Guide Dog News
2015, Issue #1
COVER PHOTO
Golden retriever breeder dog Angelou enjoying some fresh air and play time with her puppies.
INSIDE
 All About Alaska - Meet guide dog puppy Alaska, named in acknowledgment of GDB’s ongoing
relationship with Alaska Airlines.
 Leadership Giving - Announcing GDB’s President’s Circle, a new way to recognize and honor GDB’s
generous major donors.
 Puppy Preschool - Learn about the updates and new advances taking place with our early puppy
socialization program.
Meet Alaska!
In acknowledgement of Guide Dogs for the Blind’s ongoing relationship with Alaska Airlines, GDB has named
a guide dog puppy “Alaska.” Alaska, a female black Lab, is being raised in Seattle, Wash., by Kellie and Don
Reiter. GDB is very proud of our partnership with Alaska Airlines and our collective efforts to improve
independent travel and customer service for all travelers, especially those with disabilities.
“We’re honored to have a puppy named after us and proud of our partnership with Guide Dogs for Blind,” said
Alaska Airlines Director of Airport Policy & Procedures Brian Robey. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the
Alaska family and since she’ll be raised right here in our hometown, you can expect to see her at some future
Alaska Airlines events.”
“We’re thrilled GDB was able to name one of our guide dog puppies after Alaska Airlines,” said GDB
Community Field Representative Anne Tyson. “They’ve provided such wonderful customer service to GDB’s
graduates and staff over the years; we look forward to continuing this partnership and following guide dog
puppy Alaska’s journey as she grows up.”
GREETINGS FROM THE CEO
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the first issue of Guide Dog News of 2015. I hope this year holds many wonderful things for you
and your family!
April will mark my one year anniversary with Guide Dogs for the Blind. I couldn’t be more pleased and proud
to be a part of this incredible organization. I am so amazed by the commitment of our employees, our board,
our alumni, our volunteers, and our donors. Thank you for all that you do; we couldn’t possibly fulfill our
mission without you!
I would also like to extend a special thank you to our corporate and academic partners, who help us in so
many different ways. We are thankful for partners like Natural Balance and Ruffwear who help ensure our
dogs receive the high quality food and performance equipment they need to be successful. Marmot has also
been very generous in providing outerwear to keep our instructors and students safe and comfortable in
inclement weather. And, as highlighted in this issue, it has been a genuine pleasure to partner with Alaska
Airlines on initiatives that will enhance the travel experience for people of all abilities.
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the wonderful job the UC Davis team led by Dr. Danae
Wagner is doing in helping us enhance biosecurity in our kennels and vet clinics. This will ensure that our
puppies and guides in training will be safe and healthy today and long into the future.
We are grateful to all of our many partners for your contributions to our life-changing mission. We look forward
to seeing what we can achieve together!
Warm regards,
Christine Benninger, President and CEO
President’s Circle - New!
GDB is proud to announce that our generous major donors will now be recognized through the newly-formed
President’s Circle (formerly the Norah Hamilton Straus Major Donors’ Circle). Our donors’ investment in our
mission makes a profound difference in both the lives of our clients who are blind or visually impaired, and the
dogs we breed and train to partner with them.
Membership in the President’s Circle is reserved for those donors contributing $5,000 or more each year.
Membership is renewed annually (based on GDB’s fiscal year, starting on July 1 and closing June 30 of the
following year), with the following member benefits:
 Listing on the President’s Circle donor recognition walls located on both of our campuses
 Honor Roll listing in GDB’s Annual Report
 A members-only annual letter from our President and CEO updating you on the latest news at GDB
We invite you to deepen your connection to our work and see exactly what your gifts accomplish as a
member of the President’s Circle. To learn more, please visit guidedogs.com/presidentscircle.
President’s Circle giving levels and sponsorship opportunities
FRIENDS: $5,000-$9,999
$5,000—Name a Puppy
$7,500—Send Youths to Camp GDB
COMPANIONS: $10,000-$24,999
$10,000—K9 Buddy Champion
$15,000—Guide Dog Team Sponsor
PARTNERS: $25,000-$49,999
$25,000—Lifetime Team Sponsor
$35,000—Dog String Sponsor
HEROES: $50,000-$99,999
$50,000—Guide Dog Training Apprenticeship Benefactor
$75,000—Class Sponsor
SOUL MATES: $100,000+
$100,000—Critical Care Fund Sponsor
CRITICAL CARE FUND
Gifts of $5,000 or more to the Critical Care Fund will be honored with membership in the President’s
Circle and will be recognized in the respective levels listed above.
Ready, Set, Learn!
In an effort to maximize each puppy’s potential to become a guide dog, GDB is currently expanding our early
socialization program. Puppies in both our puppy nursery (ages birth to 6 weeks) and puppy kennel (6 weeks
until they are placed in puppy raising homes) have always experienced gentle handling and introductions to
novel objects, noises, and environments by our staff and volunteers, but we are now including even more
opportunities for exploration.
The nursery now boasts play yards that are restricted to our moms and their puppies to minimize the risk of
disease, while giving them a chance to stretch their legs. The yards are used for mom to enjoy an occasional
break from her duties, as well as for play time where puppies gain confidence in a new environment by having
mom nearby. The puppy kennel socialization areas now include therapeutic play equipment (fostering
balance and mobility), life-sized mannequins (for exposure to people of different heights and colorful or
outlandish attire), and multi-textured surfaces. Puppy socializing volunteers are even using food rewards as
an introduction to GDB’s positive training techniques.
With research suggesting that 35 percent of a dog’s behavioral makeup is genetic and 65 percent is attributed
to training, socialization, nutrition, and health care, GDB is committed to early socialization to ensure our pups
the best chance of success.
BOARD PROFILE
Len Almalech is a man of many interests: in addition to enjoying his retirement, he loves golfing and traveling.
Thankfully, his interests also include helping GDB succeed. Len joined the Board in September 2014 and
draws on his experience from other non-profit boards along with his deep business expertise. He was a
valued board member of the Humane Society Silicon Valley and the United Way of the Bay Area and spent
33 years with Enterprise Holdings. During his tenure with Enterprise Holdings, he developed and oversaw the
expansion of Enterprise into the Northern California market and opened the first car rental location in Northern
California in Sept 1979.
Len has enjoyed getting to know how our organization runs and the people who run it. “The most rewarding
part has been meeting many employees and seeing their incredible dedication to Guide Dogs for the Blind
and its mission,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see the amazing combination of dedication and compassion in
action.”
Len has been a huge fan of dogs throughout his life, noting “I have always been amazed by their
unconditional love and incredible intelligence.” Being part of the GDB board has only deepened these
feelings. Len shares, “I wish that more people knew the positive impact that GDB has on individuals who are
blind—it is life changing when people partner with a guide dog and utilize the talents of that dog to help them
succeed. It advances their life goals and provides an incredible social bridge.” We are very happy to have Len
on our team!
STAFF PROFILE
Cheryl Vincent has loved dogs all of her life. In fact, when she was 12 years old, her family began raising
guide dog puppies for GDB.
“We raised three puppies,” Cheryl said. “The first two graduated and the last one was career changed—
Glennis lived her life with us until she was 14.5 years old.”
Cheryl grew up in Santa Clara, Calif., and received her associate’s degree in cosmetology from San Jose City
College. After obtaining her cosmetology license, she worked at a hair salon and became involved with a local
puppy raising club, Eyes of the Future, where she later became the club leader.
Cheryl came to GDB in 1987 and began as an instructor assistant (what is known as a canine welfare
technician today). It was a new program for GDB in the late 1980s and she was the fifth to be hired. Fast
forward almost 30 years and Cheryl is now a Training Department class supervisor. “I love watching the
clients gain skills and confidence as dog handlers,” she said. “I have met many wonderful people who have
come to GDB to get their new partners.” Cheryl also oversees the apprentice instructors on GDB’s Oregon
campus. She makes sure that the apprentices are getting the education that they need and are keeping up
with the requirements set forth in GDB’s three-year apprenticeship program.
Cheryl loves being part of an organization that is innovative and seeks to improve the guide dog industry. “It is
great working with people who are so dedicated to our mission,” she said. “It all pays off in the end. One time
in class, I recall a young woman who was so shy and insecure when she came to get her first guide. By the
end of class, she had become this strong, confident person who was ready to take on the world.”
Outside of GDB, Cheryl competes in several dog sports. Her dog, Porsche, a female Bull Terrier, competes in
both agility and K9 Nose Work (scent detection). Cheryl resides in Portland, Ore., with her husband John, and
when asked what she enjoys most about coming to work every day she said, “Working with a great group of
people and dogs!”
ALUMNI UPDATES
 Pictured: GDB’s Outreach Manager Jane Flower hiking with her guide dog Anja in the Tuolumne
Grove of giant redwood trees in Yosemite National Park. “Walking independently with Anja in such a
beautiful place, I am reminded how important it is to experience nature, all the amazing sounds and
smells, and the peace and quiet. It truly rejuvenates my soul,” she said.

James Hogan, a longtime member of the Southern California Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans
Association (BVA) and a volunteer with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles
Healthcare System, has been recognized as VA’s National Male Volunteer of the Year. His guide
dog, Atticus, has volunteered alongside him as a therapy dog for VA Healthcare System patients.
James, a resident of Canyon Country, Calif., is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Larry Marcum and his guide dog, Brinkley, have been very busy the past three years in leadership
roles in Lions Clubs International. This year, Larry is District Governor of district 4-C1 in northern
California, which consists of 46 clubs with a total of 1,070 members in 12 counties. In this role, Larry
and Brinkley have logged more than 23,000 air miles, visited all 46 clubs, and attended dozens of
events, conferences, and conventions, including the international convention in Toronto.

Phillip DiMeo of Wauwatosa, Wisc., has written a book titled, “Binoculars—Masquerading as a
Sighted Person,” which includes stories about his first guide dog, Ladonna (his current guide is
Tesla). The book is available on amazon.com (shop at Amazon Smile to support GDB!).

Thilo Von Rothkirch of Vancouver, British Columbia, appears in a new documentary called, “Touching
Life,” about how he and his wife (who is also visually impaired) are raising a sighted child. Thilo’s
guide, Burbank, is featured as well. The film will air on the Canadian cable television network AMI this
year.
GRAD PROFILE
The snowfalls that have hit Boston this winter have been nothing short of historic—more than 100 inches of
snow blanketed the area, causing conditions that challenged travel and routines. But Sarah Outwater, a
California girl now living in Cambridge, Mass., has found the silver lining that comes with a little bit of the
white stuff (ok, a LOT of the white stuff!).
“It’s impossible to live around a Labrador and not laugh,” she said. When taking her guide dog Ferdinand, and
her retired guide, Kodak, for their daily walks, she says the dogs’ antics in the powdery snow always bring a
smile to her face. “If I have to be hemmed in by ridiculous amounts of frozen water, at least it’s with two of the
funniest nuts alive! All us Bostonians are grumbling and shoveling and worrying about all this snow, but
meanwhile, the boys delight in its newness and the chance to play and find fun. Once again, the Labradors
teach the best lessons: make the most of whatever comes your way.”
When it comes to navigating the frozen landscape, Sarah is glad she has Ferdinand by her side. “For a
person who is blind, traveling a route in snow is a new experience each time because everything can feel
unfamiliar. Plus, you have to take every step not knowing if you are about to hit a patch of slick ice or an
unplowed, uneven spot. It can be harrowing,” she said. “I am proud to say that Ferdinand is an awesome
snow guide. He’s a confident pair of eyes right at my side, who is making decisions on the fly, and choosing
different routes than normal to help keep us safe and get us where we need to go. When you see your guide
making decisions like that, you know he is thinking on his feet and fully understanding what it means to be a
guide dog.”
Ferdinand is Sarah’s fourth guide from GDB; she got her first guide in 2000 when she was 17. “Guide Dogs
for the Blind is simply my family,” she said. “Having the chance to get up everyday and weave my way
through crazy Boston streets, get on and off subways, get on and off planes… for somebody with sight, that
might not seem like such a challenge, but I can’t imagine doing it without this partner by my side.”
HAPPENINGS
Festive Holiday Luncheon
This past December, GDB celebrated its 38th Annual Festive Holiday Luncheon at the Westin St. Francis
Hotel Grand Ballroom in San Francisco’s Union Square. More than 600 guests joined us to celebrate GDB’s
mission and this annual holiday tradition raised more than $160,000. The event included a reception, raffle,
gift boutique, gourmet lunch, and official program. The emcee was Diane Dwyer of NBC Bay Area and the
featured speaker was GDB Board member and former puppy raiser Melissa Hudson with her guide dog
Camry. Melissa is an avid speaker and advocate of people who are blind, championing the independence that
a guide dog can provide. Blending her experience as a bilingual elementary school teacher, a project
manager for a global internet consulting firm, and the national sales manager for the Latino Speakers Bureau,
she has been profiled by multiple publications, news programs, and documentaries around the world,
including Arthritis Today, Univision Radio, Sveriges Television’s Aktuellt, and The Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences Academy Originals.
Many thanks to our corporate sponsors: Guardians—Bon Air Center, Dodge & Cox, and Natural Balance Pet
Foods, Inc. Patrons— Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, Valero Benicia Refinery, and Westamerica
Bank.
Special Thanks
GDB would like to extend a special thank you to The Westin St. Francis Hotel for featuring GDB as
one of four non-profit organizations in a 2014 holiday display in their lobby. Tourists and locals alike
flock to Union Square during the holidays to see the hotel’s famous seasonal decor—this year, a 12foot tall “St. Francis Sugar Tree” with more than 1,000 pieces of glistening candy made from pulled
and blown sugar was the centerpiece. In the spirit of the giving season, however, the display also
contained a multimedia presentation about the select charitable organizations, and donation boxes
collected contributions on our behalf.
Our deepest thanks to the staff and patrons of the Westin St. Francisco for their tremendous and
continued support.
SAVE THE DATE
Pinot & Pups Wine Auction
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Portland, OR
Dogs with Hearts of Gold V
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Reno, NV
Canine Heroes Auction
Saturday, September 26, 2015
San Francisco, CA
Visit guidedogs.com/events for more info.
New Licensee
Congratulations to GDB’s newest licensed guide dog mobility instructor
Danielle Alvarado grew up in Torrance, Calif., where she was involved with wildlife rehabilitation alongside her
mother and two siblings. She went on to attend California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and
graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.
“Since I was young, I have enjoyed working with animals,” Danielle said. “Once I grew up, I wanted to find a
job that nurtured my passion for animals and would also make a difference in the world. Working at GDB is
my dream job!” Danielle currently lives in Novato, Calif., with her 4 year-old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
named Ryder.
Planning Your Legacy?
A guide to planning your will and trust
Have you checked out our website lately to see the estate planning tools designed with you, our loyal
supporters, in mind? Features include:
 Free Wills Guide—Download a workbook that guides you through the steps when preparing an estate
plan; request a print copy by calling us at 800.295.4050 ext. 4073.
 Legacy Society Enrollment—Click “Join the Legacy Society” link to let us know GDB is included in
your estate plan.
 Gift Illustrations—Create personalized calculations showing the income and tax benefits of setting up
a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.
 Planned Giving eNewsletter—Subscribe to get the latest news on issues that can impact your
financial and estate planning.
 Sample bequest Language—Find sample language to use in your trust or will.
Visit guidedogs.com/plannedgiving
Let us know what you think and how we can help! Contact Tom Horton, thorton@guidedogs.com, or Joan
Scott, jscott@guidedogs.com.
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. 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.