Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

“Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity”

 

February 2025 Monthly News Update

Welcome to the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Monthly News Update, a nationally recognized publication for guide dog handlers and others interested in the guide dog movement. To offer submissions or feedback, please send us a message.

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

  • Be our Valentine! We’re looking for a very special someone who is willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help us build our social media presence. Please reach out to us if you can help.
  • Powering the partnership. Learn more about the skills that empower guide dog teams to go from one place to the next. Our Guide Dogs in Action Supplemental Material document provides a detailed overview of several skills routinely used by guide dog teams. (Expert review by Lukas Franck, GDMI, COMS. The Seeing Eye.)
  • Best friends forever. Loyal, supportive, and always there for you—our dogs check all the boxes! Read Psychology Today’s recent blog entry about how pets embody the true qualities of friendship and the positive benefits they bring to our lives.
  • Bird flu facts. At this time, the global outbreak of avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus is unlikely to spread to your dog. However, since avian influenza viruses often modify over time, the Medical Director at Guide Dogs for the Blind offers several suggestions for keeping your dog safe from catching the bird flu.
  • Remembering Karen Pryor. A true pioneer in the fields of animal behavior and positive reinforcement training. Her groundbreaking work with clicker training, a method now used by many guide dog schools around the world, helped to bridge the communication gap between humans and animals. Learn more about her life and legacy.
  • Mind your manners! A dog’s exuberant personality and boundless energy can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors, especially when the doorbell rings. Try out these clicker training tips for teaching your furry friend to stay calm when visitors come to the door.
  • Seizures and dogs. Whether caused by epilepsy or other conditions, seizures can be most distressing for both you and your dog. Watch the Animal Medical Center’s webinar on the causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for seizures in dogs.

 

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

  • Uber’s new self-ID option. Want to get all your questions answered about Uber’s new voluntary self-identification option for riders with service animals? Listen to the recent National Association of Guide Dog Users town hall meeting where board member Al Elia talks with Uber’s Head of Global Accessibility Policy about the new self-ID option, including its purpose, how it works, and how riders can opt-in to use it.
  • Safety first. Whether you’re preparing for your first guide dog, or you’re already a seasoned handler, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Leader Dogs for the Blind offer guidance on how to prepare a safe home environment for your guide dog.
  • Are you ready? The countdown to REAL ID enforcement is less than 100 days away. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S. or access certain federal facilities, make sure it is REAL ID compliant. Or find out what other forms of identification are acceptable for U.S. travelers.
  • Planning a trip abroad with your guide dog? Get tips, tools, and resources about traveling internationally from a recent webinar recorded by The Seeing Eye’s Advocacy and Government Relations team.

 

Submissions From Members & Friends

This section features contributions shared by PTGDU members and friends.

A Journey of Change, Patience, and Love

By PTGDU member and book author Sue W. Martin

Last Winter, my guide dog Quan had a series of seizures. It was absolutely terrifying. I took him to the vet and called the school where he was trained. The consensus was to wait and see. I remember being told that, sometimes, a dog will have a seizure and never have another one.

Unfortunately, this is not what happened with Quan. A few weeks after that first seizure he had three in a row. We took him to the emergency vet where he stayed overnight. They put him on medication and we brought him home the next day.

For several days, he seemed disoriented and not very stable on his feet. We babied him and helped him the best we could. His vision on the right side was definitely affected requiring caution when navigating doorways and stairs.

It seemed clear that Quan’s working life was over. I called the school to let them know what was going on and completed my application to train with a new dog. I have to admit, all of that seemed distant and slightly amorphous. I was focused on Quan in the “here and now.”

A few weeks after the last seizure, we tried taking a little walk on our quiet dirt road. I walked sighted guide with my husband, Jim. Although I took my harness with me, I just had Quan on a leash. He moved slowly at first but seemed to enjoy the little outing. After a week or so of these walks, I noticed that Quan was pulling ahead on his leash. So I harnessed him and, to my surprise, he pulled right out and guided me all the way home.

I experimented with letting Quan work in various environments. Granted, none of these were especially arduous, complicated, or dangerous. He wanted to work so I let him.

Fast forward to today. I guess the average dog handler would say that Quan is semi-retired. His pace is often too slow for my liking. He occasionally gets too close to the right edge of sidewalks and I step off. And he’s not great at marching right up to intersections and halting on a dime.

I’ve made allowances for all of this. When he seems slow or reluctant, I sometimes just take Jim’s arm and walk sighted guide for a bit. Or I let Jim lead with Quan following him quite readily. Sometimes I use a lightweight cane so I can keep track of the right edge of the sidewalk or path and avoid stepping off.

The old boy still has some surprises up his sleeve. We went to the beach recently and he did great. He worked without hesitation. Even on long hikes he pulled steadily and guided flawlessly.

Last weekend, we climbed a mountain in a local park. It was the same thing. He never hesitated, working beautifully for the entire five mile hike. Quan and I led the entire way back and he nailed every turn in the complicated route.

It’s now been almost a year since I completed my application to train with a new dog. The problem is that the school doesn’t have many shepherds available right now. Quan is doing the best he can. I know his work will never be what it was. I’m grateful when he pulls right out in harness. Otherwise, I’m trying to be patient and flexible.

Visit the PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org website for more personal stories about guide dogs and vision loss.

 

Gear, Supplies and Dog Toys

This section features a brief description of items favored by guide dog teams but is not intended as an endorsement of the actual products.

German Shepherd solid bronze Key Ring

The key to your heart! Made of solid bronze and attached to a brass key ring, this German Shepherd 3D mini-sculpture is beautifully textured and sealed to preserve the glossy finish and the fine detail. The approximate size of the mini shepherd standing on its base is 3/4 inches by 3/4 inches. The inner diameter of the key ring is 1 1/4 inches. Key rings with other breeds are also available. Made in the USA by The Hunting Horn Jeweler. $19.95.

 

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

This section features a favorite recipe from the guide dog community.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Add a taste of decadence to your Valentine’s Day with these quick and easy chocolate covered strawberries.

Ingredients

1 quart large strawberries with fresh green leaves

1 1/2 cups high quality milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Wash strawberries, pat dry, and leave out until they reach room temperature.
  2. Cover a large baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, foil, or waxed paper.
  3. Heat chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, just till it looks soft and shiny. Gently stir chips until melted and smooth.
  4. Hold a strawberry by its stem and swirl it in the chocolate. Be sure to coat all sides. Place on the pan. Repeat with the remaining berries, spacing them so they don’t touch.
  5. Refrigerate the berries for 20 minutes. Then remove them from the refrigerator, and let them harden completely at room temperature. Best if served the same day.

 

About Us

This monthly news update is a publication of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization serving Maine’s blind and low vision residents who are partnered with specially trained guide dogs. Founded in 1997, PTGDU’s mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life. Visit us on the web or follow us on Facebook.