Alumni News
– Summer 2012
Volume 19, Number 2
Theresa Stern, (formerly Duncan) editor
Send submissions to the editor via tape, phone, mail or e-mail tstern@guidedogs.com
Alumni Association Mission Statement
Th e Alumni Association will support the vision of GDB of “using our power of partnering to improve quality of life” by building a strong sustainable community of support among our alumni. We will work to support alumni success with their guide, in building relationships with others, and actively participating in the greater GDB community.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Mission Statement
Connecting Our Community through Leadership, Advocacy, Communication and
Outreach
We'd like to send our very special thanks to all of our alumni who, by their efforts or their example, refer others to our program.
Alumni News is available electronically, in Braille, and on audio CD. If you are able to access email and would like future issues sent to you electronically, please let Theresa Stern know at tstern@guidedogs.com
. Email allows us to get the news to you in a timely manner and is easy on the environment!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. From Your Alumni Association
Announcing the GDB Golden Harness Society, by Jen
McEachen
Traveling Internationally with Your Guide Dog, a Canadian
Perspective: by Penny Hartin
GDB Anniversary Alaskan Cruise Adventures: by Judy
Mathews
Sharing a Special Email: by Theresa Stern
2. Veterinary Financial Assistance Program News
Direct Billing Update: by Brian Francis
1800Petmeds Discount Program: by Malinda Carlson
3. Development Spotlight
A Letter from GDB Grad Bruce Gilmour: by Bruce Gilmour
4. Alumni Bulletin Board
5. In Memoriam, In Memory, In Tribute
6. Gift Shop News: by Michele McNew

FROM YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Announcing the GDB Golden Harness Society
By: Jen McEachen
As a member of the GDB Alumni Association Board of Directors and Chair of the
Outreach Committee, I’m pleased to announce an exciting new program being offered to all GDB alumni who no longer can safely work with a guide dog. The
Golden Harness Society has been formed to provide an opportunity for such individuals to stay connected with the GDB family!
Starting in July 2012, the Golden Harness Society will be offering:

Recognition of your years of partnership with your guide dogs in Alumni
News

A letter from the Chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors recognizing your years of GDB partnership

A Golden Harness Society keychain as a keepsake

Assistance with finding a GDB Alumni Chapter that fits your lifestyle and /or location, so you can stay connected with the GDB family
 An invitation to be a part of the GDB Speaker’s Bureau
The Alumni Association Board of Directors feel all alumni no longer eligible to work a guide should have an opportunity, regardless of circumstance, to stay connected with the community as a whole. We are all members of the GDB family, and family shall stick together, especially experienced alumni who have a dedication to the mission of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
If you have any questions, please contact Theresa Stern, GDB Alumni
Association Director at 800-295-4050 or tstern@guidedogs.com
.
Traveling Internationally with Your Guide Dog a Canadian Perspective
By Penny Hartin and “Oliana”
The purpose of this article is to provide information about travelling internationally with a guide dog from my own personal perspective and experience. “Oliana” is my first guide dog and I have now been working with her for approximately six years. When I made the decision to acquire a guide dog, I clearly knew that I wanted to travel with her as much as possible and practical and so my travel expectations were taken into consideration by the matching team at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Her physical size, as a fairly small Labrador retriever, together with her outgoing nature, resilience, initiative and patience have all been excellent characteristics and are traits that I would look for in another dog that I expected to accompany me on international travel.

I am Canadian and therefore most of the references and resources I have provided are Canadian sources. Similar resources and references can be found in the United States or other government departments.
The vast majority of my travel is work related as I am CEO for an international organization of the blind that takes me to various parts of the world. During our time together so far,
“Oliana” has been to various parts of the United States, many European countries, the United Kingdom and some Caribbean Islands. I estimate that she has been on more than 50 flights with me, with flights to
Europe normally demanding overnight travel and often requiring a total travel time of over fifteen hours.
There are also many places that I have travelled to and where I do not take
“Oliana”. I established early on two very basic and simple rules that have been very helpful to me in making the decision whether or not to take her. These rules are: if I cannot drink the water from the tap, then she doesn’t get to go, as I feel that she can pick up any water borne disease that I can get and may be more vulnerable than I would be; and if I would need an armed body guard to accom pany us when I need to take her out for relief at night, then she doesn’t get to go. There are other factors that I also take into consideration when making that decision whether or not to take her. Some of these factors are: the complexity of trip – for example, one recent trip required visits to Japan and
Australia with my airline routing taking me also to Singapore, Thailand and
China. While I could technically have taken her into each of these countries, all had their own requirements and it was simply too complex. The complexity of cultural issues sometimes make travel with a guide dog difficult. Some cultures and religions do not readily accept guide dogs (or dogs are primarily used as guard or attack dogs). Sometimes I simply will not be away long enough to justify the withdrawal of food and water. The guideline that I have used is that I need to be settled at my destination for at least four days before I need to begin to withdraw food or water for the return trip. So if I will only be at my destination for a few days, then I don’t believe it is fair or healthy for her because of the need to withdraw food and water with a very short lapse in between. To me, my dog’s welfare must come first. I have found that these simple guidelines paired with a healthy dose of common sense will make the decision the right one.
Advance planning is extremely important when taking a guide dog outside the country. There is a certain amount of research that needs to be done; sometimes there are tests or vaccinations; reports need to be validated by the appropriate government authority, and so it is important to begin the planning early. As guide dog users, we must remember that guide dog requirements for entering a country are often the same as for other dogs. And there is not that much consistency among countries – requirements can vary widely, although they are now very consistent in Europe. The best source to start with is the
Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-

animals/exports/pets/eng/1321265624789/1321281361100 . They have requirements for many countries; you can download the required certificates of health and find the nearest CFIA office for validation. If you are unable to find information about the particular country on the CFIA website, then the country embassy or consulate is a good source. I have often called on them for information and have generally found the staff to be very helpful.
When travelling to most countries, an international health certificate is required.
This must be completed by the local veterinarian and then submitted to the
Canada Food Inspection Agency for validation. Many countries have their own certificates. For Europe, a common certificate can be used. The European Union also issues Pet Passports. The Pet Passport contains all of the dog’s immunization history, rabies antibody blood test results, if needed, as well as other required treatment information. This can be obtained from an authorized veterinarian in a European Union country and then can be used for travelling in and out of the EU without the need for getting the travel certificates each time.
Once you have the pet passport, it is simply a matter of having CFIA validate it when the rabies vaccine is updated. The pet passport is also valid for the United
Kingdom and if obtained in the U.K. can be used for all of the U.K. and Europe. I obtained one for “Oliana” on my first visit to the U.K. and because I have travelled with her frequently to the UK and Europe, it has been a wonderful investment.
Many people wonder about travel to the United Kingdom. The good news is that this process has become much easier recently. The UK no longer requires the rabies antibody titre test or a six month wait time following this test. The rabies vaccination must be up to date; the dog must be microchipped and tapeworm treatment must be administered by a veterinarian between 1-5 days prior to entry into the UK. That means that if you are also travelling in Europe prior to entry into the UK, you must also arrange for the tapeworm treatment while there and before you enter the UK. When flying to the UK, you must ensure that you are travelling with an authorized airline on authorized route (Air Canada, British Airways are approved). You will also need to inform the Animal Reception Centre at the arrival airport in the UK that you are bringing a guide dog with you in the cabin and a veterinarian will actually board the plane when you arrive to examine your documentation. You can get additional information about travel to the UK with a guide dog from the government ministry responsible for this - DEFRA website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/#a
And here is contact information for the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow
Airport. I have found their staff to be very helpful. The veterinarian I have communicated with is Elizabeth Shickle, and her email address is: liz.shickle@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
. I will normally send her an email several weeks before my travel to let her know I am travelling to the UK, my detailed flight information and a scanned copy of the medical information (either the pet passport relevant pages or the international health certificate). Another useful

resource is called “Dogs Away” – a resource for access in the UK and Europe.
Here is the URL: http://www.dogsaway.co.uk/
I have already mentioned the benefits of the pet passport to travelling in Europe.
Even without the pet passport, I have found travelling in Europe with a guide dog to be quite easy. The international health certificate can also work fine, but is only valid for a few months. The documentation is generally only checked at your first entry point to Europe and after that, as with people, there is pretty unrestricted access. When travelling to the United States, you do not require the international health certificate nor do you need validation from the Canada Food Inspection
Agency. The basic health certificate that your local veterinarian can generate is all you need. And to be honest, I have never been asked for it, but it is best to have it since the authorities can ask for it.
Travel to the Caribbean can be quite tricky. Each Caribbean country has their own rules: some allow guide dogs; some do not; some have very bizarre rules.
So you will need to check the situation for each Caribbean country separately as there is unfortunately no consistency. In addition, you do need to be careful about stray dogs as dogs are often used to guard homes and so the use of guide dogs has not yet become an accepted part of the culture in many parts of the
Caribbean. There is however, much more use of guide dogs in several Latin
American countries including Mexico, several Central and South American countries and so access is reasonably good. Once again, the rules differ and so access requirements need to be checked. Guide dogs are accepted in several
Asian countries as well as Australia and New Zealand. Several of these countries do require the rabies blood tests six months in advance of the travel and so it is important to check ahead so that there is sufficient time for the preparation.
Please also note that it is now Air Canada policy that they will provide an additional seat for service animals that weigh more than 50 pounds (and most of our dogs do). This is not readily known by the reservations staff nor can you request it when you book online. Once you have booked your ticket, simply telephone the Air Canada Medical Desk and they will make the arrangements for you. The telephone number for the Air Canada Medical desk is: 1-800-667 4732 and their email address is: acmedical@aircanada.ca
. (More tips on air travel will appear in the next Alumni News)
So, why do I travel with my guide dog, given the challenges? Well it is essentially for the same reasons we all choose to use guide dogs: they are great company; they give us a sense of security; they learn routes really well; they remember hotels, meeting spaces etc.; they help break down barriers and ease communication with strangers.

Bearing all of this in mind, there are three final factors in the decision: 1) is it safe for the dog? 2) Will it be comfortable for both of us? 3) Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
I do hope that this information and perspectives from my own experience travelling internationally with a guide dog have been helpful.
GDB Anniversary Alaskan Cruise Adventures by Judy Mathews
On May 15th, just a couple of weeks before GDB’s 70th anniversary, 15 guide dogs and 24 people embarked on an adventure that will live in our memories for years to come. For most of us, it was either our first cruise, or the first time taking our guide dogs on a cruise. The anticipation was almost palpable as we waited for the day we had been so anxiously looking forward to for months. The important thing was that we were all there, ready to write an exciting chapter in our lives, and in the history of GDB.
The first night was, shall we say, a bit chaotic, as was to be expected. Not only was the ship delayed, but getting all of our group together for the ship tour and life boat drills was challenging at best, though of course it all came together in the end. Those who had cruised before at least had a clue of what awaited them, but, us newbies, weren’t even sure quite what to expect. We found ourselves on this very large ship that was literally a floating city! We were all in the same boat in more ways than one, all trying desperately to figure out how to get to our rooms, the relieving area, our master station safety drills, and of course, make it in time for dinner. “it was all new, and it was all good.”, remarked one member of our group, I’m sure all would agree that it was not always smooth sailing, especially that first night. Some might even say it was at times a humbling experience. However, we all got through the rough spots and enjoyed the ride in spite of them, learning a thing or two in the process.
In the next five days, we all enjoyed ourselves to the fullest, taking advantage of ship board activities and amenities, being treated like royalty by the fabulous crew of the Star Princess. One graduate observed that he was going to miss that feeling of equality, of being treated like a person, not a blind person. We found that people were always so eager to help in any way they could, but that’s how they treated all passengers. If any of you have considered going on a cruise but have some reservations about how you would get this or that accomplished, let me reassure you that help was never far. Finding ourselves a bit turned around on the ship was a common occurrence, but most passengers who were sighted found themselves in the very same predicament, even on the last day. A little planning and preparation can go a long way. One very resourceful grad took notes on the layout of each deck ahead of time, and brought Braille index cards with these notes. This very same grad made Braille cards with each of our names so we could tape them on the outside of our cabin door. How thoughtful

was that! She not only shared her planning and organizational skills with us, but also her talent. She and her husband both competed and were finalists in the pop star karaoke competition.
Members of our group went to shows and concerts, sang in the choir, participated in bingo, were pampered at the ship's spa, shopped till they dropped, played slot machines at the casino, and even took part in the champagne waterfall! One grad celebrated his birthday onboard, and his wife took him to dinner at the Italian restaurant. Speaking of eating, I think it’s safe to say that most of us ate way too much, but isn't that to be expected?
Our group members participated in a wide variety of excursions, highlights included: holding the husky puppies, panning for gold, tandem kayaking, petting reindeer, the crab shell stacking competition, feeding eagles, handling the different kinds of fish and releasing them back into the water.
This is what having guide dogs is all about, venturing out and doing things we might not ordinarily be comfortable doing, but trying them anyway, being successful, and having a blast. Our dogs make it so much easier and more fun.
They give us that extra little push or motivation we need to step out and just do it.
Someone mentioned that this experience was almost like a GDB class, with practical application of skills--she called it GDB 2.1. Many of our group members mentioned how nice it was to connect and hang out with other GDB grads. The group experience was amazing, and I believe we all bonded in some way. During this cruise, many of us experienced new things. We educated crew and passengers alike. As one graduate so eloquently put it, "a lot has been achieved.
We have left a legacy for every employee on this boat. We're a group of people with guide dogs, just carrying on with life. As a group and as individuals, we need to take a bow." And let's not forget our absolutely fabulous guides, who took all this in stride. One graduate reflected on how we were working our dogs on the ship as though it were the most normal thing in the world, but how it was certainly not normal, it was unbelievable! They expertly guided us as they were trained, even after being taken out of their comfort zone. Some of them made it very clear what they thought about going in the box, but everyone managed. It was nice to see the dogs romping together and having a good time. They give us the gift of their loyalty and companionship every day, and it was nice to give something back to them, some well-deserved time off having fun with new friends.
Two very special members of our group from Dimensions in Travel, Andi and
Suzanne, deserve a special thank you. They were so helpful in planning this cruise, along with Diana and Gale, answering everyone's questions, diligently working behind the scenes to set up all the preliminary details. There was so much we didn’t have to think about thanks to them! During the cruise, Andi and
Suzanne were amazing.

Our five days at sea went by like a whirlwind, way too fast, but I know I can speak for the entire group when I say that it was an unforgettable experience.
One graduate even mentioned that this trip helped him reconnect with himself, away from personal distractions. I have done my best to capture memorable aspects of our time together, but I know there is so much more to tell, so stay tuned. I’m thinking there may be opportunities to hear more from the GDB alumni cruising crew in the not too distant future, maybe via a speakers series teleconference. Speaking of the future, I know that many of us will be cruising again, hopefully sooner rather than later. I sure hope to see some more of you on another GDB alumni cruising adventure!
Sharing A Special Email…
By Theresa Stern, Alumni Association Director
In my work here at Guide Dogs I receive numerous emails every day. I love to hear from all of you, what you’re up to, answer your questions, change your email address, whatever it is, it’s just nice to feel connected. Well the other day in between an email asking me to change a grad’s phone number and one asking how to access the Alumni Only section of the website, I had a very special email. This email reminded me that our partnerships with are dogs are not only a benefit to us, but to so many. Please read the email I have copied below, I hope it makes your day just like it made mine.
Hi,
My little angel with fur and I did something very special for someone today. I had a phone call this morning from a friend who works in a chronic care hospital. She told me that one of their patients in palliative care wanted to see a golden retriever. This was her last request because she wasn't expected to live much more than a few days. There was no golden retriever available so the closest thing to a golden was a lab. As I had done pet therapy several years ago with
“Braden” at that hospital my friend took a chance that I might be home and might be available. Fortunately, we were.
My friend picked us up within the hour and we went to visit this special lady.
“Bria” put her two paws up on the side of the bed and gave the lady lots of kisses. The lady was able to open her eyes long enough to pat her and give Bria a cookie. The lady's daughter was beside herself with joy and she and the social worker took lots of pictures.
They told us we were both angels for doing what we did. “Bria” and I were both so happy to be able to provide such a special gift. We will never forget it.
Chris Pelletier and “Bria”

VETRINARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NEWS
Direct Billing Update
BY: Brian Francis, Director of Admissions and Graduate Services
As you know, GDB will reimburse graduates for authorized veterinary expenses through the Veterinary Financial Assistance program. GDB allows direct billing from the veterinarian in cases where graduates do not have the means to pay veterinary costs up front. Previously, graduates have been required to request approval from Guide Dogs to have their veterinarian direct bill Guide Dogs. In an effort to streamline the VFA process, this direct billing approval requirement has been lifted.
Your veterinarian needs to be comfortable with direct billing and if you wish to use this process you should confirm their agreement to direct bill.
Direct billing does not change the reimbursement available through the VFA. The annual wellness examination can be billed up to a maximum of $250.00 and the cost of heartworm and flea medication will also be reimbursed up to a maximum of $250.00. Should you request financial assistance for any other veterinary treatment, please continue to contact the VFA coordinator at Guide Dogs to obtain an Approval Number at 1 800 295 4050 Ext. 5545.
Also, I am pleased to report that a revised and simplified Reimbursement Form is now available on the GDB website. Here’s wishing you and your Guide good health!
1800petmeds.com Discount
By: Malinda Carlson, Field Service Manager
Guide Dogs has established a discount through: http://www.1800petmeds.com/guidedogs for our friends and graduates to use.
This is a special website address that if used will prove a 15% discount automatically. (If you use the general website or the toll free number for 1800 Pet
Meds you will not be able to access the discount.)
There is no direct billing to GDB so this program is for those of you who are able to access a computer and have the ability to charge the costs on your personal credit cards.
If you purchase your preventatives from your local vet and use G
DB’s
“Veterinary Financial Assistance program”
If you are not able to use 1800 Pet Meds, please ask your vet for a discount on your flea and heartworm preventative. If you use GDB’s “Veterinary Financial
Assistance program”, let your vet know that GDB will reimburse up to $250 for a full year’s worth of both preventatives. GDB recommends buying a full year’s supply all at once if possible. Please pay your vet and send a copy of the receipt along with a reimbursement form from your binder to GDB and we will send you

a check. We aim for a 4 week turnaround. If your vet directly bills GDB they can send the bill to us.
Heartworm preventative continues to be a prescription item .
When using http://www.1800petmeds.com/guidedogs you will fill in your address and payment information. (They will show you the discount prior to paying.)
Each time you enter a product they will ask you if you want another product that they’ve suggested – just hit the “no thank you” box. At the very end they will ask you to type in the name of your veterinarian. Often the vet’s information will pop up or you may have to enter their name, address and phone/fax. Petmeds will then contact your vet and ask them to send a prescription. Out of courtesy it is ideal to let your vet know that you are using this discount program and to expect the prescription request.
Heartworm blood tests
Your veterinarian may require a heartworm blood test before prescribing heartworm prevention medications. This test should be done during your annual wellness exam. Please inquire during your dog’s annual wellness exam to make sure the blood test is up to date in case you need to order heartworm preventative in the next 12 months.
Using on-line program versus buying from your local veterinarian
It is not unusual for your local vet to encourage you to purchase your medications through them. Because of the choices now available for Heartworm, Flea or a combo of both preventatives, your vet may be willing to match the 1800PetMeds price. In this case go on to http://www.1800petmeds.com/guidedogs and see what the discounted prices are for the products your vet sells. Then you can ask your vet to match that price. A few vets are charging to write and fax prescriptions. Often a request to use GDB’s veterinary funds wisely is enough for your vet to waive the fee. If your vet is going to charge a fee for the prescription you will need to cover that cost yourself.
Questions: Contact your field manager or Graduate Services.
DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT
A Letter from GDB Grad, Bruce Gilmour
By: Bruce A. Gilmour and “Aurora”
Hello to my fellow GDB Alumni,
This spring is the anniversary of my graduation with my fourth guide dog from
Guide Dogs for the Blind. My good memories of classmates and my first class experience in Boring was brought to life because a good friend was graduating with his re-train dog this past April. One of my memories that continues to live fresh as if it was yesterday was the actual graduation day itself. It is this memory

I would like to share through an invitation and a suggestion in how I have started to give back to Guide Dogs for the blind in a different manner than through my commitment to my dog. I wanted to do something in recognition of the work the staff put their hearts into and how our four pawed companions give their heart and soul to our lives.
During the formal portion of the graduation, I was captivated by the acknowledgement of the effort that local groups and organizations in the Boring area had put forth in terms of fund raising. It was not the amounts of the financial contributions that compelled me, but the intent of their hard work, time, and sense of purpose to support a very important cause. Seemingly, mothers, fathers, children and community leaders carrying on with daily lives in the Boring area, had been inspired through their experience in guide dogs, to assist the mission of Guide Dogs for the blind.
I returned home and when I was aware of yet another friend going for his re-train dog, my class graduation came back to me in full! I got to thinking about those boys and girls and community clubs and what they meant in contributions to the lives of blind and visually impaired people and the enhancement of life through a guide dog partner. Why not me I asked of myself. How could I do the same as these young boys, girls, mothers, fathers, and community partners?
I contacted Guide Dogs for the Blind Graduate Services and Fund Development and started a dialogue. This is lead to my sponsoring the cost of two guide dog harnesses that were issued to the friends I have mentioned. Together with
Graduate Services, this experience has stimulated the discussion in how many other ways a graduate can possibly give back through a financial contribution to the cost of a guide dog (harness, grooming kit, rain coat and sleeping mat). This communication is provided as an invitation to participate in this dialogue. Our commitment to our guide dogs healthy and active living through work and when at play, are the best we can do in sustaining the mission of Guide Dogs for the
Blind. If, however, the circumstances and opportunity presents themselves to share the load in much the same way I was inspired by those young boys and girls, their Mums and Dads and other community leaders, I invite you into the expansion of partnerships and the dialogue.
ALUMNI BULLETIN BOARD
GDB grad Elena Thomason with guide
“Tahoe” has been working as the
Statewide Planning Committee Chairman for Mutt Strut 2012. Mutt Strut 2012 is the 2nd annual fundraising event for the California Council of the Blind. The event will be held in three locations throughout California on Saturday,
September 8, 2012. One event will be in Sacramento, one in San Francisco and another in Pasadena. "I invite all of you to get involved and support this event," Elena says. "You can raise funds, and walk your dog. You can invite friends to join you as you do not need a dog to participate." For more information or to obtain registration forms please contact Elena at (916) 735-7838 or e-mail

her at elenathomason@surewest.net
and check out the website at: www@ccbnet.org/muttstrut Tahoe was top fundraising dog in 2011 having raised
$1,300. She is planning to work very hard and top that amount this year. .
Look who’s behind the wheel! GDB Grad Gail Riddell of Penticton BC with Guide
Dog “Branson” got an amazing birthday present – the opportunity to drive a car!
Her friend hired a driving instructor to give her a chance to be in the driver’s seat!
Happy Birthday Gail!
GDB Grad, David Collins of Corona, CA called to say that he and “Kayla” will be on the episode of The Price is Right airing October 26. They were on stage and everything, and apparently the producers were very excited to have a guide dog team in attendance. The producers told David they could not remember having a person with a visual impairment on the show before. According to David,
“Kayla” had a blast and was “smiling” for the cameras the whole time.
GDB Grad Philip DiMeo just finished a memoir, you can check it out at I am at: http//:www.philipdimeo.com
“Lira” the Amazing Pet Therapy Dog is a Guide Dogs for the Blind career change dog. She does amazing work at Tacoma General and Mary Bridge Children's
Hospital in Tacoma Washington. You can experience the great work she does at http://voiceonfire.com/ Just hit Pet Therapy Blog at the top. There is also audio available at the top of each story. Sally Blake puppy raised Lira for GDB and volunteer records the Guide Dog News. We appreciate all you do Sally!
IN MEMORIAM, IN MEMORY, IN TRIBUTE (4/1/12 – 6/28/12)
Editor’s note: If you wish to have your dog mentioned in the In Memory or In
Tribute columns please contact Theresa Stern or a member of Graduate
Services. Due to the personal nature of this information this column is not automatically generated.
Retraction: In the Spring edition of Alumni News it was stated that GDB Alumna
Alex Bradstreet had passed away, I am very happy to report that the information given to GDB regarding this was incorrect and that Alex is alive and well. Please also note that Guide Dog “Paza” was mistakenly entered in the In Memory section rather than the In Tribut e section, “Paza” has been added to the “In
Tribute” section below. Please accept our apologies for any confusion this may have caused.
IN MEMORIAM
– Remembering GDB Alumni who have passed away
Mr. Gerry Hinn of Seattle, WA with male Yellow Lab Guide Dog “Morgan”
(OR205 - 6/18/11)
Mr. Allan Patchett of Lake Stevens, WA with male Golden Retriever Guide
“Hartz”, (OR62 – 3/01)
Mr. Glen Enriquez of Hend erson, NV with male Yellow Lab Guide “Miles”, (CA

693
– 4/09)
Mr. James McLain of San Diego, CA with male yellow Labrador Retriever guide “Damian”. (CA 679 – 11/07)
IN MEMORY – Remembering Guide Dogs who have passed away
“Adonis”, male Golden Retriever Guide for Mary Badinger of Chalmette
LA (OR63 - 5/5/01)
“Aldo”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Bill Scott of Coos Bay, OR (CA 650- 6/2/01)
“Allegra”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Patricia Homan of Gaithersburg, MD (CA
638 -10/10/03)
“Anya”, female Black Lab Guide for Melissa Hudson of Los Angeles, CA (CA639-
11/2003)
“Arlin”, male Black Lab Guide for Sarah Outwater of North Andover, MA (OR53
- 7/1/00)
“Ascot”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Carol Kinneer of San Diego, CA (OR 39 –
5/8/99)
“Atlantic”, female Black/tan German Shepherd Guide for Michael Griffin of
Sullivan, ME (604R - 5/20/00)
“Bronco”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Wesley Johnson of Anacortes, WA (CA
636, 8/03)
“Calypso”, male Yellow Lab for Wendy Whiteker of Fostoria, OH (CA 645 –
6/19/04)
“Cassius”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Gilbert Chief of Scanterbury, MB (CA 617 –
9/1/01)
“Cobina”, female Black Lab Guide for Gerald Maccoux of Saint Joseph, M
(OR112 - 6/4/05)
“Cosmic”, male Black Lab Guide for Wendy Wind of Nanaimo, BC (CA 599-
11/6/99)
“Cypress”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Katherine Epstein of Wilsonville, OR
(OR97-2/28/2004)
“Dutton”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Terry Christensen of Bensalem PA
(OR65R-6/30/01)
“Echo”, female Black Lab Guide for Tracey Carcioni of Teanick, NJ (CA567 –
3/1/97)
“Endora”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Lynette Frison of Dartmouth, NS (CA 628
– 10/5/02)
“Fox’, male Black Lab Guide for Raymond Rovey of Nederland, CO (OR90-
7/26/03)
“French”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Lynda Boose of Houghton, MI (OR 52 –
6/3/00)
“Gomer”, male Yellow Lab Guide for George Davis of Spokane, WA (OR 70 –
11/17/01)
“Harris”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Rebecca Bridges of Arlington, VA (CA 615 –
6/23/01)

“Hepburn”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Rebecca Welz of Concord, CA (CA597-
9/11/99)
“Houdini”, male Golden Retriever Guide for Collin Van Uchelen of Vancouver, BC
(OR64 -6/2/01)
“Jazlyn” female Yellow Lab Guide for Ms. LaRee Brosseau of La Center, WA.
(OR 59 – 12/16/00)
“Jessa”, female Black Lab Guide for Trenia Meacham of Grove City, OH (CA618-
10/6/01)
“Jimbo”, male Black Lab Guide for James Griffith of Columbus, OH (CA640 –
12/13/03)
“Kahuna”, male Black Lab Guide for Terry McKee of Talladega, AL (OR68R-
9/22/01)
“Keats”, male Golden Retriever Guide for Phyllis Buckshaw of Parma, OH
(CA639R-11/8/03)
“Kessler”, male Golden Retriever Guide for Doris Jarchow of Seaside, OR(OR94-
11/15/03)
“Kobe”, male Black Lab Guide for Mrs. Barbara Pade of Dayton, OH (OR 101 –
6/04)
“Lacey”, female Black Lab Guide for Clark Roberts of Bellevue, WA (CA 589 -
12/5/98)
“Leslie”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Rebekah Brod of Santa Monica, CA (CA
596 - 8/14/99)
“Libbie”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Michelle Creedy of Chilliwack, BC (OR 22
– 11/8/97)
“Magda”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Roxann Keys of Modesto, CA (639R-
11/8/03)
“Merle” AKA “Marley”, female Yellow Lab / Golden Cross Guide for Juliet Cody of
Escondido, CA (CA 615 – 6/23/01)
“Nieman”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Jeff Neidich of Yuba City, CA (CA618-
10/6/01)
“Night”, male Black Lab / Golden Cross Guide for Debra Turner of Abilene, TX
(CA 609 -11/11/00)
“Pioneer”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Karla Piper of Grandville, MI (CA 630 –
12/14/02)
“Romain”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Sandra Arthur of Toronto, ON (CA 696 –
8/14/99)
“Roosevelt”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Patty Yarman of Mt. Vernon, OH
(CA596-8/99)
“Scotch”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Mitchell Pomerantz of Pasadena, CA (CA
601
– 2/5/00)
“Yahama”, male Black Lab Guide for Robert Brown of Yuma, AZ (OR132 –
2/10/07)

IN TRIBUTE
– Honoring Guide Dogs who have retired
“Atlantis”, male Black Lab Guide for Mark Maslany of Trexlertown, PA (CA 625 –
6/22/02)
“Becker”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Jose Nieves of Hawthorne, CA (OR119-
12/17/05)
“Biff”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Heather Cooke of Santa Rosa, CA (660-
12/17/05)
“Buccaneer”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Ralph Haney of Enid, OK (OR74R-
4/6/02)
“Damian”, male Yellow Lab Guide for James McLain of San Diego, CA (CA 679
– 11/10/07)
“Dilbert”, male Sable German Shepherd Guide for Sharon Zenger of Salt Lake
City, UT (OR126-7/29/06)
“Dior”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Marsha Bork of Scottsdale, AZ (OR91 -
8/16/03)
“Elsie”, female Black Lab Guide for Elizabeth Allred of Englewood, CO (OR170-
1/16/10)
“Gilbert”, male Black Lab / Golden Cross Guide for Samantha Adams of Gold
River, CA (CA636R-7/26/03)
“Glider”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Joyce McGuire of Lexington, KY (CA 618 –
9/9/01)
“Glory”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Gayle Clauson of Costa Mesa, CA (667R-
9/2/06)
“Greer “, female Yellow Lab Guide for Kathleen DeLeon of San Diego, CA
OR151R-8/23/08)
“Griffin”, male Black Lab Guide for Martin Collicott of Orleans, ON (CA653-
4/16/05)
“Hesper”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Gina McGaughey of Alameda, CA
(CA639D -10/30/03)
“Jade”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Beatrice Tumath of Newark, CA (CA619-
11/10/01)
“Laura”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Karen Strudwick of Bellevue, WA (OR 67 –
8/25/01)
“Logan”, male Yellow Lab/Golden Cross Guide for Lynette Kersey of San Jose,
CA(OR 179
– 5/22/10)
“Loran”, female Yellow Lab Golden Cross Guide for Andrew Malarski of Hayward
CA (CA624-5/18/02)
“Marv”, male Black Lab Guide for Barbara Anderson of Fairfield, CA (CA692-
3/7/09)
“McKenna”, Golden Retriever Guide for Ron Pelletier of Montreal, QC (CA648R-
9/2004)
“Miguel”, male Yellow Lab / Golden Cross for Sarah Clark of Beverley Hills, Ca
(CA 624 – 5/18/02)
“Mikado”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Loretta Kroyer of Huntley, IL (609-
11/11/00)
“Morgan”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Gerry Hinn of Seattle, WA (OR205-6/18/11)

“Motown”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Kevin Branting of Minneapolis, MN (694R-
5/16/09)
“Packer”, male Golden Retriever Guide for Vince Silas of Salt Lake City, UT
(OR131-12/16/06)
“Pasha”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Kathleen Kennedy of Edmond, OK (CA
635 – 6/21/03)
“Paza”, female Yellow Lab Guide for Suzanne Wilson of Lowell, MA (OR 102
November 2004)
““Quentin”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Valerie Sandler of Huntersville, NC (623R-
4/13/02)
“Tama”, female Black Lab Guide for Jeri Pitcher of Holland MI (OR 135 – 5/5/07)
“Tanner”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Sandra DeBruyn of Port Coquitlam, BC
(OR128W-9/9/06)
“Telly”, male Yellow Lab Guide for Clarence Schadegg of Richfield, MN (OR 103
– 8/21/04)
“Tennessee”, male Yellow Lab Golden Cross Guide for Sherry DeFrancesco of
Grand Forks, ND (OR95-12/19/03)
“Tuesday”, female Black Lab Golden Cross Guide for Wayne Heidle of La Habra,
CA (OR112-6/4/05)
GIFT SHOP NEWS
Summer Selections that Sizzle from the GDB Gift Shop!
By: Michelle McNew, CCP Operations Specialist
Listed below are new items that have arrived in the gift shop recently:
Paw Print Photo Frame $12.00 - Display your favorite GDB memory in this silver keepsake photo frame. Frame is embossed with raised puppy paws, and imprinted with the GDB logo. Vertical opening holds a 4x6 photo.
Onesie “ Future Guide Dog Lover” $13.00 - Let your little tyke show his support for GDB early! This 4.1-ounce, 100% combed cotton Onesie features rib knit lap shoulders, cuffs and leg openings, and a three-snap bottom closure. The imprint on the front reads “Future Guide Dog Lover” with an arrow pointing upward. Available in White (printing color: Green).
Men’s “Harnessing Love“ Tee $15.00 - Enjoy the casual comfort of this classic short-sleeved Hanes tagless T-shirt. Made of 100% cotton, the front of the shirt is screen printed with the GDB logo on the left chest, and the back reads:
“Harnessing Love” in print and in raised Braille. Available in Fatigue Green
(printing color: Beige).
Women’s “Harnessing Love” Vee Tee $15.00 - Enjoy the casual comfort of this short-sleeved, lightweight Hanes Comfort Soft T-shirt. Made of 100% cotton, the front of the shirt is screen printed with the GDB logo on the left chest, and the back reads: “Harnessing Love” in print and in raised Braille. Available in Deep
Red (printing color: Silver).

Youth “Priceless” Tee $15.00 - Enjoy the casual comfort of this classic shortsleeved Hanes tagless T-shirt. Made of 100% cotton, the front of the shirt is screen printed with the GDB logo on the left chest, and the back reads: “Food
Bowl: $7 - Dog Toys: $25 - Comfy Bed: $50 - dog hair included - Love on a
Leash: Priceless.” Available in Chocolate Brown (printing color: Beige).
Upcoming items :
Camelbak Water Bottle: Stainless steel coffee mug with lid: Womens “harnessing love” tee in green: Womens vee tee with front logo only in black: 2013 calendars:
Holiday Cards: Ornaments
Just a reminder – we do carry the Victor Reader Stream Digital Talking Book
Player $300.00
All orders are subject to applicable tax and shipping fees. You can order Gift
Shop merchandise online at store.guidedogs.com or call 800-295-4050 or 415-
492-4151 and our volunteers will take your order by telephone.
Please check our website periodically for new merchandise updates. Don’t forget when you order online, type in discount code “ALUMNI” for a one time discount of 15% off your online order. Not available for phone orders. Coupon expires
January 31, 2013.
GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
P.O. BOX 151200
SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915
(415) 499-4000
32901 SE KELSO ROAD
BORING, OR 97009
(503) 668-2100
(800) 295-4050 www.guidedogs.com
Please notify AGS if you have changed your address, phone or e-mail
AGS e-mail address: igraduate@guidedogs.com
2012 Alumni Association Board Meetings:
March 10, 2012, June 9, 2012, Sept 2012 TBD, Dec 1, 2012

Alumni Association Board of Directors
Officers
Jeffrey Senge / Fodi
Board Chair
San Clemente, CA
714-337-0065 (Mobile) jsenge@guidedogs.com
Judy Mathews / Sachet
Vice Chair
Orlando, FL
407/ 963-8677 (Mobile) jmathews@guidedogs.com
Samantha Adams / Lotto
Secretary
Gold River, CA 95670
916-903-7065 sadams@guidedogs.com
Members at Large
Becky Andrews / Cricket
Nominating Committee Chair
Bountiful, UT
801/259-3883 (Mobile) bandrews@guidedogs.com
Terry Christensen / Zane
Bensalem, PA
(267) 568- 2195 (Mobile) tchristensen@guidedogs.com
Martin Courcelles / Laton
East York, OT
(416) 659-6314 (Mobile) mcourcelles@guidedogs.com
Melissa Hudson / Awaiting New Guide
Los Angeles, CA
(626) 429-6883 (Mobile) mhudson@guidedogs.com

Keith Kramlinger / McQueen
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 280-9881 (Home) kkramlinger@guidedogs.com
Michelle Miller / Tango
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-.664-0369 (Home) mmiller@guidedogs.com
Jennifer McEachen / Aiken
Outreach Committee Chair
Prince George, BC
250-962-0008 (Home)
250-962-6441 (Mobile) jmceachen@guidedogs.com
George Kerscher / Mikey
GDB Board of Directors Representative
Missoula, MT
406-549-4687 (Mobile) gkerscher@guidedogs.com