Southeastern Guide Blog

2012-01-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Fello Graduates:

I just got the scoop on what’s going on at Vinoy Park during and following the walkathon, and I thought I’d pass it along to you. So you’re reading it first, right here!

In addition to crowds of people and dogs everywhere, the staff at Southeastern have been working hard to set up all kinds of fun for this special day. Events Coordinator, Stacy Price, told me that they have confirmed a number of food venders, with more to be firmed up soon. These include food trucks such as Jimmy Meat Balls; Maggie on the Move (selling breakfast sandwiches, pitas, and other types of sandwiches); and Keepin’ It Reel (selling seafood).

Laura Allen Photography Studios, specializing in pet photos will take pictures of dogs. Veterinarians will be around to answer questions and offer tips. Have your tired feet massaged by Healing in Balance who specialize in reflexology. Let your kids enjoy the Bounce house, provided by Let’s Jump.

And don’t forget to stroll by the items from Southeastern’s own gift shop.

There will also be a silent auction.

End up your fantastic day at the Celebration dinner. Stroll through the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts during the cocktail hour and then join us for a fab dinner and results of the Walkathon fundraising efforts.

Southeastern Guide Dog's 26th walkathon will be more than a walk in the park. Come join us, and spread the word!

2012-01-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

26th Annual WALKATHON Saturday, March 3, 2012 Vinoy Park - Saint Petersburg, Florida

It is happening again and in a beautiful new location. Come be a part of this year’s exciting event. Support our school. Join us for food, music, fun, companionship and a wonderful 3K walk. Tell all your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers about SEGD and the Walkathon to raise money. And be sure to sell raffle tickets.

The Walkathon helps Southeastern Guide Dogs continue providing services for us after graduating and dogs for new students. Think about the life-changing gift of mobility Southeastern gave to us. Remember how special we felt, how grateful we were to everyone who trained, fed, and supported us for those few weeks. Now, its time for us to help each other and to share the life-changing gift of mobility with someone else. We need to be champions for ourselves, for our dogs, and for our wonderful school. The annual walkathon is one of the best ways we can do this.

Of course, not all of us can afford to attend because of travel and hotel expenses, but this doesn't mean we can’t get involved for our donation to count. We can send our donation and raffle ticket money in a check to SEGD and include a note saying that it is our contribution for the Walkathon.

Need some ideas to raise money? Here’s what some of us are doing. Try one or all of these. It is easy. Create your own donation web page at Sitstaygive.org. We can help you set it up, or someone at the school can help as well. We don’t have to be afraid to ask for support to do this. We can send notes to all our friends on Facebook. We can go to all the businesses we frequent where they have seen us with our guides, the grocer, our favorite restaurant, where we buy our clothes and ask for them to “play it forward”. We can e-mail all our friends in our address books. We can throw a party and ask for a donation as an entrance fee, and while everyone is there, sell raffle tickets (the first prize is $10,000). We can come up with more ideas, so let everyone know them. Blog back your thoughts. Need more help or have questions? Contact SEGD at 941.729.5665, www.guidedogs.org or fundraising@guidedogs.org

2012-01-10T23:06:00.002-05:00

TRAVEL TIPS

Packing for your Guide Dog when flying

By Bob Smallwood

It is always helpful to have friends or family with you when you travel. Then there are the times when you need to fly by yourself on a business or pleasure trip, so be prepared and do not hesitate to ask for help. I fly with my guide dog many times throughout the year on business and want to share some of my experiences that may help you.

Before you go, plan your packing. Just as you sort your things for the carry on and checked luggage, do the same for your dog. First thing I do is put each day’s meal for my dog in separate sealable baggies. I then add any daily supplements that he gets with each meal into those baggies. Packing individual meals this way is not only convenient but lets you fill in all those little empty spaces in your luggage.

In my carry on, for my dog, I pack two days meals, small or collapsible water bowl (dogs get easily dehydrated when flying), any medications, treats, waste cleanup bags, proof of rabies or other shots required when traveling out of country, and a small first aid kit. Sometimes checked luggage gets lost and this gives me time to replace missing items for my dog.

In my checked luggage goes the remainder of his food, a bowl for water and one for his food, more treats, more cleanup bags, his favorite toy, a dog comb or brush, and a sweater if traveling in the cold weather. I also pack my white cane in case of an emergency or injury of my dog.

In my experience, it is best not to feed my dog, Skye, for at least 12 hours before flying. On long flights, this means we are not looking for relief areas during what might be a short layover. I do feed Skye when we arrive at our destination.

This helps us both in making the trip easier and more pleasurable. So plan ahead. It only takes minutes and may save hours.

Flying with your Guide Dog

By Bob Smallwood

Now I am packed, have taken my dog for a walk, and ready to leave for the airport. When going to the airport in a taxi or by other means, I get dropped off at curbside check in if possible. Curbside check in has shorter lines and they can get you a skycap to escort you to the gate. The skycap will get you and your dog quickly through security. One caution, skycaps tend to move rapidly. If they walk too fast for you or your dog, make them slow down.

At the security checkpoint, make sure to have your I.D. and ticket easily accessible. Place items like your belt, cell phone, Keys, coins, or any other metal objects into your carry on. I have a small zippered bag that clips to my luggage for these items. This makes it easier as you or your assistant will not need to search through several containers to make sure you have everything.

When you get to the gate, confirm that you will have an escort onto the plane. If traveling alone, have the skycap seat you and explain where the counter and gate personnel are if you need help. Do not forget to tip the skycap. If I am on a long flight and at a layover gate when my dog needs to go out for a walk, I ask the gate personnel for help. They have always been helpful. If no relief area was near the gate, they have on occasion escorted us out onto the tarmac for my dog to relieve himself.

Upon boarding the plane, with a cabin Stewart escorting us, I remove my dogs harness in order to make it easier for both of us to maneuver down the aisle and get seated. My dog, who weighs 90 pounds, then tucks himself under the seat in front of me. If on a long flight, remember to get the water bowl out of your carry on and ask the Stewart for a bottle of water for your dog. The planes air may make your dog quickly dehydrated. Now sit back and relax.

Before disembarking from the plane, if at a layover or final destination, confirm with the cabin Stewart that an escort or skycap will meet you at the gate to get you where you need to be. Planning ahead and asking for help will ensure that your travel is less stressful both for you and your dog.

2012-01-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

A Passion and a Purpose

Interview with puppy raiser Alice Boose

By Shirley Tracy

Why would anyone want to pour their heart and their money into a precious puppy, do the hard work of housebreaking, obedience training and socializing them, only to have to give them up in about a year? That’s the first question I asked Alice Boose, a long-time puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

I first met Alice at a writers group meeting last spring. A gentle, soft-spoken woman, she had wonderful things to say about Southeastern, and she was thrilled to see me out and about with my guide dog Cleo, a real-life example of what the program is all about.

Alice’s connection to Southeastern began nearly twenty years ago, when she and her husband Bob met a couple at their church who frequently talked about going somewhere and hugging puppies. "One day Alice asked the wife, “Where do you go to do that?”

The woman told her, “Southeastern Guide Dogs,” and explained where it was located.

As soon as she could, Alice found a day in her schedule to visit the kennels. “I went down and hugged puppies,” she says, “and I just fell in love with those little puppies.”

Alice says she also recognized that this was a made-to-order community service for her, because her mother was blind, as well as two of her mother’s sisters, and Alice could appreciate the work and mission of the program.

“ I feel that everybody should have something that they’re passionate about,” she says, “and I became very passionate about that.”

Puppy hugging was only the beginning. Alice soon began walking dogs, participating in walkathons, and performing other volunteer work for the school.

On her first walkathon Alice raised enough money to name a dog. She decided if she could name a dog, she ought to raise it. So twelve years ago, she and Bob began raising puppies. Their first dog was a goldador named Grace. Their most recent dogs have been collies. Presently, Alice says they are without a puppy but might like another.

When asked how she feels about raising a puppy and then having to give it up, she responds honestly, “That’s the hardest thing in the world. They tell us thirty days ahead what particular week we are to bring them in, and that’s when I get sad and start crying. But I focus on what the dog is going to do--what their job is going to be and how they are going to help other people. So that’s how I’m able to give them back, wish them success, and hope that they do get to be a guide for a blind person. You can’t help but bond with them and love them, but you go through that agony because its absolutely worth it.”

2011-12-15T18:59:00.001-05:00

The following holiday tips are provided by Rose City Animal Hospital, Portland, Oregon:

Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill
our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem
beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency
spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and
ways to prevent them.
Holiday Hazard
How to keep your pet safe
Dangerous Foods
The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic,
onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum
containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Regular Foods
Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other
"regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your
pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when
he asks. He probably won't know the difference!
New Treats and Toys
Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only
one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill
after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue
it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other
potential hazards.
Plants
Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine),
and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least
supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.
Decorations
Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be
dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets
are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters.
Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make
sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in
a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.
Christmas Trees
Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles
(even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can
be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and
decorative lights out of reach, too.
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will
include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies.

Contributed here by Dulce Weisenborn.

2011-12-13T18:43:00.001-05:00

Have you set up your fund raising page to help raise money for the Southeastern Guide Dogs 26^th annual walkathon? This year, SEGD is providing us with a clever tool to help us with our efforts. Anyone who visits http://www.sitstaygive.com and sets up their own walkathon fund raising page can receive “business cards” with your dog’s picture and name on the front and the link to your sit stay page on the back. You can use these cards to publicize your site to help SEGD. After you have set up your page, Contact Miranda Spinner at miranda.spinner@guidedogs.org if you would like her to order some of these cards for you. She will need your name, address, phone number, dog’s name, and the link to your sit stay give page.

To set up your sit stay give donation page:

1. Visit http://www.sitstaygive.com.

2. Click on the link that says “get started.”

3. You can upload your own photo or the school will provide a picture of you and your dog.

4. fill in the required information for each field: name, address, email, password, etc.

5. Create the link for your page. This link will start with http://www.sitstaygive.com/ followed by your preference, your name, your dog’s name, it’s your choice. You do not need to type in the first part of the link in the edit field, only your unique identifier after the slash.

6. After you have filled in all required information, press the submit button at the bottom of the page.

7. You will come to another page, which will ask you to create a message for your page. You can create your own message or use one of the customized messages available on the site, depending on whether you are a graduate, puppy raiser, volunteer, etc. Check the appropriate radio button to view and/or change the customized message.

8. When finished, click on the continue link. For speech users, this one is located at the top of the page.

9. Your page will be created and saved. You can always log in and go back and edit it afterwards.

Submitted by Dolores Myers

2011-12-12T14:25:00.002-05:00

Some useful Information

The following link, posted on the Seeing Eye web site lists each state and its current guide dog access and protection laws.

http://www.seeingeye.org/news/default.aspx?M_ID=540

For screen reader users, you can use the links list hot key provided by your screen reader, (insert f7 for Jaws users), and press the first letter of your state to jump directly to your state’s listing. The page also contains other information handlers may find helpful.

Happy holidays from Dolores and Blossom!!

2011-12-08T16:51:00.000-05:00

The holidays are here again

Although it’s a joyful time of year, many of us find ourselves swamped with changing routines, shopping in crowded stores, decorating our homes, and keeping busy with preparations for entertaining family and guests. If we think we’re overwhelmed with all the holiday festivities, just think how our dogs must feel.

It never hurts to be reminded that not only do our pooches pick up on our excitement, they also pick up on our tension as we rush around here and there trying to get everything done. You may find it helpful to pay a little extra attention to your dog at such times. Many of the articles I’ve read suggest making an effort to remain as calm as possible, especially when snowed under with so much to do. It helps to lessen your dog’s anxiety.

Remember to watch out for chocolate and other holiday treats that can be harmful to our dogs. Did you know that poinsettias are also poisonous? And watch out for tencil. I know of several dogs who had problems after eating some.

Do any of you have other tips to help our dogs stay safe and enjoy the holiday season?

How many of you give your dogs gifts? I still have to shop for Cleo. Any ideas?

2011-11-16T21:13:00.001-05:00

What can I do when someone harasses me or my guide dog? In Florida, like many other states, there is a specific law to protect you and your dog. If a person or their dog interferes with the use of your service animal, they can be charged from a misdemeanor to a felony under Florida Statute 413.081. Any interference includes intentional obstructing, intimidating, or jeopardizing the safety of you or your guide. If someone or their dog is convicted of intentionally or with reckless disregard, injures or kills your service animal, they are required to pay restitution. This restitution must include but not be limited to medical expenses, the value of the guide, replacement and training costs for you and the animal, and any other expenses directly incurred by you. Review the law below and know your rights. If you have trouble, call 911, immediately!! Florida Statute 413.081 Interference with or injury to a service animal; penalties; restitution.— (1) A person who, with reckless disregard, interferes with, or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to interfere with, the use of a service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the service animal or its user commits a misdemeanor of the second degree for the first offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree for each subsequent offense, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (2) A person who, with reckless disregard, injures or kills, or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to injure or kill, a service animal commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (3) A person who intentionally injures or kills, or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to injure or kill, a service animal commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (4)(a) A person who is convicted of a violation of this section, in addition to any other penalty, must make full restitution for all damages that arise out of or are related to the offense, including incidental and consequential damages incurred by the service animal’s user. (b) Restitution includes the value of the service animal; replacement and training or retraining expenses for the service animal and the user; veterinary and other medical and boarding expenses for the service animal; medical expenses for the user; and lost wages or income incurred by the user during any period that the user is without the services of the service animal.

2011-11-15T21:51:00.000-05:00

26th Annual WALKATHON Saturday, March 3, 2012 Vinoy Park - Saint Petersburg, Florida It is happening again and in a beautiful new location. Come be a part of this year’s exciting event. Support our school. Join us for food, music, fun, companionship and a wonderful 3K walk. Tell all your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers about SEGD and the Walkathon to raise money. And be sure to sell raffle tickets. The Walkathon helps Southeastern Guide Dogs continue providing services for us after graduating and dogs for new students. Think about the life-changing gift of mobility Southeastern gave to us. Remember how special we felt, how grateful we were to everyone who trained, fed, and supported us for those few weeks. Now, its time for us to help each other and to share the life-changing gift of mobility with someone else. We need to be champions for ourselves, for our dogs, and for our wonderful school. The annual walkathon is one of the best ways we can do this. Of course, not all of us can afford to attend because of travel and hotel expenses, but this doesn't mean we can’t get involved for our donation to count. We can send our donation and raffle ticket money in a check to SEGD and include a note saying that it is our contribution for the Walkathon. Need some ideas to raise money? Here’s what some of us are doing. Try one or all of these. It is easy. Create your own donation web page at Sitstaygive.org. We can help you set it up, or someone at the school can help as well. We don’t have to be afraid to ask for support to do this. We can send notes to all our friends on Facebook. We can go to all the businesses we frequent where they have seen us with our guides, the grocer, our favorite restaurant, where we buy our clothes and ask for them to “play it forward”. We can e-mail all our friends in our address books. We can throw a party and ask for a donation as an entrance fee, and while everyone is there, sell raffle tickets (the first prize is $10,000). We can come up with more ideas, so let everyone know them. Blog back your thoughts. Need more help or have questions? Contact SEGD at 941.729.5665, www.guidedogs.org or fundraising@guidedogs.org

2011-11-15T21:46:00.002-05:00

Hello, Let us introduce ourselves: we are Graduate Partners for Southeastern (GPS). Like you, we are alumni of Southeastern Guide Dogs. Our purpose is to share our stories for advancing recruitment, outreach to graduates and the public, marketing, and fundraising to help Southeastern furnish more dogs to those in need. We are also here to help you with any guide dog concerns you may have or to help celebrate and share your successes. We are a diverse group of people, and while we don’t pretend to have all the answers, it is likely that there are at least one or two of us who have encountered the same guide dog issues as you, or we have dealt with the same questions. We are glad to share with you what we have learned, and we look forward to hearing about some of your own experiences. GPS also provides support, encouragement and insight in the use of a guide dog to applicants who have been accepted into the Southeastern Guide Dogs program and potential applicants who are interested in obtaining a dog guide. With another focus on marketing and fundraising for our school, GPS works to promote the raising of money to help provide dogs for new and returning students. Our goal is to reach out to organizations, businesses, and individuals to demonstrate the value of independence that working with a dog brings to each person. We use our communication skills for making presentations through the SEGD Speakers Bureau to help accomplish these goals. Will you help us help others? We welcome articles from you on guide dogs, ADA, or other items that you believe your fellow grads would enjoy. Be sure to visit the Southeastern Guide dog blog to share your experiences with other graduates. Let’s try to stay upbeat and positive. We want to encourage each other to be successful. All GPS members are available by phone or e-mail. Our contact information is: Dulce Weisenborn, Chair, Miami, Florida and Portland, Oregon , dmw@lifedesigns-inc.com 305-829-9008, Kati Lear, Vice Chair , Port Orange, Florida, mailto:kati386@bellsouth.net%20 386-788-0463, Dolores Myers, Secretary , Port Orange, Florida, dmyers46@cfl.rr.com 386-756-1883, Alan Preston, prestonad542@comcast.net 561-358-5313, Kathy Champion, Gulfport, FL, Kathrynfchampion@Yahoo.com 813-447-0629, Shirley Tracy , Sun City Center, FL , mailto:stracy5@tampabay.rr.com%20 813-260-3081, Janet Deluca , North Fort Myers, Fl, janetsyear2010@gmail.com 239-995-6645, Bob Smallwood, Key West, FL , bskye@bellsouth.net 305-509-2184, and Christina Holtzclaw, Rome, GA, chclaw@disabilitylink.org 706-236-9906.

2010-10-26T14:45:00.003-04:00

Halloween Tips for your Furry Companion ~Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can't get into the trash.

~Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in costumes ~Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your pet out of the place where he's confined. Many dogs will run after trick-or-treaters ~Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards...so think twice before dressing up the dog. Make sure the dog can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant. Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. Avoid rubber bands, which can cut off the animal's circulation or, if accidentally left on, can burrow and cut into the animal's skin. ~Halloween candy is absolutely forbidden for pets – lollipop sticks can get stuck in a throat and candy wrappers can cause an obstruction. But the animal in your life likes a treat, too, so here is a recipe that is healthy for your pet – and tasty, too.

Hall-O-Paws Dog Ice Cream Recipe

32 oz. plain yogurt 1 mashed banana 2 T peanut butter 2 T honey

It’s true dairy products aren’t good for dogs, but yogurt contains much less lactase than regular milk and the live cultures are great for your dog’s digestive system. This dog ice cream recipe is delicious and good for your pet! 1. Mix all these ingredients in your blender, then dump into ice cube trays, paper cups, or even a kong toy to freeze and serve. 2. If you want to go all out for your mutt you can freeze these homemade hall-o-paws just like you would homemade ice cream. A salt-less automatic ice cream maker makes this as easy as using any other appliance in your home and the frosty paws will be ready to serve in 10 minutes. For the ultimate treat, appropriate for dessert at a Halloween party, follow steps one and two, then take the mostly frozen dog ice cream product of number two and spread it 1” to 1½” thick on wax paper. Freeze for five minutes and then remove dog ice cream from freezer. Next, use a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to cut a pumpkin shaped “hall-o- paws”, remove ice cream around edges, and return pumpkin shapes to the freezer to freeze solid.

2010-03-14T20:33:00.003-04:00

Southeastern Guide Dogs Class #5 Feb/March 2010 Starting from left to right

Roger Brannon & Bobbie Rhonda Mawhinney & C.C Trainer Mersereau Stephanie Fish & Chase Robin Thorsen & Florence Larry Turnbull & J.T. Eric Kallal & Scout Robert Braze & Baxter Trainer Mancini Michael Hartley & Charley Trainer Karen Gloria Dimon & Caesar’s Joy Richard Piepenbring & Mike

2010-01-23T17:57:00.003-05:00

Congrats to our first class of 2010 from left to right

Karin Watson, Debra Williams, Kyle Schulhfer, Christie Sullivan, Talibah Adisa, Pam Parker, Marisa Gerlach, Sandra Hires, Terry Scove, Raymond Hurley, Edward Schell

2009-10-08T12:46:00.004-04:00

Halloween Safety Tips for our Furry Friends

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.

· Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs.

Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst,

· Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol

sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.

· Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire.

5. All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

6. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

Hope these few tips will help you have a safe Halloween

Mancini

2009-09-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Class #1, August 14, 2009

Left to Right: Thomas Leonard and Gilly, Nadine Miller & J.J. , Trainer Kate Flamm, Judy Farlow & Audry, Trainer Mike Mancini, Francis Baylor and Amsie, Sharina Elkins and Sebastian, Trainer Karen Mersereau, Dr. Tom Weidener and Mark, Richard O'Neill and Sherman

2009-09-06T07:48:00.000-04:00

One of the graduates from this class is a particularly talented individual. Look for more news in the next posting that will include an audio clip.

2009-09-06T07:45:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Joe Parker

We gave graduate Joe Parker credit, $100 worth in fact, in the form of a gift credit card. His name was randomly picked as the winner in our Annual Veterinarian Report drawing. Even though the deadline has passed for the drawing we encourage you to send in your reports. If you did not return it and need another form please contact Graduate Services at 941-729-6556 ext. 119. We will be glad to forward a form to you in whatever format you need.

2009-09-06T07:15:00.003-04:00

Blessing of the Animals

Southeastern Guide Dogs staff and graduates have been invited to attend the Blessing of the Animals Service at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach, Florida on Sunday, September 27, 2009. The service begins at 4 p.m. and a special section in the front of the church has been reserved for everyone from the group. Southeastern Guide Dogs will be the first group to be blessed. Tables will be set up in the Parish Hall for talking to people before and after the service.

The blessing location is:

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church

3300A S. Seacrest Boulevard

Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Directions: I-95 to Woolbright Road. Woolbright east to the first stop light (Seacrest Blvd). South on Seacrest. Church is on the west side. You will see a soccer field and tennis courts. The church is at the top of the hill.

If you would like to attend please RSVP to Kim Marlow, Area Coordinator for South Florida at kmarlow@comcast.net or call Kim's cell phone at 954-496-0776. Discuss with Kim any transportation needs you may have.

2009-09-06T07:00:00.004-04:00

Southeastern Guide Dogs Website Improvements

GuideDogs.org is sporting a new home page. You now have access to personal fundraising pages, a virtual tour of our campus, the school's very own Facebook page, and a new blog on twitter.

Since starting the web page on July 20 over 500 friends have joined our Facebook community. You can log-on to the site by going to the school's home page, scrolling down about half-way and clicking on the link on the left side of the page that reads - join us on facebook - or by clicking the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southeastern-Guide-Dogs/92490953062

Once there, Southeastern Guide Dogs will come up as the page title. There are buttons/boxes reading from left to right that tell you how to get around the page. Scroll down to hear what our friends have to say about our dogs.

The new twitter page, written by trainer Karen Mersereau, gives an inside look at a day in the life of a trainer. It is located at the link below:

http://www.guidedogs.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=69&cntnt01origid=372&cntnt01returnid=68

Look for news soon about improvements being made to this blog. As always, we welcome any suggestions or comments you may have especially related to the changes. Please be patient with our renovations. At times you may experience outages when our network is down.

2009-09-06T06:45:00.005-04:00

Dog Food Flyer

Wondering what type food to feed your dog? Included in your mailing of the Summer 2009 issue of Southeastern Guide Dogs Today was a flyer. It listed all the dog foods recommended by the school with photos, stores that carry it, and on-line sources to buy the products. Take this flyer to your pet food store to get help finding your dog's food. The food list without pictures is also below. If you need a flyer with product photos please contact Graduate Services.

Southeastern Guide Dogs suggests the following dog foods or another food recommended by your veterinarian:

Royal Canin MAXI Large Breed Adult 25 - available at Petsmart

Innova Large Breed Adult: find a location to buy at website below:

http://www.naturapet.com/where-to-buy/ or buy at feed and farm supply stores

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult available at Petsmart

Science Diet Large Breed Adult available at Petsmart

IAMS Large Breed Adult - available at Petsmart and Walmart

Natural Balance Lamb Meal and Brown Rice or Natural Balance Organic - find a location to buy at website below:

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/home/usa.tpl

Purina One - buy at Petsmart, Walmart and groceries

2009-07-10T08:00:00.003-04:00

Class #8, July 10, 2009

Cindy Kelly and Tempo, Jerri Holcomb and Dalen, Trainer Karin Watson, Amanda Furr and Alice, Isabelita Sanders and Emma, Trainer Ray Hurley, Joyce Damron and Clarke, Alberta Hall and Lady, Trainer Jen Gerrity, Robert Wright and Lady, John Holliday and Ellie, Dione Faye Arthur and Parker.

2009-07-10T07:45:00.003-04:00

Contest Deadline is Only Days Away and Counting

Get your Annual Veterinarian Report to us by close of business day, July 20 to have your chance to win a $100 gift card. If you need a report form please call Vickie Foster in Graduate Services at: 941-729-5665.

2009-07-10T07:15:00.001-04:00

Safe Dog Paddling

One of the joys of Summer is a refreshing dip in the pool on a sweltering day. With a few safety precautions your guide dog can enjoy the plunge during supervised swim time.

If your dog is new to swimming, don't force him into the water. Introduce Fido slowly by tossing a ball into a few feet of water, then entice him to go deeper. At first, belly deep is enough. Even if your dog is a champion swimmer it's a good idea to suit him up in a coast guard approved pet life preserver. A dog can panic and may not be able to get out of deep water. Go to the following link to order one on line - go about halfway down the sites webpage. http://www.thefind.com/pets/info-polka-dot-life-vest

In fresh water or at the beach:

Don't let your dog swim where there are undercurrents, or strong tides
In Florida or southern coastal towns beware of alligators or water snakes that can lurk in the area.
Try not to let your dog swim where there may be fishing lines, and tackle that can entangle and injure a dog.
Anything washed up on the shore can contain toxins and is strictly off limits. The same goes for algae - no tasting allowed.
Bring fresh water for your dog. Don't let him drink beach salt water as it can cause diarrhea.
Sand and salt water can be an irritant for your dog's paws. Rinse the pads as soon as your can after a beach visit.

Pool Swimming

Never allow your dog in a pool area unattended.
Pool water can make your dog sick - so no pool slurping
Familiarize your dog with the pool steps. He should be able to find them to get out when he wants.

After any swim time rinse your dog off well. You will want to remove pool chlorine or beach sand and salt that can be an irritant. Dry you dog off, particularly inside the ears or open wounds to prevent infections.

Most of all have fun. Look for toys that are waterproof and float. Your guide will love playing fetch in the water, too.

2009-07-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

Doggie Homes Away from Home

On those few occasions when you've had to leave your guide have you had a good experience with either an in-home pet-sitter or a boarding kennel for your dog? If you have a good canine caregiver that you would like to recommend for your area, please share the name with us. We will post it along with a list of sitters and kennels in our local area. Send your favorites to us with phone and e-mail addresses if possible to vickie.foster@guidedogs.org. Or feel free to call 941-729-5665 and ask for Graduate Services.

2009-06-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

Don't Forget Your Contest Entry

The deadline is fast approaching to send your dog's Annual Veterinary Report to us. The report, completed by your veterinarian, must be received at the school by Monday, July 20. Don't miss your chance to win the $100 credit card gift certificate or your dog will be mad. The certificate will buy a lot of doggie treats. If you did not receive a report form or need another one, please call Vickie Foster in Graduate Services at: 941-729-5665.

2009-06-26T07:45:00.001-04:00

Guide Dog Adventure Stories

We wanted to include the following letter for all our graduates.

Hello guide users. My name is Christopher Banks and I am also a guide user. I have been with Pasco for many years and before I had him there was Chevy. I know that the experiences that I have had working with these dogs has changed my life, and I am sure that you can say the same for your guide dog.

A few years ago I wrote a children's book called Hop Up, The Story of Pasco the Guide Dog, and in this book Pasco the guide dog comes to life to tell his remarkable story. So after much editing and a lot of work from myself and others this book will soon be published. So now I have to start up the old computer and do it again.

The second book that I have in mind to write will be called "Guide Dog Adventures: Those Amazing Dogs and Their Stories." Once again I am going to bring Pasco back to narrate this book, but I am going to need your help. I know everyone has a special story about their guide dog, but what I am looking for is just the ones that stand out above the rest. An example would be something like the guide dog who helped his master escape from a collapsing building during 911.

E-mail your stories to me and If I like them I will put them in my new book. Kids are really fascinated by how these guide dogs are able to do what they do, but by sharing your story we can show them how really amazing they really are! E-mail to chevycb1@bellsouth.net. I am excited about this and I will be looking forward to reading about you and your dog.

2009-06-26T07:30:00.003-04:00

Avoid Fireworks Frenzy

While the fireworks on July 4th are a welcome part of the holiday for many, for some dogs they can be a nightmare. A dog's hearing is 10 times more acute than a human's, imagine how confusing it must be for your guide friend. Take some precautions to protect your dog during this night of mystifying racket.

Here are some activities you can do in the hours leading up to fireworks time. Take your dog out to busy right before dark to avoid going out during the noise. Walk your dog on a longer than normal route. He will be tired and less likely to have extra energy to exert if stressed. Give your dog a doggie massage about an hour before dark and he will be in a calmer mood. Add some cooked plain potato or plain white rice to his meal this evening. The extra carbohydrates will make your dog sleepier and less likely to be anxious.

Once the fireworks start, leave your dog indoors in a place where he feels safe and secure. Turning up your radio or TV to drown out the booms and blasts can help. The flashing lights can scare your dog, too. Close curtains and blinds while turning on inside lights. This will make the flashes less noticeable. Distract your dog with low-key games, give him a favorite toy or introduce a new one. Hopefully one of these will hold his interest and he won't notice the outside noises.

If the night has been difficult for you and your guide you may want to try some sound therapy. You can purchase Cd's which feature sounds that commonly upset dogs, including fireworks. By playing the sounds a little every day and increasing the volume slightly each time you can desensitize your dog to the noise. The key is to go slowly. Keep your dog fixated on something else like a toy or favorite treat while it plays. A sound CD can be purchased at http://www.dogwise.com . . It is called "Sounds Good CD - Fireworks" - $16.95. Included is a track with instructions. The CD can also be ordered by calling them at 800-776-2665.

Follow these guidelines and you and your dog can pass the 4th of July evening peacefully.

2009-06-12T08:00:00.003-04:00

Class #7, June 5, 2009

Trainer Lynn Benus, Andrew Miles and Molly, Lori Ciceroni and Gayle, Patti Johnson and Allen, Jennifer Woods and Beacon, Trainer Sam Agro, Mike Bowmer and Jimlee, Allen Simmons and Popi, Trainer Leanne Gossner, Donna Palm and Charlie

2009-06-12T07:45:00.003-04:00

Fundraising Cookbook

Old Town Harley Owner Group of Brandon is collecting recipes, both the human and dog treat variety, for a cookbook that benefits Southeastern Guide Dogs. Your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer or beverage recipes are welcome. Look for the delicious collection to go on sale in mid-September with your recipe in it. To submit entries of your mouth-watering specials send them to this e-mail address until July 1: helen.arnold@guidedogs.org

2009-06-12T07:35:00.000-04:00

Drawing Deadline Nears

Don't forget to send in the Annual Veterinary Report for your guide dog. At stake is a chance to win a $100 credit card gift certificate. In order to be eligible your report must be received at the school by Monday, July 20 and must be completed by your veterinarian. Reports completed by graduates will not be entered. If you did not receive a report form or need another one, please call Vickie Foster in Graduate Services at: 941-729-5665.

2009-06-12T07:30:00.003-04:00

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Even if your house is dog-proofed, dogs can find the strangest things. Keep this number handy in case you suspect your dog may have eaten a toxic substance: 888-426-4435. It is the number to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center.

In the event of a suspected poisoning you should first call your vet or your areas' emergency clinic. If you are not able to reach a clinic, the Poison Control Center will assess the situation with you. A consultation fee of $60 will be charged, but it is money well spent to know if your dog has eaten a potentially lethal substance. The center is considering a reduced rate program for service dog consultations. We will keep you posted on this development.

For more information on pet safety check out the ASPCA website. Loaded with articles to keep your home poison-safe it is a good reference to keep bookmarked. Informative articles list household cleaning, food, drug, plant hazards and much more. Below is the link to the site.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

2009-06-12T07:15:00.012-04:00

Summer Pet Hazards

Walking in the sweet-smelling grass, the sun on your face, a cooling evening breeze. The delights of summer are all around. Enjoy this sizzling season with your guide dog, but be aware of these hazards.

Citronella candles, insect repellent coils and oils keep the bugs at bay, but keep them away from your dog. They can cause serious problems if ingested.
Now that bugs are buzzing only use insect repellents approved for dogs. Petco has Farnam Flys-Off Mist Insect Repellent for Dogs that protects against flies, gnats and mosquitoes. No Petco near you? The spray can be ordered from their website at: http://www.petco.com/product/6850/Farnam-Flys-Off-Mist-Insect-Repellent-for-Dogs.aspx: Also available by mail order is Dog Biospot Dog Flea & Tick Spray 24 oz, item # 9N-28324 - $19.99 from Drs. Foster and Smith - Phone: 1-800-381-7179, Biospot is also available Petco. Check with your Vet before using these products. Some sprays should not be used with certain monthly flea and tick preventatives. These products are suggested as a quide. Southeastern Guide Dogs does not endorse any product.
Grilling? Keep matches and lighter fluid out of your dogs reach. Respiratory and severe kidney problems can result if eaten.
Tropical umbrella drinks are around more in summer. But don't leave these unattended since alcoholic beverages can be poisonous to your dog.

This is a brief list summarized from the ASPCA website. For the full article click on the link below:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/animal-poison-control-faq.html#S4

2009-06-12T07:00:00.005-04:00

Living the Long Life: A Dachshund's Story

Chanel, a dachshund mix owned by Denice Shaughnessey is long-living, 21 years worth of it to be exact. The diminutive pooch was honored by the Guinness Book of World Records recently as the "World's Oldest Living dog". Although Chanel wears goggles or in her case doggles for her cataracts she is in remarkable shape for her age. Too bad dachshunds don't make good guide dogs.

2009-05-22T08:00:00.006-04:00

Class #6, April 24, 2009

Trainer Jennifer Johnson, Stacey Weatherly and Caleb, Rebecca Stucky and McIntosh, Kathy Champion and Angel, Trainer Kate Flamm, Don Petricek and Bear, Charles McCoy and Terry, Trainer Marisa Gerlach

2009-05-22T07:45:00.004-04:00

Graduate Featured in Fox TV Story

Kathy Champion, graduate from class #6, 2009 and her guide Angel were recently the focus of a news story on Fox TV Tampa Bay. The story of Champion, a graduate through the Paws for Patriots program is truly an inspiration. For a limited time the link below will go to a clip of the story audio.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/health/doctor_jo/Dr_jo_paws_for_patriots_051209

2009-05-22T07:30:00.005-04:00

Help Your Dog Keep It's COOOOOOL

As Summer's heat gets more intense your pooch needs extra attention to keep healthy. Panting is a dog's only way to rid their body of heat and it may not be enough on the hottest days. Follow the tips below to make sure Fido has it "made in the shade":

On a hot day, try to work your dog in the cooler early morning or early evening hours if at all possible
Provide access to water at all times. Investigate the many portable pet water bottles and dishes on the market to use when your dog is working. In extreme heat, limit your dog's water to small intakes of tepid water. Otherwise too much water at once can cause your dog to vomit or be at increased risk of stomach torsion.
Avoid extended time in areas with no shade such as the beach or concrete and asphalt areas. The heat reflected by these surfaces is particularly intense.
Indoors move your dog to a cool area of your home. Set up a cooling station by freezing water in soda bottles or sealable freezer bags and placing on the floor wrapped in a towel. Your dog will love lying on these frosty patches in hot weather.
Obese dogs can have an especially hard time keeping cool. Even normal activity can be a hardship for them in hot weather. Keep your dog at a healthy weight or help him to lose weight - the heat will be much easier on him. Until then go easy on an obese dog in hot weather.
In general pay attention to your dog for signs of overheating. Take a break if your dog is panting heavily or has increased salivation. Give her rest in the shade and a drink of water.
With a little help your dog will sail through summer and you'll both enjoy the sunny days.

2009-05-22T07:15:00.008-04:00

Graduate Family Grows

Southeastern Guide Dogs graduates Steven and Jennifer Ann Harrison recently welcomed a new addition to their family. Darling daughter Sharen was born to them last Fall and shares her home with guide dogs Kadee and Star. Pictured below are Kadee, Star and baby Sharen makes three.

2009-05-22T07:00:00.002-04:00

Three Year Law for Rabies

Lawmakers in the state of Alabama have passed a bill allowing pet owners to have their dogs vaccinated with a 3 year rabies vaccination instead of every year. This has been due in part to the efforts of The Rabies Challenge Fund. To read more about the organization go to the following link:

http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/.

2009-05-04T08:00:00.023-04:00

Walkathon 2009 Moved Us Forward Together
Pictured below: Walkathon participants from Class #5 2009, left to right: Megan Weltz and Richie B., Jorge Rivera and Marie, Shawanna Maxwell and Morgan, Sean Moore and Franklin

It was a sunny, sparkling morning for this year's 23rd annual Walkathon with more people, dogs and sponsors than ever before. The event raised over $274,000, a very impressive amount considering the economic climate.

The crowd was entertained by The Calendar Girls and serenaded by the DeLei-ed Parrots, a great band. On the grounds were refreshments, raffles and a silent auction. Some super dog-related baskets went home with lucky winners.

Among the more than 1,800 people attending was Diego Borja with his guide dog Mustang. Borja says coming to the event was unexpected. His puppy raiser gave the trip to him as a Christmas gift. "It was very surprising. I had not heard from her in a while and I wasn't sure if I could come," said Borja. To top it all, she even raised a significant donation amount for the event.

Borja and the many other graduates who came had a fantastic day. We all moved Forward Together.

Pictured below: Graduate Mike Cook with guide dog Ned who both graduated in 2005 resting at Walkathon end.

2009-05-04T08:00:00.004-04:00

May is National Guide Dog Month

Paula Abdul has teamed up with Natural Balance Pet Food®, PETCO®, and Independent Pet Stores to help raise money for Guide Dog Organizations, including Southeastern Guide Dogs!

Money will be raised in the following ways:

Petco® & Independent Pet Stores will participate in a Round Up Program, for example, when a customer makes a purchase for $5.55, at the register they are asked if they would like to round up to $6.00, and the 45 cents will then be donated to Guide Dog Organizations. Customers will also have the opportunity to make a larger donation if they wish.
Natural Balance Pet Foods® will have specially marked bags of dog food with Paula Abdul's photo on them and 50 cents of the purchase will be donated to Guide Dog Organizations.

A special thank you to Natural Balance Pet Foods® and PETCO® for supporting our vital mission

2009-05-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Graduate Question from Shirley with Guide Dog Cleo

Please send in your comments and ideas for your fellow graduate with this question.

I was invited to a party at a friend's house during the holidays. I did my friend the courtesy of explaining that I would have to bring my guide dog - - or, rather she would bring me (smiles).

My friend quickly told me I could not bring her. Let me add here that Cleo is very well behaved and has never given my friend a reason to exclude her. So I was surprised and hurt. My friend said. "I hope your aren't offended." I replied, "As long as you aren't offended that I'm not coming."

How do you handle situations like this? While our dogs cannot be refused in public, they can be denied entrance to private homes. I have always tried to be sensitive to the situation, and I have chosen to leave Cleo home on rare occasions when I concluded it wasn't prudent to take her; however, this did not seem like one of those situations. I knew all the guests, and many of them have since asked where my husband and Cleo and I were that night.

I'd like to know if I'm being too sensitive or if my friend is being unreasonable. Should I scratch this person's name off my friend list? Should I give in and simply leave my furry friend any time we happen to go to her home in the future? Or should I simply choose to stay home that day, like I did this last time?

Thanks for your input.

2009-05-04T07:15:00.000-04:00

Discounted Grooming

A local groomer is offering discounted service to graduates in the Dania Beach, Florida area. This is in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale. The groomer, Angela Jones, is giving a 1/2 price discount for all guide dogs. You can contact her via e-mail at babysgotbark@yahoo.com or at 954-985-2577.

2009-04-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

Easter Hazards

While all the joys and celebrations of Easter are going on keep an eye on your guide dogs. Dangers lurk in the most innocent of places.

Make sure you keep Easter baskets up high, out of reach of your dog. The colorful plastic grass in baskets is not digestible and can cause a dangerous blockage if eaten.

Don't be tempted to decorate your dog with Easter ribbons, bows or streamers. They create a choking hazard or digestive track problem if eaten also. Throw those chocolate foil wrappers in a covered trash can for the same reason.

Most importantly, keep those chocolate eggs out of reach. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and eaten in large amounts can be fatal.

Follow these guidelines and your and your dog will have a safe and happy Easter.

2009-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Weight Control for Your Dog - Fourth and final in the series

Over the last three articles we have discussed the effects of obesity on your dog, checking your dog's weight condition and proper nutrition for weight control.Today we'll cover the other important factor in your dog's plan to stay slim: exercise.

A lack of activity in your dog can cause much more than obesity. Your dog could develop poor muscle tone, heart ailments, bone disorders and increase the chance of emotional or behavioral quirks. An exercised dog may be calmer and less nervous if left alone.

Walking does not have to be your dog's only exercise session. This is a chance to help your dog achieve his "play quota" and have fun with it. Keep in mind that the length of each session will depend on your dog's health condition. Some dogs may be still ready to go after a 2 mile walk, and some may be tired after a short session. Gauge your session to your dog's energy level.

Make the sessions fun for Fido and you, too. Here are a few fun activities you can provide:

Fetch - throw a tennis or other soft ball. If you have a fenced area use this, or throw it down a long hallway. Try to throw the ball far instead of high. If your dog jumps to catch a high ball he may land badly and cause a knee injury.
Hide and seek - This is a great indoor game. Show your dog a (low-calorie) treat or toy and let him sniff it. Put him in a sit stay. then hide it in a place he can reach but is out of sight. Praise him lavishly when he finds it. Make it harder to find the next time by hiding it in a shoe or a low shelf. To vary it more you could even hide yourself!
Form a doggie play group. If your have friends with dogs compatible to yours arrange a time when they can play together. This could be indoors too if you don't have a fenced area. The dogs will find a way to play themselves, but you can get it started with a ball toss.

With some creative and fun activity your pooch will enjoy his playtime and stay lean too.

If you missed some of the earlier posts on weight control you can view it in the blog archive. It is on the far right of the screen under the description about Our Team. It has a drop down menu by month of old posts. If you need help feel free to call Graduate Services at 941.729.5665. We can walk you through it.

2009-04-09T07:45:00.000-04:00

Guide Dog Expenses Tax-Free

Are you in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer? These accounts allow you to have money deposited from your paycheck with no taxes deducted to go toward paying medical expenses.

With an HSA or FSA, your guide dog is an expense eligible for reimbursement. All costs incurred in training an maintaining a guide dog are included. Covered costs would be food, medications, vet visits, dental care products or any costs associated in the care or maintenance of your dog. Savings can be as much as 20% for these costs when using pre-tax dollars.

For more information about HSA and FSA's see your employer's human resources department. For more specific tax information please go to this link:http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html

2009-04-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

Tightening Your Dog Care Budget

In these tough economic times you might be looking for ways to tighten your financial belt. If you've scrutinized your dog's care looking for ways to economize here are some points to consider.

When cutting back your canine expenses, routine care and feeding should not be short-changed. A less expensive dog food can wind up costing you more in the long run. Cheaper foods often have a lower nutritional value. Your dog will have to eat more to be satisfied and the lack of good nutrition could lead to increased veterinary bills.

Keep up your annual vet visit for your canine helper. The money saved by catching an illness or disease early is well worth the cost of a visit. Also continue vaccines as well as flea and tick prevention. The diseases that result from skipping these cost much more than the preventative measures.

One place to pinch pennies is with your dog's treats. If you price out dog treats per ounce they can be very expensive. Some treats can be as much as 39 cents an ounce. Compare that to a much healthier alternative like carrots that would only be 5 cents an ounce. Or measure out your dog's food for the day and use a tiny part of that for treats. Much of the pleasure your dog gets from treats comes from the attention it gets from you and the excitement in your voice when you dole out special rewards. So reward cheaper, healthier treats with a happy voice and that tail will be wagging.

Pay extra attention to your dog's grooming needs and it will pay off in the long run. Get out your brush and give Fido a good going over more often. It increases the bond between you while improving the health of your dog's skin and fur. The resulting fewer mats and lower risk for skin irritations can shortcut trips to the vet. The same goes for giving those canine teeth. Give them a regular brushing.

With a few thrifty measures like these your dog care expenses can shrink. Just give your friend what he most wants and that is your attention.

2009-04-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Spring In His Step

The first sounds of daybreak filter in
I start a walk with my best friend
He shakes a furry, morning greeting
We buckle up - the task repeating
To the path and out the door
The brisk dawn air -and so much more
A crisp new day in a scent like green
A season's change and now it's Spring
We tread the path we've walked before
Now robins trill a new found score
Buds break forth and new life sings
The hopeful sounds of everything
Best of all my dog guides me near
It's in his step - Spring is here

2009-03-27T07:00:00.019-04:00

Free Guide Dog Eye Exam
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) will be hosting a National Service Dog Eye Exam Day the week of May 3, 2009. More than 180 ACVO® board certified ophthalmologists will donate their time to provide this valuable free eye screening to guide dog users. The dogs must be active, certified, 'working dogs'. You will need to provide your certification and/or the dog's ID to prove their status as a working Service Dog to participate in this program.

Graduates will need to register your dog via an online registration form. Registration opens April 1, 2009. A confirmation and registration number will be sent to your e-mail. Once registered, you can locate a participating ophthalmologist in your area and contact that office to schedule an appointment. Participating offices from Southeastern Guide Dogs 12 state area are listed below. Following the list is a link that will take you to a new screen to register.

Alabama
Dr. Jana Korsch Veterinary Eye Care, Bessemer
Dr. Susan Nelms Veterinary Eye Care, Bessemer

Florida
Dr. Daniel J. Brown Animal Eye Clinic, Jacksonville
Dr. Matthew Chandler Animal Eye Clinic, Jacksonville
Dr. Thomas R. Miller Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists, Largo Dr. Heidi Denis Animal Eye Associates, PA, Maitland
Dr. Caryn Plummer Animal Eye Associates, Maitland
Dr. Lorraine G. Karpinski Pinecrest Veterinary Hospital, Miami
Dr. M. A. Salisbury Animal Eye Care, Inc., Sarasota
Dr. Noelle McNabb Florida Veterinary Specialists, Tampa
Dr. Tim J. Cutler Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists Opthalmology, West Palm Beach

Georgia
Dr. Victoria Pentlarge Animal Eye Care Clinic, Athens
Dr. J. Daniel Brogdon Fayetteville Animal Eye Clinic, Fayetteville
Dr. Stacy Andrew Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Sandy Springs

Kentucky
Dr. Claire A. Latimer Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington
Dr. Erica Tolar Louisville Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services, Louisville

Louisiana
Dr. Renee Carter Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Dr. Paul D. da Costa Eye Center for Animals, Inc., New Orleans

North Carolina
Dr. Amy Hunkeler Hunkeler Animal Eye Clinic, Lee's Summit
Dr. Jesse Eichenbaum Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Charlotte
Dr. Susette Aquino Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Huntersville
Dr. David Harling Reidsville Veterinary Hospital, Reidsville

South Carolina
Dr. Anne Cook Animal Eye Care, Mt Pleasant

Tennessee
Dr. William Miller Advanced Animal Eye Care, Memphis
Dr. Amity Huskey Veterinary Ophthalmology Services, Nolensville

Texas
Dr. Michael Paulsen Animal Eye Clinic, Arlington
Dr. Robert (Bob) J. Munger Animal Ophthalmology Clinic, Dallas
Dr. Rachel D. Ring Animal Ophthalmology Clinic, Dallas
Dr. M. Kohle Herrmann Gulf Coast Animal Eye Clinic, Houston
Dr. James F. Swanson Gulf Coast Animal Eye Clinic PC, Houston

If you would like a participating office in another state feel free to contact Graduate Services at 941-729-5665.

Registration Link follows: http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/opthos/participants.html

2009-03-27T06:45:00.001-04:00

Weight Control for Your Guide Dog - Third of four articles

In both the previous articles we covered the dangers of obesity to your dog's health and ways to tell by touch, if your dog is obese. Three main components determine whether your dog will maintain a healthy weight; nutrition, age and exercise. Let's discuss a few dietary tips that may help your dog.

Your veterinarian can determine the food and quantity that best meets your dog's nutritional needs. It is up to you to stick to both and maintain your guide's optimal dietary needs. Your dog's meal portion is relatively easy. It is when treats enter the picture that it gets dicey.

Just to give you an idea of calorie contents of dogs treats here are a few.

Science Diet Canine Life Treats-15 calories Bonz for medium dogs-70 calories
Large Milk Bone Dog Biscuits-115 calories

The items below are absolutely not for your dog. When you see the calorie content you will see why.

1 slice medium pizza-259 calories
Small order fries-399 calories
McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese-525 calories

You can see how quickly little "rewards" can total up. A moderately active adult dog needs roughly 1,725 calories per day. A leftover slice of pizza and some fries can equal 75% of your dogs calorie intake for the day. This is definitely not the way to a slim, trim guide dog.

Instead, think of feeding your pooch vegetable treats like baby carrots, green beans, celery, and snow peas. They really do like them! One medium baby carrot is only 3 calories. A whole cup of canned green beans is only 25 and is very filling.

Think of yourself as the gatekeeper to keep your dog out of Obesity Park. You hold the key by feeding Fido only low calorie rewards.

2009-03-27T06:30:00.001-04:00

Human Cancer Treatment Applied to Canines

Breakthroughs in veterinary medical care are always welcome news. The latest one at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina, has been discovered by Dr. Steven Suter, Assistant Professor of Oncology. Suter has applied bone marrow transplants long used for humans to canine cancer patients. Cells harvested from the dog are reintroduced with drug therapy. Suter's success rate of the transplant itself has been 100%. While a waiting list is growing for the procedure it does not come cheap. The cost is $15,000.

2009-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Class #5, March 13, 2009

Terry Staggs and Ron, Traine Karen Kerns, Ricky Enger and Eddy, Dellen Shifflet and Basia, Mary Ellen Ottman and Anita, Jennifer Perdue and Brooks, Trainer Karen Merserau, Jane Husman and River, Lois Kilgore and Dipalol, Trainer Mike Mancini, Joe Parker and Jack, Calvin Allison and Sierra.

2009-03-13T07:55:00.000-04:00

Willing Walkers at Successful Walkathon

The 23rd Annual Walkathon was a fantastic day enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters. Dogs and people alike spent a splendid morning in the fresh air and sunshine walking to support Southeastern Guide Dogs. Graduates were well-represented with 38 of you having walked the route. Thanks so much to all of you who made the event such a great success.

2009-03-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

Weight Control for Your Guide Dog - Second of four articles

Are You a Waist Watcher?

Those extra treats that are so lovingly doled out can creep up on your dog. One here, one there, and before you know it your pooch has ballooned into a little butterball.

In the previous article (date here) we mentioned the effects of obesity on your dog. So it's important to know when the occasional snack has gone too far. Here are some easy tests to determine if you have a sleek and fit dog.

First - Feel the places on your dog where bones are more pronounced such as the spine, shoulders and hips. If you cannot readily feel the bones because of a layer of fat then your dog is overweight. You should only be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas.

Second - Run your hands down both sides of your dog from above, starting from behind the front legs to the rib cage. Right after the rib cage you should be able to feel a waist. No waist = overweight dog. If this area is wider than the hips or ribs then you have a seriously obese dog.

Third - Run your hands under your dog starting behind the legs and past the rib cage. You should be able to feel an abdominal tuck behind the rib cage. This area should be smaller in diameter than the chest. Again if there is no tuck at all then you have an overweight dog.

It's surprising how quickly a dog can put on extra pounds. Make it a part of your weekly routine to be a waist watcher of your dog. That little check once week can be your assurance that extra pounds won't shorten your dog's life.

2009-03-13T07:45:00.000-04:00

Slimmed Down Dogs Find New Leash on Life

PDSA an animal charity in the UK has announced the winners of it's Pet Fit Club Competition. In first place is Keano, a black male Labrador who lost 22 pounds. He was so obese at 123 pounds that he could not roll over onto his back. After slimming down he's gone from the ultimate couch potato to an active, healthy dog with energy to spare. Second place winner, a German Shepard named Alfie lost 20 pounds. Both are an inspiration to chunky dogs everywhere that it can be done.

The PDSA website has a petcast or video clip with a good audio explanation of how to judge your dog's weight condition. You can go to it at the link here: http://www.pdsa.org.uk/petshapepetcast.html Once at the page come down the center of the screen after the words "Checking Your Pet's" shape to a button that starts the video. Please feel free to call Graduate Services if you want assistance in hearing this.

2009-03-13T07:40:00.001-04:00

Low Vision Product Report

From time to time we will post reports about products available for the visually impaired. These posts are for informational purposes only and not meant as an endorsement of any product.

A multitude of products are available to assist the visually impaired with reading. One in particular the Personal Video Magnifier (PVM) overcomes some of the drawbacks of traditional CCTV and handheld or stand magnifiers. A technologically advanced version of this is the i-vu™ from Clarity.

As with other PVM's the i-vu™ :

does not have the distortion around the outside of the lens that can be a problem with handheld magnifiers
magnification is not dependent on the distance between the reader and the object. Constant magnification is provided regardless of distance.
is lighter and more portable than traditional CCTV's that can weigh up to 25 pounds
Other compelling features specifically of the i-vu™ are it's palm-sized dimensions and 4 ounce weight, adjustable magnification between 5x and 20x and light for reading in dim areas. One of the smallest PVM's on the market, its portability makes the i-vu™ very useful for such tasks as reading menus, prescription bottles, books or bills.
For more information on the i-vu™ go to the link here: http://ivumagnifier.com/

2009-03-13T07:35:00.001-04:00

What's in the Mix?

As graduates with a Southeastern Guide Dog you know that your dog's lineage has been carefully recorded and tracked. Your dog's ancestry has no surprises lurking in the background. Not so for owners of mixed-breed pooches, left to wonder what went into the mix for their dogs. Until now. Two companies, Mars, Inc. and MetaMorphix, Inc. offer DNA testing to determine the breed mix of a pet. The cost of the tests range from $70 to $200. Pet owners curious enough to buy the tests can have Fido's DNA genetically identified and certified over 100 potential breeds.

2009-02-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Give Your Dog More Than a Fat Chance

Remember leaving Southeastern Guide Dogs with your guide who was fit, eager and ready to work? Now, time has passed and you may have noticed subtle changes in your dog. Maybe he is walking a little slower or she does not get up as quickly. This may be a common problem, but one of the most treatable and easily prevented medical conditions in a guide dog. Obesity.

Over the next several blogs weight control for your dog will be the topic. We'll cover how to monitor your dog's weight, nutrition and ways to head off those extra pounds. We also want to hear from you. Send in your questions or comments. What seems to work for you and your dog to keep your pooch from getting pudgy?

Obesity: It's Not Just for Humans Anymore

As our population grows in girth our nation's canines are expanding too. It is estimated that between 25 to 40% of all American pets are overweight. Like humans, being chunky can have detrimental effects on your dog's health, too. Just the short list of ailments include: diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and orthopedic injuries. Studies show that roughly 25% of overweight dogs develop serious joint complications. In addition to a decrease in the dog's quality of life, a shortened life expectancy is the result of your dog carrying extra weight.

Once an energetic puppy, your dog needed calories for growth. A canine's long bones grow until they are up to 2 years of age and that growth needs to be fueled with extra calories. As he matures changes in metabolism require a shift in nutritional needs. After the 2 year point, any growth from extra calories is in girth.

Some canine breeds pile on pounds more readily than others. Labradors and Golden Retrievers were bred for an active, working lifestyle. They tend to gain weight if fed the same amount when no longer as active.

To avoid a less-than-fit Fido, gear the food you feed him to the correct stage of life. Over-the-counter pet foods have formulas specifically for adult and senior stages of a dog's life. Make sure you are using food in the right target range. The age range for these stages are:

Puppyhood - Birth to 2 years of age
Adult - 2 to 6 or 7 years
Senior - 7 and up

Extra pounds can creep onto a dog so slowly that you may not notice it at first. Pay extra attention when measuring those nuggets before pouring into the dish. The cup should be level - not heaping over the top. An overflowing serving can add as much as a half cup to your dog's meals every day. Even an additional 1% in calorie intake can put an unwanted 25% in extra weight on your dog by middle age.

Please continue to log on to our blog to learn more about canine weight control issues. Our next post will cover how to tell if your dog is overweight.

2009-02-27T07:55:00.002-05:00

Take Steps to Find Your Dog Before It's Missing
We don't have to tell you about the panic that sets in if your dog becomes lost. Not only is your best friend and guide missing but the dangers to a lost dog are many. The specter of cars, traps, attacks by wild animals or even human attacks via poison or gunshot are evils none of us want to contemplate. If you have prepared in advance your chances of finding an errant pooch will be much greater.

Here are some advanced preparations to do before a dog is lost:

ID and ID again. Make sure that your dog has adequate ID firmly attached to his collar. Your up-to-date contact information is important for a tag. Collars can even be ordered with your phone number stitched into them in large print. Your dog's collar should be well-fitted and not loose enough to fall off. Of course you have the added security of your dog's microchip registered to the school.

Check the shelters frequently and be aware that in some areas there may be more than one shelter. In preparation, it is a good idea to have a list of the shelters with their phone number, address, hours of operation and how long they hold strays. A phone call to them will help you compile the list. Even though we hate to think of it, also ask if they keep track of dogs found dead by the side of the road. If they don't, ask if the Department of Public Works in your area does and add their information to the list. Then keep the list where you can readily find it.

Have a rock-solid recall that you practice often with your guide. It's much easier to find a missing dog when that dog will come to you on command.

Ask someone to take several photos of your dog now. Then get a stack of fliers made up with your dog's mug and a contact number to put up. Anyone handy with a computer or a local copy shop can make up fliers cheaply for you.

If you have a fenced area check it frequently for dog-sized escape hatches. Locking the gate will add a measure of security.

Do you know how to "Google"? If so, key in "lost dog" and bookmark websites that post lost pet announcements.

After your dog is lost:

The sooner you start looking, the better your chances. First of all, look in your own home. Dog's can get in a closed closet or closed door to a room. Then call in the yard or parking lot near you.

After that get assistance and search down the street and in your neighborhood. Take your fliers to hand out as you go. Mail carriers, meter readers and bus drivers are good to ask for help since they are out and about in the neighborhood. Walk the area calling your dog but stop occasionally to listen. If your dog is injured or trapped he may bark to get your attention.

Don't panic. Most lost dogs are found within a couple of hours if you work at searching.

After the first few hours call the newspaper and place a lost pet ad. Put up very large posters. Attached the flier that has your dog's picture and your contact number in large enough letters for passing drivers to read them. Notify area veterinary hospitals.

Before ending the search for the day, place a piece of your clothing and a bowl of food in a protected area near where your dog was last seen. Your scent and the food scent may attract it.

Most of all be persistent. Your dog depends on you bringing him home.

2009-02-13T10:01:00.008-05:00

Photo: Jeremy Hall and Ray Hurley in an early morning training session.

2009-02-13T09:30:00.005-05:00

Furry Valentines Are Good For Your Heart
Your guide dog can make your heart feel warm and fuzzy. But did you know just how good your dog is for your heart and health? These four-footed cupids bestow health benefits you may not be aware of:

According to the Harvard Health Letter the unconditional attention that companion animals give their owners causes lowered blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels.

The University of California at Los Angeles reported that pet-owning patients had fewer medical care visits than pet-less patients.

Lower levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides showed up in patients with pets in a study conducted by Australia's Baker Medical Research Institute.

People with service dogs and confined to a wheelchair were found to be less depressed, need less attention from caregivers, and were more mobile than people without dogs, as reported by The State University of New York in Buffalo.

Have you noticed ways that your guide dog has improved your health, well-being and outlook on life? Post your comments. We'd love to hear from you.

2009-02-13T09:15:00.002-05:00

Photo: Class #4, January 2009, Students and guides on break during an off-campus training session.

2009-02-13T08:00:00.019-05:00

Health Insurance - The Coverage Facts

Medical expenses are on the rise and veterinary care for your guide dog are no exception. Covering your best friend with pet health insurance can save you money in the long run. To help you through the maze of insurance information we have outlined some of the plans available below.

Pet insurance costs vary according to the range of benefits and the deductibles you choose. The premium you pay will depend on the breed and age of your dog. As a rule of thumb the higher your premium, the greater the benefit you will receive. The goal is to pick a balance between the coverage you need and the premium you can afford.

You will need to decide between two types of coverage. The first type covers only emergencies like accidents or sudden illness. The second type covers routine procedures and check-ups. In general emergency only coverage is less expensive. If you can budget funds to cover routine visits then this might be a good option. If you want to include routine coverage make sure the plan you choose covers such basic costs as vaccinations, annual check-ups and dental care in addition to emergency care.

A waiting period is applied by most companies. It can be anywhere from 2 to 14 days for accidents and between 14 and 30 days for illnesses. Waiting periods are enforced so that no one takes out insurance immediately after an accident or illness.

There are limits to the policies available to your dog. Some companies will not write a new policy to a dog over 8 years old. Pre-existing conditions or a terminal illness can also mean a denial of benefits. A policy may be insured if the pre-existing condition has been stable for a given time, such as 6 months. Cancer coverage is available on some policies for an additional cost.

Below is a brief comparison of coverage offered by five companies. For comparison purposes the listed premiums are based on a two-year old Labrador Retriever. The information is included as a guide and not meant as an endorsement for any particular company. For accuracy it is best to rely on the information provided by the insurer. A link to the companies' websites are included at the end of each description.

Company: VPI Standard Plan with $9,000 annual benefit limit-$11.33 per month. You are reimbursed for the eligible benefit amount less a $50 per-incident deductible and a 10% co-payment. Plan covers: accidents, illnesses, x-rays, surgeries, cancer, prescriptions, and hospitalization. Additional WellCare Core Coverage - $12.00 per month. Covers routine treatments including wellness exams, flea and/or heartworm preventive and vaccinations. Total for both plans $25.33 per month. Also available is coverage for cancer at less than $2.00 more per month. Link: http://www.petinsurance.com/

Company: Petplan - Silver Plan with $12,000 annual benefit limit - $23.44 per month with $100 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Plan covers: emergency treatment, diagnostic testing like MRIs and x-rays, surgery, cancer treatment, non-routine dental treatment, prescription medications and specialist treatment. This plan also covers boarding fees if you're hospitalized and no one else can look after your dog. Link: http://www.gopetplan.com/

Company: ASPCA - Primary Plan is for emergency only coverage - $20.12 per month. Advantage Plan with $11,000 annual benefit limit - $38.52 per month with $100 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Plan covers: annual physical exam, fecal exam, heartworm testing, annual vaccinations as well as treatment and medication for injury and illness. Link: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/

Company: 24 PetWatch - QuickCare Optimum Plan with $2,000 per incident benefit limit - $32.45 per month with $100 per incident deductible and 90% reimbursement. In addition to covering emergency care the plan covers: vaccinations, annual physical exam, heartworm testing and teeth cleaning (scale and polish) $150 annual limit with no deductible. Link: http://www.24petwatch.com/petinsurance/index.asp

Company: Pets Best - Basic Plan with $42,000 lifetime limit - $19.99 per month with $100 per incident limit, 80% reimbursement. Plan covers: emergency and illness care Routine Care Option add-on covers: annual exam, teeth cleaning, vaccines, heartworm and fecal test. Cost is $17.00 per month, no deductible, $440 maximum per year. Total for both plans is $36.88. Link: http://www.petsbest.com/

You may want to check into another option for cutting your dog's medical costs. The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners offers memberships to individuals with an adult guide dog. Among the benefits are; a six month supply of ADVANTAGE, a one year supply of Sentinel Flavor Tabs® for protection against heartworm disease, fleas and intestinal parasites, 10% off veterinary care at Veterinary Centers of America and free nutritional supplements. Link: http://www.iaadp.org/iaadp-membership-application.html

2009-02-13T07:00:00.010-05:00

Dog Treats for Your Canine Cupid

The guide dog that stole your heart would love a fresh-baked treat for Valentine's Day. Below is a recipe for your beloved guide. But remember, the best way to show your love for your dog is not to overindulge when it comes to diet. So dole out these treats in moderation.

Doggie Treats with Peanut Butter

2 cups whole-wheat flour, plus some to dust the work surface
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted natural peanut butter (though regular can be used)
1 cup skim milk

Stir together the flour and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk until thoroughly blended. It may be easier to melt the peanut butter a little in the microwave. Stir this into flour mixture.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes. Don't roll them too thin or they may over-brown. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. Bones should keep at least 3 weeks. Bring to room temperature before giving to your pet.

2009-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Photo: Smiling grads Mary Conley and Danielle Mendes (Class #4, January 2009) walking and learning with their guides on campus.

2009-02-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

Lowering the Cost of Your Dog's Medication Looking for ways to save on your dog's care? Pills for your pooch can now be filled at many pharmacies, sometimes at a significant cost savings over getting the same order from a veterinarian. Retail outlets with pharmacies are using low-cost prescription medications to entice customers to their doors. Places like Target and Wal-Mart can fill prescription drugs for much less, or free in some cases, even if the medication is for your pooch. As long as you have a valid prescription from your dog's veterinarian, the pharmacy may be able to fill it. Savings are substantial, one customer was paying $49 for her dog's medication that she was able to get from a retail chain pharmacy for $6. It's worth checking out. Ask your local pharmacy how much your dog's prescription might be. The answer might be a pleasant surprise.

2009-02-04T08:38:00.002-05:00

Take Your Best Friend For A Walk Are you ready for the upcoming 23rd Annual Walkathon on February 28? We can go "Forward Together" with your participation in our biggest fundraiser of the year. Community support has been incredible and we hope to surpass last year's goal. Where: MOSAIC Arena at the Manatee County Fairgrounds 1402 14th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL When: Registration 7:30 a.m. (or register in advance) Walk Kick Off - 8:30 a.m. Route Closes 10:30 a.m. Event Wrap Up 12:00 p.m. Something new has been added this year. A local photographer will have a photo booth set up to take and print photos on site. A 5 x 7 picture with the walkathon logo will be only $7.50. This makes a good gift to give to your family and friends. If you are planning to attend, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 941-729-5665 or sending an e-mail to Graduate Services at vickie.foster@guidedogs.org. We can then arrange for airport pick-ups and drop-offs for you. When making your flight arrangements, please try to make your airport arrivals and departures at times convenient for staff. Please feel free to contact us for more information or visit the Walkathon Quicklink on our website by clicking here: http://www.guidedogs.org/index.php?page=walkathon Forward Together.

2009-02-04T08:37:00.000-05:00

Dogs Ahoy Now you can take your canine first mate on a cruise designed specifically for guide dog users. Dimensions in travel, Inc. is offering two cruises this year with up to 25 guide dog users aboard. A mini three day Princess cruise sailing from San Francisco to Vancouver is set for May 7 to 9. Then June 23 marks the start of a 10-night cruise sailing round trip from San Francisco to Alaska. Each cruise features a hosted cocktail party, dog play time, pet life jackets, front row theatre seats and a canine relieving area. Click on the following link for more information. http://www.dimensionsintravel.com/

2009-02-04T08:36:00.000-05:00

A Dog's Purpose We received this touching article and wanted to share it with you. Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane (then six years old) were all very attached to Belker. They were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time. I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up and said, "I know why". Startled we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well dogs already know how to do that so they don't have to stay as long." This brings to mind a poem about the wisdom of dogs. We could all learn the following about life from dogs: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Enjoy every moment of every day!

2009-01-26T10:43:00.024-05:00

Southeastern Guide Dogs Goes Whole HOG

Photo: Jorge Rivera getting a custom fit to a motorcycle helmet by Anthony Ekonomides.

A motorcyclist once said "Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window." After this past Saturday, January 10, the students attending Class 4 of 2009 also know why. The Brandon Old Town Harley Owners Group (HOG) gave the students a chance to feel the thrill of the ride as they rode double with the bikers. Southeastern Guide Dogs hosted a luncheon for the HOGs to show our thanks for their fundraising efforts. Through their generosity they raised over $17,000 for us this past fall, capping it off with their 3rd Annual Poker Run in November. Cal Reimann and Anthony Ekonomides gave rides to all those students who were bikers at heart.

Photo: Student Jeremy Hall seated independently on a gleaming Harley Davidson Motorcycle

When the engine started the thunder started, when he accelerated I thought I had died and gone to heaven," said student Jeremy Hall. He must have been in "HOG" heaven. "Everyone should experience it. Feeling the wind was awesome. I would do it again in a heartbeat." This was not Hall's first experience with being a biker. Having been trained in a biker safety briefing, he knew what to expect. Student Sean Moore said "This was my first ride. It was fast and free, like experiencing the freedom of guide dog travel." Shawnna Maxwell made the same observation about her first ride. "It was exciting. I could feel the cool air on my face." The class also expressed how very grateful they were for the bikers' fundraising efforts. As Jeremy Hall put it, "We appreciate how they give of themselves."

Photo: Student Sean Moore settles in for a ride with Cal Reimann

Photo: Shawnna Maxwell gets her first motorcyle ride with a smiling HOG Anthony Ekonomides.

Description of short video clip below: Adventurous Blind Man A middle-aged blind man with a cane and sunglasses walks into a motorcycle shop with his sighted female companion of the same age. The bike shop’s gum-smacking salesman turns around with one eyebrow raised as he sees the couple descend the stairs into the shop. Man stops at the bottom of the stairs as his companion glances around the store. Salesman approaches them. Woman nods her head toward the man to show that he is the customer. Man begins to explore store. He taps on several cycles as the salesman follows him in bewilderment. Man tactilely explores various cycles, none seem to be right. Then he finds one, hands his cane to the puzzled salesperson and climbs on. He sits back and settles triumphantly into the chopper seat. He smiles broadly. This is the one. The now confounded salesman turns to the woman who just shrugs her shoulders. Next scene: Blind man on chopper, helmet on, hands firmly gripping the handlebars. The scenery rushes away behind him as he gleefully grins and laughs. Camera pulls back until we can see the motorcycle on a trailer. Wider camera angle shows the woman in a car pulling the trailer and checking him in the side view mirror, pleased with his exhilaration. Camera swings around behind the man. He raises his arms in a defiant salute to freedom as the twosome pull away. Sighted viewers: click on link to view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s4j_AbBqXI&feature=related

2009-01-12T14:38:00.007-05:00

New Refresher Classes Added Its the start of a fresh new year and we have additional class sessions scheduled to better serve our graduates.

Two refresher classes have been added. The first class takes place from November 9 through November 20. The second is from December 7 through December 18.

For more information or to sign up for classes, please contact Rita Princivalli - Admissions Department at 941-729-5665 or via e-mail at: rita.princivalli@guidedogs.org.

2009-01-05T12:56:00.011-05:00

Graduate Honored

Graduate Mike Calvo, founder and CEO of Serotek Corp., was named as a Technology Executive of the year finalist for the 2008 Tekne Awards. The awards are to honor those companies and individuals based in Minnesota, who have shown superior technology innovation and leadership.

Calvo's technical contributions have assisted untold thousands of elderly, and visually impaired individuals as well as those with limited mobility. Through his innovative efforts Serotek products now operate computers and access the Internet.

Just a few of his accomplishments include the first web 2.0-based accessibility software and the first to remove financial barriers with international computer accessibility free of charge. He donated Serotek's screen-reading product to a foundation he started to achieve free access.

2008-12-30T11:22:00.004-05:00

Update on Workshop for Friends and Family of Grads

This workshop created by Jerry Wixson will be held at the Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11120 SR 70 East, Bradenton, FL, on January 26 at 5:30 p.m. Rita Princivalli will be the facilitator. After the initial session, meetings and workshops will be held the second and fourth Monday of the month. Family and friends are invited to learn and understand how an individual deals with their vision loss and how that loss will affect their daily lives.

2008-12-29T15:54:00.005-05:00

Poisonous Holiday Plants

When decorating for the holidays consider how irresistible festive decor is to our furry friends. Make their holidays safer by avoiding these commonly used poisonous plants. The following, if ingested, can cause gastrointestinal upset, seizures, coma, even death.

Holly berries
Poinsettia
Mistletoe
Amaryllis bulbs
Narcissus bulbs
Lily Bulbs

If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these plants, induce vomiting and get the dog to a Vet.

2008-12-29T15:01:00.003-05:00

Your Own Webpage Can Support

Southeastern Guide Dogs

Now you can create your own webpage to reach potential supporters of the school, while adding your own story, pictures and safely solicit donations too. Start by:

Clicking on this link: http://www.firstgiving.com/SEGuideDogs_downgradedtofree.
Click on the Get Started text in the box or the underlined text "Make your own fundraising page for Southeastern Guide Dogs"
On the next new screen go to the last choice that reads "Let us know how you're raising money" and select "Sporting" from the drop down box - and click on the "Continue" box.
The next screen will ask for the event name - type in "Southeastern Guide Dogs 23rd Annual Walkathon" and select "Walks" from the drop down menu. Enter the date February 28, 2009 and click "Continue"
Enter your e-mail address to the next screen and click on the "Continue" box".
Then enter your personal information on the next screen.

You'll now be the webmaster of your own destiny with this free account. Add your online art and editable text. Set your target goal for donations and let your friends, family and coworkers know where to contribute. (The donations are handled securely through major credit cards.) Start your individually unique webpage today!

2008-12-29T14:54:00.001-05:00

Brrrrrring Your Dog Safely Through the Winter Winter chills and winds can be hard on our four-footed guide dog friends. Follow these tips for cold weather safety.

Antifreeze - Dogs are attracted to the sweet taste of this automotive danger - but it can be deadly if ingested. Make sure your dog does not lick the surface where cars are parked. Keep far away from this poisonous hazard.
Make warm the norm for your dog - A dog's coat insulates much better when it is well-groomed. Brushing on a regular schedule beefs up the coat's insulation.
Trim excess hair on pads and toes to prevent ice ball formations on the feet. Ice balls are common with longer furred dogs exposed to snow. When the dogs walk on snow, ice balls accumulate in between the toe pads getting stuck in the fur. The results can be very painful. Signs of ice ball formation are the dog starting to limp, becoming lame, and licking the feet excessively. Treatment would be warm water. You can also use petroleum jelly on tender feet pads to prevent cracking.
Don't forget the windchill - Monitor the wind-chill to protect your dog from excessive exposure to the elements and frostbite.
Tote the coat - Some short-haired breeds can benefit from having protective clothing in extreme cold. Because of their thinner coats, these dogs can get cold very quickly.

2008-12-26T10:44:00.002-05:00

Well i hope that everyone has survived the holidays and that all the dogs got something special as well. Both my dogs all though there is a 80 lbs differance both got an extra large bone the small dog was so excited she threw up under what we called this year a Charlie Brown tree. I am happy to report that this was the excitement of my christmas morning. Whar did some of your dogs get over the holidays? See you all in 2009. Happy New Year.

2008-12-17T14:45:00.010-05:00

Welcome All

This is a forum for all our graduates and is your exchange center for information, news, tips and hints. Our goal is to provide whatever communication you need to help tie together our community of guide dog users. We invite you to stay connected to your fellow grads and log-in often. For those of you not familiar with blogs, you can add comments after each article posting by clicking on the "comments" link below the online article also known as post. Please sign your comments. We will be moderating them and will not post any that are anonymous. The archive section on the right-hand side will quickly take you to any previous posts that you may have missed.

It is our hope the this blog will be a center of valuable information for all of you. We will be posting at least twice a month, more often when we have additional items of interest. Contributions from guest authors at Southeastern Guide Dogs will be featured periodically. Look for new posts and articles often and please book mark our blog. This is your blog. Feel free to make it yours with frequent comments.

2008-12-17T14:40:00.002-05:00

Workshop for Friends and Family of Grads Jerry Wixson and guide dog Jack Huston are creating a workshop to teach, cope, and understand how an individual deals with their vision loss and how that will affect their daily lives. This informative class will take place in January, but look for more information on times, dates, and location to come.

2008-12-17T11:18:00.007-05:00

Guide Dogs and Holiday Guests Holiday gatherings can be stressful, particularly for your guide dog. Guests coming and going amid joyful greetings can be confusing for your canine friend. We have provided the following hints to make this time of year run smoothly for both of you.

Even well-meaning guests need to be reminded that your dog is not to have table scraps. Try not to allow guests to give your dog extra treats. It is easy for a dog to pack on extra holiday pounds. The resulting weight gain is not healthy. Rich party fare can wreak havoc on your dog's digestive system.
If you will be visiting or you have guests in your home, keep in mind not everyone is used to the attention from dogs. Keep control of your dog.
Monitoring your dog's location while off-leash is important when guests are about. Doors opening and closing can be a distraction for your dog - make sure it is safe inside your home.
Let guests know your dog is not to be encouraged in behaviors that are counter-productive to training. Guests may think it is cute when they have taught your dog tricks. When all the holiday trimmings are packed away and your breakfast goes missing from the same table, cute is probably not how you would describe it. It is not your dog's fault if that behavior has been taught and rewarded.

2008-12-12T09:54:00.009-05:00

Making A Difference Via Petgive.com Did you know that a portion of the sales from your holiday or everyday online shopping can go to Southeastern Guide Dogs when you use Petgive.com? Just following 3 simple registration steps on the site. Then choose from hundreds of participating online stores to make your purchases. By taking the time to do this your generosity will go directly to our organization. Tell your friends about it too.