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ISSUE 6 January 14TH, 2021
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‘Fur’loughed, but not Forgetting…
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The pandemic’s been tough on everyone. But what does the pandemic look like for service dogs who have also had their routines disrupted? GDB grad and disability rights advocate, Janni Lehrer-Stein, says her black Labrador guide dog, Shiloh, has had to adapt his career moves, work ethic, and modify protocols along with the rest of us as we wait to emerge from the pandemic.
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DOT Rules Only Trained Dogs Can Fly Free
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It’s been a while since we had a story about someone trying to pass off what is clearly a pet as an emotional support animal so that the pet will fly for free.
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Airlines tightened their policies on this after things got out of hand with passengers passing off badly behaved, dangerous, and obviously untrained animals as emotional support animals.
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Now, after a long wait and much debate, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued its final ruling on the matter. GDB President and CEO Christine Benninger weighs in on the ruling.
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| READ THE ARTICLE ON THE DOT’S RULING REGARDING FRAUDULENT SERVICE DOGS |
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Guide Dogs for the Blind Partners with Be My Eyes to Offer Real-Time Video Assistance to Alumni via Innovative App
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As many people who are blind or visually impaired have struggled with social isolation and reduced support networks during the pandemic, Guide Dogs for the Blind has added many services to provide additional support to our 2,100 guide dog teams across the U.S. and Canada.
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In September, GDB partnered with Be My Eyes to give real-time video assistance to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The partnership complements GDB’s efforts by helping alumni overcome everyday barriers to provide the absolute best care for their guide dogs.
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Teacher Trained 56 Guide Dogs, Passed Legacy to Students
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Super Puppy Raiser and Club Leader extraordinaire Marybeth Hearn has raised 56 guide dog puppies (not a typo!) and has been a Club Leader at Guide Dogs for the Blind for 38 years. Marybeth’s enthusiasm began in 1962 when she was 10 years old and received her first guide dog puppy. Her passion for puppies and helping others turned into a lifelong mission.
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GDB Alum and Board Member Awarded India’s Most Prestigious Nonfiction Book Award
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We are thrilled to celebrate GDB Alum and Board Member Amit Ahuja, who was recently awarded the 2020 New India Foundation Book Prize, India’s most prestigious nonfiction book award.
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Amit, an Associate Professor of Political Science at UC Santa Barbara, shares the prize with another author. He focused his research on the processes of inclusion and exclusion in multi-ethnic societies.
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Winter Safety Tips for Your Dog
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The cold weather is upon us! GDB Medical Director Dr. Kate Kuzminski says while every dog is different, generally, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can be problematic for dogs. While we know that age, breed, fitness level, and concurrent medical conditions all influence how a dog can handle cold temperatures if it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for your dog!
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If you know someone who is blind or visually impaired and could benefit from our services, please tell them about GDB.
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