Alumni News
Volume 21 – Number 2
Theresa Stern, Director of Alumni and Outreach Services, Editor
Send submissions to the editor via tape, phone, mail, or e-mail tstern@guidedogs.com
Alumni Association Mission Statement
The 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 and their
examples, 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
a. Message from Becky Andrews Alumni Association Board Chair
b. Guide Dogs and First Aid, by Maile George
2. Chapter Chat
a. Paws in the Park, by Juliet Cody
3. News from Client Services
a. Client Services Updates, by Jennifer Isaac
4. News from Research and Development
a. Karen Pryor Academy and Guide Dogs for the Blind Joint Puppy-Raising
Program Project, by Karen Pryor
5. Alumni Bulletin Board
6. In Memoriam, In Memory, In Tribute
7. Gift Shop News
8. Alumni Association Board of Directors
9. Roster of Alumni Chapters
FROM YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Message from Becky Andrews, Alumni Association Board Chair
As our 2013-2014 term comes to an end, I want to thank you for the privilege of serving as
the Chair of the GDB Alumni Association. We have a wonderful Alumni Association Board
that has worked hard on behalf of each of you. We continue to incorporate your feedback
and input into our goals and activities. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to
three of our members who are leaving the board, Jeff Senge, Terry Christensen, and Gary
Norman, thank you for your hard work and dedication.
It has been my pleasure to attend the GDB Board Quarterly Meetings and share your
voice. I have left these meetings inspired by the commitment to our success that the GDB
Board and GDB Employees have. I am proud to be an alum from Guide Dogs for the Blind.
As our bylaws state: The Alumni Association supports the vision of GDB by '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.
Our Alumni Board has built on the strong GDB community this year through:connecting at
our reunion, our alumni chapters which continue to grow, our bi-monthly speaker series
calls, hearing from you through emails and phone calls and simply crossing paths in various
locations! As members of the Alumni Board we are involved in four important committees
to serve our alumni: Advocacy, Communication, Nominating and Outreach. We have
quarterly meetings to further our goals in each of these areas.
The full Alumni Association Board also holds quarterly board meetings. The date and times
of these meetings are announced in the Alumni News as well as in our Alumni Section of
the website. If you have something you would like us to put on our agenda, please let us
know. If you would like to read about the activities of the Alumni Association, executive
summaries of our progress towards our goals are available online.
Some highlights of our activities this year include:

Bi-monthly Speaker Series Calls: Alternative Health Topics for our guides, First Aid,
Emergency Preparedness Education, Townhall Meeting with the Alumni Association
Board and an introduction with GDB’s new CEO, Chris Benninger;

Furthering the Emergency Preparedness Education for our Alumni, we held a
Speaker Series Call, contributed an article in Alumni News and blog, and are
planning further activities to assist;

Easier accessibility in locating the guide dog access laws for each state or province
from the GDB web site;

Continued improvements on communication with graduates via email and website
accessibility;

Establishing a consistent procedure for the board to follow when alumni express an
interest to formally communicate concerns or changes for consideration;

Reach for the Stars Scholarship - Two graduates were selected this year and profiled
in Alumni News. Watch for the announcement for applicants next year; and

Continue our theme from the Reunion - Harnessing Health and Happiness
implemented in chapter meetings and articles in alumni news.
Thank you to each of you who have reached out and supported our Alumni Association in
so many ways. Thank you for sharing your input, ideas, and feedback. I love to hear from
you and can be reached at bandrews@guidedogs.com or 801.259.3883.
Best to you and your guide and the empowering partnerships we share.
Becky Andrews with Georgina, and retired guide Cricket
Guide Dogs and First Aid
By Maile George, Outreach Committee Co-Chair, with Jasmine
As responsible GDB graduates, we do everything we can to keep our Guide Dogs fit and
healthy. We take them to the vet, groom them, provide flea and heartworm prevention, feed
an appropriate diet, care for their gums and teeth, trim their nails, clean their ears, provide
plenty of fresh water, exercise, love and play! Another aspect of caring for our Guide Dogs
is being prepared to deal with a medical emergency. During the March Speaker Series call,
we learned why it’s important for us to remain calm and confident during an emergency
medical situation.
The call was led by Peggy Rew, Nevada’s only American Red Cross Dog & Cat Basic First Aid
& CPR Instructor. Peggy taught us about the supplies we should have on hand in our homes,
in our backpacks and/or in our office drawers. We also got tips on wound treatment,
hypothermia/frostbite , heat stroke/heat exhaustion, seizures and shock, bee stings , snake
bites, dog and wild animal bites, burns, poisoning, choking, CPR, broken bones, drowning,
calming techniques, nausea, diarrhea and sap, ice ball, tar and gum removal - Peggy
recommends using “Pam” or WD40!
Other recommendations for GDB graduates:
 Enroll in a canine First Aid class taught by a Red Cross certified CPR and First Aid
instructor;
 Assemble a canine medical kit- preferably one for the home and one to keep with us
as we go about our daily activities. Become familiar with how to use each item
contained in the kits;
 Download the American Red Cross “Pet First Aid” app;
 Establish a credit card specifically for use in the event of a Guide Dog medical
emergency. This is important if the emergency occurs on a weekend or holiday, or
before or after regular office hours at GDB – the times when authorization numbers
cannot be issued;
 Learn how to check vital signs; and
 Keep handy an accessible list of telephone numbers for a local cab company, your
dog’s veterinarian, a local 24-hour emergency pet hospital, and the toll-free animal
poison control center.
CHAPTER CHAT
Paws in the Park
By Juliet Cody, San Diego Surf Dogs Chapter President with Juwls
The Humane Society of Escondido’s yearly fund raiser, Paws in the Park, was in Kit Carson
Park in Escondido during spring bloom. This year the GDB Alumni Chapter San Diego Surf
Dogs, pawed the park as they guided their handlers, along with other hundreds of paws
and their proud owners in the “5K” Walk” to help raise thousands of dollars for a great
cause. All of the guide dog teams were together at the starting line. In a few minutes of
walking, Juwls, my yellow Lab guide and I are on our own. Walking under big, beautiful,
shady trees I can hear the cacophony of barks harmonizing with the birds, the greeters,
and the dog lovers chit-chatting. Juwls is concentrating, weaving us through people and
dogs. WE are fast, passing everyone else. I’m loving it, listening to what the walkers are
saying - “Wow, look at how well that guide dog works” And “she is fast and cute.”
People ask me if I’m training Juwls. I tell them no, I’m completely blind. We were trained
together at Guide Dogs for the Blind.
They say, “You’re kidding, I didn’t know blind people could do things like this.” Then I say
with an amusing tone, “oh yes, and we can do lots, lots more. Look at us.”
There is no time to chat, Jowls is now walking at our fastest pace.
I’m wondering why Juwls is not having any doggie distractions? There are hundreds of
little yappy dogs that she can’t resist and their shrill barking scares me to death.
Juwls and I have been working as a team for only a year and dog distractions are the
glitches that turn on and off without warning. But, today she has passed them by without
even a sniff. We are walking at our brisk pace, but she is not bumping or running into
anyone. She pulls me to the side where I hear a pig snorting, and stops right in front of the
noise.
I say, “I hear a pig.”
Someone laughs and says, “OH no it’s not a pig, it’s my pug.”
I say, “No way that is a pig. You are just saying that because I can’t see it.”
We both laugh. Juwls and I carry on and I hear the lady say“She is not a pig, her name is
Ruby.”
We are walking fast again, and Juwls is focused. I hear a car heading our way, Juwls walks
me away and then around it.
I ask out loud, “What is that?”
A voice answers “A maintenance golf cart. I don’t know why in the world it would come this
way today. But, your dog saw it and stepped to the side. When it stopped she walked you
around it smoothly. What a great dog.”
I reached into my reward bag, gave her a couple of kibbles, and said “Good Girl, now let’s
find Peter and Sapphire.”
NEWS FROM CLIENT SERVICES
Client Services Update
By Jennifer Isaac, Client Services Manager
It’s been a while and we wanted to catch you up on what’s going on in Client Services - that
means Admissions, the Support Center and our Counseling Specialist – the team you talk
with on the phone when you first inquire about training with a guide dog, through your
application process, after you graduate and seek advice or support on anything you and/or
your guide dog are facing, or veterinary financial assistance, all the way through to
retirement. GDB is so proud of this team, and it looks like you are too, given what you had
to say in our recent Client Services Satisfaction Survey.
Admissions is based in California and has 4 Coordinators helping you through the
application process and into class – Amy Vander Vennet, Megan Dameron and Patty Kuehn
help you through the process, Ryan Garrett administers the decision process and class
assignments. Here’s what some members of our team say they love most about their jobs:
Megan: “Assisting clients in various ways through the application process. This can be
talking to someone who has just started considering guide dog travel, sharing their
excitement when accepted to train, or even answering questions of how they will fly home
with a dog.”
Patty: “Watching the process from their first phone call to GDB, to graduation with their
guide dog, brings me great joy.”
Here’s what your Survey responses said about Admissions:

98% were satisfied with the admissions process;

97% agreed the staff who played a role in their Admissions process treated them
with respect and professionalism;

94% agreed their application process was completed within a reasonable
timeframe; and

91% had clear information about the status of their application during the process.
Our longtime licensed Counseling Specialist, graduate Kim Samco with Wyla, is a 3-time
guide dog user since 1995, based in Oregon. Kim is available to you to help with life’s
challenges, however you perceive them. She loves “being able to “walk beside” people
during vulnerable times. I enjoy diversity of all kinds. People I work with teach me so
much, how lucky am I?”

84% of Survey respondents said that our counseling service met their expectations.
Your Support Center is based in San Rafael and has 7 team members – 3 Service Specialists,
2 VFA Coordinators and 2 Generalists - who provide a ‘one-stop shop’ to address your
questions and concerns quickly.
Our Service Specialists are Marc Gillard, Beth Hamilton and Lucy Waite, each with many
years professional experience working with students and graduates. They advise and
support you through the whole range of guidework, behavior and team problems and also
call you to check in post graduation and for annual follow-up. What they most
love: Marc:“I love the challenge that comes from working with graduates to diagnose the
reasons behind their guide dogs’ behavior and guide work issues. It is very satisfying to
work with a graduate, develop a plan to improve an issue and then hear back from them
that the plan has been successful”
Beth: “helping our graduates, being supportive and working as a team to problem solve
with them in hopes of assisting through whatever process they are going through, being
there for people”
Lucy: “I love working with people (and dogs) - our graduates, callers and my Client
Services’ teammates.”
Our newest VFA Coordinator is Jaclyn Lufkins, who has 14 years’ vet clinic experience as a
veterinary technician and client service rep. She joins Trip Kaplin in giving advice on your
dog’s health, handling VFA authorizations and special orders, and they also work with your
local vet’s office to ensure smooth communications. Jaclyn loves “lots of things about my
job! What I love most is every morning when I walk in to our Support Center and
Admissions Office. All of my co-workers are always so happy and everyone greets each
other with good morning while having big smiles on their faces. It’s a great way to start the
day!”
Our Generalists are both graduates. Becky DeGeorge with Tippin, 5-time guide dog user
since 1988, has joined Ken Altenburger with Bristol, a 2-time guide dog user since
1996. Tthey need every bit of their GDB organization and program knowledge to handle
the huge range of general inquiry calls from the general public, potential applicants,
volunteers and donors as well as graduates. Ken also conducts the class Tribute sessions
for retrains on the California campus. Becky likes “helping a variety of callers on a variety
of topics, and offering information about resources to newly-blind people and their
families.”
Here’s what you said in the Survey about your Support Center:

99% said Support services staff member was professional and respectful;

96% said their question or problem was handled in a timely manner; and

95% said their question or problem was addressed to their satisfaction.
Did you know?
We’re sending out email blast tips to help minimize potential problems you may face. For
example,drought zone potential for foxtail explosions, US residents can order Frontline and
Heartgard from us.
And, breaking news…… the Support Center will very soon be offering you the opportunity
to transfer directly into our new, and ongoing, Caller Satisfaction Survey – 6 questions with
one number keypad entry responses, and an opportunity to share additional comments you
might have to help us provide outstanding service and support. It’s quick and easy and
we’re really hoping many of you will be interested to provide your feedback. If the survey
is not offered to you, we may have felt that it just might not be a good time for you, for
example after a heartfelt conversation on retirement or serious illness, or an
emergency. Please do just ask us and we’ll be very happy to connect you to the survey.
As well as talking with you on the phone, we really enjoy and value the opportunities to
meet with you: the Admissions team meet ‘their’ applicants who come to California class,
and present individualized team take home material; the Specialists and VFA Coordinators
establish connections and review our graduate support and VFA programs with all
students in class - in person in California and via video conference with Oregon; Kim
Samco conducts the class Tribute sessions for retrains in Oregon, as Ken Altenburger does
in California. So, when you first call in, you will already know some names and voices.
Of course, we are only one part of the wider GDB team here to support you from
application to retirement. We work very closely with your Field Service Manager and
instructor team who work with you at home to provide the best possible support and
service to you.
More to come about our FSMs and instructors in the next edition of Alumni News.
We’re looking forward to the next time we talk with you, or meet you! Wishing you a
wonderful Summer.
– Jennifer Isaac, Client Services Manager and Amy, Becky, Beth, Jaclyn, Ken, Kim, Lucy,
Marc, Megan, Patty, Ryan and Trip.
FROM OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Karen Pryor Academy and Guide Dogs for the Blind Joint Puppy-Raising
Program Project
By: Karen Pryor, CEO, Karen Pryor Clicker Training; CEO TAGteach International, LLC
In 2013, Guide Dogs for the Blind began studying possible ways to incorporate markerbased training into the organizations puppy raising program. GDB turned to my company,
Karen Pryor Clicker Training, and to our teaching division, Karen Pryor Academy, to help
explore creative avenues for teaching marker-based training to puppy raisers. For nearly
25 years, we have been in the business of teaching marker-based training skills across a
broad spectrum of students. Our professional-level courses have developed hundreds of
certified graduates expert in the use of positive reinforcement with both animals and
people.
Marker-based training was first established in the 60’s and 70’s with marine mammals,
spread to the dog and horse training community beginning in the 80’s, and is now also used
in human applications such as physical education. Guide Dogs for the Blind, in San Rafael,
California, was one of the first service dog organizations to adopt marker-based training
and to systematically establish procedures for marker-based training of guide dogs.
Marker-based training, sometimes called clicker training, is derived from the science of
applied behavior analysis. The process replaces reprimand for errors with positive
reinforcement for accurate actions. The brief, distinct sound of the marker signal pinpoints
exactly what behavior is selected and will lead to a reward. It’s then up to the trainer to
break desired goal behaviors down into small units so the animal enjoys a high rate of
success as it learns the behavior, facilitating rapid progress.
The concept of collaboration was developed by GDB research director, Michele Pouliot.
This imaginative idea was to utilize graduates from KPA, certified training partners (CTPs),
as volunteer puppy raisers. Each participant would receive a list of the goal behaviors to be
developed over the period of upbringing, together with some cautions about what
behaviors to avoid. The CTP puppy raiser would then be left to utilize and record their own
adaptations of marker-based training to the raising of a guide dog puppy.
Marker-based training is not based on a series of methods, but on the underlying principles
which govern the learning; the trainer is free to adapt the principles in creative ways to the
goals of the training and the needs of the individual puppy learner. The first KPA puppy
raisers are now at work with their new charges, reporting regularly by video, narrative,
and training records what procedures they are using and what results they are
getting. Everyone in my organization, myself most especially, is honored to have been
invited to participate in this program, and excited to watch the progress these first pups
are already making. The calm, confident, attentiveness at such a young age is a thrill to see
and the range of different marker-based procedures already being displayed is extremely
promising. We hope to introduce more KPA certified training partners into the raising
program throughout 2014, and look forward immensely to seeing what Michele Pouliot
and the GDB trainers develop out of this research project for the puppy raiser program at
GDB.
ALUMNI BULLETIN BOARD
Nancy Shugart and Guide Dog Porsche, took the stage at a TEDx conference, hosted by
Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, on February 8, 2014.Nancy delivered a 13-minute
talk at this prestigious conference with Porsche by her side, with Porsche receiving special
mention during the talk.He even stood up when Nancy said “I have a Porsche.”Nancy’s talk,
Be the One to Make it Happen, is about doing more than most believe to be possible.You
can view it
athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9QghVlreno&list=PLsRNoUx8w3rMeuOoVbQcq1ge
sF_1Slju&index=11 Feel free to also visit the website of Nancy’s company and connect with
her on social media. Just visit: www.ProveThemWrong.com She and Porsche are also now
featured on the website of the American Foundation for the Blind
at http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/for-job-seekers/ourstories/business/professional-educator-speaker-author-and-business-woman/12345
Cindy Detro of Stephens City, Virginia, her human soul mate Matt Weaver, and her doggy
soul mate female yellow Labrador Retriever guide Mesa (class 675R), would like to
announce the newest arrival to their family! Cerenity Danielle Weaver was born on
November 18, 2013 at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia. She came in at 6
pounds and 9 ounces, 19 inches long, and with a head circumference of 12 inches. Of their
newest edition, Cindy says, “Matt, his 2 boys, Mesa and I are all very proud of her in her
short life. Like her mommy, she has already come through a few rough patches, having had
to spend nearly the first week of her life in the NICU, yet she is an amazing baby who is just
growing by leaps and bounds!”
Congratulations to GDB Alumna Victoria Nolan who recently published her autobiography,
Beyond Vision: The Story of a Blind Rower. You can purchase a copy by going to
Amazon.com.
IN MEMORIAM, IN MEMORY, IN TRIBUTE
In Memoriam – Remembering alumni who have died
Cynthia Gonnerman, of Tilton, NH with male Black Lab guide Pinto (OR129 – Oct. 2006)
George Lindsay of Williams, CA with female Yellow Lab guide Thema (OR182 – July 2010)
Donald Mattice of AB with male Yellow Lab / Golden Cross guide Gavin (CA 615 – June
2001)
Judy McIrvin of Rock Springs, WY with female Black Lab guide Salome (OR122 – April
2004)
Janice Ryan of Portland , OR with male Black Lab guide Vancouver (OR219D – January
2005)
Marty Skutnik of Cleveland, OH with male Black Lab guide MacGregor (OR180 – June 2010)
Edgar Vinyard of Fountain Hills, AZ with female Black Lab guide Bayla (OR132D – January
2007)
William Welling of Fort Pierce, FL with male Yellow Lab duide Necco (OR195
January 2011)
-
In Memory – Remembering guides who have died
Vista, female yellow Lab / Golden Cross guide for Sheldon Werner of Chomedey Laval,
Canada (CA 617 – September 2001)
Laura, female Yellow Lab guide for Karen Strudwick of Bellevue, WA (OR 67 – August
2001)
Yuki (Columbia), female Yellow Lab guide for Takashi Tanemori of Berkeley, CA (OR 93 –
October 2003)
Cardigan, male Yellow Lab guide for Andrea Rossi of Calgary, AB (SR 625 – June 2002)
Nanpa, female Yellow Lab guide for Millie Marshall of Arlington, VA (CA 606 – July 2000)
Rivet, male Yellow Lab guide for Jerry Richmond of South Weymouth, MA (OR 197 – March
2011)
July, female Yellow Lab guide for Kellie Gerdts of Waseca, MN (CA 615 – June 2001)
Nissie, female Golden Retriever guide for Deanne DeGraaff of Temple, TX (CA 637 – August
2003)
Gabby, female Yellow Lab guide for Sharon Larson of Shawmut, MT (OR 88 – May 2003)
Almade, male Yellow Lab / Golden Cross guide for Connie Murphy of Salem, OR (OR 126 –
July 2006)
In Tribute – Honoring guides who have retired
Trivia, female Yellow Lab guide for Patricia Upton of Hobbs, NM (CA 620 – December 2001)
Kovax, male Yellow Lab / Golden Cross guide for Laurie Mehta of Cincinnati, OH (OR 61 –
June 2001)
Moylan, male Black Lab guide for Craig Spurrell of Toronto, ONT (CA 673 – April 2007)
Fairchild, male Yellow Lab guide for Stephen Mckinney of Winnipeg, MB (OR 95 –
December 2003)
Storm, male Yellow Lab guide for Jill Kelley of Mount Olive, IL (CA 673 – April 2007)
Domino, female Sable German Shepherd guide for Barbara Milles of Incline Valley, NV (SR
674 – May 2007)
Taffy, female Yellow Lab guide for Jamie Sibson of Austin, TX (SR 634 May 2003)
Liesl, female Yellow Lab guide for Kathy Keenan of Spring Lake Park, MN (OR 102 – July
2004)
Sachet, female black Lab guide for Judy Mathews of Orlando, FL (CA 658 – October 2005)
Deluxe, male Black Lab guide for Barbara Corner of Columbus, OH (CA 665 – June 2006)
Drew, male Black Lab guide for Robert Moreno of Tucson, AZ (CA 669 – November 2006)
Kiki, female Black Lab guide for Cherise Robb of Saint Cloud, MN (CA 653 – April 2005)
Boise, male Black Lab guide for Christopher Schiafone of Richmond Hill, ON (CA 666 - July
2006)
Nanny, female Yellow Lab Guide for Linda Weber of Surrey, BC (CA 654 – May 2005)
GIFT SHOP NEWS – May 2014
Listed below are new items that have arrived in the gift shop recently:
Women’s Cap - Our newest women’s twill baseball hat, embroidered with the new Guide
Dogs logo on the front and GDB on the back. This is a women’s fit hat. Available in Navy or
Pink, fully adjustable, one size fits all. $12.00
Men’s Cap - Bill, from our Development Department is wearing our newest men’s twill
baseball hat, embroidered with the new Guide Dogs logo on the front and GDB on the back.
This is a men’s fit hat. Available in Olive, Black and Khaki, fully adjustable and one size fits
all. $12.00
Soft Grip Travel Mug - Enjoy your morning coffee with this sturdy, 16 ounce, non spill, soft
grip travel mug. With an easy grip handle and non splash screw lid, this can be a great
companion on the go. BPA Free with double wall construction for hot or cold liquids. Hand
Wash Recommended. The mug is decorated with a white GDB logo on both sides of the
mug: available in emerald green. $13.00
Womens "Forward" V-neck Tee with braille in grey - Made by Fruit of the Loom, these
Heavy HD collection tees are made of 90% cotton and 10% polyester. The new Guide Dogs
logo is screen printed in black on the left chest and the word 'forward' is screen printed in
black in script and braille on the back. Available in heather gray, sizes XS thru XXL. $20.00
Women’s "Forward" V-neck Tee with braille in red Made by District Made, this 100% ring
spun cotton tee is super soft . The new Guide Dogs logo is screen printed in White on the
left chest and the word 'forward' is screen printed in white in script and braille on the back.
Available in heather red, sizes S thru XXL. $20.00
Youth "Forward" tee with braille - This comfort Soft Heavyweight tee is made by Hanes.
Embellishments are in blue, the new GDB logo on the front left chest and the back of the
shirt has the word 'forward' in braille and script. Available in Yellow , sizes XS thru XL.
$15.00
Men’s "Forward" Pocket Tee with braille: This 6 ounce, 100% cotton (preshrunk) tee with a
front pocket, is sure to be a summer favorite. This shirt features the new GDB logo on the
front chest and 'forward' written in braille and script on the back. Available in forest green,
sizes Small thru XXL. $20.00
The following items are Clearance items, available online only, while supplies last:
Bracelet - Navy colored rope bracelet adorned with a metal charm. The charm includes an
engraving of a paw print and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Fully adjustable. ** Sold online
only. Price: 50 cents
3D Magnet - We're stuck on you! This tactile magnet features a 3D yellow Lab Guide Dog
puppy and a raised embossed GDB logo. It's made out of a puffy acrylic and will look stellar
on your fridge or filing cabinet. Dimensions: 3" wide x 2" high. ***Sold online only. Price:
50 cents
2014 Calendar - Get your puppy fix all year long with our 2014 wall calendar, chock full of
page after page of full-color puppy and dog photos. With every turn of the page, our dogs
and pups will put a smile on your face the whole year long. ** Sold online only. Price: $4.00
Car Shade - Protect your car interior and beat the heat with this car window shade. This
54" x 30" single panel nylon shade collapses into a circle with an elastic strap for easy stow
and go. Fits most SUVs and cars. **Sold online only. Price: $3.00
Sport Hat - When you're on the run (literally!) show off your love for Guide Dogs with this
stylish and functional sport hat. The hats are lightweight, fully adjustable, and have a builtin zippered pocket on one side with ample room to store a key or credit card/ID. Available
in black only, GDB logo embroidered across the front. ** Sold online only. Price: $3.00
Structured Hat - The attractive medium-profile, six-panel cap features contrasting colors on
the underside of the visors, sweatbands, absorbent mesh lining, and antique silver sliding
buckles. Available in Aluminum Gray with Black GDB logo embroidery on the front of the
cap, or Beige with Brown GDB logo embroidery. ** Sold online only. Price: $3.00
All orders are subject to applicable tax and shipping fees.
You can order Gift Shop merchandise online at store.guidedogs.com , call 1-800-295-4050
x4151 or 415-499-4151 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, 2015.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2013 – 2014 Alumni Association Board Meetings:
Oct 3, 2013, Dec 7, 2013, Mar 1, 2014, Jun 7, 2014
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Officers
Becky Andrews / Georgie
Bountiful, UT
Board Chair
(801) 259-3883 (Mobile)
bandrews@guidedogs.com
Terry Christensen / Zane
Bensalem, PA
Board Vice-Chair
(267) 568-2195 (Mobile)
tchristensen@guidedogs.com
Michelle Miller / Tango
Alexandria, VA
Board Secretary
(703) 664-0369
mmiller@guidedogs.com
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Samantha Adams / Lotto
Gold River, CA
(916) 903-7065
sadams@guidedogs.com
Leanne Bremner / Ayanna
Toronto, ON
(416) 921-8984
lbremner@guidedogs.com
Melanie Brunson / Sparta
Vienna, VA
(703) 307-6478 (Mobile)
mbrunson@guidedogs.com
Maile George / Jasmin
Concord, CA
(925) 381-7899
mgeorge@guidedogs.com
Melissa Hudson / Camry
Los Angeles, CA
(626) 429-6883 (Mobile)
mhudson@guidedogs.com
EX Officio Members
George Kerscher / Mikey
Missoula, MT
GDB Board of Directors Representative
406-549-4687 (Mobile)
gkerscher@guidedogs.com
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAPTERS
Roster of Alumni Chapters – As of 1/2014
Bay Area Chapter “The Foggy Doggies”- San Fransisco
Lynda Johnson - President, lyndajohnsonbas@sbcglobal.net
Colorado Alumni Chapter of GDB
Andre Van Hall - President, avanhall@comcast.net
DC Metro (Forming)
Mary Wilson, marymobile@me.com: Christina Wheeler, cristinawheeler2@gmail.com
GDB Handlers of the Northeast
Cynthia Detro - President, cdetro1@jjhof.com
Great White North GDB Alumni Chapter (Canada and Beyond)
David Green – President, dgreene7@cogeco.ca
Greater Toronto Area Alumni Chapter
Penny Hartin – President, penny.hartin@rogers.com
Guide Dog Handlers All Ways - For Guide Dog Handlers with disabilities in addition to
blindness
Paula Barton – President, pbarton1611@comcast.net
Midwest Guide Dogs for the Blind Chapter
Deanna Lewis – President, deannakay618@yahoo.com
Mommies with Guides – For Guide Dog Users who are Mothers or Considering Motherhood!
Tracy Boyd - President, tmcgee3917@aol.com
iSee Paws of Montreal
Kim Holdbrook - President, kimholdbrook3@gmail.com
Greater Los Angeles GDB Handlers
Melissa Hudson - President, mhudson@guidedogs.com
North State Guide Dog Handlers - Chicago, CA Area
Judy Alexander – President, pearlsmom01@hotmail.com
Oklahoma City GDB Alumni Chapter
Bob Moore – President, robertmoore1@me.com
Guide Dog Handlers of Orange County CA
Richard King - President, socalrick2003@yahoo.com
Reigning Canines – Portland, OR
Bobi Earp - President, bobiearp@clearwire.net
River City Guide Dog Users – Sacramento, CA
Samantha Adams - President, samwell@comcast.net
Surfer Dogs, San Diego Alumni Chapter
Juliet Cody – President, julietcody@cox.net
Sunshine Guide Dog Teams of Florida
Alicia Eidson – President, Prof.alicia.eidson@gmail.com mailto:jmathews@guidedogs.com
Texas – Big Star Dawgs (Forming)
Valerie Rouse - President, valerie.rouse@yahoo.com
Washington State GDB Alumni
Danette Dixon – President, nettie633@frontier.com
Windy City Chapter – Chicago Area
Roxanne Calibraro – President, rcallibraro@guidedogs.com
GDB Techdogs - For Guide Dog Handlers who are interested in access technology
Deborah Kendrick – President, dkkendrick@earthlink.net
Utah – The Greatest Paws on Earth
Patty Mueller – President, plmueller@q.com
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
For Graduate Support or to Change Your Contact Info
Email the Support Center at:
igraduatesupport@guidedogs.com
or via telephone at: 800 295-4050