Countless Acts of Kindness, Generosity, and Service

By: Guide Puppies of Seattle Leaders Heidi Hespelt & Robin Roselle

We at the GDB puppy raising club Guide Puppies of Seattle recently hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Event during National Volunteer Week 2015. Several other local puppy raising groups were also in attendance: See Dogs, Paws 2 Guide, Paws for Independence, and Puppy Guides of Snohomish County. Our goal was to honor puppy raisers, puppy sitters, and all of our local volunteers that give so generously of their time and hearts. They are a big reason that Guide Dogs for the Blind is successful. Our volunteers help raise puppies that have a purpose in life, whether that purpose is to become a guide dog, or to follow another career path such as becoming an assistance dog for a person with a disability, helping others as a therapy dog, or becoming someone's best friend. All of these paths are important and our volunteers help these sweet puppies to get there.

 Here are a few of the highlights:

• GDB graduate Marlaina Lieberg and her brand new guide dog, Nisha, spoke on the importance of GDB volunteers. Nisha didn't say much ;), but if you have ever heard Marlaina speak, you know we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
• GDB graduate Terry Blankenship belted out an "Ode" to his guide dog, Tennessee.
• Summit Assistance Dogs had a couple of volunteers present and gave a short demo on some of the skills that dogs in their program learn. Who doesn't love a dog demo?
• Volunteer, Judy Toole shared GDB puppy genealogy charts 
• Guide Puppies of Seattle provided pizza, beverages, and cookies for everyone. YUM!
• Fun door prizes and GDB Puppy Raiser pins were given out to attendees.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, VOLUNTEERS!

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Lava's Proud Puppy Raisers

By: GDB graduate Marlene Dunaway

On a recent trip to the Los Angeles area with my four year-old guide dog, Lava, I arranged to meet Lava’s two Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) puppy raisers at a restaurant in Seal Beach, CA. Both of these women are members of the Brea Area Adult Raisers Klub (BAARK) of Orange County. Mari had spent time with Lava and me at our GDB graduation in 2012; Renee, I had not met before. I was excited to see both of them! As Mari and I chatted, Lava suddenly became very excited, sniffing the air and prancing around; behavior uncharacteristic of her when she's in her working harness. The cause of this activity was the arrival of Renee, Lava's puppy raiser from eight weeks to seven months of age, whom Lava hadn't seen since then. In spite of her evident excitement, Lava then demonstrated great restraint by obediently lying under the table until the meal was over. Then, with permission, she acted like a puppy again, nuzzling and licking her first puppy raiser while obviously enjoying some familiar scents and happy memories. This was so touching to watch, and I know it meant a lot to Renee to be so fondly remembered.

Mari, Renee, and I traded Lava tales. The women explained how they helped her develop proper guide dog behavior. I am in awe of all the puppy raising families; they lovingly care for the dogs and then generously send them to live with those who truly need them. During Lava's time with Mari's family, they took her to as many public places and events as possible; they helped her remain calm and focused.  She can now lie quietly for hours at a play, musical performance, or movie. Waiting in line at the bank, I may get annoyed, but the waiting doesn't seem to bother Lava at all. She is also patient while I'm grocery or clothes shopping, at long meetings, or when I stop to talk with friends on a walk.

After leaving the restaurant, we all strolled along the nearby pier. The puppy raisers walked behind Lava and me so that they could see her at work. The pier was crowded with people walking, taking pictures, and fishing with their rods and pails. There were many seagulls flying and diving all around us, and little children running and shouting with glee at the crashing white waves and the sparkling water. The puppy raisers looked on with pride as Lava ignored the distractions and maneuvered around all obstacles with ease. They were like proud parents, acknowledging that Lava is now able to take care of both herself and me with confidence and joy. I am so happy that we three women made the effort to get together to share our love of Lava and celebrate both her and our accomplishments.

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GDB Puppy Raising Scholarship Essay Submission: How Do You Give Them Up?

By: Sophia Hamilton (2014 GDB Puppy Raising Scholarship Recipient for Overall Achievement)

“How will you give her up?” Everywhere I went this question was posed about Almond, the little guide dog puppy that stood by my side. Truthfully I had asked myself this same question countless times, and in the beginning I had no idea what the answer was.

Almond was the first of three puppies I raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I began raising puppies in 2009, when my 8th grade teacher assigned the project I was to complete over the course of my final year in grade school. I decided that training a guide dog puppy would be perfect. Becoming part of this organization has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I have done thus far in my life.

Throughout my four years of high school, I had puppies on campus with me from time to time. People would ask me all the time about the program and what my specific duties with these dogs were. Through this program I made connections with many people at my high school and in the community in general. One of my now closest friends, Kailee, and I met through GDB. She is a year below me in school and was inspired to join our local puppy club after seeing me at school with my second pup, Shimmer. Before joining the club, Kailee, like just about every other person asked the question, “How do you give these dogs up?” This time I finally had an answer, and I told the story of Almond’s graduation:

“Standing on stage, holding Almond’s leash in my hand for the last time, a shiver rippled down my spine. My fingers tightened around the leash as I fought back the tears that were threatening to overtake me any second. I was not ready to let my little girl go. As I listened to the voice of the woman who was to receive her, a wave of pride came over me. She said, ‘Without her, my dreams would never be fulfilled. Now I can go home with my little Almond and do all the things I want to without worrying how I will do them.’ I knew right then that I was able to give her up because all along she was never really mine to keep. I had raised her for a greater purpose, to give a person who is blind her mobility, and that day I let Almond go for the last time, knowing I had done just that.”

This story really inspired Kailee to go forward with her desire to raise a guide dog as she saw just how rewarding it can be.

My work with guide dog puppies has taught me persistence, perseverance, and patience. It has contributed greatly to who I am today, as it has shown me the joy that results from selflessness. Through my experiences I have found a passion in serving others. Although I am not certain of the career path I will follow, I know that many of the values and work ethics I will carry with me came from my involvement with GDB. Raising these dogs has shown me just how valuable serving and working with others is. Upon witnessing the strength and love of the partnerships of these individuals and their guides, my goal and desire to help improve the lives of others has been further solidified. I want to continue to experience the joy I get from taking part in changing a life.

Check out a video project Sophia created entitled, “Raising Three Guide Dog Puppies: Sophia’s Story,” on GDB’s YouTube channel here: http://youtu.be/vmQCP98hnTE

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Puppies with a Vision Recognized by State Senator

 

After submitting an article to her local newspaper The Acorn about the puppy she had raised (who had recently graduated), Puppy Raising Leader Bonnie Sloane of Puppies with a Vision in Ventura County received a letter from Fred Gaines, the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Calabasas - it read:

“Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sloane:  I was so pleased to read the recent article in The Acorn regarding your incredible work with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Please accept my appreciation for your generosity and service to our community. All of us at the City of Calabasas are proud to have you as part of our Calabasas Community.Warmest regards, Fred Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem.”

Within a week of this letter, Bonnie received an email from one of the district representatives of State Senator, Fran Pavley – it read:

“I am writing on behalf of State Senator Fran Pavley, who noticed a recent article in The Acorn that featured your volunteer work with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Senator Pavley has begun a program called “Volunteer of the Month” to recognize constituents’ outstanding volunteer efforts, and it’s our pleasure to honor your club this month for your caring and generous dedication to this program. The award involves an informal presentation of a certificate and inclusion of an article and photograph in the Senator’s monthly e-newsletter.”

Puppies with a Vision Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Fran Pavley

Puppies with a Vision was thrilled to be recognized in this way and even made arrangements with the representative, Sarah Tamor, to have her join them at their next meeting to present the certificate. After the meeting at the local fire house, Ms. Tamor arranged for several Puppies with a Vision members to visit Senator Pavley’s office to meet her in person – so earlier this month, six puppy club members and five puppies-in-training visited with Senator Pavley and learned of her appreciation for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Thank you, Senator Pavley, for being such a wonderful supporter of GDB and for recognizing Puppies with a Vision.

Fran Pavley's official website newsletter recognizes Puppies with a Vision

 

 

 

Puppy raisers from Puppies with a Vision visit State Senator Fran Pavley at her office

 

“So after all was said and done, our puppy club was written up in the local press, received recognition from the mayor of our city, received a commendation as Volunteer of the Month, and had a private meeting with our State Senator,” said Bonnie Sloane. “And all this started with submitting the GDB press release template to our local paper!”

Here is the link to the original article published in The Acorn: http://m.theacorn.com/news/2013-02-21/Pets/Calabasas_couple_raises_and_trains_puppies_to_help.html

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