Pine Tree Guide Dog Users
Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity
Monthly News Update – May 2022
Welcome to Pine Tree Guide Dog User’s monthly news update. To offer submissions or feedback, please Send us a message.
Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Community Connect
This section features Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Board and committee updates.
Help us spread the word! Pine Tree Guide Dogs Users Official Facebook page is now live! Please like our page and share or react to our content.
Our new website has launched at www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org! We’re so grateful to our members and all those who contributed to making our new website possible. Special thanks to MaineImaging.com and Maureen G. Nowak for generously contributing their professional photography services. Thanks also to the staff at The Seeing Eye for sharing their expertise, to Leah Workman for skillfully assisting us with digital marketing, and to ACB Maine and the Clinton Lions Club for kindly helping to fund our efforts to build, host and maintain the PTGDU website.
Welcome to our newest members of the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users board. Merrill Barter is now treasurer and Sadie Donnell is a board director. Many thanks to Cheryl Peabody and Andrea Giudice for their past service on the board.
Advocacy Matters
This section features news on access and legislative issues.
Looking for Maine state and federal laws that protect the rights of blind people to be accompanied by their guide dogs in all aspects of life? Check out the Rights & Responsibilities page on PTGDU’s new website.
Tips for Living & Working with a Guide Dog
This section offers practical tips and tricks for life with a guide dog.
Hiking with Our Guides
Submitted by PTGDU member Sue Martin
As we move into summer, the urge to get out in nature is upon us. Whether it’s a walk on a carriage trail in Acadia National Park or a hike to the top of one of the many beautiful mountains in Maine, here are some tips for a successful trip.
Equipment
Your dog needs no special equipment.
Equipment to consider for yourself:
Good sturdy hiking boots are a “must.” They should provide ample ankle support.
Consider using a hiking stick. These are collapsible sticks used much like a ski pole. They can extend between 28 inches and 58 inches. They have a strap attached to the top of the pole. Run your hand up through the strap and grasp the handle of the pole along with the strap. This allows you to take your weight on your wrist rather than having to grasp the pole tightly. The hiking stick provides balance and the ability to probe the trail ahead of you if your dog stops or hesitates. You may also extend the hiking stick to a longer length when going downhill.
Wear a hat with a brim. A hat, such as a baseball cap or a Tilley hat, can warn you of overhanging twigs or branches. The brim of the cap will hit a twig before it hits you, allowing you to protect your face.
Technique
When hiking with a sighted person, consider going first. This allows your companion to see what’s coming up and warn you of drop-offs or other obstacles ahead of you.
Take your time. While moving at a fast pace is fine on a smooth trail, slow down when the trail gets rough.
This allows you to ensure that you get good, solid footing.
Have fun!
Editor’s Note: Enjoy the great outdoors? Get a free, lifetime National Parks Access Pass for people with disabilities.
Gear, Supplies and Dog Toys
This section features a brief description of one or more items favored by guide dog teams but is not intended as an endorsement of the actual products.
Tuck this lightweight backpack with padded straps in the bottom of your purse or in your jacket pocket and you’ll be all set for a spontaneous hike or shopping excursion. Weighing in at a mere four ounces, this minimalist bag packs down to about the size of a tennis ball and features a Top zippered pocket, dual zippered main compartment, and an outer stretch mesh side gear or water bottle pocket. Great for carrying dog gear, snacks, rain coat, groceries, and more. Capacity: 18 liters. $35.00.
Guide Dog School Updates
This section offers brief updates about guide dog schools in the United States.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is hosting a LIVE Webinar to discuss how guide dog mobility instructors make the match between their students and guide dogs. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. EST. You must register in advance for this meeting.
PTGDU Recipe of the Month
This section features a favorite recipe from the guide dog community.
Kale and Quinoa Salad
Quinoa’s naturally sweet and nutty flavor makes a most delightful side dish for any graduation gathering when tossed with baby kale, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and feta cheese.
1 cup quinoa
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
5 cups baby kale, coarsely chopped
1 cup toasted pecan halves
1 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Cook 1 cup quinoa as directed on package and cool completely. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, pepper, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, toss dressing with kale. Add cooled quinoa, pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese and stir well. Refrigerate for an hour or more or serve at room temperature.
This recipe is from Pawsitively Delicious Recipes from The Seeing Eye cookbook.
Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org) is a registered nonprofit under IRS section 501(c)(3). Founded in 1997, the organization’s mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life.
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