GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA

Every once in a while, in a litter of Labrador puppies, there will be a

surprise.

Rather than looking like a Labrador that is just one color – black or

yellow – Black & Tan Labs have a little of both colors, but are just as

much a purebred Lab as his or her solid colored siblings.

The Black & Tan coloration is the result of a recessive gene, which

means mothers and fathers who look like normal black or yellow

Labs can carry the Black & Tan gene. If both the mother and father

carry this gene they can occasionally have one or more Black & Tan

puppies in their litters.

So if you see a black puppy-in-training with tan highlights on his

muzzle, chest or legs, he might look like a mixed breed to you but he’s really a purbred

Labrador that has what it takes to become a great guide dog!

How Two Partners FIND Each Other

One of the most crucial steps in creat-

ing the unique partnership of a

guide dog and a person without

sight is to match the right dog

with the right person.

The process starts with an application packet

being filled out, along with a complete physical

by their doctor. Our instructors will then visit

the potential student to gain a better under-

standing of their personality and lifestyle, make

sure their living arrangements are suitable for a

dog, and to get a feel for the environment in

which the student and dog will be working.

Trina Began, one of GDA’s senior instructors,

outlines some of the key factors.

“We want to get a feel for the applicant’s

lifestyle. We attempt to determine if their orien-

tation and mobility skills could be enhanced by

the use of a guide dog. At what pace are they

comfortable walking? What is their activity

level? Do they work outside the home? Have

they ever had a dog?

“We also need to know about the neighborhood.

What are the streets like and how much traffic is

VOLUME 20

NUMBER 2

SUMMER 2005

GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA

continued on page 2

Black & Tan and PURE All Over

Riva and Rumor, two

purebred Labrador Retriever

Black & Tan puppies and

future guide dogs.

there? We check for the condition of sidewalks, the

route the guide dog user would take to work, to the

grocery store, etc.”

All of this information is used by our Selection

Committee to determine whether the person

could benefit from a guide dog and if having a

guide dog would improve their mobility.

On the other side of the equation is the dog. We

selectively breed our dogs for traits such as good

health and temperament. But as anyone who has

ever had a dog knows, every dog has its own per-

sonality.

“Some dogs like to walk at a fast pace,” Trina

says, “and some like a much slower pace. Some

dogs need to walk miles every day, whereas others

don’t. All dogs respond differently to different voice

inflections, so even the person’s voice tone is part of

the matching process.”

To make sure we have an excellent match for each

student, we usually have 16-18 dogs prepared for

a typical class of 10 students. But when a student

has been accepted and comes to GDA for the 28-

day training program, we don’t match a dog and a

person right away. The first three days are what

we call “Juno training.”

Our instructors use a harness and pretend to be

“Juno.” For three days, instructors like Trina act

as the student’s guide dog to get a feel for how the

student would handle a real guide dog.

“During the Juno assessment we are looking for the

student’s comfort level in reference to pace and the

pull of the dog.”

During the first three days, the instructors inter-

view each student again to get a better feel for

their expectations and other factors.

Taking all that information together, the instruc-

tors pair up each student with a dog who matches

them as much as possible in personality and tem-

perament, gait, activity level, and physical

strength.

The goal is to create a team that will be successful

for many years to come. The process is extensive,

yet so rewarding, because if you ask our graduates

who are partnered with our dogs, you’ll recognize

how they benefit. So many of them say, “I can’t

believe how well my dog matches my personality,

my needs, and my lifestyle. It’s a perfect match!”

It’s a wonderful thing to see when two partners

who were made for each other stroll down the

sidewalk with joy and confidence..

How Two Partners Find Each Other continued from page 1

PARTNERS

NEWSLETTER

Published by:

GUIDE DOGS OF

AMERICA

13445 Glenoaks Blvd.

Sylmar, CA 91342

818/362-5834

818/362-6870 fax

EMAIL:

[email protected]

WEBSITE:

www.guidedogsofamerica.org

EDITOR:

Lorri Bernson

CONTRIBUTORS:

Jay Bormann

Trina Began

Rhonda Bissell

Meri Forman

Louise Henderson

Andi Krusoe

Debbie Sands

Class #346

Seated from left to right – Thomas Olzak and

Wrigley

, Kim Pomatto and

Voyage

r, Laure’ Noble

and

Vienna

, Melissa Barry and

Richter

, Donna La

Vance and

Lola

, Paul Dang and

Marshall

, Lisa

Hauptfleisch and

Phineas

, Tim Franklin and

Monroe.

Instructors (standing left to right): Yvonne Martin,

Steve Burkman, Wendy Roof

Puppy Raisers (not pictured)

Wrigley

—Katie & Laura

Christensen;

Voyager

—

Madeline Wright & Robert

Jaroneczyk;

Vienna

—

Joanna Wilkinson;

Richter

—Judi Gomez &

Miguel Ola;

Lola

—The

Primack Family;

Marshall

—Karen & Paul

Apolinario;

Phineas

—

Brenda Kenworthy &

Howard Fitzer;

Monroe

—

Alyson & Alan Verchick

Class #346

Graduation

For many years, the breeds most often used for

guide dogs were German Shepherds, Labrador

Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. But GDA and

other guide dog schools have recently begun to

accept Standard Poodles, and strategic crosses

between breeds.

Two of our first cross-breeds just recently graduat-

ed as guide dogs. One was a cross between a

Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle – a

“golden-doodle”. The other was a cross between

a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever—a

“goldador” or a “golden-lab.” GDA is now

raising about 20 mixed-breed puppies.

The goal is to increase the range of dogs

available to become guide dogs. A

key concern for some people is aller-

gies and like the general population, a

portion of people who are blind are

allergic to dogs. Poodles and many

crosses with poodles don’t produce as

much dander as most dogs, which

greatly reduces allergy concerns.

Other crosses are an

attempt to merge the

best traits of two breeds,

such as the responsive-

ness of a Golden

Retriever and the confi-

dence of a Labrador.

While every breed has a

range of personality types, there are some general

trends among the breeds bred to become guide

dogs.

Though we have just begun a breeding program

for Standard Poodles, we are not breeding any of

the crosses. Several of our experienced dog

breeding friends have donated the puppies that

are now making their way through the program.

These dogs will give us new options for finding

the perfect match between a guide dog and a per-

son without sight.

New Dogs To Match With – More Choices Than Ever

WISH LIST

• EZ-Ups lightweight shade structures 8’ x 8’ or

10’ x 10’

• Tall standing fans

NURSERY:

• Snuggle Safe microwave heatpads for pets

• Small crates: 21” x 16” x 15”

KENNEL:

• Nylabone products (in LARGE size only)

• #4, #7 and #10 blades for Oster A-5

Grooming Clippers

• Heavy-duty/non-destructible kiddie pools

VET Dept:

• Kongs (medium & large)

• Orthopedic pet beds (28” x 36”)

TRAINING Dept:

• Long-range Walkie-Talkies

• Long-range 2-way communication headsets

(2 pairs)

STUDENT DORM:

• Portable cassette/AM/FM players

• Talking alarm clocks with large digital read-

out

• Braille games (www.brailleinstitute.org and

other blind-related websites)

We’re wishing and hoping that some of

our friends will be able to donate some

of the following items.

Golden Retriever

Standard Poodle

German Shepherd

Labrador Retriever

We'd love to hear

from our readers!

Send us your ideas, suggestions or comments

about our newsletter, “Partners” to

[email protected]. Tell what

you'd like to see in an upcoming issue!

Two of GDA’s most loyal and most dedicated,

employees will be reaching their 20th Anniversary

this year. We are grateful for their hard work and

their friendship to fellow employees, our dogs, and

to the blind people we serve.

Pat Siehr –

Donor Data

Manager

Even before Pat Siehr

accepted a job at

GDA, she was

involved as a Puppy

Raiser, something she

has continued to do

over the years, having

raised four puppies for GDA. When Pat first

started working on donor records in 1985, all our

records were kept on 3x5 index cards. After hav-

ing gone through four system conversions over

the years, Pat has become very proficient at mod-

ern donor record keeping and communication.

She greatly enjoys getting to know GDA’s donors.

“They are such great people. Very faithful.”

Pat brings her two dogs, Sassy and Trischka to

work with her everyday, where they help her keep

everything in perspective. “I came to California

for the climate 25 years ago, and have been here

ever since. I’m glad I have had the chance to work

here. The employess and volunteers are great. And

the dogs are wonderful. What a special group of

people and animals!”

Angie Wellington - Cook

Angie Wellington moved to California from

Louisiana in 1985 with no job. When she saw

the listing for a job at GDA in the Pennysaver, she

knew nothing about the school. But in the 20

years since, she has played a key role in our mis-

sion, keeping our students well-fed, healthy and

feeling at home.

“It’s wonderful to work someplace where we are

reaching out to others. You never know when you

or one of your loved ones might need a guide dog.”

Over the years, Angie has fed hundreds of stu-

dents, and some of her specialties have become

great favorites. In fact, our recently published

GDA Cookbook includes her not-so-secret recipes

for french toast, BBQ ribs, mac & cheese and her

famous potato salad.

Congratulations to Angie and Pat!

A Range Of Ways To Help

For those who want to donate to help provide the companionship, mobility, and independence a guide dog can give to a person

who is blind, there are ways to help that fit every budget. And every gift is greatly appreciated. Here are a few possibilities for

your next donation and we’ve enclosed a reply envelope to make it easier to support GDA today.

• Puppy Kit $25 (Goes home with new puppy – leash, col-

lar, I.D. tag, stainless steel bowl, sterilized bone, small bag

of dog food & puppy raising manual)

• Feed one dog in GDA kennel for one month $50

• Guide Dog Graduation Kit $100 (Goes home with gradu-

ate and guide dog – nylon collar, working collar, 2 tie-

downs, leash, heartworm medication, grooming tools, dog

toy, dog bed & small bag of dog food)

• Specially-designed custom leather harness $175

• Spay or neuter one dog $250

• Vaccines for puppies in Puppy Raiser homes $300

• Feed one dog during six month guide dog training $300

• Travel expenses for one student $750

• Room & board for one student for 28 days $2,000

• Student Accommodation Sponsor $3,000 (includes room

& board, travel expenses, and graduate kit)

• Puppy Sponsorship $4,000

• Sponsor one guide or one student $19,000

• Sponsor one guide dog team $38,000

Employees

Pat Siehr (left) and

Angie Wellington

celebrate 20 years

with GDA.

Years And Going Strong

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH GDA

www.guidedogsofamerica.org

GGrroowwiinngg UUpp wwiitthh

GGuuiiddee DDooggss

As she prepares to go off to col-

lege soon, Laura Coyle can still

remember pretty clearly the days

in junior high school when she hated to be seen

with her parents and the guide dog puppies they

were raising for GDA. “As a young teenager, being

seen with my mom was bad enough, but the extra

attention generated by the dog made it even worse.

It would take us an hour just to buy milk at the

convenience store.”

Of course, there were lots of fun times with the

puppies, too, and as Laura got older, she began to

appreciate the importance of what her family had

been doing. After she attended a couple of gradu-

ations, she found that she wanted to be associated

with those guide dog puppies more than ever –

even if they were with her mom.

Today, she is very proud of her role in helping to

raise puppies for GDA. Laura is an excellent stu-

dent, but she says, “While I take pride in my acad-

emic and extracurricular activities, I have found

my greatest sense of accomplishment in teaching

my puppy not to eat Kleenex off the bottom shelf at

the grocery store!”

We wish Laura the best of luck in all her future

endeavors. We know she will be a friend

to GDA for many, many years to come.

Puppy Raisers and

Motorcycles

Sometimes, you’ve got to go where the

prospects are. In April, a group of GDA

Puppy Raisers went to Tom’s Farm in

Corona, CA, a favorite gathering place for

motorcycle enthusiasts, to promote GDA’s

Ride for Guides, which took place on May

22nd (see page 8). The Puppy Raisers

manned a booth with a couple of adorable

guide dog puppies, and encouraged hun-

dreds of riders to join us in a fun event for

a good cause. The puppies were a great

hit, of course, and GDA gained many new

friends that day. Our thanks go out to the

Puppy Raisers and their dogs.

Dalmatians for a Day

Puppy Raisers go to great lengths to make sure

their puppies are comfortable in any situation, so

Puppy Raiser groups are always looking for new

experiences for their puppies. In February, the

South Bay GDA Puppy Raisers and the Orange

County GDA Puppy Raisers met at the Irvine Fire

Station #38 to spend the morning with firemen

and fire trucks.

It was an interesting time for both humans and

dogs, as the fireman graciously explained all their

equipment and procedures. The puppies got to

meet the firemen dressed in their full suits. They

were even tested when a fire truck was driven by

with lights flashing and siren going as the puppies

were walking at heel.

The trip ended with a great lunch in front of a

roaring fire at the Champs Restaurant in the

Irvine Spectrum. All who attended, puppies and

their raisers, express their thanks to the Irvine

Fire Station #38, and to all who helped to orga-

nize the event.

A Tiny Down Payment On The Debt

We Owe To Our Volunteers

There’s no way we could ever repay all the

generous people who give so much of their time

and energy to Guide Dogs of America. The

best we can do is give them a great meal at our

Annual Volunteer Luncheon and tell them over and

over again how much we appreciate them.

So that’s what we did on March 19th. The student dor-

mitory was dressed up for the occasion with flowers

and balloons, and fabulous food was donated by Portos

Bakery in Glendale. Close to 100 people attended,

including dozens of volunteers who help in the office,

perform public speaking engagements for GDA, orga-

nize and conduct fundraisers… the list goes on and on.

An organization like Guide Dogs of America can’t sur-

vive without great volunteers who believe in our mis-

sion, so we hope all our volunteers know just how

much we appreciate them. Thank you!

If you are interesting in learning about volunteer oppor-

tunities at GDA, call (818)362-5834, ext. 310.

Puppy Raiser Corner

Thanks!

GDA SUMMER FASHIONS FORM

Mail this entire form with your payment in the enclosed envelope.

Item QTY/Size Price Subtotal

A. Men’s Polo Shirt

$35 ea.

B. Women’s Sleeveless

$35 ea.

Polo Shirt

C. GDA Baseball Cap $18 ea.

D. Lunch Bag/Tote $13 ea.

E. Holiday Cards* $18 ea.

* Shipping and Handling for orders of 2 or more Holiday Cards ONLY

Call GDA at (818) 362-5834, ext. 310 to obtain shipping cost.

TOTAL ENCLOSED:

QUESTIONS OR CREDIT CARD ORDERS

Call GDA at (818) 362-5834, ext. 310

  

PAYMENT INFORMATION:

Please make your check payable to Guide Dogs of America (GDA).

Telephone Number (__________) __________________________________

Name ________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State ______ ZIP ______

Your purchases help support the work of Guide Dogs of America.

Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing and delivery. THANK YOU!

      

  

      

GDA Fashions for Summer Fun

SWIMMING WITH THE PRESIDENT

There aren’t many guide dogs who can claim to

have shared a swimming pool with a president of

the United States, but Paul Jordan’s Rawhide can.

Rawhide’s Puppy Raiser was John Barletta, who was

assigned as a Secret Service Agent to the late

President Ronald Reagan from 1980 until

John retired in 1997. Over that time, he

became a close friend of the President and

Mrs. Reagan, and after his retirement, John

often brought Rawhide with him when he

visited the Reagans. The President loved to

swim and he loved dogs, so it was natural

that he would invite Rawhide into the pool

with him.

Based on his experiences, John wrote a book,

Riding

With Reagan, which is now in book-

stores nationwide. In his book, John mentions that

guide dog Rawhide is named for the Secret Service

code name for President Reagan.

John’s heady days of guarding presidents are over,

but he’s enjoying his new job raising puppies like

Rawhide for GDA. “These dogs are so amazing. I

like my solitude, but these dogs entered my life and

I feel blessed. And it’s so gratifying to see that

what you have worked so hard on makes such a

difference in the life of a blind person.”

Paul Jordan, the person who now shares his life

with Rawhide, couldn’t agree more.

“Rawhide has opened a whole new world for me.

He gives me physical and emotional confidence.

The people who provide these dogs are the greatest.

They all belong in heaven, in my opinion.”

After meeting at graduation, Paul and John

became good friends and have continued to visit

each other regularly.

John protected and took care of Presidents, and

now Rawhide protects and takes care of Paul.

Rawhide may have swum with the President, but

he knows exactly where he is most needed today,

and nothing could make John more proud.

S M L XL 2XL 3XL

S M L XL 2XL

A. Men’s Polo Shirt

• navy blue

• 100% cotton pique

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL,

2XL, 3XL

• $35 ea.

(S&H included)

B. Women’s Sleeveless

Polo Shirt

• black

• 100% cotton pique

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL,

2XL

• $35 ea.

(S&H included)

C. GDA Baseball Cap

• khaki and black

• 100% cool cotton

• comfortable six-gore

style fits

everyone

• $18 ea.

(S&H included)

D. Insulated Nylon

Lunch Bag/Tote

• navy blue

• sturdy and practical

for snacks and

lunches

• $13 ea.

(S&H included)

Puppy raiser John

Barletta enjoys

visiting with Paul

Jordan and his

guide dog,

Rawhide.

Early Announcement!

2005 Holiday Cards!

E. Pups Go Shopping

•

inside message:

Season’s Greetings

•

15 cards and

envelopes

•

$18 per package

(S&H included)

ALL PRICES INCLUDE

SHIPPING AND

HANDLING

IN MEMORY

Guide Dogs of America

has recently lost some

wonderful friends and

dogs.

Friends

Working Men And Women Lose A Great

Champion – Frank Souza

On February 19th, working men and women all

over the world lost a great champion when Frank

Souza passed away at his home in Oakland.

Frank became a member of the International

Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

(IAM&AW) nearly 50 years ago, and rose to lead-

ership positions in the 60s. He retired as Directing

Business Representative for IAM&AW in 1989.

Over the years, Frank became known to everyone

from the guys on the shop floor to Senators and

Fortune 500 CEOs as a man who dealt fairly and

straightly, and who never quit working for the

rights of workers.

As a leader of the IAM&AW, Frank was always

supportive of the union’s backing of GDA. The

world lost a great force for justice and GDA lost a

good friend.

All of us at GDA offer our sincere condolences to

Frank’s wife Virginia, and his children and grand-

children. Our hearts are with them.

Graduate

•

Cecil Faulkner

—Class #295

Guide Dogs

•

Brevin

—Class #323

•

Hook

—Class #298

•

Lolly

—Class #312

•

Sally

—Class #308

•

Vanish

—Class #316

•

Whistler

—Class #309

Breeding Dogs

•

Katie

•

Kadin

•

Maestro—

This black lab was a legend while

alive for his extraordinary ability to sire some

of GDA’s best guide dogs. Truly, his legacy

will live on in the generations of pups that

follow him.

TAKING A PAWS

FOR THANKS

In addition to the many friends who make regular contributions by mail or

payroll deduction, GDA is grateful to those who conduct special events or

donate goods or services to help us carry out our work.

Waking Up to The Unseen Bean

GDA graduate Gerry Leary and his guide dog

Midknight have always been grateful that GDA

brought them together. That’s why their coffee

house, “The Unseen Bean” donates the coffee that

greets our students every morning during their

training. Our students offer a wide-awake thank

you to Gerry and Midknight!

The Lions and the Flea Market

The Malibu Lions club Annual Flea Market for

Charity is a yearly favorite. And each year, one

lucky charity is the recipient of all the proceeds.

This year, the Lions chose GDA, and we are

greatly honored. GDA friends who attended the

Flea Market had a wonderful time, and the dona-

tion will help breed, raise, and train guide dogs

for people who are blind. Our roaring big thank

you to the Malibu Lions club!

Pennies

for Pups

Kids and staff at the

Curtis School present-

ing a Pennies for

Puppies check to GDA

for over $600. After a

visit about 5-6 months

ago by GDA volunteers

the elementary school kids began collecting

money for the pups at GDA.

Thanks to all who donate, volunteer or

raise money for GDA. We are so grateful

for your dedication and hard work!!

Guide Dogs of America Foundation

PICK YOUR SPORT

To Raise Money For Guide Dogs

The Guide Dogs of America Foundation has two great

sports fundraising events coming soon. Please join us!

Our Annual Golf Classic attracts more and more people

every year because it’s such a fun event for such a worth-

while cause. This year, we’ll be playing for big prizes at

Robinson Ranch Golf Club in Santa Clarita, CA on

August 29th, 2005. It’s sure to be a perfect day with fun

people and delicious food. For more information, call

(818) 362-5834 ext. 300.

Or if bowling is your sport of choice, join us on Sunday

October 16, 2005, for our Annual Bowlathon at Canoga

Park Bowl. Sign in time is at 11:00 and bowling begins

at noon.

Of course, if you like golf and

bowling, we hope to see

you at both events!

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

VAN NUYS, CA

PERMIT NO. 190

GUIDE DOGS

OF AMERICA

13445 Glenoaks Blvd.

Sylmar, CA 91342

Address Service Requested

Puppies, Puppies Everywhere!

GDA Labrador puppies, of course! Twenty-five sweet bundles

of love have been born since mid-February.

If you’d like to be a puppy raiser to one of these future guide

dogs and live on

the west coast,

please call Louise

Henderson at

(818)362-5834,

ext. 234.

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH GDA www.guidedogsofamerica.org

A Motorcycle

Run For

Guide Dogs

Thanks to all those who

made our Second

Annual Ride for Guides

on May 22 such a great

success. More than 200

bikes and 80 passangers

came to our Poker Run

and rode an 90 mile

route along the Angeles Forest Highway. The ride began at GDA, contin-

ued with three stops along the way, and ended again at GDA, where poker,

raffles and a great BBQ finished off an outstanding day.

Thanks to all who came to help raise money to provide guide dogs to peo-

ple who are blind. See you next year!

Partners in Trust…

Just as blind men and women

partner with GDA’s remarkable

dogs for more independence and

mobility, generous friends and

supporters partner with GDA to

help us carry out our work.

Become a member of the “Partners

in Trust Society” by naming GDA

in your will or trust and receive this beautiful, crystal biscuit

jar. Call Rhonda Bissell at (818)362-5834, ext. 229 for

more information.