Guide Dog News
2011, Issue #4
“Do what you love, love what you do. Midnight walkabouts, puppy breath, the pitter patter of little feet.
Growing, learning, loving (with maybe a little potty cleanup thrown in)... I am going for number 7! My
little female Golden/Lab mix arrives a week from today on the Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy truck.”
—Puppy Raiser Sarah Wilfahrt (As posted to GDB’s Facebook page)
Pictured:
 Black Lab Guide Dog puppy Caleb
 Gail Paulson and yellow Lab guide Firestone
 Master Instructor Ben Cawley
Our Year In Review
Operating Expenses: $31 million*
 Dog Training, Student Instruction,Student Selection, Travel, Follow-up Services, Food, Dormitory:
$15.7/51%
 Breeding and Feeding: $2.8/9%
 Veterinary Care: $4.3/14%
 Puppy Raising: $1.9/6%
 Public Information: $0.6/2%
 Admin: $2.1/7%
 Fundraising: $3.6/11%
All figures are in millions.
Sources of Funding: $31 million*
We rely heavily on our investment fund and bequests to finance our operations, especially during difficult
economic times. We are grateful to past leaders of our organization who had the foresight to set aside funds
for our Operating Reserve so that we can continue our mission uninterrupted.
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Bequest and Trust Income Used for Operations: $11,000/35%
Contributions: $5,532/18%
Other Income: $1,098/4%
Investment Fund: $13,400/43%
Total: $31,030/100%
All figures are in thousands.
*Fiscal Year 2010/2011: July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
Total assets: $325 million
Complete audited financial statement available at www.guidedogs.com.
What We've Accomplished Thanks to Your Support
Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to accomplish so much this past fiscal year.
We’ve matched 309 people who are blind or visually impaired with new Guide Dogs, bringing our total to
12,352 since 1942. We continue to enjoy a very high post-graduation success rate of 93.3 percent (after one
year). Most teams will work together for 6.56 years.
Our new two- and three-week personalized class training options are very successful and popular. Smaller,
shorter classes with a higher instructor-to-student ratio are proving to be the key to ensuring our students
receive training that is relevant to their individual lifestyles. We currently have 132 applicants already
accepted for future class training.
We’ve continued to provide stellar care for our wonderful canines. Our 3,808 dogs and puppies received
$4,312,693 worth of veterinary care. Our on-staff veterinarians handled more than 50,580 veterinary
procedures in our campus clinics.
We’ve also kept our campus dogs and puppies well-fed with 123,872 pounds of nutritious dog food.
Approximately 1,400 puppy raisers are providing homes, love and socialization to 857 puppies in nine
Western states to prepare them for their future careers as Guide Dogs.
Our advances in dog training techniques using positive reinforcement, clicker training and the judicious use of
food rewards continues to show success. Of the dogs that enter our training program, 63.5 percent become
Guide Dogs or breeder dogs.
This past year 181 dogs were placed as “career change dogs” (many going on to become assistance dogs or
hearing dogs; doing search and rescue, therapy, law enforcement, drug or bomb detection, cancer detection,
seizure alert, etc.). Our K9 Buddy Program also placed some of these in the homes of families with visually
impaired children.
Our amazing 881 campus volunteers donated the equivalent of $534,542 in volunteer hours. In addition to
socializing puppies in our kennels, walking dogs, assisting at events and working in the office, they welcomed
14,000 visitors to our campus (including 3,000 local schoolchildren) for educational tours, graduations and
campus events.
Pictured: Apprentice Instructor Lisa Weil
The New California Student Residence Capital Campaign—An Update
By Tom Horton, Acting Director of Development
All is Positive on the Fundraising Front!
We are making substantial progress towards our fundraising goal of $10 million! We would like to thank the
more than 20 generous visionaries who have made a financial commitment toward funding the construction of
our New Student Residence (NSR) on our California campus. Early lead gift donors include: the Cella Family
Foundation, the Jean Young Gray Trust, Dr. S. J. Hazan, Vicki Jaffe and the Thebom Trust. We have been
fortunate to have the expertise and guidance of Rob Kusel, a partner with Essex and Drake, Fund Raising
Counsel.
Many Thanks to the NSR Cabinet Members
 Etta Allen
 Dick Bobb
 Susan Boeing
 Joan and Stan Boyd
 Elizabeth Cella
 Dave and Susan Gerke
 Debra Gershen
 Howard Hedinger
 Vickie Kennedy
 Stuart Odell
 Natalia Olenicoff
 Russell Redenbaugh
 Joan Rivers
 Wallis Smith
 Lorrie and Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger
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Doug Unger
Morgan Watkins
Ted Ward
Betty White
The Student Residence in Pictures
You’ll find artist’s renderings, our case statement and more information on our website: guidedogs.com.
Please call me at (415) 492-4169 or email thorton@guidedogs.com if you have an interest in supporting our
campaign.
“The student residence is where our very special partnerships begin.”
—Vickie Kennedy, Alumna and former GDB Board Member
“I have loved GDB for over 25 years and will forever. I am delighted to support the New Student Residence
Campaign.”
—Vicki Jafee, Donor
A Warm Dough-nation and Partnership
Panera Bread is North America’s award-winning and favorite bakery and café for fresh delicious foods. Just
like the oven-baked goodies and breads it produces, Panera’s generosity to GDB is just as warm and
comforting.
There are nearly 1,500 Panera Bread stores nationwide, but it is the locally-owned franchise in San Rafael,
Calif., that began supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind in 2010 with “dough-nations” from its Community
Breadbox Program. Customers are encouraged to deposit contributions to GDB in doghouse-shaped
collection boxes on the counter. Panera’s philosophy of giving back locally is so strong, they have committed
to sponsor two Guide Dog puppies, which we aptly named Panera (pictured) and Panini.
The monetary donations are just the beginning of Panera’s tremendous support. Panera Bread has donated
coffee and baked goodies for every GDB graduation this year. They helped us feed 1,200 people at our
California campus Fun Day celebration and contributed treats for our Support Our Canine Heroes Wine
Auction. Anytime we have asked Panera for anything, they have said “Yes!”
Thank you Panera! You are a caring community partner committed to our mission’s success!
Norah Hamilton Straus Donors’ Circle Spotlight: The Cella Family
For Elizabeth and L.J. Cella’s daughters, Carrie and Claire, it was hard not to get involved with Guide Dogs
for the Blind. Growing up in Kentfield, Calif., with GDB’s national headquarters in their “back yard,” they
watched in fascination as GDB instructors trained dogs on the streets of San Rafael. Adorable Guide Dog
puppies in their little green jackets charmed them at the mall.
Both girls are equestrians and have always had a keen interest in animals and animal training. They longed
for a dog of their own. For awhile, they were content to be sitters for a friend’s 100-pound Labrador, but by the
time the oldest, Carrie, reached high school, her parents were finally ready to let them get involved with
GDB’s Puppy Raising Program. It would soon become a meaningful volunteer opportunity for the entire
family.
“We began attending meetings with the Mt. Tam Guides Puppy Raising Club and puppy-sat for other raisers’
pups. Soon, we welcomed our first, a yellow Lab named Lancer,” Elizabeth said. Lancer is now a working
Guide Dog in Arizona. Then, along came Peeka, a black Lab puppy who went on to become a K9 Buddy for a
young girl in Washington State with visual impairments. Their third puppy, a black Lab named Canasta, is
about to begin her formal training in guidework.
Meanwhile, the family also decided to open their home to a black Labrador breeding stock dog named Jaika.
She is part of an exchange with a guide dog school in the Netherlands. “We hope to raise one of Jaika’s
puppies someday,” Elizabeth said.
“When you are a puppy raiser, you feel part of a large and caring family, all working on a common goal,” she
said. “We care for each others’ dogs and cry and cheer together when the pups move on to their careers.
You know you’ve played a role in changing someone’s life. Annual Fun Day celebrations honor puppy raisers.
We get to meet our dogs’ littermates and even have a chance to observe Guide Dog training. Our club
leaders keep us in the loop every step of the way as our pups transition into Guide Dogs. And then, on
graduation day, we have a chance to connect with our dog’s new life partner.”
Through their experiences as puppy raisers and breeder custodians, the Cella family gained a deep
understanding of our mission which grew into a desire for further involvement. The family joined the Legacy
Society by naming GDB in their estate plans. Elizabeth became a member of the Development Advisory
Committee of the Board of Directors. In addition to supporting our capital campaign for a new student
residence (NSR) with a personal contribution, Elizabeth serves on the NSR Cabinet.
For Elizabeth Cella and her family, being involved with GDB is a meaningful way to give back. “Guide Dogs
for the Blind offers volunteer opportunities that allow us to actually change lives,” she said. “One life at a time,
and forever.”
Pictured: The Cella Family -Elizabeth, Carrie, L.J. and Claire with black Lab puppy Canasta and black Lab
breeder Jaika.
Meet Our California Director of Training
Congratulations to Susan Armstrong, our new California Director of Training. Susan’s childhood dream was to
work with animals. Thinking she might go into the veterinary field, she received a bachelor’s degree in biology
and zoology from Portland State University. She joined GDB’s Training Department on our Oregon campus
16 years ago. In 2009, she expanded her expertise as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor by getting a degree in
orientation and mobility from Western Michigan State University. Upon learning of her promotion, she said “I
am both grateful and thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to our mission in my new role and am looking
forward to getting to know all of the wonderful people at the San Rafael campus.”
Gift Shop
New! Soft sculpted rubber key chains—only $3 each! (Plus shipping and tax if applicable.) Shop online at
guidedogs.com/shop
Happenings
Wine Auction Extravaganza
Over the course of a stunning October weekend in Napa Valley, 250 guests turned out to celebrate our 9th
annual “Support Our Canine Heroes Wine Auction.” Held at the Meritage Resort & Spa, the event raised
nearly $470,000 to fund veterinary care for our dogs and pups. A live auction highlight close to our hearts was
the “Paddle Raise for Veterinary Care.” Through the generosity of our guests, this auction lot alone generated
more than $133,000.
It was a lively and spirited evening all around, complete with delicious food and wine, a moving program
featuring keynote speaker Theresa Duncan with her black Lab guide, Dario, and a host of puppy raisers
mingling in the crowd with their pups.
"We couldn’t have had a more perfect day in the wine country!" said Event Chair and GDB Board Member
Joan Boyd. "Beautiful weather, wine and food, and the most generous donors and supporters of our canine
heroes in attendance. It was magic!"
Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP; Callan Associates; Eaton
Vance Management; Goldman Sachs Asset Management; Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P.;
StarkweatherBondy Architecture, LLP; BlackRock, Inc.; BNY Mellon Cash Investment Strategies; Friess
Associates; Mesirow Financial Private Equity; Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin; All-American
Printing; 55 Degrees.
A Friend Indeed
In October, Dr. Temple Grandin wowed an adoring crowd of more than 600 at a benefit presentation hosted
by GDB’s Lone Star Puppy Raisers in Dallas, Texas. Grandin, known for her work as an animal and autism
advocate, teaches at Colorado State University and is a best-selling author and consultant to the livestock
industry on animal behavior. Dr. Grandin is pictured with her namesake, Golden Guide Dog puppy Grandin,
held by puppy raiser Kimberly Hart.
Gold Country
Nearly 100 people came out in September to celebrate “Dogs With Hearts of Gold III” hosted by GDB’s Sierra
Nevada Friends Committee in Reno, Nev. The champagne brunch raised nearly $19,000 for GDB programs
and veterinary care in the Reno/Lake Tahoe Area. The event featured a champagne reception followed by a
luncheon. The keynote speaker was Carol Leamy with her Guide Dog Volley, and puppy raisers delighted
guests by introducing them to their pups (above). Thank you to the Sierra Nevada Friends Committee for
such a successful day!
Save the Date! More info at guidedogs.com/events.
 Labs Live at Andrei’s III: March 24, 2012, in Irvine, CA
 Pinot & Pups Wine Gala: April 28, 2012, in Portland, OR
Learning About Blindness: How Can I Help You?
In an effort to make health care a better experience for people who are blind or visually impaired, sometimes,
just asking a simple question, “How Can I Help You?” can make a big difference. Our friends at the New
Hampshire Association for the Blind collaborated with several health care organizations to create a YouTube
video that is a must-see for anyone working in the health care profession or assisting someone with vision
loss. View How Can I Help You at: http://bit.ly/sightcenterNH.
Service Animal FAQs—Did You Know?
Q. My dog helps my counseling clients feel more at ease, therefore, am I allowed to bring him into stores and
restaurants as a service animal?
A. Sorry, unless you, personally, are disabled and your dog has been trained to perform specific tasks for you,
(including but not limited to guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing
to intruders or sounds, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items), your dog is not considered a service
animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Q. Are service animals certified by the government?
A. No government certification currently exists on the federal level.
Q. Does the ADA allow GDB puppies to go into stores and restaurants?
A. The ADA does not apply to GDB puppies. GDB puppy raisers ask permission before entering public
spaces, and only go where they are welcome. We appreciate the generosity of local businesses in helping us
socialize our puppies. Thank you!
Going to the End of the Earth for GDB
Alan Lock, a native of Somerset, U.K., had been training for a career as an engineer and officer in the British
Royal Navy when he was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2003. In the span of six weeks, his vision
deteriorated to the point where he felt he was looking at the world through a frosted glass. Today, his vision is
mostly intact, but he has lost his central vision. He hasn’t let that slow him down.
He decided to challenge himself and set a Guinness World record by becoming the first visually impaired
person to row 3,000 miles non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. In the process, he also raised $80,000 in
donations for sight-related organizations.
Now, he and teammates Andrew Jensen and Richard Smith are out to se another Guinness World Record—
this time trekking 600 miles through Arctic cold so that Lock can be the first visually impaired person to trek to
the South Pole. This time, he’s hoping to raise funds to support Guide Dogs for the Blind and Sight Savers
International.
They depart for Chile on November 22 and then fly to Antarctica for the two-month journey. We’ll be following
them on Facebook, so be sure to become a GDB fan! You can support their efforts by visiting
indiegogo.com/seeing-beyond-limits.
Alan Lock and his team have been training in Canada’s cold climates (pictured: Garrick Hileman, Richard
Smith, Alan Lock, Andrew Jensen). Traversing icy trails on modified cross-country skis, they each pulled 130pound sleds (pulks) packed with tents, stoves, gear and bags of dry dog food for extra weight. The experience
led them to understand the true nature of teamwork and interdependence.
News of Our Graduates
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This year marks the tenth anniversary of 9-11 and the year of Guide Dog Roselle’s passing, but the
story of her escape from the World Trade Center with her partner Michael Hingson continues to bring
more awareness and support for our mission. Roselle posthumously won the American Humane
Association Hero Dog Awards™ in October, and like a good Retriever, brought home a $15,000 prize
to GDB. Our friend Betty White hosted the award ceremony. Also, Michael’s book, Thunder Dog,
immediately hit the New York Times Best Seller List.
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The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ named Guide Dog Atticus the Grand
Marshal Dog. He’s also the yellow Lab guide of Jim Hogan, a Vietnam veteran. Together the two
attend numerous veterans’ conventions and ceremonies, and Atticus holds honorary membership in
many veterans’ organizations.
Anxious About Your Retirement Funds? Relax! Guide Dogs for the Blind has a solution that will fit your needs whether you want guaranteed income
now, or you’d like a safe, tax advantaged way to save for retirement. A GDB Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)
offers these benefits:  Simplicity: A CGA can be created with a simple two-page contract and a donation of $5,000 of more.
 Attractive Rates: Compare CGS rates (see chart) to CD, T Bill or money market rates—no
comparison!  Safety and Security: Your annuity payments are guaranteed by Guide Dogs for the Blind. Your rate is
locked in when you sign your CGA and will never decrease.
 Tax Advantages: You receive a tax deduction when you create your CGA. A portion of every payment
is also tax free.
 Flexibility: You can begin to receive payments immediately, or you can select a deferred CGA which
will allow you to take your tax deduction now, build the amount in your principal, and receive the
guaranteed payments when YOU want them (great for retirement). You can choose to create a CGA
for yourself, for you and your spouse, or for a loved one.
Sample Rates for One Life (Call for two life rates)
Age
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Rate
4.8%
5.3%
5.8%
6.5%
7.5%
8.4%
9.8%
You Can Make a Difference!
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Send a donation today
To send a contribution of any type or amount, please use our special mailing address for donations
only: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950. You can also donate at
our secure website: www.guidedogs.com.
Eliminate checks and postage
Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation; we’ll send you a year-end letter of
confirmation.
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 plan
Make a lasting commitment by naming 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. Visit the “Case for Giving” section of
our website for more info.
For more information on any of these giving options, please contact our Development Department at (800)
295-4050.
Note: Photo IDs from the cover of Guide Dog News 2011 Issue #2: Jeff Senge and yellow Lab guide Fodi,
Breean Cox and yellow Lab guide Nali, Harmeet Sekhon and yellow Lab guide Tadashi.