FRIEND IN HARNESS
ISSUE ONE 2016
Ed’s Note
-
A word from Laura Kapelari
Inspiration
-
Poem: If for Dogs
Feature
-
Car Raffle Competition
Head Office report
-
Marketing news
Training report
-
Service Dogs – creative training
Training report
-
Guide Dogs - obstacles
Puppy Raising
-
Puppy-proof your home
Meet the team
-
Monica Fica
Insight
-
Clicker training at GDA
Storyline
-
Chris Boyle and Pringle
Graduates
-
Our latest graduates
Nursery news
-
Greetings from Puppy Block
Volunteer
-
Dax Soegaard
In memory of
-
Special memory plaques
Remembering friends
-
People and pets who have passed
Info
-
GDA staff upskilling
Storyline
-
Bigger than the sky
KwaZulu-Natal report
-
Marketing news
Puppy Raiser
-
Schokolade’s career change
Puppy Raising
-
FAQs about Puppy Raising
Celebration of our Service Clubs
-
Rotary Club (part 2 of 2)
COM report
-
Stories from the field
Meet the team
-
Teagan Schwerin
Giving back
-
Legacy Club
Cape Town report
-
Fundraising news
Gala Dinner
-
Lions International celebrates International Sight Day
Health
-
Enhance your vision with the right lighting
New ideas
-
Fresh faces on the GDA team
Ed’s note
Laura Kapelari
Oh, how time flies! As I write, the year is already in full swing. Instead of updating you about my time
here at GDA (this would take many more pages!), I’d like to let this issue of our Friend in Harness
magazine speak for itself.
Choc-full of stories about loyal canine companions helping their humans tackle the challenges life
has thrown their way, Orientation & Mobility instructors reporting on trials and triumphs from the
field, as well as (many!) new beginnings at Puppy Block, this issue is sure to inspire you for the New
Year.
My wish is that you will read this issue of our Friend in Harness magazine from cover to cover, and
be motivated to not only be the best version of yourself that you can be, but to help others achieve
the same.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Frank
Dates to diarise
Cape Town
Love your Guide Dog Mediterranean Evening: 26 February 2016
Cape Town Cycle Tour: 6 March 2016
Two Oceans Marathon: 26 March 2016
Cape Getaway Show: 1-3 April 2016
Golf Day at Westlake Golf Club: 8 April 2016
World Sight Day Gala Dinner: 15 October 2016
Gauteng
Graduation: 17 April 2016
Graduation: 5 June 2016
Golf Day at Kyalami Country Club: 10 June 2016
Winter Picnic Concert: 26 June 2016
Nelson Mandela Day with S A Guide-Dogs: 18 July 2016
Winter Festival: 31 July 2016
Fly Fishing: 27 August
Annual Guide-Dogs Ball: 10 September 2016
KwaZulu-Natal
Highland Gathering: 30 April 2016
Cars in the Park: 15 May 2016
Royal Show: 27 May-5 June 2016
Garden Show: 23-25 September 2016
Inspiration
If for Dogs
M.K.Clinton
If you can wag your tail when all about you
they are tucking theirs and blaming it on you
If you can trust yourself when humans doubt you
but forgive them for their doubting too
If you can wait for your human and not be tired by waiting
or be left for hours but never leave yourself
Or be unloved but don’t give up on loving
but don’t bark or whine too loud
If you can dream and not wake up your master
if you can think and tilt your head just so
If you can meet with triumph and puppy mischief
and treat those two as simply things you know
If you can know the truth when it is spoken
twisted by humans who will sometimes lie
If you can comfort your person when their life gets broken
then cuddle in their laps and let them cry
If you can make one heap of all your chew toys
and risk them on a pitch or toss to fetch
If you can give your heart and leave your joys
to ensure your loving memory when you’re gone
And hold on where there is nothing in you
except the voice of your master saying “Hold on”
If you can howl with others and keep your home safe
or walk on a lead but not lose your steady pace
If neither cats nor loving friends can hurt you
if all humans count on you for games of chase
If you can fill an unforgiving minute
with sixty seconds of licks and sitting up
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it
and – which is more – you’ll be a dog, my pup.
Feature - Car Raffle Competition
Car Raffle draw
Laura Kapelari
After a busy year promoting our Car Raffle Competition at the various expos and through our
dedicated network of GDA supporters who took it upon themselves to sell raffles to their own
networks, the competition finally came to a close on 16 October 2015.
The 2015 Car Raffle draw was held at S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind premises in Paulshof
on Wednesday, 25 November. This year, we decided to use a Zorb Ball to mix all the tickets, which
GDA staff had great fun tossing around. Ticket number 27392 made it through our rigorous random
selection process and bank manager approval. Congratulations go out to our lucky winner, Mr
Andries de Lange, who won this year’s competition car – the eye-catching Suzuki Alto.
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and convinced others to do so. You helped us raise in
excess of R600 000 toward future Guide, Service and Autism Support Dogs as well as Orientation &
Mobility Practitioners.
Last but not least, a big thank you to Fun Jumping Castles for coming on board with the Zorb Ball and
helping make the Car Raffle draw such a great success – we look forward to working with you again
very soon!
2016 Car Raffle Competition
Though it is said that all good things come to an end, our Car Raffle Competition will be back
in full force in 2016. The closing date for our 2016 Car Raffle Competition will be 14 October
2016. A Suzuki Celerio – newcomer to the city car class (offering plenty of space as well as
fuel economy) is up for grabs.
The draw will take place on 23 November 2016. Should you wish to sell car raffle tickets in
your personal capacity, we have included a Car Raffle Sheet for this very purpose. Please
remember to send in or drop off your completed Car Raffle Sheets and EFT the collected
money well before the closing date. This will make sure that those who have purchased
tickets will be entered into the draw. The Marketing Team looks forward to seeing you all at
this year’s line-up of expos and shopping malls.
Head Office report
Marketing news
Marketing and Fundraising Highlights of 2015
Laura Kapelari
It has been an incredibly busy but productive year for our Marketing and Fundraising department at
Head Office. Though we had many more events in our calendar, I would like to highlight the most
successful ones as well as thank the sponsors who made them possible.
“Starry Night” Ball
The S A Guide-Dogs “Starry Night” Ball was held on 12 September 2015, at the spectacular
Montecasino Ballroom, Fourways, thanks to our very generous venue sponsor, Montecasino. This
year, we raised more than R450 000, which will be used to train working dogs.
Our patrons, the ever-popular South African singer, songwriter and actor, Danny K, and his wife, Lisa
Koppel, charmed the audience throughout the night, while comedian Ndumiso Lindi had guests in
stitches with his sharp humour. MC Ashley Hayden looked as stunning as ever in her turquoise ball
gown. Her longstanding passion for our cause was evident throughout the proceedings. Guests put
on their dancing shoes as Doug Ramage (DJ Mellow Yello) spun a variety of records throughout the
night.
The sponsorship drive kicked off as the Miss Earth Finalists presented the six puppies – hearts were
stolen and wallets opened. Many generous pledges were made on the night, including LCV
Engineering’s R80 000 Platinum Sponsorship pledge and Montecasino’s extremely generous pledge
of R150 000, while the silent auction – headed up by electronic auctioneer sponsors Lumi Insight –
ensured that everyone could bid on their desired lots.
Thanks also go out to Blond Productions, Dream Sets, Bushbaby Communication, Môreson Wines,
Estée Lauder, Panorama Media Corp, Bob Martin, African Water Solutions, Oxygen for Life /
Cellfood, and The Braaiman, without whom this event would not have been possible.
A big thank you to everyone who dressed up to the nines and made this night such a special
experience. Your support will help provide a better future to the differently abled community. We
look forward to seeing you again at next year’s Ball, which will be held on 10 September 2016.
Fly Fishing in Dullstroom
We held our annual Fly Fishing Competition in Dullstroom on 29 August 2015. It was a beautiful
spring morning as 43 anglers headed out with the goal of catching the longest fish.
The winning trout were caught five minutes apart at the two dams that were the furthest apart. Dr
Stephen Watson and Graham Tait, a previous winner (2009), each caught a 59cm trout. The two
winners decided to negotiate a deal, and they agreed that Graham would accept first prize of a
Mavungana Fishing trip to Chile. Stephen and Graham each agreed to give a further donation
toward the training of working dogs.
This event was made possible through Jonathan and Sarah Bolton of Mavungana Flyfishing and the
headline sponsor, Nedbank Private Wealth. A special thank you to cash sponsor, De Wit Motors
(Ermelo) and everyone who donated auction prizes.
Ladies’ Morning Tea
S A Guide-Dogs held its first Ladies’ Morning Tea on 7 November 2015. It was a delightful day under
the Syringa tree.
Guide Dog Owner Melette Els and Puppy Raiser Trina McKinley entertained guests with their
entertaining and inspiring talks. Aspiring caterer Taylor Farrimond, from the International Hotel
School, volunteered his services for our Ladies’ Morning Tea and put together many delectable
sweets and savouries for the guests. He added an air of spring to the event through carefully
selected décor. The Tea Merchant generously sponsored both hot and cold teas that came in various
delicious flavor combinations. These were enjoyed by all – even self-confessed coffee lovers!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this morning so special. It was definitely a day to
remember and we look forward to hosting another Ladies’ Tea next November.
Charity Golf Day at Ebotse Golf & Country Estate
On 13 November 2015, S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind held its Golf Day at the pristine
Ebotse Golf & Country Estate in Benoni.
The Golf Day kicked off with a two-tee start from 11h00, as 72 avid players battled it off against each
other. The format for the day was a ‘mystery fourball alliance’, which many players seemed to have
enjoyed immensely. Time Freight, BJNC Trading and SSG Consulting sponsored holes, providing both
snacks and drinks to the golfers passing through.
We also had four “closest to the pin” competitions, one of which was the challenging blindfold
competition, at the 11th hole. Players took a shot under blindfold, and surprisingly, some made their
best shots here.
Thanks to our generously sponsored fourball prizes, everyone went home a winner! Golfers were
also given a goodie bag at registration, packed with essentials such as a pack of tees and a stress ball
for those especially difficult shots.
Team “All Procurement”, captained by Pierre Smit, took the number one spot on the day.
Thank you to the organising team for putting together a spectacular event. Thank you to our valued
sponsors for the part they played in making this day a success and thank you to SAB Miller for
keeping our golfers hydrated and happy throughout the day.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for what will hopefully be an annual golfing
event on the East Rand.
Team Guide-Dogs at the 947 Momentum Cycle Challenge
On 15 November 2015, after months of training, Team Guide-Dogs was primed and ready for what
was to be a very challenging race through Johannesburg, faced with strong winds and a heat wave.
The cyclists, donning their turquoise Team Guide-Dogs cycle jerseys, triumphed.
S A Guide-Dogs had a post-race hospitality stand at the finish. Ice cold towels as well as food and
drinks made post-race recovery a little easier for Team Guide-Dogs riders.
Throughout the year, riders have been raising additional funds via sponsorship for S A Guide-Dogs
Association. A combined total of R121 446.14 in sponsorship funds and donations was raised – a
truly admirable feat!
Team Guide-Dogs riders also competed against each other to see who could raise the most money
via sponsorships. The winners of the Team Guide-Dogs sponsorship drive 2015 are as follows:
1. Graham van Niekerk - R23 397
2. Augusta Saunders - R12 590
3. Kerry Millar - R12 180
4. Suna de Villiers - R11 460
Well done and thank you to all Team Guide-Dogs riders for their support and going the extra mile for
S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind. You have helped make this a really successful project that
assists us in reaching even more people through our working dogs as well as Orientation & Mobility
Practitioners. We look forward to seeing you all again in the 2016 race! If you would like to join
Team Guide-Dogs in 2016, please contact Laura at LauraK@guidedog.org.za
Training report: Service Dogs
Creative Training
Maxine Geddie
I’d like to tell you more about Service Dog training. Many children with autism seem to benefit from
trampolines and enjoy having their dogs join them. Where this is required the dog needs to get used
to this beforehand. Hence the need for a trampoline in our training equipment arsenal.
Research has shown that children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome can benefit from regular
exercise, and that trampolining in particular can provide many additional benefits. Sitting or
bouncing on a trampoline can help increase coordination by improving their bilateral motor skills.
Trampolining itself is a very gentle form of exercise due to the fact that the bouncy trampoline pad
soaks up a large proportion of the impact.
The activity of trampolining can provide children with a great sense of fun and well-being. Being
outside allows children to get fresh air and sunlight, both of which provide their own health benefits.
And allowing siblings to join in with the trampoline fun can also help to provide huge social benefits
to children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.1
On a smaller scale, we go through a large amount of old mobile phones in the initial phase of Service
Dog training until the dogs are taught to handle them gently. Many thanks to our volunteers who
collect them for us.
Our Autism Support Dogs have a wardrobe larger than the average working dog. They wear the red
jacket that identifies them as Service Dogs, a soft harness and a lead for the child to hold on to and a
lead and collar for the main handler . All working dogs have an identity tag.
The leads have been specially adapted for people who are physically disabled. They have a Velcro
strip and eliminate the use of potentially difficult clips. Occasionally we use carabiner clips to attach
leads to, if a particular owner finds them easier to use than other options.
Working with Service Dogs and their owners has taught me is to be inventive, think out of the box
and use my creativity.
1
Kinsey Harris, 4 October 2015: http://www.bouncevalleycottage.com/kids-with-autism-benefitfrom-trampoline-exercise/
I am truly thankful for this and look forward to finding solutions that make the lives of my clients a
little bit easier.
Training report: Guide Dogs
Obstacles
Mandlenkosi Nxumalo
Avoiding obstacles in Guide Dog work is one of the most difficult tasks that a Guide Dog has to learn.
Our Guide Dogs are taught to walk in a straight line. Any route is made up of a series of straight lines.
The Guide Dog owner will direct the dog at each orientation point. Road crossings are natural
orientation points. The step from the pavement into the road is called the “downkerb”, and the step
up onto the pavement is called the “upkerb”. At each orientation point, the handler will give the dog
its next instruction. The dog may be told to go straight, right, left or back.
If an obstacle blocks the dog’s path, the dog will go around the obstacle and return to the straight
line as soon as possible. Negotiating stationary obstacles is the easiest (dogs get practice to do this
during their training). Moving obstacles, such as pedestrians, are more difficult as their actions are
unpredictable. Height obstacles are the most difficult, as the dog gets less practice of this in the
environment. A dog’s eye line is closer to the ground than a person’s eye line, which makes it harder
to navigate such obstacles. Fortunately, the introduction of the clicker has made this task much
easier, and more fun, for dogs to learn.
During training, the handler initially chooses the correct path through the obstacles. As the dog gains
experience, the handler allows the dog to made decisions. If the dog is correct it is praised. If the dog
makes a mistake, the handler will repeat the exercise. If necessary, the handler will subtly clue the
dog to assist it in making the correct choice. As time passes, the dog gets more skilled at avoiding
obstacles and returning to the straight line. In the final stages, the instructor will check that the dog
understands the different obstacles by using a blindfold on a given route. This means that the
handler can’t influence the dog’s obstacle work at all. If the dog passes this test, we know that it is
ready to guide a person who is visually impaired.
Guide Dogs in training practice many different routes in a variety of environments to ensure that
they really do understand the obstacle challenges in the real world.
Puppy Raising
Puppy-proof your house
Leigh de Beaufort
You have done research on what breed of dog to get, where you should get it from, and how much
you’re prepared to pay. You’ve purchased the bed, bowls, food, toys and the puppy itself.
BUT…
Have you checked your home and garden, soon to be the puppy’s home, for potential dangers and
hazards?
Having a puppy is a wonderful way to remind your spouse and children how to be tidy – if it’s left
lying around the puppy WILL destroy it! The problem with this though is that you might have a very
sick puppy who requires veterinary treatment at vast expense to remove the offending item from its
throat or stomach. A puppy in a new environment is like “a kid in a candy store” – EVERYTHING is
exciting and requires investigation!
Remember that puppies explore using their teeth and mouths in most instances, these are
essentially their fingers. The best way to check is to get on your hands and knees, as low as the
puppy is, and crawl around looking for all potential hazards in the puppy’s line of sight or anything
lying around on the floors. Puppies will also jump to get hold of something, so be aware of how high
it can leap and search at this level as well. Make notes as you move along, so as not to forget at the
end of the search.
You should be looking for cushions, shoes, slippers, magazines, those beautiful coffee table books,
ornamental statues, table doilies hanging over the sides, wrap blankets hanging over the back of a
couch, children’s toys, remote controls, mobile phones, and any ornaments small enough for the
puppy to get into its’ mouth.
If you have an open fireplace, make sure to put a sturdy grid in front of it. Open bar heaters are
extremely dangerous for a puppy and should not be used until the puppy is much older. Heaters that
are sealed are a far safer option while the puppy is small.
Check all wiring is clipped snugly to a wall along skirting boards. Don’t allow any wiring to hang.
should the puppy chew through the outer covering, the electrical surge could be potentially fatal.
Do a search for any toxic household plants and remove them.
If you have other pets such as goldfish or hamsters in a cage, move them far back and out of reach.
If you have an office in the house, check for paperclips, staples and drawing pins. Also check for
loose cables, as there are usually plenty in an office. You could use wrapping to hold the wires
together and run this along hooks in the wall high enough to be out of the puppy’s reach.
The kitchen tends to be the most hazardous area for puppies. Put a lock on your cleaning cupboard,
as most cleaning liquids are poisonous to puppies. You may want to consider putting childproof locks
on all cupboard doors. If you are cooking, rather keep the puppy out of the room so you’re not likely
trip over him whilst carrying hot oil or boiling water – you could use a crate or child barrier. Make
sure you have rewarded the puppy every time it goes into the crate, and that there is a soft,
comfortable bed inside so that the puppy views the crate in a positive light, not as punishment.
Make sure your dustbin is high and sturdy to avoid being knocked over and scrounged through.
NEVER allow your puppy to get hold of any form of plastic bag.
Definitely check that your bathroom cupboards where your medicines are kept cannot be accessed
by the puppy, again – preferably install locks. ALWAYS keep the toilet lid down as Puppies have
been known to fall in and drown. When you or a family member are running a bath, know where
your puppy is at all times and keep the bathroom door closed.
The goal of puppy proofing is essentially to keep your puppy and your belongings safe. It’s worth
taking the time to ensure the family and the puppy have time to enjoy each other.
Meet the team – Monica Fica
Kennel and Puppy Block Assistant
1. How long have you been working for the Guide-Dogs Association?
I have been working for GDA for 21 years.
2. What do you do for the Association?
I am the Kennel and Puppy Block Assistant. I clean and look after the dogs at Kennels. I also
take care of the whelping dogs and assist when the pups are born. I am a granny for the
Association’s grand children.
3. Do you have a favourite Guide Dog at the centre, and if so, what is its name?
Yes, all of them! They are my favourite special pups.
4. What initially prompted you to get involved with the Guide-Dogs Association?
I am not sure what initially made me want to get involved, but now, it’s the dogs.
5. What is your favorite part of the job?
The pups – from the day they are born until they start chewing your shoes!
6. Which GDA event held during the year do you most look forward to?
Open day.
7. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?
I would go back to the 1980s. Back then, people respected each other and children
respected adults.
8. Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
Cape Town.
9. Who has influenced the person you are today?
Rose Chamberlain.
10. Which song is guaranteed to put you in a great mood for the rest of the day?
Gospel music by Hlengiwe Mhlaba (Selnakhile).
11. What movie or novel character do you most identify with?
Jennifer Lopez’ character in “Enough”.
12. What does your ideal weekend look like?
Doing my laundry on Saturday, and then going to church on Sundays.
13. What’s your favourite food?
Vegetables and Inkomazi.
14. Do you have any hidden talents?
I can sing!
15. If you could have a superpower, which would you choose?
Having the money to help others.
16. What’s your favourite day of the year, and why?
Any day as long as it’s a day that makes me happy.
Insight
Clicker Training Update
Effective approach to training introduced at GDA
Mandlenkosi Nxumalo
It has been almost a year since Cheryl, Permit and I came back from attending a Guide Dog Clicker
Training conference at Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) in California. We have started with the roll out
of the positive training method in our Guide Dog Training Programme. The clicker is used as a
marker, and a food reward is given to reinforce the good behaviour. The instructors feel that the
new training approach has changed the way they work with dogs. The dogs are given the ability to
think for themselves instead of relying on the handler alone. The dogs show more willingness and
higher levels of concentration. The dogs also learn guiding work quicker, their general understanding
of guiding principles is improved, and they are more confident in their work.
One exercise that has made an enormous difference to our work is using the clicker to teach the dog
height obstacles. Height obstacles have always being more difficult to teach than general obstacles.
There are fewer height obstacles in the natural environment (so the dog gets less practice), and dogs
are not naturally aware of height obstacles, as they can easily fit below many obstacles that would
be a problem for a human.
With clicker training, the dog is rewarded for touching an obstacle at dog nose height. Once the dog
does this reliably, the obstacle is gradually moved higher and higher. The dog has a good reason to
look up, as it will get a reward for indicating the obstacle. Suddenly, there is a very good reason for
being aware of height obstacles. The obstacle not only has an impact on the handler’s forehead, but
also on the dog’s stomach (to the benefit of both).
Dogs in training are also being rewarded for finding obstacles (bus stops, traffic light poles, post
office boxes, etc.). Once they are working with a person who is visually impaired, they understand
the importance of finding a destination that is important to their owner (because it will also be
important for the dog).
Food rewards are initially given for each correct behaviour. Over time, the food rewards are given
randomly. This actually strengthens the dog’s willingness to perform the correct behaviour.
Some of the dogs that have been trained using clicker training will be going on class early next year.
The people who are visually impaired will be taught how to continue with this training method with
their working dogs. We are always looking for ways to improve the work that we do. I believe that
we are achieving that with happy, confident dogs that enjoy being guides.
Storyline: Service Dog owner
Wild adventures, starring Chris and Service Dog Pringle
Chris has been a quadriplegic for over 48 years, having broken his neck as a young man. Since Pringle
came into his life, the pair has gone from one adventure to another.
Years ago, Pringle and Chris visited a game lodge in the Limpopo area. As they walked up to the
reception area, Chris noticed a sign reading “Please don’t feed the lion”. Intrigued, they entered the
building and came across the most endearing sight. There was, in fact, a 10-week-old lion cub in the
reception area. Rejected by its mother, it was being bottle-fed by the owners. Pringle, then only a
few weeks into his service, didn’t quite know what to make of the situation – wild animals are often
unknown territory for dogs. When then the little cub came over to nuzzle Chris for Pringle’s treats,
Pringle, though not easily riled, settled on giving the little lion a meaningful “look” to keep its
distance and proceeded to ignore it, keeping his distance.
Pringle’s encounters with South African wildlife didn’t end there. On a different occasion, Pringle,
Chris, and the rest of the family, decided to go for a walk after supper at a game reserve they were
staying at. As the others marched on, Pringle and Chris fell back in order to enjoy the magnificent
silence of the bush. Chris noticed that Pringle kept darting furtive looks at the bush next to them.
Suddenly, they heard a tiny twig crack in the stillness. At that point, Pringle stopped right in front of
Chris’ power chair, not letting him move. When Chris started hearing movement in the bushes
nearby, he shouted for the rest of the group to be quiet. However, the noise had stopped by then
and everyone put it down to a wandering Kudu.
At breakfast the next morning, the Camp Manager asked whether the group had enjoyed their
evening walk. Caught off guard, they enquired further. Apparently, the radio receiver had picked up
Chris’ power chair (it had been put in place to ward off rhino poachers) and that noise in the bushes
had been “Roger the Rhino” saying hello. Chris still remarks on Pringle’s calm and placid behavior,
even when faced with an unfamiliar animal many times his size and weight only inches away.
In these encounters with wildlife, one should remember that dogs and wild animals are not natural
friends. Pringle’s calm behavior attests to the training and socialisation that go into making a Service
Dog a reliable and loyal helper for its owner.
Perhaps the most touching and revelatory story is the following one, which shows Pringle’s
dependability and the usefulness of a Service Dog during a crisis.
In Millstream, Limpopo, Chris and family went to a local farmhouse restaurant, which also had a
beautiful waterfall on the property. Chris and Pringle were itching to see the waterfall, and so set off
while the others were still busy eating. Pringle trotted alongside Chris as they navigated the narrow
path going into the valley that ended in the waterfall. A short while later, the concrete path ended
and gave way to rougher terrain. Soon thereafter, they had arrived at their destination.
The waterfall was a beautiful sight – Chris and Pringle got so close they could feel the spray on their
cheeks. On the way back, Chris became increasingly aware of the steep embankment leading to the
river. As the path narrowed, one of the pins underneath Chris’ power chair got hooked on a root.
The chair slowly teetered over and Chris’ head was level with the river. Not able to right the chair,
Chris knew he was in trouble and sent Pringle for help.
Pringle took off like a bullet, leaving dust in his wake. A short while later, a large man and two young
boys came down the path. This turned out to be the farmer who owned the property. He helped
Chris back into the power chair as Rose, Chris’ wife, came striding down the path – Pringle had found
her too!
One year to the day, Chris and Pringle returned for a second visit. This time, the farmer accompanied
the pair, making sure Chris did not deviate from the path. Once Chris reached the section in the path
where the concrete ended, Pringle, remembering what had happened one year previously,
prostrated himself directly in front of the power chair and refused to let Chris pass.
While Pringle might look like a lion to some, with his golden locks and Retriever mane, he most
certainly has the memory of an elephant!
GDA wishes you both many more adventures together!
Graduates
Our latest graduates
New partners start their journey together
Graduations are not only an emotional and life-changing experience – they celebrate the newfound
freedom and companionship a visually or physically impaired person has thanks to their working
dog. We wish each of these partnerships many happy years together and thank our Puppy Raisers
for giving each of these working dogs a happy puppyhood.
Guide Dog classes
SEPTEMBER 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTORS: HAYLEY CUMMING AND PERCIVAL TLHOLOE
Graduate
Eugene Roberts
Mickey van Niekerk
Soonili van Spaendonck
Juanita Horn
Hendrik Lubbe
Sakkie Parsons
Trevor Mackin
Guide Dog
Qiana
Jewel
Valiant
Wakele
Uno
Pedro
Vici
Puppy Raiser
Frikkie and Theresa Loots
Jhanet van der Merwe
Catherine Gibson
Jenny Lobban
Natalie Owen
Lanti van der Merwe
Bob and Vee Pinker
SEPTEMBER 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTOR: MANDLENKOSI NXUMALO
Graduate
Claire Payet (domiciliary)
Guide Dog
Wanja
Puppy Raiser
Elizabeth van der Merwe
SEPTEMBER 2015, CAPE TOWN INSTRUCTOR: CHERYL ROBERTSON AND CHARNÉ MAUJEAN
Graduate
Henti Olivier
Jeremy Opperman
Hector Loftus
Bernadette Steenkamp
Guide Dog
Vincent
Gatsby
Waldo
Gabby
Puppy Raiser
Tracy and John Loos
Alison Carter-Johnson
Celeste and Frank Kusel
Peter and Sheila Taylor
Service Dog classes
AUGUST 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTOR: LEON BUNGUZA
Graduate
Zane Conroy
Guide Dog
Rolo
Puppy Raiser
Adult donation
OCTOBER 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTOR: LEON BUNGUZA
Graduate
Charl Liebenberg
Guide Dog
Widget
Puppy Raiser
Karen da Silveira
OCTOBER 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTOR: MAXINE GEDDIE
Graduate
Janice Salthouse
Guide Dog
Philippe
Puppy Raiser
Gail Cretchley
Autism Support Dog classes
AUGUST 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTOR: LEON BUNGUZA
Graduate
Aidon Gilmore
Guide Dog
Wasabi
Puppy Raiser
Sandra Small
OCTOBER 2015, JOHANNESBURG INSTRUCTOR: MAXINE GEDDIE
Graduate
Shane Ontong
Guide Dog
Cash
Puppy Raiser
Gail Reith
Nursery news: Greetings from Puppy Block
The pitter-patter of puppy paws
Monica Steen
We have had a busy few months in Puppy Block, which has been filled with the pitter-patter of little
puppy paws running through the enclosures. Since the previous issue, the ‘QR’, ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘UV’, ‘W’,
‘XYZ’ and ‘A’ were born. All of them are successful Artificial Insemination (AI) litters.
The ‘QR’ litter was born on 26 August 2015 to parents Fiona and Bosworth, with a total of 10 pups –
eight males and two females. The pups are Labrador/Golden Retriever crosses.
Here are the puppies and their respective Puppy Raisers:
Randol – Hazel Newington
Reo – Robyn De Villiers
Quincy – Kimberly Kay
Rusty – Louise Meyer and family
Ruben – Andri Werner
Reggie – Anne Lishman
Quip – Esme Marshall
Robin – Lynne Kinsman
Reila – Jan and Jean De Waal
Reegan – Karin Da Silviera
The S litter was born 8 September 2015 to Katie and Jared. They had seven pups: three males and
four females, all of them yellow Labradors.
Here are the puppies and their respective Puppy Raisers:
Sawyer – Candice Southey and family
Sterling – Bronwyn Fell
Scott – Christine Breyl and family
Kc – Ria Koen
Storm – Antje Herzog
Sienna – Diana North
Shiloh – Marine and Andrew Van Der Linde
The ‘T’ litter, by Tanika and Dell, was born 14 September 2015. They had nine pups in total: five
females and four males, all of them Labradors.
Here are the puppies and their respective Puppy Raisers:
Tuscany – Sandra Small
Tango – Judith Taylor
Tilly – Nicky Kelly and family
Tory – Ania Finnemore and family
Tundra – Sandra Vascellari
Toby – Jenny Els
Tucker – Terry White
Tanner – Carolynn Kingsley and family
Thor – Anke Schmidt and family
There were only two pups in the ‘UV’ litter – one black male and one black female. They are
Labrador/Golden Retriever mixes, born to proud parents Basheera and Panther on 18 September
2015. This is Basheera’s last litter for us. She will be retiring to a lady of leisure, with long walks in
the park.
Here are the puppies and their respective Puppy Raisers:
Vicker – Jacqui Webb
Vida – Maria Bounds
First time mom Widgeon and dad Bosworth had the ‘W’ litter on 6 November. A total of eight pups
were born – two black females, three yellow females and three black males, all of them Labradors.
Two puppies are going to Cape Town and still need to be named.
Here are the puppies and their respective Puppy Raisers:
Wesley – Hilda Longster
Watson – Michelle Henderson
Wyatt – Lesley and Kathleen Clark
Whyla – Christine Voigt
Whitley – Allan Yeun
Wisp – Bonnie Espie
The ‘XYZ’ litter was born to Jelly and Parsons on 7 November 2015. All yellow Labradors, with two
females and four males. This is Jelly’s last batch of Jelly Babies. She is due to be spayed once her
pups are weaned.
Here are the puppies and their respective Puppy Raisers:
Zorro – Joanne Bylos
Xander - David Meyerowitz
Zak – Keith Arnold
Zeke – Vee Pinker
Zara – Handri Coolen
Xena – Ildiko Richardson
London and Dell had five pups on 9 December 2015, and are the ‘A’ litter. Four females and one
male, all of them Labradors. They still need to be named and placed with Puppy Raisers.
Aside from all the puppies currently keeping us busy in Puppy Block, things are calming down, at
least until the next litter!
Volunteer: Dax Soegaard
“Life is short – get on with it”
At 87 years young, Dax Soegaard is another example of one of GDA’s very dedicated and enthusiastic
volunteers. Living by the motto “Life is short – get on with it”, which she regularly uses on fellow
retirees in the retirement village where she stays, Dax abhors moaning and is happy to be in the
company of like-minded individuals in the Monday Vollies group.
Dax was born in New Zealand to Swedish parents. Her father built one of the first power stations
there in the 1920s. The family then moved to Britain, where her father electrified the Southern
Railway. Dax proceeded to grow up and attend school in Britain, as World War II took hold. When
the war finally ended, the family returned to Sweden. Dax, however, was not quite so taken with this
Germanic version of Europe, especially the very serious young men. Dax went against her family’s
wishes and returned to England to train as a nurse.
In 1952, after her nurses training she travelled to Kenya. In Kenya Dax met and married her husband
(a brew master and one of the 1200 Danes living in Kenya at the time).She was in Kenya during the
Mau Mau Uprising (a military conflict that took place in British Kenya between 1952 and 1960
against the colonial government and the European settlers). Dax can clearly remember the haunting
sound of the Mau Mau drums that would play in the middle of the night. This was indeed a
dangerous time but Dax notes that when you are young, you think you are invincible.
The pair immigrated to South Africa shortly thereafter, where Dax carried on nursing, on and off, for
42 years. After retiring from her nursing career (at Sandton Clinic) Dax still felt fit and was
determined to carry on doing something with her life during her retired years.
In 1994, Dax’s friend Joyce Martin invited Dax to help with a so-called “packing day” at S A GuideDogs Association for the Blind (GDA). That was the start of her volunteering and before long she had
joined the Monday Volunteers. Having always loved her German Shepherds and dogs in general, Dax
notes how everything just fell into place once she started volunteering her time at GDA.
An animal lover, Dax had only ever owned German Shepherds, which she used to walk along the
Braamfontein Spruit (the longest stream in Johannesburg). Due to the nature of walking dogs
anywhere near a body of water, Dax had a dedicated car for such outings – a dilapidated, old Ford
Cortina. After starting to volunteer at GDA, she regrets never having been a Puppy Raiser in order to
experience the loyalty Labradors and Golden Retrievers are famous for and whom she says don’t
have a mean bone in their body.
Dax describes her fellow Monday Vollies as a very dedicated and cheerful lot – who don’t moan! In
22 years of volunteering, Dax has hardly missed a day.
Thank you Dax, for all your hard work and positive attitude throughout the years and choosing to
volunteer your time at S A Guide-Dogs. We appreciate all that you do!
If, like Dax, you would like to volunteer for GDA, please contact Florence for more information at
011 705 3512 or visit our website at www.guidedog.org.za/volunteers
In memory of – Special memory plaques
GDA Wall of Remembrance
Pieter van Niekerk
We often treasure fond memories of a special person or a special four-footed friend, but don’t
always have the opportunity to pay tribute to their positive influence in our lives. Do you wish to
keep your memories alive by sharing them with like-minded people?
A special plaque can also mark a momentous occasion in a lasting way. Birthday, anniversary,
wedding and graduation messages can also be added to the Wall of Remembrance to mark a special
day with a message of love and good wishes for the future.
GDA is introducing a Wall of Remembrance at our Gladys Evans Training Centre. This will give you
the opportunity to honour a loved one or special occasion with a brass engraved plaque.
Each personalised brass plaque will cost R500. The plaques will be prominently displayed on the
South wall outside our auditorium entrance.
Please take note of the following important facts:





Message must not exceed 140 characters (spaces included) and not be more than 4 lines.
Your message will be engraved on a 215 mm by 60 mm brass plate in a standard Calibri font
(Caps) with a 24 character size.
All engraving to be actioned after 31 December 2016, in one batch.
Unveiling will take place at a Guide Dog Graduation Ceremony in early 2017 (date to be
confirmed).
If you have purchased a plaque you will be invited to the unveiling and Guide Dog
Graduation.
Let your memories live on for years by supporting this unique fundraising project and assist us to
provide independence, mobility and companionship.
For more information on this exciting campaign, please visit www.guidedog.org.za, or e-mail
fundraising@guidedog.org.za.
Remembering friends
We remember with fondness our beloved friends who have passed on
Friends who are no longer with us –
Lauren McGregor (Guide Dog owner) passed away October 2015
Petrus Thaisi (Guide Dog owner) passed away October 2015
MJ Terblanche (Guide Dog owner) passed away December 2015
Condolences to Pasha Alden and Frans van der Water who both lost their spouses
The Tuesday Vollies will miss Elaine de Beer
In loving remembrance of Guide Dogs who have worked faithfully –
Freckle passed away October 2015
Disha passed away October 2015
Yukon passed away October 2015
Travis passed away November 2015
Kasi passed away January 2016
In memory of Hitch who passed away October 2015 – Puppy on the Puppy Raising Scheme. Your life
was short but you were loved by your Puppy Raising family, who will always remember you.
We were saddened by the loss of our T puppies. We did everything in our power to save you.
The song is ended, but the melody lingers on …
- Irving Berlin
GDA Staff upskilling – Toastmasters workshop
Laura Kapelari
Though public speaking is an intimidating feat for many, since 1924, Toastmasters International has
helped millions of men and women worldwide become more confident in front of an audience.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with
international membership of 313 000 people.
At the beginning of August 2015, GDA staff were part of a Toastmasters workshop spanning two
weekends, which covered the basics of public speaking ranging from what to say (telling your story),
and how to say it (the use of body language and PowerPoint presentations). Such training is
indispensable for all GDA staff, as they communicate with Puppy Raisers, volunteers, working dog
owners, supporters and the general public.
Trina McKinley, Coordinator from Toastmasters, was impressed with the outcome of the two-day
event: “The focus of the workshop at GDA was to help attendees gain confidence in not only their
speaking skills, but also in recognising that their stories have value”. GDA Executive Director, Gail
Glover remarked on the benefit of the workshop: “The training improves one-on-one
communication and develops leadership skills. I was encouraged to see the growth that our
dedicated staff had as the course progressed.”
Here are just some of the impressions by GDA staff of the two-day workshop:
“Listening to colleagues stories about what drives them in their work was an amazing experience.
And then to see those stories transform and become even more powerful and focused by the end of
the workshop was even better. Thanks guys for giving us this opportunity and for sharing your
experiences with us!” Willemien Kleijn, College of Orientation & Mobility Facilitator.
“The Toastmasters workshop has helped me become more confident when delivering a speech. It
has helped me polish my presentation skills and above all, taught me to think on my feet” Alson
Maphosa, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator.
“During the Toastmasters workshop I learnt how important it is that my communication has a clear
message and a call to action for the audience. I learnt the importance of body language – incorrect
body and hand gestures distract the audience. After the sessions, I felt more confident to stand in
front of a group of people and give a presentation.” Mandlenkosi Nxumalo, Guide Dog Services
Manager.
If you would like to improve your speaking abilities or just improve your confidence when speaking
to an audience, join a local club. For more information on Toastmasters
visit www.toastmasters74.org.
Thank you Toastmasters for helping everyone at GDA be a better version of themselves!
Storyline: Bigger than the sky
A love that reaches beyond
I recently met an inspiring couple Eden and Chaeli.
I’ll tell you about Chaeli first. Her full name is Michaela Mycroft. She is almost completely paralysed
and has been using a wheelchair since she was a little girl. This year, as a student at University of
Cape Town (UCT), Chaeli will write her Master’s thesis. She “climbed” Kilimanjaro last year and
pretty much travels the world as a motivational speaker.
It is therefore easy to understand why it took S A Guide Dog Association four years to find and train
the right friend and helper for Chaeli. Apart from anything else, it is a unique soul that has the ability
and the personality to concentrate on the job when surrounded by hordes of varsity students. The
very thought of it frightens this middle aged, old dear half to death. Enter Eden – a young,
enthusiastic, intelligent yellow Labrador. There’s nothing not to love about the sparkling-eyed Eden.
We had a long chat and she told me that she attends lectures with Chaeli, she opens and closes
doors for her, presses the lift buttons and puts whatever Chaeli needs on the table. When she is
finished, Eden then takes whatever it is off the table again. She and Chaeli work as one and I’m quite
sure their hearts do too.
I’m not philosophical by nature, but when you spend time in the company of animals and humans
who make you feel so humble, you think about partnerships such as that of Eden and Chaeli. You
think about all the animals, all the people, all the training and all the time involved in matching up
each pair. You think about how you would feel if you were blind or incapable of opening a door or
walking down the road to visit your friends. You think about all that and then you ask yourself “what
is the driving force behind the animals and the humans who dedicate their lives to the service of
others?” I’ll tell you what it is – it is a love bigger than the sky.
To find out more about Eden and Chaeli, please visit zelda.chaelicampaign.com or email
chaeli122@gmail.com
KwaZulu-Natal report: Marketing news
Di Turner
The year is rapidly winding down, and it’s time to say a heartfelt “thank you” and prepare for the
next one!
We were back in Pietermaritzburg for the Garden Show, and a big thank you to the new organisers
for the same stall that we had at the Royal Show. We did really well! Thanks to all the ‘Maritzburgers
for their support, donations, purchasing of books and tickets, and of course to all the wonderful
helpers who gave their time at both the shows. Tracy, Denise, Robin and Gail you are stars for all the
hours you put in!
This year, we were lucky to have HobbyX back in Durban after a long absence. Thank you to the
organisers for all their help and the stall – we did amazingly well selling tickets. Thanks must also go
to the helpers who were rushed off their feet most of the time.
Next came the Annual Golf Day, again held at Umdoni Club in Pennington. When the day finally
dawned we had a field of 48 players, most of them loyal supporters. We managed to raise R9 000
thanks to all who rallied around and supported us on the day. Thank you also to all the prize
sponsors.
Soon after Golf Day came the Durban street collection. We had 12 centres and 30 collectors. Despite
more centres refusing to have collectors, we still raised an amazing R19 669.52 – up on last year’s
amount. Well done and thank you to everyone who turned out on the day to help.
On a sad note, after 15 years of being at S A Guide Dogs, I have had to bid farewell to a number of
friends and invaluable helpers who have decided to relocate. Farewell to Jacque Webb, who has put
my dogs and I up for 15 years for all the shows in Pietermaritzburg; Karen Hagsphiel; Cheryl and
Chris, who originally introduced me to Umdoni Club for the Golf Day and were always on hand to
help wherever needed; and Gerry Staegemann, who monitored the ’Berg collection tins. You are all
very much missed. The bright side of course is that I have a whole lot of new holiday destinations to
visit!
A big thank you also goes out to the hardy band of amazing can top collectors who this year raised
R3 200 (and believe me, that’s a few truckloads of can tops) and are well on their way to sponsoring
their next dog, the lady golfers that sponsored dogs, service clubs, schools, social clubs, trusts and
companies and individuals that donated and sponsored. Thank you also to my long suffering family
for all the favours and the all important house/dog/cat sitting. And finally, a special thanks to all the
Guide Dog and Service Dog owners who helped this year, especially Jenny Puffett and Gracie, who
came and did all the talks with me.
Thank you all for making fundraising for our worthy cause possible and indeed great fun at times!
Puppy Raiser
Schokolade’s career change
Christine Voigt
Some time ago I wrote as Schokolade’s Puppy Raiser, that he would soon be going into training. This
he did in late 2014, but unfortunately, due to temperamental problems, he did not qualify as a Guide
Dog.
Although this is a hard and bitter pill to swallow, as you always imagine your puppy “making the
grade” and helping a person who is visually or physically impaired, it did mean that I was allowed to
keep Schoko.
However, the story does not end there. I have known for some time, that like humans, dogs are
needed as blood donors. Blood is needed for biliary cases, surgical procedures, anaemia, trauma
emergencies, and many more.
I went to Bryanston Veterinary Hospital (BVH) and asked what the criteria were for dog blood
donors. I was told that the dog should:




weigh 25 kg or more without being overweight
be between 18 months to 7 years old
have a calm temperament and be able to sit still
have up-to-date vaccinations and be free of disease
I realised that Schoko filled the bill and took the next step – a simple blood test to find out his blood
group. Again, like a human, dogs have different blood groups – some more rare and some more
needed than others (DEA 1.1 negative is considered the universal blood type). Schoko was a match,
and was immediately placed on the donor roll.
Within 24 hours, I received a telephone call from BVH requesting that I bring Schoko to the hospital,
if possible, as he was needed to save a life. He spent about three hours at the vet, where he
underwent a mild sedation and while the blood was taken. At the end, he was no worse for wear,
and came home to lots of hugs.
Like a human having given blood, there is a waiting period before the next donation.
To date, Schoko has given two pints of blood and is in his “waiting” period once again. Even though
he may not feel proud, I feel proud for him, as his career change means that although he is no longer
the eyes or assistant for a person, he is saving lives.
Schoko – you and all the other canine blood donors around – I applaud you.
Puppy Raising
FAQs about Puppy Raising
Want to become a Puppy Raiser? Here’s what you need to know
Leigh de Beaufort
1. Who can be a Puppy Raiser?
An ideal Puppy Raiser is someone who has the time and energy to socialise and house train a young
puppy. Time, motivation, a love of dogs and a willingness to teach the pup according to the GDA
philosophy (so that the pup has the best chance of success) are the most important factors. On
application, an interview is set up to meet with the potential Puppy Raiser. All of the requirements
of Puppy Raising will be discussed in detail. The property is checked for secure fencing, an enclosed
swimming pool and any other dangers that a puppy may be exposed to.
2. Can I let my friends and other family keep the puppy on weekends?
While you cannot leave your puppy with someone we haven’t vetted, you do have the option of
leaving the pup with us at Kennels or we will find an alternative approved Puppy Raiser to look after
the dog until you return. If you travel often, you may want to consider becoming a weekend homer
rather than a Puppy Raiser.
3. Who decides on whether the dog will be a Guide, Service or Autism Support Dog?
The Puppy Raising Supervisors will assess the puppy throughout its first year, and look for qualities in
the puppy which would place it in its ideal vocation. Once the puppy begins its formal training, the
Instructors will continue the assessment.
4. Do I have to take the dog for training?
Yes. You will be required to bring the puppy to the Gladys Evans Training Centre once a week for a
13 week period where training and socialising is done by the Puppy Raising Supervisors with you
handling the puppy. Thereafter, you will have monthly walks with your puppies’ siblings and their
respective Puppy Raisers led by the Puppy Raising Supervisors. These are fun and great for discussing
any concerns or boasting about achievements.
5. Will it cost me money to care for the puppy?
Yes. You are responsible for de-worming, parasite control and grooming. S A Guide-Dogs Association
for the Blind takes care of all other medical and vaccination costs.
6. Can I take the dog on trips with me?
Not without prior permission. It would also depend on the distance, age of the puppy, and whether
the puppy would be missing crucial lessons.
7. What do I do if the dog gets ill?
Phone the Puppy Raising Supervisors or Kennel Manager immediately. We have a relationship with
Bryanston Veterinary Hospital where you can take the dog if needed.
8. What do I feed the dog / do I pay for the food?
We are sponsored by Martin & Martin, who manufacture Bob Martin Puppy and Adult Dog food
which is supplied to you via the Puppy Raising Scheme, so you won’t pay for the puppy’s food.
9. What happens if I become attached to the dog?
You will become extremely attached to the dog, however, the reward in knowing that you are
making an enormous difference in the life of someone who is visually or physically impaired, or a
child with autism, is immeasurable. It will be hard to part with your dog, but when you see them in
training, proudly wearing their harness or working dog jacket, it will have been worthwhile and we
hope you will raise another puppy in the future.
10. Can I only raise one dog at a time?
Yes. The amount of time required to expose the puppy to different environments, situations and
people requires planning, focus and dedication, which need to be applied to one dog at a time.
11. What is the ideal home environment to raise the dog?
All of our puppies MUST sleep indoors. The dog needs to become a valued member of the family and
be able to take part in the family’s daily lives. We would like our puppies to go to homes with
sociable dogs, cats and children. The more animals a puppy comes into daily contact with, the better
chance they have of becoming comfortable with them.
If you would like to become one of our Puppy Raisers, please contact Leigh de Beaufort at
LeighD@guidedog.org.za or visit www.guidedog.org.za/volunteers for more information.
Celebration of our Service Clubs (part 2): Rotary Club
Pieter van Niekerk
In this second feature on the important role performed by Service Clubs, we will be focusing on the
generous support received through the decades from Rotary Clubs in South Africa.
WHO AND WHAT IS ROTARY?
Rotary International is an association of Rotary Clubs worldwide. It is made up of more than 33 000
Rotary Clubs in over 200 countries. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians,
and they form a global network of approximately 1.2 million business and professional leaders.
Rotarians volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities to improve the lives of those
in need.
HOW AND WHERE DID THIS MOVEMENT START?
The first club was the Rotary Club of Chicago, USA (formed in February 1905) by Paul P. Harris and
three of his friends. Harris wanted to recapture the feeling of fellowship he had experienced
amongst the business people in the small town in which he had grown up. The name "Rotary" came
from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. Rotary’s popularity spread,
and within a decade, clubs were chartered throughout the USA and Canada.
As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving club members’ professional and social
interests. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve
communities in need. The organisation’s dedication to this ideal is best expressed in its motto:
“Service Above Self”.
ROTARY CODE OF ETHICS
Rotarians’ actions are guided by the following principles:
A: Is it the truth?
B: Is it fair to all concerned?
C: Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
D: Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
WHEN WAS ROTARY FOUNDED IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The Rotary Club of Johannesburg was established in 1921, while the Rotary Club of Cape Town was
chartered in 1925.
ROTARY SUPPORT TO S A GUIDE-DOGS ASSOCIATION
Gladys Evans, founder of S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (GDA), worked closely with many
Rotary Clubs. GDA has benefited from several fundraising drives. To date, Rotary Clubs throughout
South Africa sponsor many Guide, Service and Autism Support Dogs, not to mention the
independence and mobility training rendered through our College of Orientation and Mobility
(COM).
We wish to commend each and every member of local Rotary Clubs for their dedicated support to
GDA and other worthy causes over many years. Whenever you see people who are visually or
physically impaired living life to the fullest through your and our intervention, please take a moment
and be proud of the fruits of your Club’s investment – together we make a difference!
Should any of our readers wish to obtain more information on Rotary International or find the club
closest to you, please visit www.rotary.org
COM report: Stories from the field
Three of GDA’s Orientation and Mobility Practitioners talk about rewarding experiences they had
working in the field
Nomonde Tanda shares her experience
Sipho, a seventeen year old boy, was referred to me for Orientation & Mobility training. When I first
met him, he said, “All blind people do is stay in bed all day.” He didn’t want to learn anything and he
felt that his teacher was forcing him to attend the training. He had recently been orphaned and was
dealing with a diagnosis of glaucoma, which had caused him to become partially sighted. He was
dealing with a great deal of emotional trauma and needed to be referred to a psychologist to help
him deal with his situation.
After some counselling, he was more receptive to the training and I could begin my work with him. I
started by talking to Sipho about role models who were also blind or partially sighted. I introduced
Sipho to a group of visually impaired people and he was able to talk to them and hear about the
challenges that they faced. He no longer felt alone, as there were group members who were the
same age as him.
When the Orientation & Mobility training began, he resisted using a cane, and so I trained him to
make the best of his remaining vision. He learned how to use his feet to scan the area ahead of him,
while tracing with his hands and tracking objects that he could see with his remaining vision. His aim
was to return to school and he became excited when he realised that he could use his remaining
vision to become mobile again. However, he was still battling to walk independently in an unfamiliar
environment, and so I suggested that the cane would make it easier for him to reach his goal of
being independent. We started the introduction to the cane and he learned the techniques with
ease. The combination of cane skills and the optimal use of his remaining vision enabled Sipho to
regain his hope for the future.
Once he was confidently able to use the cane and had regained his independence, he was ready to
return to school. I helped him complete the application forms for admission to Filadelfia School for
the Blind and he is currently completing his Grade 11 year. His June report was excellent.
As an O&M Practitioner you need to be patient and try to use all your expertise to assist your clients.
Sometimes we need to refer clients to other professionals who can help prepare them for the
training they need. We must keep checking on clients to give them all the support that they need
until they are ready for O&M training, otherwise they will all sit at home feeling worthless and
dependent on others.
Making a difference – Salome Ntsoelengoe
My experience involves a family of four, two brothers, and two sisters who were orphaned at an
early age. One of the brothers is deaf and the other is visually impaired. Both sisters are deaf and
without sight. The visually impaired siblings depended on the deaf brother to do things for them.
Unfortunately, the deaf brother was involved in a taxi accident and was hospitalised for three
months.
The three siblings suffered a great deal, as there was no one to take care of them. They were unable
to cook, clean, do laundry, buy groceries or go to the clinic for their medication. They did not know
how to count money or where the shops were. The grant money was going straight to their bank
account, but they did not even know how much money they had, as their brother was managing
everything for them. Without the care of their brother, they were helpless.
In desperation, they asked their neighbour for assistance. Unfortunately, this neighbor took
advantage of the situation by stealing money from the account. The neighbour would buy the
siblings a small amount of food and tell them the money was finished. The siblings then approached
another neighbor for help, when they realised they were being mistreated. Eventually, their case
was referred to me.
It was not easy for me to communicate with the siblings, as the brother was the only one who could
hear me. This meant I had to use him to interpret for me. It was clear that there was a need for
Orientation & Mobility training to ensure that independence was gained. I started with the skills of
daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, identifying money, washing, and ironing. Then I moved on to
the skills of mobility such as sighted guide, pre- cane and finally using the cane to navigate the
routes in the yard, to the shops, clinics and church.
When the brother was discharged from hospital and returned home, he found me training his
siblings. He was very surprised and happy to see the progress they were making, as he had been so
stressed and worried about what would become of them without him. Within six months, they were
all independent and knew how to do things for themselves. When I started training them, I thought
it was going to be difficult to use the second person to interpret for me, especially someone who is
also blind. However, I managed to achieve my goal of helping this family become independent and
mobile.
Mmalomile Mokoena’s experience as an Orientation and Mobility Practitioner
Four years ago Bonolo Mokhele, a girl from Soweto, was given the opportunity of a life time.
She was chosen to attend the Oprah Winfrey Academy, a school for girls which helps
children from an under privileged background gain an excellent education. The Academy has
a rigorous application process involving testing and interviews. Bonolo had achieved many
academic awards at her school and her family knew that she was intelligent and capable.
Her family was so proud of her achievements and the wonderful future that lay ahead for
Bonolo. She attended the Academy for three years and was about to start Grade 11 when
disaster struck.
Bonolo was diagnosed with a brain tumour. During that year she was hospitalised several
times, and after the surgery to remove the tumour and save her life, it was found that her
vision was impaired. Although the Academy supported her throughout this process, she
could no longer continue her studies there. She transferred to Prinshof School, a school for
visually impaired children in Pretoria.
It is here that I first met Bonolo when she was 17 and repeating Grade 10, as she had to
learn braille before she could continue her education. She needed mobility training to learn
how to use a cane, so that she could regain her independence and move around the school
safely and without assistance. When I first met her, I spent a great deal of time talking to
her, and she said, “Teacher Mmalomile, I feel that I don’t belong in this school and I really
don’t know where I belong.” I realised that Bonolo was struggling to accept her situation,
and referred her to the school psychologist. With ongoing support, she was eventually ready
to learn how to use the cane.
She was willing to learn, and a wonderful person to work with, as her intelligence made it
easy to teach her new skills. After three months of training, she was able to move around
independently inside and outside the building, descend and ascend stairs using the diagonal
cane technique and touch technique. Bonolo had regained her confidence and began to
socialise again. All the cane techniques she was taught can be applied at school and at home
so that she can move around without being helped by others. It made me feel proud to have
made a difference in the life of Bonolo. As an Orientation and Mobility Practitioner, I am
richly rewarded for the work I have done when I see a visually impaired person smiling and
happy when they have regained their independence. My work at Prinshof School has made
a difference to many children who needed to learn skills of daily living and mobility to
function in their daily lives.
Meet the Team: Teagan Schwerin
Get to know a member of GDA’s Cape Town office
1. How long have you been working for the Guide-Dogs Association?
Four years.
2. What do you do for the Association?
Marketing and Fundraising for the Western Cape.
3. Do you have any dogs or pets of your own?
Yes, three dogs: Shadow (16 year old Doberman cross), Shiloh (8 year old Ridgeback cross)
and Skye (4 year old Toy Pom cross). All of them are rescues.
4. Do you have a favourite Guide Dog at the centre, and if so, what is its name? Oxo, a black
Labrador that was withdrawn in my first year at GDA.
5. What initially prompted you to get involved with the Guide-Dogs Association? A friend
who is a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor told me about the opportunity. It was a dream come
true to work with dogs and to be part of a movement that has such a huge impact on
people’s lives.
6. What is your favorite part of the job? Initially, it was working with the dogs, but now it is
inspiring people I have met who are touched by these amazing animals.
7. What is your least favourite part? When we lose a dog … it never gets easy no matter the
reason.
8. Which GDA event held during the year do you most look forward to? We hosted our first
Gala Dinner in recognition of World Sight Day in 2015 and it was a great success. It was
definitely a highlight of my year.
9. Where do you most want to travel, but have never been? Italy for the art, history and
romance and the Bahamas to do absolutely nothing but relax on the pure white sand and
enjoy the quietness and beauty.
10. Which song is guaranteed to put you in a great mood for the rest of the day? Mr Jones by
Counting Crows.
11. What movie or fictional character do you most identify with? The Notebook – I am a true
romantic.
12. What does your ideal weekend look like? A relaxing weekend with no plans spending time
with my husband Jonathan and children, Emma (3) and Max (3 months), at home swimming,
playing and laughing.
13. Are you a collector of anything? Pebbles or stones from other countries. It’s the one thing I
ask people to bring back for me. I have pebbles from Greece, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, etc.
14. Do you have any hidden talents? I can dislocate my pinky fingers. Weird… I know!
15. If you could have a superpower, which would you choose? To remove all unkindness and
cruelness and replace it with compassion and kindness towards all things such as humanity,
animals, the planet.
16. What’s your favourite day of the year, and why? Everyday! It’s a blessing to wake up to my
beautiful healthy and happy family.
Giving back: Legacy Club
Giving back after you have passed
“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain
as your legacy.” – Kalu Kalu
Each year we receive funding from donors who have remembered us in their will. We are very
grateful for these bequests that make it possible for us to continue to provide working dogs to
people who require a Guide Dog, Service Dog or Autism Support Dog.
The sad fact is that we are never able to thank these generous people for the contribution that they
have made to change someone’s life.
This was the inspiration for The Legacy Club. If someone has left us a gift in their will and they inform
us then they will join the Legacy Club. All Legacy Club members will receive a badge and a special
yearly newsletter.
The newsletter will highlight projects that have been funded by bequests in each year. Members will
have the option of their name being inscribed in our leather bound Legacy Club Member’s Book,
which is on display in our History Section in our visitor’s auditorium. We would like to thank and
acknowledge these supporters for the legacy that they will be leaving behind.
The reality of life is that some of our supporters can’t afford to make a contribution while they are
alive but they can afford to leave a gift in their will.
If you would like more information about the Legacy Club then please contact Pieter van Niekerk at
PieterV@guidedog.org.za or visit www.guidedog.org.za/can-help-bequests
Cape Town report: Fundraising news
What’s been happening in Cape Town
Avril Salo
The second half of 2015 turned out to be as busy and exciting as the first. Partnerships came to
fruition and new events raised the bar for fundraising in the Western Cape.
Karoo to Coast Cycle Race
GDA is a beneficiary of the Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Race. The race, which takes place
over the course of two days, starts at Uniondale and ends in Knysna. In 2015, the event was held on
19 and 20 September. Our Branch Manager, Cheryl Robertson, together with Guide Dog owner
Jennifer Pretorius and her Guide Dog Kaine, attended.
World Sight Day Gala Dinner
South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (GDA), in association with Lions International,
celebrated Cape Town’s first World Sight Gala Dinner on Thursday, 8 October 2015, at the esteemed
Kelvin Grove Ballroom. This high-profile event was a resounding success and has the makings of
being an annual occurrence. Guests included the Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille, Mike Wills of
Cape Talk, Nikki Friedman of Môreson Wine Estate, and our keynote speaker Sonja Kruse (Ubuntu
Girl), who entertained guests with her inspirational, optimistic, warm and witty manner.
The objective of the Gala Dinner was to raise funds for two Platinum Dog Sponsorships (R160 000) –
we achieved this and so much more. A huge thank you to our generous sponsors: Môreson, Kelvin
Grove, Oak Valley Estate, Okasie, The Glenn Robertson Jazz Band, Distell, BSVP Sound and Lighting,
Black Dog Studios and Bee Photography and Design. Without your invaluable support this would not
have been possible.
Institutions
Raising awareness among the youth about the differently-abled community is a mammoth task.
Therefore, the support from our schools and universities is greatly appreciated. The opportunity to
share such insights with the youth and young adults is a privilege not afforded to many. Thank you to
Blouberg Ridge Primary, Elkanah House, Sweet Valley Primary, Micklefield Primary, Greenfields
Primary, The Rhenish School in Stellenbosch and UNISA for your support of GDA.
Bookshop
The bookshop is managed by a happy band of volunteers. Alton von Biljon and his team, Erich Baum,
Val Cotmore and Sheena Hurworth, have done sterling work. Every month new faces grace the shop
to purchase some real treasures. Over the past three months, we received entire libraries from
various estates. We already need extra space and the bookshop could easily open more than one
Saturday per month. Watch this space to see how we grow!
Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM)
The ever popular Two Oceans Marathon doesn’t just provide a great day out for runners – the event
is also a fantastic way to give back to the community. The Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI)
was launched three years ago as a way to provide much-needed funding for charities that match
Two Oceans’ support pillars of education, the environment, health and development. GDA has been
selected as one of four beneficiaries of the 2016 Two Oceans Marathon. Thank you to TOMI for
selecting GDA.
Exhibitions and Shopping Malls
Expos are a great place to raise awareness about Guide, Service and Autism Support Dogs. We
regularly have a stand at the International Boat Show at the Cape Town International Convention
Centre (CTICC) where we are always well received. During our visit to the Boat Show in October
2015, we were invited to the inaugural Gambling Indaba by the CEO, Mr Percy Kwinda. This was a
great opportunity to not only raise awareness about GDA’s work but also to network.
Likewise, the support from young and old at the shopping malls is overwhelming.
Golf Days
On 30 October 2015, we were one of the beneficiaries of the Woolworths Golf Society Annual Golf
Day. Roy Abbot and his Guide Dog Georgia accompanied us to receive the cheque of R60 000.
This sponsorship is primarily to assist with veterinary fees and services, equipment as well as training
and aftercare. Thank you Woolies.
The Boland Nomads dedicated their 2015 monthly golf days to GDA. Through this they raised an
amazing R160 000 – two Platinum Dog Sponsorships! The cheque was handed over to us at their
final prize giving at the end of November. Two newborn pups will be named by them. One of them is
set to be called Nomad. Thank you – your dedication and support of GDA is awe-inspiring.
Our own Golf Day, held on 13 December 2015, proved to be a lovely evening, where networking,
support and commitment were the order of the day.
Thank you
Marcel Proust said “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming
gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
Thank you to each and every one who feeds our souls not only at our fundraising events but on a
daily basis. Your belief in and support of GDA is immeasurable. To our Puppy Raisers, volunteers,
schools, Lions and Rotary Clubs, sponsors – individuals as well as corporates – we are immensely
grateful to you all.
Gala Dinner - Lions International District 410A celebrates International Sight Day
Pierre Theron
Lions District Sight Awareness Chairperson
Since 1988, Lions World Sight Day has raised awareness about the importance of eye health and the
need for quality eye care services for all. On this special day of service, Lions Clubs around the world
conduct sight-related projects, including vision screenings, eyeglass donations, restorative surgeries,
eye health education programs, and the donation of assistive devices to those with vision
impairments.
Lions World Sight Day is traditionally held in the month of October.
This year, the Lions of District 410A enjoyed a wonderful evening of good music, food, wine and
excellent fellowship, when as the headline sponsor, they attended the Lions/S A Guide-Dogs World
Sight Day Gala Dinner at Kelvin Grove, Cape Town, on 8 October.
We were honoured to have as the guest of honour the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille and
Lions Clubs’ District Governor Sue Charles. Both donned blind folds and, with the assistance of a
Guide Dog, navigated the ballroom and onto the stage. This they accomplished without any tripping
or overbalancing, thanks to the excellent ability of the Guide Dogs. In her address, Premier Helen
Zille was in awe of the excellent training of the Guide Dogs and she was absolutely amazed with how
people who are visually impaired, confidently negotiated their daily chores through the help of a
Guide Dog.
Past District Governor (PDG) Pierre Theron referred to Helen Keller’s landmark speech at the 1925
Lions International Convention, when she made her now famous appeal to all Lions to constitute
themselves as “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against Darkness”.
The Lions of District 410A was privileged to be part of this very auspicious Gala Dinner and were
delighted to be involved with S A Guide Dog Association in their quest to raise funds for the benefit
of the visually and physically impaired. The Lions are particularly honoured to have been given the
opportunity to sponsor and name two adorable puppies in training, Melvin and Leo. They were
without doubt the stars of the show. The Lions of District 410A demonstrated that they are truly
“Knights of the Blind” by not only attending the Gala Dinner, but by supporting the sponsorships
drive and so helping raise much-needed funds for S A Guide-Dogs.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organisation, with 1.4 million members in
approximately 46 000 clubs in more than 208 countries worldwide. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have
aided the visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth
throughout the world.
For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit their website at www.lionsclubs.org
Health: Enhance your vision with the right lighting
Hazel Sacharowitz
Lighting takes on added importance for everyone as they grow older. Even normal healthy eyes
generally require twice as much light at age 50 as they did at age 25. Lighting for persons with low
vision is even more critical as they generally need three to four times the amount of light to read and
do other visually related tasks as a person with normal vision.
People respond differently to light depending on their eye condition and the stage of deterioration.
It is therefore important to test different kinds and levels of lighting to determine what is the most
comfortable and most effective. By experimenting with the various lighting options one is able to
vary the intensity of light, the amount of glare and the different levels of contrast.
For people with low vision, good lighting also creates a safer environment and helps prevent
accidents. The type of lighting and its intensity, colour and direction all affect visual performance.
There are several types of lighting:




Incandescent light bulbs are the most common form of light bulb and are frequently used in
table or desk tops lamps. They provide a yellower light but tend not to be the best choice for
contrast enhancement and accurate colour perception. They are most effective when placed
close to the task, like sewing or reading.
Fluorescent bulbs produce a bright, blue-white light that is evenly dispersed without
shadows over a wide area. Fluorescents may however cause glare for some people. Because
they generate a lot of light without using a lot of electricity, it is the type of lighting most
often used in public places, such as supermarkets or offices. Cool-white “natural daylight”
fluorescent lamps are helpful.
Halogen lighting produces the brightest and whitest light but it produces a lot of heat. For
some people with low vision, it can enhance contrast between print and background, but for
others they generate too much glare and are thus not generally recommended.
The newer form of lighting, with LED (Light Emitting Diode) light sources, has many
advantages and is now being frequently used in illuminated magnifiers and lamps. The
quality of light provided is excellent, the colour of the light is not damaging to the eyes, and
the longevity and cost of the lighting is attractive. The bright light generated also produces
very little heat.
Improving your light source may assist you in viewing your tasks more clearly.
New Ideas – Fresh faces on the GDA team
Mmalomile Mokoena – Orientation & Mobility Facilitator
I enjoy working at the College of Orientation & Mobility (COM) because it involves my passion. I have
the opportunity to work with students and share my experiences of working in the field. I work in a
welcoming environment with friendly people whose aim is to help visually impaired people.
Nomonde Tanda – Orientation & Mobility Facilitator
I have been working with visually impaired people for so many years that my clients are like family to
me. Finding out that I was the only Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Instructor in the whole of the
Eastern Cape broke my heart. After I came to study at COM I gained more knowledge about visually
impaired people in South Africa and that there is a lack of O&M Practitioners out there. After I
qualified as an O&M Practitioner, I went back to East London to continue training visually impaired
people. When the post of O&M Facilitator arose at COM, I told myself that this is an opportunity for
me to give back to society by helping to produce O&M Practitioners.
Elizabeth Louw – Head of the College of Orientation & Mobility
Coming to work at GDA offered an opportunity to make use of my background in education and
educational management, while focusing on visual impairment. What I discovered when I started
working at COM, is that the people who work here are passionate about what they do and about
making a difference. They have been supportive and beyond helpful in making me part of their
team.
Leigh de Beaufort – Kennels Manager
My history has been in managing Pet Boarding Kennels, where I thrived. Unfortunately, there was no
opportunity for growth in the industry. I was previously employed by SPCA Randburg, where daily
heartache is normal, and I felt that I needed to make a positive difference in my life by working with
Guide, Service and Autism Support Dogs whilst they were under my care in Kennels. I have always
found working with animals to be mutually beneficial and instantly gratifying. I have learned an
enormous amount in the last few months and believe that I will continue to learn and grow while at
S A Guide-Dogs. Who could ever claim to have a lousy job when it entails all aspects of dealing with
Labradors and Golden Retrievers – the Sunshine Makers of the Dog World.