GUIDE DOG NEWS The Quarterly Publication of Guide Dogs for the Blind

2015 ISSUE 3

MARISSA TEJADA AND A GOLDEN RETRIEVER DURING PUPPY PLAY TIME AT CAMP GDB.

Get caught up on the GDB has three new Meet Frans and Fred activities and photos licensed guide dog Simson, puppy raising from Fun Day, GDB’s mobility instructors! volunteers extraordinaire annual salute to our Congratulations to and President’s Circle volunteer puppy raisers. Katie Anderson, members, who are NEW LICENSEES NEW FUN DAY RECAP DAY FUN

This year’s theme was Adam Silverman, and PROFILE DONOR champions of GDB in their

“Travelin’ Tails.” p5 Kelsey Matheron. p9 community. p11 A NON-PROFIT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION 800.295.4050 GUIDEDOGS.COM

National Office/California Campus: 350 Los Ranchitos Road San Rafael, CA 94903 MAKING IT ALL CLICK

Oregon Campus: 32901 S.E. Kelso Road In June, GDB hosted our 4th International Clicker Training Boring, OR 97009 Conference at our campus (pictured, above). Our 18 Officers Christine Benninger—President & CEO guest guide dog mobility instructors, representing eight guide Cathy Martin—Treasurer & CFO Bob Burke—Chair dog schools from across the globe, spent five days learning Stuart Odell—Vice Chair how GDB has incorporated positive reinforcement and Clicker Ruth Ann Dodson—Vice Chair, PNW Joan Boyd—Vice Chair, Finance training into our guide dog training methods. “I wish to express Jay Harris—Secretary my appreciation to your organization for your willingness to Directors Len Almalech share information and, in doing so, help to raise the quality of Sigrid Button training and services available to clients who are blind and visually Melissa Hudson Deborah Kendrick impaired worldwide,” wrote attendee Christie Bane. Kudos to George Kerscher Stephen Mansfield GDB’s Director of Research and Development Michele Pouliot, as Andrew Mathieson well as GDB guide dog mobility instructors and conference faculty Jack Scott members Todd Jurek, Lori Brown, Jessica Drew, and Candace Todd Bradley, Advisor Lyle L. Hoover, Director Emeritus Tuomikoski for representing GDB in such an excellent fashion!

Photo Credits Morry Anne Angell - p1, p2, p3, p7, p12 Kristina Bozanich, kristinabozanich.com - p10 (top) IN REMEMBRANCE Sierra Fish - p4, p9 Brent LeBlanc, allenbreauxstudio.com - p8 Ed Smith - p10 (middle) Our condolences to the family Joel R. Weiss of J Richard Studios - p6 Submitted - p2, p5, p8, p10 (bottom), p11 and loved ones of actor and GDB supporter DICK VAN PATTEN who Guide Dogs for the Blind follows the guidelines recommended by passed away in June. Mr. Van Patten the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools for the humane care was the co-founder of Natural and training of our dogs, and the Full Member instruction and services offered Balance Pet Foods. In tandem with to our students and alumni. Guide Dog News is published for the the Petco Foundation, Mr. Van information of GDB supporters. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may Patten organized National Guide be reproduced without permission from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Dog month to directly benefit many non-profit, accredited guide

© Guide Dogs for the Blind dog schools in the U.S., including GDB. We remember and honor Please recycle this newsletter! Dick Van Patten’s contributions to our mission, and are grateful for Natural Balance Pet Foods continued partnership. GREETINGS FROM THE CEO President and CEO Christine Benninger Wishing youallthebest, experience forallofus! guide doglifestyle.Readmoreaboutitonpage 9—itcertainlywasaverymemorable from severaldifferentstatestospendtwodays onourCaliforniacampusexploringthe The campers,whoareblindandvisuallyimpaired, rangedinagefrom14-17andcame The promiseofyouthwasalsofrontandcenter atCampGDBearlierthissummer. on page5. more aboutthisyear’swinners scholarships. Youcanlearn for ourannualPuppyRaising the submissionswereceived is thismoreevidentthanin and somuchmore.Nowhere purpose, communicationskills, organization: confidence, their involvementwithour young raisersgainfrom and hearhowmuchour It isalsorewardingtosee meaningful role. from puppytoguideorother our dogsontheirjourney in SanAntonio,Texas.Wearesogratefulforallouryoungpuppyraisersdotohelp legion ofFFAraiserscontinuestogrowandflourish—withthelatestgroupthriving and positivitythatouryouthpuppyraisersbringtotheirefforts.Iamproudsay raisers arewonderful,ofcourse,butitisparticularlyamazingtoseetheenthusiasm role thatyoungpeopleplayinhelpingusfulfillourmission.Allofvolunteerpuppy happened atGDBoverthepastfewmonths.Irealizeacommonthreadispowerful I aminhighspiritsasthesummerdrawstoaclosesomanywonderfulthingshave Greetings, AT THE CALIFORNIA CAMPUS FUN DAY. SURROUNDED BY PUPPY RAISERS GETTING THEIR NEW PUPS CHRIS BENNINGER, PRESIDENT AND CEO (CENTER, IN PINK), 3 TRAVELIN’ TAILS In July, GDB hosted our 57th annual Fun Day celebrations on both of our campuses. With the theme of “Travelin’ Tails,” this year’s educational activities centered around real-life travel scenarios, like going through airport security checkpoints, riding a bus, or dining at a cafe. Fun Day is an event to celebrate the efforts of our puppy raising volunteers, who come with their pups from far and wide to participate. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for us to personally thank and recognize the dedication, hard work, and love that puppy raisers contribute toward fulfilling our mission. Thank you, puppy raisers, for all that you do!

Pictured: Various people, pups, and activities at Fun Day. For more photos of the festivities, please visit our online gallery at flickr.com/photos/guidedogsfortheblind.

4 DELPHINE SAM PUPPY RAISING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Annually, GDB awards scholarships to puppy raisers in their senior year of high school who have outstanding scholastic achievement and volunteer experience within GDB and their communities. Thanks to the generosity of the Nancy Bloyer Memorial Fund, Greg and Kathy LAURA MEGAN Harwell, and Steve and Kathie Jenkins, we were pleased to award $10,000 in scholarship funds. Congratulations to the following puppy raisers on their accomplishments!

KYLIE NANCY BLOYER MEMORIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIPS • $2,000 – Laura Marchi ($1,000 scholarship, $500 Outstanding Essay Award & $500 Outstanding Creative Award) CHRISTINA • $1,000 – Jaclyn Bigley • $1,000 – Hailey Elias • $1,000 – Gina Phillipsen

HARWELL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 – Kylie Peterson JACYLN HAILEY GINA

JENKINS SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 – Christina Marcelli

GDB SCHOLARSHIPS • $1,000 – Megan Irving • $500 – Mikaela Haglund • $500 - Delphine Medeiros IAN MIKAELA • $500 – Ian Miller (Outstanding Essay Award) • $500 – Sam Nelson (Outstanding Essay Award)

For complete bios and winning essays/creative projects, please visit our blog, No Bones About It, at guidedogs.blogspot.com. 5 Joan Boyd’s deep commitment to volunteerism, a love of dogs, and a personal connection to vision loss fuels her passion for Guide Dogs for the Blind. That passion is on display virtually everywhere you turn at GDB. Since she first started volunteering in 1997, Joan has been engaged with GDB in a wide variety of roles: Puppy Tester, Chair of the Canine

JOAN BOYD WITH HER Heroes Auction, Board member, Festive LABRADORS BUDDY AND GUS. Holiday Luncheon Committee member, Legacy Society member, former Chair of the Betty Krahl Spirit of Volunteerism Committee, and airport driver. Joan, who lives in Napa, draws on her marketing and volunteer experience for each of these roles. “Being on campus each week, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with staff, visitors, and other volunteers. Additionally, I served as President of the Junior League of , a 2,500 member women’s organization, which has provided me with a great foundation in Board work as well as working with volunteers.”

Joan also feels a special connection to GDB’s mission having two parents who grappled with vision loss. “My mom, now 95 years young, was patient #3 in the Genentech clinical trial for Lucentis, a medication injected into the eye to slow the progress of wet macular degeneration. Now, 11 years after beginning the study, it has been a sight-saver for her.” This experience makes the work she experiences at GDB all the more meaningful.

“Probably the most rewarding aspect of being affiliated with GDB is seeing the difference these guide dogs can make in the life of a visually impaired client. The bond that is created between a human and animal is amazing.” It also makes her wish that people knew more about GDB. She notes, “I wish that people knew that our services are provided entirely free to our clients and that you don’t have to be totally blind to receive our services. And, I wish that people knew we are funded entirely through donations.”

When Joan isn’t busy supporting GDB, she is running a 22-acre vineyard and winery in the Napa Valley and pursuing hobbies such as golf, wine tasting, bicycling, reading, and crossword puzzles. She adds, “I enjoy tending to my roses, I have 130 rose bushes!

BOARD PROFILE But there is never enough time to do everything!” GDB is blessed to be the beneficiary of so much of her time, love, and attention! 6 STAFF PROFILE kitten. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and loves to cook for friends and family. kitten. Sheenjoys hiking,gardening, andlovestocookforfriends andfamily. more exciting. KristinlivesinPetaluma, Calif.,withherpartner, andapetVizsla new pet traveling, whichmakesher roleasanassessorfortheInternationalGuide DogFederationallthe In hersparetime,sheis a sportsenthusiast,anavidpokerplayer,andloves photographyand Susan livesinPortland,Ore., withherpartnerandapetBorderCollie. melding ofthetwo.” a loveofteaching.TheTrainingDepartmentatGDB istheperfect people anddogs,”shesaid.“Ihavealwayshada loveofdogsand is theabilitytohavemeaningfulrelationshipswith somanydiverse taught them.”Kristinagrees.“Thebestthingabout workingatGDB amazing. Ourclientshavetaughtmesomuch—much morethanI’ve raisers, todonors—everyonethattouchesthisorganizationis of thisjob,”saidSusan.“Frommycolleagues,toclients,puppy “The peoplethatIhavetheopportunitytomeetarebestpart mobility. Combined,theyhavenearly40yearsofexperienceatGDB. instructors, andbothholdmastersdegreesinorientation Department. Bothwomenarelicensedguidedogmobility GDB’s DormitoryServicesandtheResearchDevelopment oversees GDB’sApprenticeTrainingProgram,whileSusanmanages the samewithinClientServicesDepartment.Inaddition,Kristin Departments intheirindividuallocations,andshareresponsibilityof supervision, andtrainingofpersonnelintheTrainingNursing to trainingGDB’sdogsandclients.Theyoverseethestaffing, respectfully. Thisduoisresponsibleforalloperationsrelated of TrainingOperationsontheOregonandCaliforniacampuses Meet SusanArmstrongandKristinLucas,GDB’sVicePresidents characteristics. in nosmallparttotheleadersoftheirrankswhoembodythose we believeallofourinstructorspossessthosetraits,perhapsdue and apersonalitythatiscomfortableforalltobearound.AtGDB, approach meshedwithcreativity;refinementandintelligence, words; thoughtfulnessintheirinstruction;ablendofanalytical and commitmentinthefaceofchallenges;usegenuine,kind a successfulguidedogmobilityinstructor.Theirlistincluded:Aneasygoingnature;tenacity A classofGDBstudentsafewyearsagocompiledlistqualitiestheyfeltwereessentialfor ARMSTRONG SUSAN LUCAS KRISTIN 7 8 GRAD PROFILE has opened up formethatwasnot possiblebeforeaguide dogcameintomylife.” I cantraveltoplacesalone withDestaandknowthatIwillbe safe. Aworldofindependence pack! One of my kids called from behind asking us to slow down—it was music to my ears! Now I wasinNewOrleanswith familyandfriends.Onawalk, places withfriends,”Pamsaid.“AmonthafterI returnedfromGDBwithmyfirstguide “Before Iwasgiventhegiftofaguidedog,had stoppedgoingshoppingaloneandtraveling and traveling—NewYorkIrelandarehertwo favoriteplacestovisit. three sonsandtwograndchildren).Inherspare time,Pamenjoystandemcycling,gardening, up inNewOrleansandcurrentlyresidesLafayette, La.withherhusbandAdrian(theyhave Pam istheassistantdirectoratMorganStreet DanceStudioinBroussard,La.Shegrew Desta Iamneverafraid.Sheisthelightofmylife.” distraction. Sheisaconversationstarter,anicebreaker,andmybestfriend!WhenIamwith path? Forgetaboutit!Horses,cows,chickens,roosters,squirrels?Shelaughsinthefaceof and consistentguide.Otherdogsonthestreet?Sheneverlookstheirway.Catscrossingour several times,”Pamsaid.“Whenherpawshitthegroundinanycity,sheismostamazing together, wehavetraveledtoPhoenix,NewYork,Boston,Houston,Atlanta,andOrleans Pam’s currentguidedogisDesta,whomshecallstheBesta.“Duringourfouryears AND DESTA PAM BOYLE And Irealizedthathadnolimitations.” laugh atmyselfforhavinganyfearbecauseIhaddoneit! comfortable andconfident.AttheendofeachdayIhadto is sospecial.Thestaffhasawayofmakingeveryonefeel organized andefficient,”shesaid.“TheatmosphereatGDB picking GDB—assoonasIcalled,couldtellthatGDBwas her visionbegandeteriorating.“Ididmyresearchbefore Pam knewshewasreadytoapplyforaguidedogwhen a momentIwillneverforget.” stepped offthebus,andallmyfearsmeltedaway.Thatwas first nightroute,”shesaid.“ButmyguidedogKitandI “I amtotallyblindatnightandwasconcernedaboutmy of theretinascausingtunnelvisionandnightblindness. said. Pamhasretinitispigmentosa,adegenerativedisease the harnesshandle.“Itwasnothingshortofamazing,”she GDB, andshecanstillvividlyrecallthefirsttimepickingup Pam Boylehasbeentherecipientofthreeguidedogsfrom Kit andIwereflyingalong, leadingthe Kit,

CONGRATULATIONS TO GDB’S NEWEST NEW LICENSEES LICENSED GUIDE DOG MOBILITY INSTRUCTORS

KATIE ANDERSON grew up in ADAM SILVERMAN hails from KELSEY MATHERON is originally Portland, Ore., and was a GDB West Hartford, Conn. and has a from Vacaville, Calif., and was a puppy raiser for many years. She degree in Psychology from the GDB puppy raiser as a teenager. She has a degree in biology from University of Connecticut. holds bachelor and master degrees George Fox He worked in music University, with a education and and has variety of teaching from worked at animals Westminster the Oregon prior to Choir College Zoo, Sea coming of Rider Life Park to GDB, University in in Hawaii, including Princeton, New and the Miami Seaquarium prior wolves and exotic cats. Jersey. “I love that this job allows to coming to GDB. “The favorite “Getting to see the progress me to be involved in all aspects of part of my job,” Katie said, “is the that our clients make with the guide dog team,” she said, “from diversity that it has to offer. I love their new guide dogs” is the dog training, to working with clients meeting and working with the most fulfilling aspect of his job, in class, and visiting teams in their people and the dogs.” Adam said. home environment.”

HAPPY CAMPERS Camp GDB was a huge success! The campers, who are blind and visually impaired, ranged in age from 14-17 and came from several different states. Over the course of the two-day camp, they had the opportunity to explore the companionship, independence, and responsibility of the guide dog mobility lifestyle. They received hands-on guide dog instruction, with an emphasis on understanding the specific orientation and mobility skills required to be a successful guide dog handler. There were also lots of social activities, including playing with puppies, as well as time to bond with new friends.

PICTURED: LUKE HARRIMAN WALKS WITH A GUIDE DOG UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF APPRENTICE GUIDE DOG MOBILITY INSTRUCTOR CALONE NATHANIEL. 9 DOGS WITH HEARTS OF GOLD The Sierra Nevada Friends Committee of Guide Dogs for the Blind held its fifth champagne brunch fundraiser, “Dogs with Hearts of Gold,” in Reno, Nev.

in June (pictured, left), raising nearly $26,000 for GDB. Keynote speaker David Cooper moved and inspired the guests with tales about his adventures

in City with his guide dog Parnelli, and everyone got plenty of puppy love from the many guide dog pups in attendance.

HIGH ON THE HOG The Epic Roasthouse in San Francisco held its 2nd annual “High on the

Hog” event in June (pictured, right). In addition to the fabulous food, wine, and brews, more than 400 guests danced to the Henry Cooper Band (including a rendition of “Mustang Sally” by Epic Roasthouse’s Managing Partner Pete Sittnick), and enjoyed a hilarious watermelon- eating contest. GDB alumni, puppy raisers, and their pooches got in on the fun as well. The event raised $10,000 to benefit GDB.

TEE OFF FOR DOGS Thank you to GDB grad Frank Frand and his now-retired

guide dog Cardinal for hosting yet another fun and successful Tee Off for Dogs event last April in Irvine, Calif.

(pictured, left). Highlights of the tournament included contest holes such as “Be My Guide” (blindfolded), and “Faster than a Guide Dog” (timed). A portion of the tournament’s proceeds benefited GDB. We are so grateful to Frank for his support, and congratulate him on

his recent graduation with his new guide dog, Putnam.

SAVE THE DATE

OREGON FALL LUNCHEON FESTIVE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Friday, November 6, 2015 | Portland, OR Thursday, December 3, 2015 | San Francisco, CA HAPPENINGS Visit guidedogs.com/events for more information. 10 Frans and Fred Simson got involved with GDB after a chance encounter with a guide dog puppy on the streets of near their home. The beautiful yellow Labrador sporting his green jacket prompted them to ask lots of questions of the pup’s raiser. They were so impressed that “when we returned home, we hopped right on the computer and learned all about the wonderful things the organization does for the visually impaired,” Frans said. That was more than 15 years ago; the Simsons are now puppy raisers themselves. They are currently raising

their 9th puppy, yellow Lab Keanu.

Puppy raising is at the heart of why FRED AND FRANS SIMSON the Simsons support GDB. “We have WITH JAX AND loved each of our puppies, and continue KEANU. to stay in touch with many of their partners,” Frans said.

In addition to puppy raising, the Simsons speak on behalf of GDB to all sorts of organizations. “We’ve done presentations to Rotary and Lions Clubs, and in many school classrooms. We have also been fortunate to present before various governmental organizations—the TSA, the IRS, and several other bureaus.” One of the pups

they raised, Jax, a career changed black Lab, is now an official GDB Ambassador Dog. “Since he helps us with all of our speaking engagements,” Frans said, “we prefer to give him the title of

Puppy in Training, Emeritus!”

The Simsons are also enthusiastically involved in GDB fundraising efforts. They especially enjoyed supporting the capital campaign a few years back to build the student residence facility on our California campus. A plaque in memory of their late son proudly hangs in Room 101.

“When life is abundant, it behooves us to give back to our community,” Fred said. “To that end, we have always volunteered in one way or another. It is easy to say that our association with Guide Dogs for the Blind has been the most rewarding of these volunteer endeavors. It’s not just the puppy raising, it’s the fundraising and the many fun events in which we have had the pleasure to participate as well.”

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE PROFILE CIRCLE PRESIDENT’S Thank you, Frans and Fred, for your generosity and continued support of Guide Dogs for the Blind! 11 NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 151200 San Rafael, California PAID 94915-1200 DMS

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charitable gift annuity illustration, please return the coupon below, • CREATE A LEGACY IN YOUR ESTATE visit guidedogs.com/plannedgiving, or call our planned giving team at Name GDB in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary of your annuity, life 800.295.4050 ext: 2289 (Sue) or ext: 4073 (Joan). insurance policy, IRA, or retirement plan. We honor such commitments with membership in our Legacy ! Society. LEGACY SOCIETY/GIFT ANNUITY PROPOSAL • DESIGNATE YOUR GIFT q GDB is included in my estate plan; please enroll me in the Legacy Society. Designate your donation to go q I’d like to learn more about how to include GDB in my estate plan; please send info. toward a specific GDB program. q How would a deferred charitable gift annuity work for me? (Minimums: age 50, $5,000 gift) Contact us for more info.

My birthdate: ______My spouse’s birthdate: ______Guide Dogs for the Blind will, on Sample gift amount: q $5,000 q $10,000 q $25,000 q Other: $ ______occasion, share donor information with like-minded non-profit organizations in Name: ______an effort to better fulfill our mission and serve our clients. If you do not wish to Address: ______have your information shared, please call our Development Department at Phone: ______Email: ______800.295.4050 extension 4160 or email Return to Sue Dishart – Planned Giving Officer / Joan Scott – Planned Giving Coordinator us at [email protected]. Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200