No Bones About It: Guide Dogs for the Blind's Blog

Breeder's Digest for April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:29:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever-Golden Retriever Crosses

4/26/13 Norbert x Tess: 2 males, 8 females; litter letter M

Golden Retrievers

New Breeders

Labrador Retrievers

Julian – raised in WA

Karma – raised in AZ

Marina – raised in CA

Romance – raised in CA

Golden Retrievers

Michella – raised in CO

Bonnie's Gifts By: The Neff Family

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 +0000

We first saw her as she checked out the exercise area at Guide Dogs for the Blind. We sent a looping three tone whistle and a cheerful "Bonnie, come" and she was ours!

Achoo! Achoo! Allergies and ear infections were what kept Bonnie from guide dog service. Instead she would be there to give her new owner John, the much needed encouragement that would eventually be needed. With the best traits of a Golden/Lab Retriever, Bonnie through the years has given more than an accountant could score!

Twice daily walks stopped while John underwent hospitalization, recovery, and therapy for a serious spine infection. During a long course of rehabilitation, a major factor in his recovery was a strong desire to “walk with Bonnie.” Once home, the leash waited until one day, Bonnie brought it to John and they had their first steps together in months.
Being curled asleep by his shoes, Bonnie encouraged John to bend over and pet his friend. If John were to fall outside, Bonnie, twirling and with little sounds coming from her throat, would race indoors to seek help.
The gentle, wet nose on his arm would say, "I am awake, how about you?" Waiting at each doorway, Bonnie seemed to say, "You go first - I am right behind you." As John exercised each day, she seemed to tell him, “I AM HERE, YOU CAN DO IT.” From her long held innate traits, she knew that they must continue their former activities – and today they do.

Gifts given; love exchanged. Companions meant to be!

Breeder's Digest for March 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:19:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever-Golden Retriever Crosses

3/28/13 Amici x Matisse: 2 males, 6 females; litter letter K

Golden Retrievers

New Breeders

Labrador Retrievers

Brutus – raised in WA
Carnival – raised in CA
Denise – raised in CA

Golden Retrievers

Magellan – raised in CA

Serra Catholic School Raises Funds for a GDB Harness

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Serra Catholic School has been the daily destination of many a guide dog puppy in Southern Orange County for the last 18 years. Over the years Guide Dogs for the Blind has been the recipient of several outreach programs, which most recently was the recycle program of Serra’s Student Council headed by Ecology Officer Jack Herzfeld. Pictured here is John Barnes with guide dog puppy Paris accepting a check for $353.25 on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind. The goal of student council this year was to raise enough money to purchase a harness for a graduating puppy from the VIP3 Puppy Raising Club.

Bob Boskey and Perez By: Jim Price

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Blind since birth, he was an accomplished cane traveler and proud of it. At 30, college was behind him, he had a great government job, and his loving wife was expecting his second son. Life was good.
He was still in a bit of shock by the time he made it home that night. Some jerk had blown a stop sign and the near-miss had him rattled. Bob Bosken's wife could tell something was wrong. "Once I told her what had happened, she was adamant," he remembered. "She said she knew I was really great with a cane but it was time. 'It's not just you anymore,' she said. ' It's also me, and our kids, too. I would really like you to look into getting a guide dog.'"

That was nine years ago and Bosken was recently back at the Oregon campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind to get his second dog, male Yellow Lab Perez. As Bosken told his story, Perez took only a few seconds to fall fast asleep on the pad next to his chair. "I really, really like this guy," he grinned. "He's fun, really good on routes, learns really fast. He's amazing at finding curbs - he's dead on just about 100 percent of the time."
That first dog, Lab/Golden Cross Pastel, was back at the family home in Columbus, Ohio, where she was patiently waiting to meet her new roommate. Also waiting were Bosken's two boys and their mother. He had already sent photos of Perez and even posted some on Facebook. "I'm sure the boys don't remember not having a guide dog around," he said. "When we are out in public they are the first ones to enforce the rules, telling strangers they have to ask permission before petting the dog." And the boys know they will have to treat this new dog differently until Dad gets him totally focused on himself and work. "Once I know I can get him refocused quickly, I can loosen up a bit."
Helping with that focus are the newest training methods at GDB. "Sure, these dogs get distracted sometimes," explained Bosken. "But GDB has come up with some interesting techniques to get them refocused quickly. And the new food reward is really cool for the dog and the handler. Everyone wants to treat their dog once in a while and now I have, right here on my hip, a perfectly acceptable system to do that. It's not going to make him heavy, and it's going to make him respond to me much quicker than without it. A lot of this is about trusting your dog and I can already tell, after just 10 days, that I am feeling more of a connection than I did with Pastel after five or six months. That's a really good feeling."
As a youngster, Bosken's parents fought to have him mainstreamed, as opposed to finding him a school for the blind. "They reasoned that I was going to have to adapt to the world, the world wasn't going to adapt to me," he said. He was the first child who was blind in Hamilton County schools.
Back home, Bosken has adapted well, successful at his management job at the Social Security Administration. He analyzes accessibility of such things as SSA websites and other programs, for both employees and the public. He also does management analyses, creating, for example, supplemental training plans for various positions, and even working on a union contract.

"One of the things about having a guide dog that people may not realize is they open doors," he said. A few years back he was having lunch with some of his coworkers with Pastel at his side when the then chief of the SSA entered the lunchroom. A dog lover, Commissioner Michael Astrue made a beeline for Pastel and joined them for lunch. That meeting led to numerous other meetings and eventually earned Pastel a job as the pretty face of SSA accessibility. She appeared in a number of internal marketing campaigns and when she retired, was honored for her 49 years (dog years) of service.
"I don't mean to dis cane travel," summed up Bosken. "But a dog is so much more freeing. You don't have to concentrate on every little bit of sensory feedback to get yourself home safely. You have to concentrate on the dog, but you also can focus on your other senses. I find I can think more clearly when I can hear the birds singing or smell the air on a crisp morning. I really enjoy traveling with a dog."
With a low "let's go," Perez was instantly wide awake and on his feet, ready to head out into the crisp morning air.

Dollars for Darlo - A Father Rides for His Son and K9 Buddy Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Earlier this month John Simmons completed the Grizzly Peak Century Bike Ride in Contra Costa County, CA and raised over $2500 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The ride is 75 miles long with nearly 6,000 feet of hill climbing.

“We can attest firsthand to the outstanding work carried out at GDB as our son Matthew, who suffers with severe vision impairment, was the recent recipient of a beautiful companion dog named ‘Darlo’ as part of the organization's K9 Buddy Program,” said Simmons. “Needless to say, Matthew is absolutely thrilled with his new best friend!”

Expanding the Power of Positive at GDB By: Rebecca Hornick, Foster Care Coordinator

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:24:00 +0000

Since starting at Guide Dogs for the Blind in 1994, I have seen so many changes in how our Training Department handles the monumental task of turning adolescent dogs into competent working guide dogs for people who are blind and visually impaired. The Training staff at GDB always tries to stay current with new and innovative ways to better train dogs since there are so many new challenges our guide dogs and our clients have to face every year in the ever evolving changes in the world. We strive to create confident, happy dogs and then match them with a person who will continue to work with that guide dog as they both become even more competent traveling in their own world and beyond.

In order to create safe and happy working teams, the Training staff adopted a model of positive reinforcement training back in 2007 and since then, the results have been remarkable! Staff immediately saw how much more willing and adaptable the dogs were when food was used during crucial parts of training. Consequently, the dogs met the training goals faster than ever before. The Training Department's success triggered a new surge of interest in these positive training techniques and soon other staff and volunteers wondered what ways they could implement some of these methods to improve the work they do with all of our dogs. Naturally, our own Michele Pouliot, Director of Research and Development, answered the call! Michele and other members of management created a committee of various dog-related staff to discuss some short and long term goals regarding how to implement more positive reinforcement tools in all areas of dog care and management. We named this group the “R+ committee” and it is comprised of staff from both campuses – combined they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.

An enlightening first step in the process was a seminar we attended at the Oregon Campus in January 2013 where the R+ committee and the Community Field Reps from Puppy Raising Department had the opportunity to be part of a hands on workshop with positive reinforcement training guru, Kathy Sdao (http://www.kathysdao.com). Here’s what the R+ committee members had to say about the workshop:

Sharon Kret, Puppy Program Specialist for Canine Community Programs:

“The workshop conducted by Kathy Sdao and Michele Pouliot helped to demonstrate the powerful and positive impact that these training techniques can have when working with our dogs and puppies at GDB. I walked away from the workshop feeling energized and excited about all the possibilities. It is a little overwhelming to think about all that we need to do and what we have yet to learn, but I am truly looking forward to the challenge.”

Jenna Bullis, Director of Breeding:

“Michele and Kathy were able to customize our training day to really address the things that were relevant in each of our departments. We all benefited from each other’s perspectives and it was awesome to see how excited and enthusiastic everyone is about using more positive reinforcement techniques in our program.”

Jeannine May, Canine Welfare Kennel Manager:

“I really appreciated the opportunity to be part of the Kathy Sdao workshop and get a chance to work with fellow staff from other departments that I don’t normally get to interact with! It’s super exciting to be part of a group that is expanding and maximizing the use of positive reinforcement throughout the organization. Kathy is a great presenter and I really look forward to incorporating some new ideas in the kennels with both staff and volunteers, and in the OR Foster Care Program.”

Pat Cook, Canine Resources Manager:

“The Community Field Representatives (CFRs) really enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Michele and Kathy Sdao, and were also very appreciative of the opportunity to work with staff from other CCP departments. It was a rare opportunity for field staff to work dogs alongside staff from Foster Care, Dog Placement, Breeding and Kennel department. The CFRs are very enthusiastic about the R+ project and excited at the direction Puppy Raising is taking! We were able to come up with lots of ideas for working with puppies in raiser homes. I look forward to the implementation over the next few years.”

Kathy Featherstone, Dog Placement Coordinator:

“I really enjoyed the combination of Kathy’s enthusiastic, insightful and scientific approach with positive training techniques, along with hands on practice throughout the two-day seminar. It allowed all participants to equally share in the experience and gain a better understanding of the methods that were discussed. It was very motivating and exciting to work alongside such a knowledgeable group of people!”

Kathleen Fischer, SR Kennel Supervisor:

“This was my first clicker workshop and it was fun and fascinating! Kathy and Michele made it look all so effortless. The hands on portions I found invaluable and it made me realize that the real challenge lies in training me!”

Rebecca Hornick, Foster Care Coordinator:

“This was a great educational opportunity for me since I love doing this type of training with personal dogs, but imagining the possibilities here with GDB dogs are limitless! The seminar and R+ committee discussions have helped me brainstorm about the many ways this type of training will benefit the huge variety of dogs that go in and out of Foster Care each year. I can’t wait to share some of these techniques with my pool of eager volunteers!”

Michele Pouliot, Director of Research and Development:

“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Kathy Sdao since 2006, when GDB’s Training Department began using her as a consultant for our change over to clicker training. In the past two years I have co-presented seminars with Kathy for the dog sport community and always learn something new from her wealth of knowledge.

Bringing Kathy back to GDB to help our Canine Community Programs (CCP) departments kick off their positive training project was not only a great idea (thanks Pat Cook!) but motivating for everyone present. This two-day seminar was extra special for GDB staff because it was tailored specifically for GDB’s R+ Project goals.

Now that you know the members and purpose of the R+ Committee, please don’t hesitate to ask us questions, make suggestions and generally celebrate with us as we take GDB staff and other dog care constituents to an even greater level of dog handling, training and management. The dogs are already thanking us!

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Bring Your Child to Work Day By: Mary Guilliam

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Children visit San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

As a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind I was asked to do a presentation of what a guide dog puppy learns and any information about Guide Dogs for the Blind. I am in the process of raising my third puppy for Guide Dogs and currently am raising Fianna, an nine month old yellow lab. I asked my co-leader Ron Chrisman if he’d like to participate in the demonstration with his puppy Velvet (14 months old). Ron was more than happy to help spread the word about puppy raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
There were 17 children and approximately 10 adults present for the demonstration and participation at the event. We were able to talk about why we teach puppies everything we do and the reasons behind those teachings. The children were so fascinated with how well behaved our puppies were and how they would do anything that was asked of them. Several of the children asked wonderful questions about how Guide Dog for the Blind works and said they might be interested in raising a puppy someday.

Captain S. Dicus, Captain D. Gregory, Ron Chrisman, and Mary Guilliam

After our presentation we took Fianna and Velvet out to 40-King (Sheriff’s Department Helicopter) and they were allowed to explore the helicopter after it had sat down and was turned off. Fianna and Velvet showed no apprehension towards the helicopter, further demonstrating that our puppies are not afraid of anything.
After having brought all of my puppies to work over the last four years it was such a nice gesture for my department to ask that a demonstration be part of the Bring Your Child to Work Program. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has been so very supportive of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Amelia and Valeria By: Jim Price

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Amelia and Guide Dog Valeria walk do the street

She's never seen a single thing and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Amelia Diaz, 25, of Anaheim, Calif., was at the Oregon campus recently to get her second dog, female black Lab Valeria. She has been blind since birth. "Being blind isn't better than being sighted," she said, her animated gestures and strong voice broadcasting her earnestness. "But it isn't worse, either. It's just different. Sure, it would be nice to see someone across the room, but sighted people miss a lot, too."
What about that morning sunrise? "Sighted people see it, but I hear the birds and other morning sounds. I smell the plants and feel the sun. And yes, we may have to work harder sometimes to get what we want, but that just makes us appreciate it more.
"And if I were sighted, I wouldn't have Braille," she added, her excitement obvious. "I love reading, and there is just something about reading with my fingers that I don't think I would get reading sighted. I'm a writer and I need to write in Braille. And if I were sighted I would miss the partnership of a guide dog. They become part of who you are. Having a dog is very freeing. You walk a lot faster. Even by blind standards I'm a huge klutz and a dog helps keep me from tripping over everything."
As her new partner talked, Valeria sat comfortable but alert at her side, taking in every word. "It's only been a week and half and we are already bonding," said Diaz as she stroked Valeria’s head. "She is the dog I have always wanted. She's conscientious, focused, happy, and she loves to please. When she makes a mistake and I show her how to do it right, she is attentive and she gets it right away. I already feel a strong bond and it gets better every day."
Diaz graduated last winter from California State University, Fullerton, with a major in English and a French minor. She plans to attend graduate school and hopes to become a, "translator of little-known French literature into English, and vice versa. I just love the French language," she gushed, "ever since I was a little girl. I got that from my aunt. More than half the music at our house is in French." Her family is originally from the Dominican Republic. "I grew up speaking English and Spanish but I think I'm more comfortable now speaking French than Spanish."
She lives with her "sisters," two other blind young women to which she has grown very close. To Diaz, being around other blind people comes naturally. "I was really lucky in that I grew up living close to the Braille Institute. My mom was our driver and she took my friends and me to just about every event. She was great. She even learned Braille so she could help me." At the institute, Diaz took part in tap dance, choir, skiing, rock climbing and, "just hanging with my friends."
It was with one of those friends, Christina Jones, who she went with to get her first dog at the Oregon campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind. In 2007 she received and trained with yellow female Lab Binny. She said Binny was a wonderful dog but even after five years she never felt the bond she expected. "I was too young to get a dog," she admitted. "It was like going to summer camp – way too much socializing and I wasn't as focused on my dog as I should have been." After the training she let the GDB standards slip and before long her relationship with Binny was more like having a pet.
"Not this time," she vowed. "When we get home, Valeria will not be allowed to play with my roommate's dog, for example." She said that for the first few months Valeria will be allowed little interaction with other dogs and people so they can concentrate on bonding with each other. "I will be the one who feeds her, plays tug with her, works her. When the time is right to loosen up and let her play off-leash, I will."
When she was a child, her family raised a puppy for Guide Dogs of America. “I’ve wanted a guide dog all my life and when it came to picking the right company, I had heard so many good things about GDB that it was an easy decision. They are really good at matching people with just the right dog. And here is living proof,” she grinned, giving Valeria a hug.

Breeder's Digest for February 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:04:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever-Golden Retriever Crosses

2/16/13 Amici x March: 6 males, 2 females; litter letter P

New Breeders

Labrador Retrievers

Disney: raised in AZ
Patina: raised in CA
Vern: raised in ID
Waltz: raised in CA
Wasabi: raised in AZ
William: raised in AZ

Golden Retriever

Maureen: raised in CA

Labrador/Golden Retriever cross

Athena: raised in CO

Puppies with a Vision Recognized by State Senator

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:30:00 +0000

After submitting an article to her local newspaper The Acorn about the puppy she had raised (who had recently graduated), Puppy Raising Leader Bonnie Sloane of Puppies with a Vision in Ventura County received a letter from Fred Gaines, the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Calabasas - it read:

“Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sloane: I was so pleased to read the recent article in The Acorn regarding your incredible work with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Please accept my appreciation for your generosity and service to our community. All of us at the City of Calabasas are proud to have you as part of our Calabasas Community.Warmest regards, Fred Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem.”

Within a week of this letter, Bonnie received an email from one of the district representatives of State Senator, Fran Pavley – it read:

“I am writing on behalf of State Senator Fran Pavley, who noticed a recent article in The Acorn that featured your volunteer work with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Senator Pavley has begun a program called “Volunteer of the Month” to recognize constituents’ outstanding volunteer efforts, and it’s our pleasure to honor your club this month for your caring and generous dedication to this program. The award involves an informal presentation of a certificate and inclusion of an article and photograph in the Senator’s monthly e-newsletter.”

Puppies with a Vision Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Fran Pavley

Puppies with a Vision was thrilled to be recognized in this way and even made arrangements with the representative, Sarah Tamor, to have her join them at their next meeting to present the certificate. After the meeting at the local fire house, Ms. Tamor arranged for several Puppies with a Vision members to visit Senator Pavley’s office to meet her in person – so earlier this month, six puppy club members and five puppies-in-training visited with Senator Pavley and learned of her appreciation for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Thank you, Senator Pavley, for being such a wonderful supporter of GDB and for recognizing Puppies with a Vision.

Fran Pavley's official website newsletter recognizes Puppies with a Vision

Puppy raisers from Puppies with a Vision visit State Senator Fran Pavley at her office

“So after all was said and done, our puppy club was written up in the local press, received recognition from the mayor of our city, received a commendation as Volunteer of the Month, and had a private meeting with our State Senator,” said Bonnie Sloane. “And all this started with submitting the GDB press release template to our local paper!”

Here is the link to the original article published in The Acorn: http://m.theacorn.com/news/2013-02-21/Pets/Calabasas_couple_raises_and_trains_puppies_to_help.html

Paws for Independence Tours Kenworth Renton Plant

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:28:00 +0000

Caption: Puppies-in-training and puppy raisers enjoy a tour of the Kenworth Renton truck plant.

Five GDB puppies-in-training from the Paws for Independence puppy raising club in Northeast King County had the opportuity to tour the Kenworth Renton truck plant in Renton, WA. The annual visit was hosted by Brian Okura, senior manufacturing engineer, and Brian Cook, production improvement manager. During the visit, the puppies-in-training walked the entire plant with their puppy raisers by their sides, allowing them exposure to new noises and distractions. The special tour group also visited the interactive PACCAR Technology Center and got a “dog’s eye view” from the cab of a hybrid green truck. Thank you Kenworth Truck Company!

Breeder's Digest January 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:26:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador-Golden Retriever Crosses

Golden Retrievers

1/10/13 Tom x Pearl: 3 males, 5 females; litter letter E

New Breeders
Labrador Retrievers
Alma – raised in CA
Ariel – raised in CA
Carsey – raised in CA
Kola – raised in CA
Mack – raised in CA
Vaya – raised in CA

Meet GDB's Veterinary Technicians

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:03:00 +0000

By Rebecca Hornick
GDB's Foster Care Coordinator

As foster care coordinator at GDB's San Rafael campus, I place over 400 dogs per year in and out of temporary foster homes. In order to give these dedicated foster care volunteers the tools they need to care for our dogs to the best of their ability, I provide a number of educational opportunities each year in the form of seminars. These seminars cover a variety of topics related to dog training, behavior, health care and GDB in general. The volunteers love hearing from guest speakers and lucky for me, I have a number of knowledgeable speakers at my disposal right here on our staff! At a recent seminar, one of our veterinary technicians, Laura Chandler, presented to the group. Not only did she educate and enlighten the crowd, but she reminded me what a great group of people our veterinary technicians are and how little we know about them because they do their magic “behind the scenes.” All our dogs benefit from the knowledge and skills they bring to GDB, both in Oregon and San Rafael veterinary clinics. So without further ado, I’d like you to meet the techs!

Kristen Hagler, RVT, has been involved with GDB since she was 16 years old. She did two summer internships here and hasn’t left the clinic since! She has actually known “Doc” (Dr. Craig Dietrich, DVM) since she was in pre-school! She currently shares her home with an 11 year-old career change black lab, Ramirez, a 5 year-old rescue cat, Fish, and an actual fish named Fishie. Kristen also has two young children who keep her very busy when she isn’t at work.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Animal Physiology from Sonoma State her schooling continued: she received her Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and Certified Canine Osteoarthritis Manager certificates from the University of Tennessee Knoxville; Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner certificate through the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management; and Certified Canine Body Worker through caninology massage and soft tissue courses. Recently she joined board of directors for the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians. She has special interest in canine physical rehabilitation, osteoarthritis and obesity prevention in small animals, as well as canine sports medicine.

When she isn’t juggling work demands, Kristen loves cycling, working in the garden and jogging with her kids. Kristen is also working on two textbook chapters on Canine Physical Rehabilitation and Osteoarthritis, soon to be published for veterinary technicians. While at Sonoma State, she played volleyball for four years and was the team captain for two years. She was a 2nd Team All-league in her Junior year and still hold the blocking record for the school so you know she understand fitness and the importance of strong orthopedics on a very personal level!

Laura D Chandler, RVT, has been a vet tech for 10 years. She has been with GDB for five years, and before that she worked extensively in small animal emergency and critical care at two large specialty clinics in the Bay Area. While she loves the exhilarating pace and difficult case management of emergency and critical care medicine, her interests have evolved to include the challenging world of veterinary dentistry since coming to GDB. For the last three years, she has dedicated her time and energy to learning all about canine and feline mouths. In addition to working at GDB, she works part time at another clinic in the bay area with a heavy dentistry case load. The additional expertise she has acquired in this unique training helps bring even more modern veterinary dentistry to GDB. Laura hopes to peruse a Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry in the future.

When she isn’t at work, Laura enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Jason, an apprentice instructor with GDB, and her bouncy 7 year-old retired guide dog, Dynamo. She loves gluten-free cooking and prides herself on creating big Sunday brunches, her favorite meal of the week! Laura enjoys practicing Bikram yoga, which keeps her in shape so she can spend hours bending over the dental table. She is also a devoted baseball fan (GO GIANTS!). I also have to add that she is also a fabulous presenter, and my volunteers would agree!

Jill Johnson, RVT, initially received her BA from Claremont McKenna College and spent 16 years in the corporate world until deciding she wanted a more enriching career. So, she went back to school and got an AS from Foothill College and became an RVT in 2005. Jill spent one year working at a shelter then came to our San Rafael vet clinic during the last quarter of school for an internship. That was nearly eight years ago and lucky for us she never left! Her interests include senior and geriatric care, pain management and colony health.

In addition to her work here, Jill has volunteered at many different organizations including a wildlife rehab center, spay/neuter clinics, and animal shelters. She has an 11 year-old rescue yellow lab, Miss Fancy Pants, a 2.5 year-old black lab career change, Chief, a 2 year-old rescue cat, Triscuit, and a husband whom she is still working on training (he's almost to phase 7!). When not at GDB or pet sitting she enjoys reading, dancing ballet and spending time in Lake Tahoe with the dogs. I have known Jill outside of GDB for several years now and I have to say, other than being incredibly hard working, she is a laugh riot! She brings that same joy and love of life to her work and we all appreciate the smiles in an otherwise very serious business.

Miranda Blankenship, RVT, graduated with BA in American Studies and International Relations from Chico State in '99 with the intent of going into Cross Cultural Studies/ International Relations. After three years of office work, however, she discovered that her true passion was not sitting behind a desk but working with animals. She returned to school in '04 to obtain an AS degree in Veterinary Technology from Foothill College and received her RVT license in '06. In September 2012 she started at GDB, but before that, she spent six years working at a specialty clinic in San Francisco working in Internal Medicine, Emergency, and Critical Care. Miranda also volunteers at the San Francisco Zoo on a regular basis and occasionally picks up relief shifts at the Zoo’s Hospital - which she loves.

For fun, Miranda competes in the occasional race (most recently a half marathon and a triathlon before that), and she loves to travel. Of the 16 countries she has visited, her favorite destination is Italy (she's been four times); "food, drink, sights, and history all to die for." Her family at home includes one husband of six years, one rescued scruffy terrier mutt named Mack, and two cats rescued from old veterinary jobs named Vino and Formaggi. Although she has been here the shortest amount of time, we’re so glad she joined the GDB family.

Kathleen Kane, CVT, has been a vet tech for over 36 years! They didn’t even have certified techs in Oregon when she started!! Kathleen is an ‘all around’ tech who started her career in a small, one doctor practice in a rural setting where they did house/farm calls, caring for both large and small animals. In such a small clinic setting, she helped out with everything, including front desk/reception, bookwork, kennel room, inventory as well as more typical vet tech work. As the practice grew and more staff was added, her duties expanded to include personnel management, setting up the new computer system, as well as being in charge of accounts payable and payroll. Her diverse skills really helped that small practice grow and grow and grow during the 18 years she spent there. After that position, she did a short stint working at a research facility before coming to GDB.

Kathleen's background in all aspects of vet clinic business has been a huge attribute to GDB. When she started at the Oregon campus nearly 18 years ago, they were still in the construction phase so she was instrumental in setting up their state-of-the-art clinic. She was in charge of purchasing the equipment and supplies needed to get up and running so they would be good to go as soon as they had a building! For most of that first year, Kathleen was the sole Oregon vet clinic employee and she fondly remembers, “It was a very unique, fun and rewarding experience for me.”

Kathleen is happy to be part of GDB not only because she loves her job, but she also met her wonderful husband, Bruce, here! They live on a ‘mini’ farm with mini animals including: two Nigerian goats, two miniature horses, 20-25 chickens, two crazy cats named Spot and Smudge, and four short dogs – 2 Pembroke Corgis named Vinnie and Quigley, a Cardigan Corgi named Hula, and a little rescue dog they brought back from Kauai named Pukalani. Her spare time is spent around the ‘farm’ and working with her dogs in herding and agility. Looks like her dogs have many diverse skills just like she does!

Amy Waldon, CVT, has been at GDB for 14 years and a board certified technician (CVT) for 24 years. Prior to GDB, she worked at the Oregon Zoo as a keeper assistant for two years and for seven years at small animal veterinary practices. Her veterinary interests include dentistry, small animal physical therapy/rehab, and laboratory technology.

Amy's outside interests include gardening, and classic cars (everything from cruise-ins, driving, admiring or restoring). She grew up helping her father and uncle restore many cars including Model A and Model T Fords, 1940s/1950s pickups, and the occasional muscle car! Amy also loves travel, reading and scuba diving (warm water!). She has 10 open water dives under her belt including multiple dives in Hawaii, Jamacia and the South Pacific. Her “bucket list” includes diving in the waters of Palau and the Great Barrier Reef. Husband Doug and she have only "4-legged children": a goofy career change black lab named Nigel, two 8 year-old old rescue cats, Hope and Romana, plus an ever-changing little herd of goats that they enjoy watching frolic on their small hobby farm. Always curious about new skills, Amy is currently taking classes to learn about producing goat cheese and how to obtain Oregon Tilth Organic certification to eventually sell goat milk products. Never a dull moment in the life of an Oregon vet tech - and I bet that’s just the way Amy likes it.

We are so fortunate to have these talented and experienced staff providing quality care to the dogs here at GDB. It is comforting to know that these hard working technicians support our veterinarians, other staff and our constituents every day. We all benefit from the knowledge and skill they bring to GDB. So join me as I say, “HOORAY FOR THE TECHS” because they are truly some of the most passionate and humble heroes I know here at GDB.

Breeder’s Digest for December 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:55:00 +0000

Litter Announcements
Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Crosses

12/6/12 Tom x Fame: 3 males, 6 females; litter letter L

We've Got Mail: Thanks for the K9 Buddy!

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:58:00 +0000

Dear Guide Dogs for the Blind,

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get this letter to you. I want to thank you for Muffin, my Canine Buddy dog. Muffin means a lot to me. She has helped me feel better about using my cane. I don't like to use my cane but when Muffin is with me I do not mind as much. Muffin goes a lot of places with me. I take her to Kajukembo class with me because I have to go at night.

When it was snowing we had a lot of fun. Muffin loved the snow. She would roll in it, run through it, eat it, and generally make a mess of herself. We went to the park when it was all snowy and Muffin and my mom's dog, Duchess, went crazy running around. There had been so much ice and snow that they had not been able to get out very much so they were glad to run and play. Muffin even climbed up on to the climbing structure with me. But it was too slippery and so we made her get down. But we had a lot of fun that day.

Everyone in my family loves Muffin, except my older sister who pretends dogs don't exist. I am so glad to have Muffin. Thank you so much for giving her to me. Here [is a] picture of Muffin and I.

Sincerely,
Rebecca and Muffin

Dog Placement and On Campus Care with GDB's Canine Welfare Technicians

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:50:00 +0000

By Kathy Featherstone, Dog Placement Coordinator

The matching process between career change dogs and adopters is a team effort for those of us in GDB's Dog Placement Department who are finding forever homes for these dogs. As we are entrusted to make the best match possible, we look at a range of placement options, including:

other service organizations
pet companions for people who are blind
therapy dog programs
as the ultimate pet and best friend for a family

A vital step in this process is the care and commitment provided by members of GDB's Training Department, the canine welfare technicians (CWTs).

Each CWT has a project dog and will work on a specific behavior plan created by the CWT manager or a Dog Placement staff member. This behavior plan is unique to the individual dog's needs as well as keeping the dog healthy and happy on a daily basis. Outside of daily grooming, walks and supervised playtime with other career change dogs, each CWT is tasked to assess their project dog's behavior and use positive training techniques with clicker and food rewards for such behaviors as:

eye contact
polite greeting
walking on a loose leash
basic obedience
recall, etc.

As Senior CWT Shannon Del Buono said, “I find it very rewarding to work with a dog and seeing them progress when I’ve taught them a new skill/behavior that will help them get adopted.”

The CWTs insightful observations, canine knowledge and handling skills enables those of us in Dog Placement additional insight into determining the best match for each individual dog.

We are all appreciative of the commitment by the puppy raisers to the special dog that they have raised. We want to ensure that each career change dog transitioned into our temporary care is valued, nurtured and continually learning new skills while on campus and awaiting their adoptive home.

Breeder's Digest for November 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:20:00 +0000

Litter Announcements
Labrador Retrievers

Golden Retrievers

11/9/12 Amador x Tarragon – 1 male, 6 females – litter letter “A”

New Breeders
Labrador Retrievers

Denim – raised in CA
Syrah – raised in CA
Tisha – raised in CA

Golden Retrievers

Amici – raised in CA

Breeder's Digest for October 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:13:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever - Golden Retriever Cross

10/15/12 Medford x Tessie – 5 males, 4 females – litter letter “L”

Golden Retrievers

10/14/12 Tom x Devine – 3 males, 4 females – litter letter “K”

New Breeders

Labrador Retrievers

Calgary – raised in CA
Jaymin – raised in CA
Mona – raised in CO
Patrina – raised in CA
Toby – raised in CO

Golden Retrievers

Auberge – raised in CA

Vancouver Puppy Club Hosts Guide Dog Day

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:52:00 +0000

By Jim Price

Hundreds of visitors, many of them grinning children, turned out for a grand day of dogs in downtown Vancouver, Wash., on a recent Saturday in January. (Pictured above: Guide dog puppy Granola meets some young admirers.) Children were invited to read to a guide dog, watch training demonstrations, and color guide dog scenes. In addition to learning all about guide dogs, they got to experience Vancouver's newest library, a $38-million, five-story, state-of-the-art facility.

Dubbed "Puppy to Guide Dog," the climax of the event saw seven new puppies meet their puppy raisers at the third-floor Early Learning Center. "It was a lot of fun," said Mike Githens, accounting manager of the library district, who also happens to be a puppy raiser and leader of the Guiding Eyes Puppy Club. "I'm not sure exactly how many people turned out, but it was a lot more than I expected," he smiled. "People flowed in and out all day from the time we started at 11:00." On hand were a number of puppies-in-training, along with their raisers answering questions the entire time.

Outside at the curb visitors got to take a tour of the GDB puppy truck, which was packed with baby puppies on their way to various cities in the west. For more than three hours wide-eyed children pulled parents to and from puppy raisers and their dogs to the bus, and back again. "How fun," quipped one young mother of two. "Maybe we could raise one some day kids, what do you think?" She got a unanimous shout of approval.

Community Field Rep Deana Allen said, "Things went really well. We are always looking for more puppy raisers and this seemed like a good way to promote that. I'm really grateful to the Guiding Eyes Club for all their work putting the event together."

Puppy presenters at the event included Vancouver City Councilman Larry Smith; Vancouver Library District Executive Director Nancy Tessman; GDB board member Ruth Ann Dodson; and GDB alumnus Jake Koch with his guide dog, Angelina, who together are frequent volunteers for GDB and the Vancouver club. He is on the staff at the Washington School for the Blind.

Happy Ending for Book Hounds Club Member

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

By Angela Orr
GDB Development Associate

Bobi Earp didn’t just join the Portland Book Hounds club in 2011 because she loved books. She joined to learn about dogs. Bobi had never had a dog of her own but thought joining a group of individuals who were connected to Guide Dogs for the Blind would be the best way to introduce her to them. The group had a great mix of guides and adopted career change dogs for which Bobi could meet and learn from. For a year, Bobi attended monthly book club meetings and for a year she educated herself about what it would be like to have a guide dog of her own. Then she made the big decision to enroll in Guide Dog training. The book club was thrilled with Bobi’s decision and even threw her a puppy shower before she left for school.

In December 2012, Bobi began her training on GDB's Oregon campus. She was paired with Izzy, a 50-pound 2 year-old yellow Lab. After her first week, Bobi wrote to her book club friends and shared how things were going:

“This week we went to Walmart - that was just incredible, with all the people talking about the beautiful dogs. I have never been so on stage. Before, I didn’t know folks even looked at me, but now when they do, and I don’t know it, they say something about my beautiful dog. Saturday I was in tears as we went to Clackamas Town center to ride the escalators. It is so amazing to go through a mall and not get hit by displays or pedestrians. Then we did a trail walk and I lost it, as I have not been able to walk a trail since I went blind. I don’t even have words for the huge gift that the dog and its training is. Izzy lays on my lap for ear cleaning and teeth brushing - amazing! It has all been a whirlwind of emotions, and you have no idea the vastness of the gift of the guide dog. I just want to thank you and all the Book Hounds for all the acceptance and encouragement.”

On December 15th, 2012, Bobi and Izzy walked across the Oregon campus stage for their graduation. In attendance were Bobi’s family, Izzy’s raisers, and of course the Book Hound gang. Bobi still attends book club but now she’s not alone. Izzy s right there with her and they are one heck of a team.

GDB Holiday Luncheon Keynote Address by Jake Olson

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:22:00 +0000

GDB recently held our 36th annual Festive Holiday Luncheon at the Westin St. Francis hotel on Union Square in San Francisco - it was such a wonderful way to usher in the holidays! More than 700 people turned out to enjoy a lovely wine reception, three-course lunch, and a program that featured everything from a guidework demonstration to a puppy delivery. All of our guests enjoyed the puppy love, and left feeling very inspired, thanks to our keynote speaker, Jake Olson with his guide dog Quebec. Jake's speech was so well-received (he brought the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation), that we thought we'd share his remarks with you here. Jake is introduced by the event emcee, CBS-5 News Anchor Ken Bastida. Enjoy - and happy holidays from all of us here at Guide Dogs for the Blind!

Breeder's Digest for September 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever-Golden Retriever Crosses

9/13/12 Denzel x Jingle – 3 males, 6 females – litter letter “N”

Golden Retrievers

New Breeders

Golden Retrievers

Guinevere – raised in OR

Responding to Sandy

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:12:00 +0000

GDB career change-turned Northwest Disaster Search Dog, Luau, and her handler Sue Bonney (pictured above) have been deployed to help with the crisis caused by Hurricane Sandy. Sue reports that Luau has taken to Search and Rescue like a pro and has found her niche in life. "I can see her smiling while in training!" Sue said. Luau is a 42 pound ball of yellow Labrador energy and this is the team's first deployment. Sue is a member of her local GDB puppy raising group, Guide Puppies of Seattle, and is currently raising a pup named Sparky.

Luau is in good company. Another GDB career change dog, Lani, with her handler John Stewart, is also a search and rescue dog with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Lani and John, from Sarasota Springs, Calif., are also currently at a staging area in Long Island, readying equipment and discussing potential search strategies so they can respond as efficiently as possible. If deployed, their job will be to find people trapped in structures destroyed during the massive storms.

Kudos to these amazing GDB career change dogs and their handlers!

Breeder's Digest for August 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:31:00 +0000

Litter Announcements

Labrador Retrievers

Golden Retrievers

8/27/12 Amador x Leigh – 4 males, 3 females – litter letter “H”

Labrador-Golden Retriever Crosses

8/2/12 Norbert x Monet – 3 males, 4 females – litter letter “T”

New Breeders

Labrador Retrievers

Patience – raised in AZ
Pierre – raised in UT