Congratulations to GDB alumna Kym Crosby Hightower on her two Bronze-medal wins in the 100 and 400-meter sprints at the Tokyo Paralympic games! While Kym was representing Team USA on the track, her guide dog, Tron, was cheering her on from home. Kym recently spoke with the Los Angeles Times about her close relationship with Tron, as well as some of the challenges facing Paralympic athletes during Covid.
GDB Leading the Way with Innovative Outreach and Advocacy Strategies
GDB’s Outreach and Advocacy Department made a splash this summer by deploying innovative strategies to reach virtual audiences at two of the largest annual gatherings in the U.S. of people who are blind or visually impaired.
We also joined forces with The Seeing Eye to create a training video to help airline and airport employees better assist travelers who are visually impaired, with a special focus on how to address the social distancing guidelines during the pandemic.
GDB has become the first guide dog school in North America to acquire Fear Free certification of our entire veterinary staff. The Fear Free certification is recognized throughout the industry as the standard of skills and professionalism needed to understand, recognize, and alleviate fear and accompanying stress on dogs in the course of their care.
This holistic and transformative approach reduces fear, anxiety, and stress, and creates an experience that is more enjoyable and safer for all involved, including our dogs, clients, volunteers, and staff.
Virtual Fun Week Activities Celebrate GDB Volunteers
Fun Day is an honored tradition that GDB's Puppy Raising Department has hosted for more than 60 years to provide community, recognition, and education for our puppy raising volunteers.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, GDB created a virtual GDB Fun Week, and this year, we did it again. Puppy raising volunteers came together virtually in August to attend educational presentations, enjoy fun activities, and interact with their peers from across ten Western states.
GDB graduate Penny Harrison is enjoying the feeling of companionship and confidence she’s experiencing with her first guide dog, Hannigan. “Walking with a guide dog, you never feel like you’re alone.” When she used a cane, Penny avoided busy grocery stores and malls, but she says Hannigan gives her a sense of control inside crowded buildings.
In this interview, Penny is seen training with her guide dog on and around GDB’s Oregon campus.
Don’t Miss GDB’s Virtual Holiday Celebration Event!
Kick off the holiday season by joining us for a free, festive holiday party to celebrate our mission of creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. You'll enjoy inspirational stories and of course, lots of puppies to celebrate the holiday season! Special thanks to GDB graduate, JR Quevedo, for creating this festive illustration for the event.
Date: Sunday, December 5, 2021
Time: 4:30 pm PT pre show. 5:00 pm PT live broadcast
Register before November 1 to be entered into a drawing to receive a GDB holiday gift!
