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Guide Dogs for the Blind

ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Beth and her black lab Patronus sit at an outdoor shopping area

Canadian Client Hopes Pandemic Will Shine Light On Access

As we continue to adjust to the new normal with COVID-19, being blind or visually impaired adds an extra hurdle for our graduates, like Beth. But like most things she has faced in life, the pandemic hasn't slowed this news reporter down.

READ MORE ABOUT BETH AND HER GUIDE DOG PATRONUS

Fred looks at a yellow lab that he walks as a campus volunteer

Daughter’s Independence Leads to Legacy Gift

Fred George and his wife, Marice, had a very special motivation to include Guide Dogs for the Blind in their estate plan. Their daughter, Maile, has had five guide dogs from GDB. “Leaving a provision in our trust to benefit Guide Dogs for the Blind seemed like such an easy thing to do when you consider how much the program has benefited Maile,” says Fred.

READ MORE ABOUT FRED AND MARICE'S LEGACY GIFT

Letticia poses with her guide dog outside a cafe

GDB Client and Paralympic Champ Stays Positive Despite Cancellation of Games

Overcoming challenges as an elite athlete with a disability takes a certain mindset and oodles of positive thinking. GDB alumna Letticia Martinez, who participated in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, clearly has what it takes. She came in 6th in the world in the 100-meter breaststroke and 8th in the 100-meter freestyle competitions. With the postponement of the 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Letticia hasn’t ruled out another chance to compete.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS PARALYMPIC CHAMP

A labradoodle dog receives a treat reward from a dog trainer

How Science is Revolutionizing the World of Dog Training

Professional dog trainers universally report that the less negativity more positivity they use in training, the more quickly their dogs learn. Susan Armstrong, vice president of client, training and veterinary operations for Guide Dogs for the Blind, says thanks to positive reinforcement training techniques, a new dog can now be ready to guide its owner in half the time it once took because they’re less stressed by the job. “These dogs love working. They love getting rewards for good behavior."

READ TIME ARTICLE ON THE SCIENCE OF DOG TRAINING

Kerith the therapy dog with first responder

Every Dog has its Purpose!

Meet GDB ‘Career Changed’ pup Kerith, who brings joy to first responders battling California wildfires. While she wasn’t meant to be a guide dog, this wonderful golden retriever makes sure stressed out firefighters get the love and appreciation they deserve.

READ KERITH'S STORY AND SEE MORE PICS

3 guide dogs & 2 pups in training in front of festive lights

Save the Date: Virtual Holiday Celebration!

We’re bringing the party to you! Join us for this FREE virtual holiday event featuring inspiring stories, lots of puppies, and opportunities to fund support our mission — all from the comfort of your own home!

Date: Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020

Time: 5:00 pm PST

REGISTER FOR OUR VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Congratulations to GDB Alumni Texas twins Faith and Caleb who graduated high school and are preparing for college as freshmen. The twins, who have been partially blind since birth, received their guide dogs in high school and are looking forward to navigating their respective college campuses with their guide dogs Prim and Grit by their sides.

Learn More

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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