park or lawn at the airport or hotel relieving areas.

As quickly upon arrival as possible put your dog back on its regular feeding, watering and relieving schedule.

President: Sheila Styron, 1215 N. Olive Dr. #306, West Hollywood, CA 90069, 323-822-9872,

Vice President: Ann Kysor, 225 15th Street West Sacramento, CA 95691, 916-372-9869,

Secretary: Jerry Arakawa, 11180 Orville St. Culver City, CA 90230-5380, 310-398-7004,

Treasurer: Dan Kysor, 225 15th Street West Sacramento, CA 95691, 916-372-9869

Director: Shirley Manning, 201 South Alexandria Ave. #203 Los Angeles, CA 90004, 213-487-5570,

Director: Gina McGaughey, 430 St. Haight Ave. Alameda, CA 93277, 510-521-4033,

Immediate Past President: Melita Waters, 220 Capri Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92703-4110, 714-836-4993,