Guide Dog News
2014, Issue #2
COVER PHOTO
A young yellow Lab puppy frolics amidst colorful toys in the puppy play yard on GDB’s California campus.
INSIDE
 Board Profile: Meet Ruth Ann Dodson, and learn why GDB is close to her heart. Ruth Ann has been a
Board member since 2008.
 Hitting a Home Run: San Francisco Giants Shortstop Brandon Crawford meets his guide dog puppy
namesake, black Lab Crawford.
 Happenings: Did you know that Comedienne Joan Rivers is a GDB supporter and will be a guest of
honor at our Canine Heroes Auction in September? Join us!
IN TRIBUTE
“The Guide Dog Lady,” Norah Hamilton Straus, passed away in March in Santa Barbara at 99 years young.
Norah served on the GDB Board of Directors from 1958 to 1982, and was Board Chair from 1962 to 1977. In
addition, she tirelessly traveled around the country with our instructors and dogs in the 1960s in order to help
raise national awareness about our program.
She enlisted the help of many celebrities who were her friends: Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Claire Booth
Luce, and George Shearing, just to name a few. She effortlessly raised money for GDB and is credited with
planting the seeds that grew to become our current operating reserve. One time, a well-known philanthropist
gave Norah $1 million for GDB, so impressed was he with her passion. When GDB created our major gifts
recognition program, it was appropriately named after her: The Norah Hamilton Straus Major Donors’ Circle.
At one time she was married to U.S. Army General Pierpont M. Hamilton. Her ties to the military affirmed her
ardent support of wounded veterans; since GDB was founded to serve veterans blinded in World War II, our
history and mission were a natural fit for Norah’s efforts.
Norah never wavered in her beliefs, staying focused and persistent until she achieved her goal. Her
reputation at GDB was that she could be tough and demanding, but was ultimately very well respected for her
love of, and commitment to, the cause. She was and will always be a Guide Dogs for the Blind legend. Norah
is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, King Straus, and her beloved dog, KoKoMo.
GREETINGS FROM THE CEO
Dear Friends,
I am so thrilled to be part of this great organization. I have long believed in the power of the human-animal
bond, but have been simply amazed to see it manifested in so many ways during my first months at GDB.
One of my favorite aspects of my new role has been the opportunity to share meals with students on campus.
It has been wonderful to meet the incredible people who come through our doors and learn about their paths
to GDB and through life. It also has been amazing to witness how a relationship between a guide and his/her
handler progress from the first day they meet to a week later when a strong bond is already evident.
As part of my onboarding process, I have been spending time with staff from across the organization. People
bring a broad array of experiences and expertise to bear—we have a veterinary chaplain and a former seal
and dolphin trainer, just to name a few. Despite this diversity, this group is absolutely unified in their
commitment to our mission. It has been particularly impressive to see our instructors in action. They have the
unique ability to work equally well with people and dogs. They create a calm and supportive environment that
is ideal for adult learning, while also marrying intuition and expertise to ensure our incredible dogs will keep
our graduates out of harm’s way.
Finally, I want to take a moment to thank the larger community that helps make our work possible. I thank you
all for your ongoing generosity of spirit, time, and resources. Warm regards,
Christine Benninger, President and CEO
BOARD PROFILE
Ruth Ann Dodson’s passions in retirement are her family—especially her three grandchildren—but also, world
travel, long walks, and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Her travels have taken her from Portland to Machu Picchu
and many places in between. Thankfully, her travels also include frequent trips to GDB events and Board
meetings. Ruth Ann has been a key member of GDB’s Board of Directors since 2008. She brings a wealth of
experience as an educator and from serving on numerous non-profit boards including the Oregon Children’s
Foundation (SMART reading program), Oregon State University, and the Gales Creek Camp for Children with
Diabetes. She shares, “I think my experience in non-profits and education give me a useful perspective as a
Board member. Because I live in the Portland, Ore., area and have a home in Sonoma, Calif., I also get a
unique perspective of the two GDB campuses.”
Ruth Ann has loved dogs since she was she was a girl and her family had a Golden Retriever, named Sandy,
as a pet. Ruth Ann and her husband, Mark, have had three dogs since they have been married and their
favorite was a yellow Lab named Cooper. She also has a long-standing interest in guide dogs. She says, “I
remember reading Follow My Leader—it’s a classic from 40 or 50 years ago. When I read it, it really impacted
me. When I was a 4th grade school teacher, I read that with my class each year. It’s all about the powerful
connection between humans and dogs.”
The belief in that connection was one of the things that drew Ruth Ann to GDB and has fueled her passion for
the organization over time. Asked what is the most rewarding part of being affiliated with GDB, Ruth Ann
responds, “My favorite part has been having the chance to get to know teams in training, especially when
you’ve watched the dog being raised as a puppy. It’s great to have lunch with students and, of course, I love
the graduations. I truly enjoy working with our amazing grads that serve on the GDB Board.” She continues,
“There just isn’t a better place to have a team trained. Our instructors are the best and our grads are
incredible people. And I am simply in awe of the partnership created between our students and our dogs!”
As their terms come to an end, our sincerest thanks and appreciation go to Morgan Watkins and Debra
Gershen for their years of service on GDB’s board of directors.
SURGERY ON THE CUTTING EDGE
A new pilot program is under way at GDB thanks to Portland veterinarian Tim McCarthy and the Storz
Company, makers of endoscopy equipment. Dr. McCarthy has a goal to educate as many people as he can
on minimally invasive surgery techniques. He secured a donation of equipment for GDB, and has trained our
staff to use the new endoscopic machine to perform laparoscopic spays.
“The dogs and their people appreciate how quickly the dogs can resume their normal routines after this
minimally invasive surgery,” said GDB’s Dr. Patti Van De Coevering. “There are many techniques, treatments,
and diagnostics we can envision using this equipment for in the future.”
Pictured: GDB veterinarian Dr. Gummer with Dr. McCarthy and the new Storz endoscopy unit.
PARTNERS AT WORK
 Thanks to VCA clinics in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest for supporting Guide Dogs for
the Blind’s fundraising efforts. Thanks to you and your customers for your generosity. We look
forward to continuing our partnership with you!

In March, more than 50 JiffyLube locations in Arizona conducted an in-store promotion to benefit
GDB puppy raising in the state. For a $3 donation, customers received a paw print certificate to
display in the stores. The month-long campaign raised more than $20,000. The promotion was
spearheaded by JiffyLube franchise owner and GDB supporter Bob Bove. Thank you Bob for your
continued support!
CRAWFORD, MEET CRAWFORD
GDB is thrilled to team up with the SF Giants and their amazing shortstop, Brandon Crawford, to help raise
awareness about our mission. Recently, Brandon got the chance to meet his namesake, black Lab guide dog
puppy Crawford, prior to a home game at AT&T Park. Crawford is being raised by the Mesches family in
Modesto, Calif., who are, of course, huge Giants fans. How’s that for a winning combination? Go Giants!
Pictured: Shortstop Brandon Crawford holding black Lab guide dog pup Crawford.
ALUMNI UPDATES
 GDB graduate and professional downhill skier Danelle Umstead took home a bronze medal in the
super combined event at the Sochi Paralympic Games with her husband Rob as her ski guide (yellow
Lab Aziza is her guide off the slopes). She had the opportunity to visit the White House and speak
with President Obama following the games. “Our visit to The White House was amazing,” Danelle
said. “The President shakes my hand, touches the medal, and says ‘Congratulations, you did it
again!’... What? I’m honored he remembered from four years ago!” (Danelle also took home the
bronze for the same event at the Vancouver games.)

Nancy Shugart with her guide dog Porsche recently spoke at a TEDx program at Texas Tech
University. Her speech, entitled, “Be the One to Make it Happen,” shares her personal story in which
she accomplishes her dream of becoming a school teacher despite being told it was impossible. Not
only did she go on to teach for 21 years, she also became an award-winning author, successful
business owner, recognized community volunteer, and even received five appointments from two
Texas Governors. You can find her speech on the Tedx YouTube channel.

Sean Mealin, a computer science PhD candidate at North Carolina State University, has been chosen
to receive a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. His
research is focused on using computers to enhance communication between humans and dogs, with
a focus on working dogs such as guide dogs. His guide is yellow Lab Simba.

Melissa Hudson and her black Lab guide dog Camry are featured in a documentary video produced
by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences/The Oscars called “There’s Not Much To See—
How Blind People Enjoy Movies.” You can find a link to the piece on the Academy’s YouTube
channel, Academy Originals.
GRAD PROFILE
Artist Sharon McConnell Dickerson is an acclaimed sculptor and painter whose work is featured in exhibitions
and art collections all over the world. She became involved with sculpture at the age of 27 after a diagnosis of
Uveitis, a degenerative eye disease. “Sculpture is the vehicle in which I access a lost sense,” she said.
She and her black Lab guide, Avatar, live in Como, Miss., — less than an hour from Memphis, Tenn. The
area is rich in the musical heritage of the blues, which has been the inspiration for a collection of Sharon’s
sculptures known as “A Cast of Blues.” In this body of work, Sharon has completed life casts (plaster castings
of a person’s face/head) of nearly sixty legendary blues musicians, including Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter,
Charlie Musselwhite, and more. “A life cast is like a 3D photograph to someone who is blind,” Sharon said. “It
captures flesh, muscle, bone, hair, and the subtle expression of emotion.”
For the project, her first guide dog, black Lab Bella, was by her side. “Bella’s love and long service gave me
new mobility and independence that changed and enriched my life,” Sharon said. “She led me all over the
country and was always at my side during this entire blues journey and beyond.”
Indeed, while she and Bella were living in New Mexico, Bella was attacked by a loose dog, which prompted
Sharon to lobby for a change in the law. “Bella’s Bill,” as it’s known, makes it a misdemeanor in New Mexico
for owners whose unleashed animals interfere with or injure guide or service dogs.
Sharon’s adventures continue with Avatar. “In 2013, Avatar, following in the paw prints of Bella, guided me
through my first art exhibition in France,” she said. “Fifteen years prior, Bella led me throughout many of the
same places to study art. I told Avatar to halt on one of the bridges in Paris and I released some of Bella’s
ashes into the Seine. Such a full life would not be possible without the assistance of these special guides, the
generous supporters of Guide Dogs for the Blind, and its dedicated staff.”
Sharon is now creating a book titled, “A Cast of Blues: Images and the Stories Behind the Masks.” Once
published, a portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to GDB. You can learn more about Sharon and
her work at mcconnelldickersonart.com.
Pictured: Sharon and Avatar on the Pont Royale Bridge in Paris.
HAVE YOU VISITED OUR WEBSITE LATELY?
We’ve been evolving our website to better reflect GDB’s updated visual identity, provide a better user
experience, and deliver even more rich content for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check it out at
guidedogs.com!
GO TEAM GDB!
More than 30 cyclists came together in May to ride as TEAM GDB in the American Diabetes Association’s
Tour de Cure event in Napa Valley. The team, comprised of GDB staff, alumni, puppy raisers, volunteers, and
supporters, raised more than $20,000 for the cause. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness both
in the United States as well as in GDB’s alumni population.
“We ride because we are proud to do our part to stop diabetes,” said Paolo Pompanin, TEAM GDB captain
and guide dog mobility instructor. “We are committed to ride each year and raise money not just because
26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, but because we personally know many of them, and want to do
something about it.”
One such person is GDB Support Center Generalist Ken Altenburger, who lost his sight to the disease and
has subsequently been paired with two guide dogs (his current guide is yellow Lab Bristol). As a tandem
cyclist member of TEAM GDB, Ken has very personal reasons for participating in the ride.
“I celebrated 50 years of life by riding 50 miles,” he said. “This is my 40th year as an insulin-dependent
diabetic. I have suffered the three major side effects of diabetes: blindness, heart disease, and kidney
disease. My message is simple: always strive for your best and never give up hope.”
Pictured:
 Cyclists and supporters of team gdb
 Tandem riders Jane Flower and Pat Richardson
 Ken Altenburger with other team gdb cyclists.
STAFF PROFILE
Jenn Ceia always knew she wanted to work with dogs, but not many people come into contact with the place
they’re going to work at such a young age. “I got involved with GDB when I was in middle school and my mom
signed us up as a puppy raising family,” said Jenn. She went on to raise four guide dog puppies: Towser,
Nevada, Remington, and Captain.
Jenn started at GDB in the fall of 2002 as a canine welfare technician (CWT) in the Training Department. She
went on to become an apprentice and earned her guide dog mobility instructor license in 2007. In her current
role as the CWT supervisor on our California campus, she leads a team of fifteen staff as well as volunteers.
“CWTs are integral not only to the wellbeing and training of the dogs in our care, but also play a big role in
creating a positive learning environment for our clients and other constituents,” she said. Some of the many
things for which her team is responsible include: bathing and grooming dogs; monitoring dogs recovering from
surgery; teaching dogs to tolerate being handled or examined; training dogs for specific behaviors; student
transportation to/from class; teaching our students ways to interact with their new dogs (which helps
accelerate the bonding process), and staffing overnight shifts in our student residence.
“There are many things about working here that make me proud to be a part of GDB’s mission, particularly
our commitment to maximizing positive reinforcement techniques with our dogs at every phase of their lives,”
Jenn said. “It is this dedication to innovation and continual improvement that continues to set us apart. Since
I’ve started with GDB I have never stopped learning, which is very fulfilling to me. I love finding new ways to
improve our customer experience, whether a customer is a client or potential client, a puppy raiser, a donor,
or a colleague. And of course I love, love, love working with our amazing dogs.”
Pictured: Jenn Ceia today, and when she was a puppy raiser (inset).
HAPPENINGS
LABS LIVE AT ANDREI’S IV
In March, nearly 140 southern California GDB supporters turned out for the “Labs Live at Andrei’s IV” event
hosted by GDB’s Orange County Friends Committee. Held at Andrei’s restaurant in Irvine, guests were
treated to dog demonstrations, a puppy delivery, a scrumptious lunch, and a moving keynote speech by GDB
grad Keith Christian with his guide dog Whitney. The event raised more than $36,000 to support GDB
programs and veterinary care costs in Orange County.
Pictured: Orange County Friends Committee members Natalia Olenicoff Ostensen, Kea Meyers Duggan
(event chair), and GDB President and CEO Chris Benninger.
LEGACY LUNCHEON
A good time was had by the record-setting crowd of 200 guests at the San Francisco Bay Area Legacy
Society Luncheon held at The City Club of San Francisco in April. The afternoon’s program included a
viewing of our new video “Harnessing the Power of Partnership” featuring GDB grad Belo Cipriani and his
black Lab guide Oslo. Belo then followed the video as the luncheon’s keynote speaker.
Pictured:
 Fred George, Planned Giving Director Tom Horton, John McCarthy
 Julie Burnet, Dinah Dickson, David Spenser
PINOT & PUPS WINE GALA
Excitement was in the air as 300 guests arrived at the Portland Art Museum for the 7th annual Pinot & Pups
Wine Gala in early May. By the end of the night, more than $250,000 was raised to support programs and
services at our Oregon campus. Guests enjoyed fine wine and beer tasting during the silent auction and
reception, followed by a Pacific Northwest-inspired dinner and spirited live auction where Auctioneer John
Glines had guests in a bidding frenzy over everything from adventurous getaways to courtside seats for the
NBA playoffs. GDB graduate David Cooper with his guide Parnelli delivered a compelling keynote address,
while the members of the “Mommies with Guides” GDB Alumni Association chapter were celebrated during a
paddle raise to fund veterinary care.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Companion Sponsors—US Bank Charitable Services.
Buddy Sponsors—American Steel, Kuni BMW, OnPoint Community Credit Union, P&C Construction.
Pictured: Members of “Mommies with Guides” - Rhonda Patrick and guide dog Dempsey; Kelsey sparks and
guide dog Louanne; Tracy Boyd and guide dog Chiffon; Joy Ross and guide dog Antonia.
FORE
GDB is honored to be a beneficiary of two recent charity golf tournaments.
In April, GDB graduate Frank Frand with his guide dog Cardinal presented the 10th Annual Tee Off for Dogs
in Irvine, Calif. Puppy raisers, GDB alumni, and supporters gathered for a day of links and hi-jinks. Highlights
included the “Be My Guide” blindfolded putting contest, the “Faster Than a Guide Dog” hole challenge, and
the longest drive competition (won by GDB graduate Adelaida Ortega!).
In Northern California, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. held its 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in Napa
Valley. The weekend event included lots of golf, as well as a “Gala On the Green” with a silent auction,
dinner, and a keynote address from GDB’s Director of Outreach and Alumni Services Theresa Stern with her
guide dog Dario.
Thank you Tee Off for Dogs and Kiewit for your generosity!
SAVE THE DATE
Canine Heroes Auction
Napa Valley, CA
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Special guest of honor & speaker: GDB Supporter and Comedienne Joan Rivers!
CREATE A GIFT OF A LIFETIME
Please consider a gift to Guide Dogs for the Blind in your estate plan. To enroll in the Legacy Society, please
return the coupon below, call our planned giving team at 800.295.4050, or visit guidedogs.com/plannedgiving.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Send a donation today
 Please use our mailing address for donations: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael,
CA 94912-3950. 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. For info, contact us to receive a copy
of our “Case for Support.”
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.