Guide Dog News
2015, Issue #3
COVER PHOTO
Marissa Tejada and a golden retriever during puppy play time at Camp GDB.
INSIDE
 Fun Day Recap: Get caught up on the activities and photos from Fun Day, GDB’s annual salute to
our volunteer puppy raisers. This year’s theme was “Travelin’ Tails.”
 New Licensees: GDB has three new licensed guide dog mobility instructors! Congratulations to Katie
Anderson, Adam Silverman, and Kelsey Matheron.
 Donor Profile: Meet Frans and Fred Simson, puppy raising volunteers extraordinaire and President’s
Circle members, who are champions of GDB in their community.
Making It All Click
In June, GDB hosted our 4th International Clicker Training Conference at our California campus. Our 18 guest
guide dog mobility instructors, representing eight guide dog schools from across the globe, spent five days
learning how GDB has incorporated positive reinforcement and Clicker training into our guide dog training
methods. “I wish to express my appreciation to your organization for your willingness to share information
and, in doing so, help to raise the quality of training and services available to clients who are blind and
visually impaired worldwide,” wrote attendee Christie Bane. Kudos to GDB’s Director of Research and
Development Michele Pouliot, as well as GDB guide dog mobility instructors and conference faculty members
Todd Jurek, Lori Brown, Jessica Drew, and Candace Tuomikoski for representing GDB in such an excellent
fashion!
In Remembrance
Our condolences to the family and loved ones of actor and GDB supporter Dick Van Patten who passed away
in June. Mr. Van Patten was the co-founder of Natural Balance Pet Foods. In tandem with the Petco
Foundation, Mr. Van Patten organized National Guide Dog month to directly benefit many non-profit,
accredited guide dog schools in the U.S., including GDB. We remember and honor Dick Van Patten’s
contributions to our mission, and are grateful for Natural Balance Pet Foods continued partnership.
GREETINGS FROM THE CEO
Greetings,
I am in high spirits as the summer draws to a close as so many wonderful things have happened at GDB over
the past few months. I realize a common thread is the powerful role that young people play in helping us fulfill
our mission. All of our volunteer puppy raisers are wonderful, of course, but it is particularly amazing to see
the enthusiasm and positivity that our youth puppy raisers bring to their efforts. I am proud to say our legion of
FFA raisers continues to grow and flourish—with the latest group thriving in San Antonio, Texas. We are so
grateful for all our young puppy raisers do to help our dogs on their journey from puppy to guide or other
meaningful role.
It is also rewarding to see and hear how much our young raisers gain from their involvement with our
organization: confidence, purpose, communication skills, and so much more. Nowhere is this more evident
than in the submissions we received for our annual Puppy Raising scholarships. You can learn more about
this year’s winners on page 5.
The promise of youth was also front and center at Camp GDB earlier this summer. The campers, who are
blind and visually impaired, ranged in age from 14-17 and came from several different states to spend two
days on our California campus exploring the guide dog lifestyle. Read more about it on page 9—it certainly
was a very memorable experience for all of us!
Wishing you all the best,
Christine Benninger
President and CEO
Pictured: Chris Benninger, President and CEO surrounded by puppy raisers getting their new pups at the
California Campus Fun Day.
Travelin’ Tails
In July, GDB hosted our 57th annual Fun Day celebrations on both of our campuses. With the theme of
“Travelin’ Tails,” this year’s educational activities centered around real-life travel scenarios, like going through
airport security checkpoints, riding a bus, or dining at a cafe. Fun Day is an event to celebrate the efforts of
our puppy raising volunteers, who come with their pups from far and wide to participate. Most importantly, it is
an opportunity for us to personally thank and recognize the dedication, hard work, and love that the puppy
raisers contribute toward fulfilling our mission. Thank you puppy raisers for all that you do!
Pictured: Various people, pups, and activities at Fun Day. For more photos of the festivities, please visit our
online gallery at flickr.com/photos/guidedogsfortheblind.
Puppy Raising Scholarship Recipients
Annually, GDB awards scholarships to puppy raisers in their senior year of high school who have outstanding
scholastic achievement and volunteer experience within GDB and their communities. Thanks to the
generosity of the Nancy Bloyer Memorial Fund, Greg and Kathy Harwell, and Steve and Kathie Jenkins, we
were pleased to award $10,000 in scholarship funds. Congratulations to the following puppy raisers on their
accomplishments!
Nancy Bloyer Memorial Fund Scholarships
 $2,000 – Laura Marchi ($1,000 scholarship, $500 Outstanding Essay Award & $500 Outstanding
Creative Award)
 $1,000 – Jaclyn Bigley
 $1,000 – Hailey Elias
 $1,000 – Gina Phillipsen
Harwell Family Scholarship
$1,000 – Kylie Peterson
Jenkins Scholarship
$1,000 – Christina Marcelli
GDB Scholarships
 $1,000 – Megan Irving
 $500 – Mikaela Haglund
 $500 - Delphine Medeiros


$500 – Ian Miller (Outstanding Essay Award)
$500 – Sam Nelson (Outstanding Essay Award)
For complete bios and winning essays/creative projects, please visit our blog, No Bones About It, at
guidedogs.blogspot.com.
Board Profile
Joan Boyd’s deep commitment to volunteerism, a love of dogs, and a personal connection to vision loss fuels
her passion for Guide Dogs for the Blind. That passion is on display virtually everywhere you turn at GDB.
Since she first started volunteering in 1997, Joan has been engaged with GDB in a wide variety of roles:
Puppy Tester, Chair of the Canine Heroes Auction, Board member, Festive Holiday Luncheon Committee
member, Legacy Society member, former Chair of the Betty Krahl Spirit of Volunteerism Committee, and
airport driver. Joan, who lives in Napa, draws on her marketing and volunteer experience for each of these
roles. “Being on campus each week, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with staff, visitors, and
other volunteers. Additionally, I served as President of the Junior League of San Francisco, a 2,500 member
women’s organization which has provided me with a great foundation in Board work as well as working with
volunteers.”
Joan also feels a special connection to GDB’s mission having two parents who grappled with vision loss. “My
mom, now 95 years young, was patient #3 in the Genentech clinical trial for Lucentis, a medication injected
into the eye to slow the progress of wet macular degeneration. Now, 11 years after beginning the study, it has
been a sight-saver for her.” This experience makes the work she experiences at GDB all the more
meaningful.
“Probably the most rewarding aspect of being affiliated with GDB is seeing the difference these guide dogs
can make in the life of a visually impaired client. The bond that is created between a human and animal is
amazing.” It also makes her wish that people knew more about GDB. She notes, “I wish that people knew that
our services are provided entirely free to our clients and that you don’t have to be totally blind to receive our
services. And, I wish that people knew we are funded entirely through donations.”
When Joan isn’t busy supporting GDB, she is running a 22-acre vineyard and winery in the Napa Valley and
pursuing hobbies such as golf, wine tasting, bicycling, reading, and crossword puzzles. She adds, “I enjoy
tending to my roses, I have 130 rose bushes! But there is never enough time to do everything!” GDB is
blessed to be the beneficiary of so much of her time, love, and attention!
Staff Profile
A class of GDB students a few years ago compiled a list of qualities they felt were essential for a successful
guide dog mobility instructor. Their list included: An easygoing nature; tenacity and commitment in the face of
challenges; use of genuine, kind words; thoughtfulness in their instruction; a blend of analytical approach
meshed with creativity; refinement and intelligence, and a personality that is comfortable for all to be around.
At GDB, we believe all of our instructors possess those traits, perhaps due in no small part to the leaders of
their ranks who embody those characteristics.
Meet Susan Armstrong and Kristin Lucas, GDB’s Vice Presidents of Training Operations on the Oregon and
California campuses respectfully. This duo is responsible for all operations related to training GDB’s dogs and
clients. They oversee the staffing, supervision, and training of personnel in the Training and Nursing
Departments in their individual locations, and share responsibility of the same within the Client Services
Department. In addition, Kristin oversees GDB’s Apprentice Training Program, while Susan manages GDB’s
Dormitory Services and the Research and Development Department. Both women are licensed guide dog
mobility instructors, and both hold masters degrees in orientation and mobility. Combined, they have nearly
40 years of experience at GDB.
“The people that I have the opportunity to meet are the best part of this job,” said Susan. “From my
colleagues, to clients, to puppy raisers, to donors—everyone that touches this organization is amazing. Our
clients have taught me so much—much more than I’ve taught them.” Kristin agrees. “The best thing about
working at GDB is the ability to have meaningful relationships with so many diverse people and dogs,” she
said. “I have always had a love of dogs and a love of teaching. The Training Department at GDB is the perfect
melding of the two.”
Susan lives in Portland with her partner and a pet Border Collie. In her spare time, she is a sports enthusiast,
an avid poker player, and loves photography and traveling, which makes her role as an assessor for the
International Guide Dog Federation all the more exciting. Kristin lives in Petaluma, Calif., with her partner, and
a pet Vizsla and new pet kitten. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and loves to cook for friends and family.
Alumni Profile
Pam Boyle has been the recipient of three guide dogs from GDB, and she can still vividly recall the first time
picking up the harness handle. “It was nothing short of amazing,” she said. Pam has retinitis pigmentosa, a
degenerative disease of the retinas causing tunnel vision and night blindness. “I am totally blind at night and
was concerned about my first night route,” she said. “But my guide dog Kit and I stepped off the bus, and all
my fears melted away. That was a moment I will never forget.”
Pam knew she was ready to apply for a guide dog when her vision began deteriorating. “I did my research
before picking GDB—as soon as I called, I could tell that GDB was organized and efficient,” she said. “The
atmosphere at GDB is so special. The staff has a way of making everyone feel so comfortable and confident.
At the end of each day I had to laugh at myself for having any fear because I had done it! And I realized that I
had no limitations.”
Pam’s current guide dog is Desta, whom she calls Desta the Besta. “During our four years together, we have
traveled to Phoenix, New York, Boston, Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans several times,” Pam said. “When
her paws hit the ground in any city, she is the most amazing and consistent guide. Other dogs on the street?
She never looks their way. Cats crossing our path? Forget about it! Horses, cows, chickens, roosters,
squirrels? She laughs in the face of distraction. She is a conversation starter, an ice breaker, and my best
friend! When I am with Desta I am never afraid. She is the light of my life.”
Pam is the assistant director at the Morgan Street Dance Studio in Broussard, La. She grew up in New
Orleans and currently resides in Lafayette, La. with her husband Adrian (they have three sons and two
grandchildren). In her spare time, Pam enjoys tandem cycling, gardening, and traveling—New York and
Ireland are her two favorite places to visit.
“Before I was given the gift of a guide dog, I had stopped going shopping alone and traveling places with
friends,” Pam said. “A month after I returned from GDB with my first guide Kit, I was in New Orleans with
family and friends. On a walk, Kit and I were flying along, leading the pack! One of my kids called from behind
asking us to slow down—it was music to my ears! Now I can travel to places alone with Desta and know that I
will be safe. A world of independence has opened up for me that was not possible before a guide dog came
into my life.”
New Licensees
Congratulations to GDB’s newest licensed guide dog mobility instructors
Katie Anderson grew up in Portland, Ore., and was a GDB puppy raiser for many years. She has a degree in
biology from George Fox University, and has worked at the Oregon Zoo, Sea Life Park in Hawaii, and the
Miami Seaquarium prior to coming to GDB. “The favorite part of my job,” Katie said, “is the diversity that it has
to offer. I love meeting and working with the people and the dogs.”
Adam Silverman hails from West Hartford, Conn. and has a degree in Psychology from the University of
Connecticut. He worked with a variety of animals prior to coming to GDB, including wolves and exotic cats.
“Getting to see the progress that our clients make with their new guide dogs” is the most fulfilling aspect of his
job, Adam said.
Kelsey Matheron is originally from Vacaville, Calif., and was a GDB puppy raiser as a teenager. She holds
bachelor and master degrees in music education and teaching from Westminster Choir College of Rider
University in Princeton, New Jersey. “I love that this job allows me to be involved in all aspects of the guide
dog team,” she said, “from dog training, to working with clients in class, and visiting teams in their home
environment.”
Happy Campers
Camp GDB was a huge success! The campers, who are blind and visually impaired, ranged in age from 1417 and came from several different states. Over the course of the two-day camp, they had the opportunity to
explore the companionship, independence, and responsibility of the guide dog mobility lifestyle. They
received hands-on guide dog instruction, with an emphasis on understanding the specific orientation and
mobility skills required to be a successful guide dog handler. There were also lots of social activities, including
playing with puppies, as well as time to bond with new friends.
Pictured: Luke Harriman was with a guide dog under the supervision of apprentice guide dog mobility
instructor Calone Nathaniel.
Happenings
Dogs with Hearts of Gold
The Sierra Nevada Friends Committee of Guide Dogs for the Blind held its fifth champagne brunch fundraiser,
“Dogs with Hearts of Gold,” in Reno, Nev. in June, raising nearly $26,000 for GDB. Keynote speaker David
Cooper moved and inspired the guests with tales about his adventures in New York City with his guide dog
Parnelli, and everyone got plenty of puppy love from the many guide dog pups in attendance.
High on the Hog
The Epic Roasthouse in San Francisco held its 2nd annual “High on the Hog” event in June (pictured, right).
In addition to the fabulous food, wine, and brews, more than 400 guests danced to the Henry Cooper Band
(including a rendition of “Mustang Sally” by Epic Roasthouse’s Managing Partner Pete Sittnick), and enjoyed
a hilarious watermelon-eating contest. GDB alumni, puppy raisers, and their pooches got in on the fun as
well. The event raised $10,000 to benefit GDB.
Tee Off for Dogs
Thank you to GDB grad Frank Frand and his now-retired guide dog Cardinal for hosting yet another fun and
successful Tee Off for Dogs event last April in Irvine, Calif. (pictured, left). Highlights of the tournament
included contest holes such as “Be My Guide” (blindfolded), and “Faster than a Guide Dog” (timed). A portion
of the tournament’s proceeds benefited GDB. We are so grateful to Frank for his support, and congratulate
him on his recent graduation with his new guide dog, Putnam.
Save the Date
 Oregon Fall Luncheon: Friday, November 6, 2015, Portland, OR
 Festive Holiday Luncheon: Thursday, December 3, 2015, San Francisco, CA
Visit guidedogs.com/events for more information.
President’s Circle Profile
Frans and Fred Simson got involved with GDB after a chance encounter with a guide dog puppy on the
streets of Los Angeles near their home. The beautiful yellow Labrador sporting his green jacket prompted
them to ask lots of questions of the pup’s raiser. They were so impressed that “when we returned home, we
hopped right on the computer and learned all about the wonderful things the organization does for the visually
impaired,” Frans said. That was more than 15 years ago; the Simsons are now puppy raisers themselves.
They are currently raising their 9th puppy, yellow Lab Keanu.
Puppy raising is at the heart of why the Simsons support GDB. “We have loved each of our puppies, and
continue to stay in touch with many of their partners,” Frans said.
In addition to puppy raising, the Simsons speak on behalf of GDB to all sorts of organizations. “We’ve done
presentations to Rotary and Lions Clubs, and in many school classrooms. We have also been fortunate to
present before various governmental organizations—the TSA, the IRS, and several other bureaus.” One of
the pups they raised, Jax, a career changed black Lab, is now an official GDB Ambassador Dog. “Since he
helps us with all of our speaking engagements,” Frans said, “we prefer to give him the title of Puppy in
Training, Emeritus!”
The Simsons are also enthusiastically involved in GDB fundraising efforts. They especially enjoyed supporting
the capital campaign a few years back to build the student residence facility on our California campus. A
plaque in memory of their late son proudly hangs in Room 101.
“When life is abundant, it behooves us to give back to our community,” Fred said. “To that end, we have
always volunteered in one way or another. It is easy to say that our association with Guide Dogs for the Blind
has been the most rewarding of these volunteer endeavors. It’s not just the puppy raising, it’s the fundraising
and the many fun events in which we have had the pleasure to participate as well.”
Thank you, Frans and Fred, for your generosity and continued support of Guide Dogs for the Blind!
Create a Gift of a Lifetime
Please consider a gift to Guide Dogs for the Blind in your estate plans. We appreciate the support and
recognize this important planning through membership in our Legacy Society. Our popular charitable gift
annuity program offers benefits beyond supporting the future of GDB by providing you tax incentives and
guaranteed income for your life.
For more information on estate planning or a detailed no-obligation charitable gift annuity illustration, please
return the coupon below, visit guidedogs.com/plannedgiving, or call our planned giving team at 800.295.4050
ext: 2289 (Sue) or ext: 4073 (Joan).
You Can Make a Difference
Send a donation today
 Please use our mailing address for donations: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 17068, Baltimore,
MD 21297-0334. You can also donate online: guidedogs.com.
 Eliminate checks and postage
Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation.
 Make an Honor or Memorial gift
Pay tribute to a friend, relative or pet; we will send cards of celebration or sympathy in your name.
 Create a Legacy in your estate
Name GDB in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of your annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or
retirement plan. We honor such commitments with membership in our Legacy Society.

Designate your gift
Designate your donation to go toward a specific GDB program. Contact us for more info.
Guide Dogs for the Blind will occasionally share donor information with like-minded nonprofit organizations in
an effort to better fulfill our mission and serve our clients. If you do not wish to have your information shared,
please call us at the phone number below, or email us at donations@guidedogs.com.
For more info, please contact our Development Department at (800) 295-4050 extension 4160.