Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)
Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity
Monthly News Update – June 2022
Welcome to the Pine Tree Guide Dog User’s monthly news update. To offer submissions or feedback, please Send us a message.
PTGDU Community Connect
This section features PTGDU Board and committee updates.
- Cruising the county for PTGDU! Many thanks to the United Bikers of Maine – Aroostook County motorcycle club for holding its 2nd Annual Benefit Ride for us in May!
- Thinking about attending PTGDU’s fall convention, taking a class, or pursuing other personal growth opportunities? Why not apply for up to $250 in financial assistance from the Patricia E. Ellis Memorial Scholarship Fund. All blind and visually impaired PTGDU members are eligible to apply. The next deadline is July 1st. Send us a message to learn more about the scholarship requirements.
- We’re in the news! Thanks to CentralMaine.com and the SunJournal.com for sharing news about our new website at PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org. The Cape Courier (Cape Elizabeth) even gave us front page coverage including a photo of PTGDU member Brad Strause and his guide dog Stout.
- Updated guidelines for PTGDU’s Mary T. and Curtis D. Lovill Trust Emergency Veterinary Expense Fund. The fund is intended to help members pay expenses if a guide dog requires major surgery, emergency care or some other significant medical procedure. Download PTGDU’s emergency veterinary expense fund policy and application form For more details.
Advocacy Matters
This section features news on access and legislative issues.
- Calling all members & friends! According to statistics, more than 23 million American households — nearly 1 in 5 nationwide — adopted a pet during the pandemic. As members and friends of PTGDU, we’re asking you to help us educate all those new pandemic pup parents about keeping their pets a safe distance away from our guide dogs when they’re working. Please share the Guide Dog at Work campaign with all your dog loving friends!
Tips for Living & Working with a Guide Dog
This section offers practical tips and tricks for life with a guide dog.
- Not much beats canine companionship on a beautiful summer day! But along with the heat comes the threat of dehydration or heat stroke in your dog. Here’s a few tips for keeping those working canines cool:
- Limit the time your dog works in hot weather. When possible, adjust your schedule so you can avoid being out for long periods during the hottest parts of the day. Try to keep to the shady side of the street, and when taking transportation to the store, ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance so your dog can avoid walking across the hot parking lot.
- Provide plenty of cool, fresh water and frequent rest breaks. On extended trips, don’t think twice about popping into the local market or coffee shop to cool down and get a fresh bottle of water or ice cubes to share with your dog. Overweight dogs are less tolerant of the heat so take extra care if your dog picked up a few pounds during the pandemic.
- Be prepared! Consider your plans for the day and pack accordingly. Dog boots and water are essential on hot, sunny days. There’s lots of collapsible water bowls out there but if you’re in a pinch, holding a clean, unscented dog waste bag open and filling it with water can do the trick. Some handlers bring along a frozen bottle of water to use as it melts. Some bring a spray bottle to mist their dogs from time to time, and others choose to outfit their dogs with cooling vests or bandannas.
- Watch out for hot surfaces. Be on the lookout for your dog “dancing” in place or trying to sit unexpectedly, especially when working on hot asphalt or sandy beaches. These hot surfaces can burn and blister your dog’s pads. If you cannot tolerate the heat while holding the back of your hand on the hot surface, then you know it’s past time to get those booties on your dog.
For more details, check out the Guide Dogs for the Blind class lecture on working your dog in the heat.
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.
No more slipping and sliding! Constructed from super rugged, double-wall stainless steel, these insulated food-safe bowls certainly aren’t cheap but they’re built to take on even the most enthusiastic drinkers. The non-slip ring on the bottom ensures that the heavy bowl stays put and won’t tip over – even if accidently kicked by a human! The bowl weighs almost two pounds and comes in a variety of colors that won’t fade, peel or crack. The large bowl holds up to eight cups of water or kibble. The small bowl holds four cups. Easy to clean, BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Dimensions for large bowl: 3.5″H x 8″W. Cost: $50.00.
Guide Dog School Updates
This section offers brief updates about guide dog schools in the United States.
- Looking for tips on exploring unfamiliar places? Listen to the recording of The Seeing Eye’s certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Kristen Oplinger and Outreach Specialist and guide dog handler, Chelsea White as they shared tips and strategies for effectively navigating inside public places at the annual Spring PTGDU meeting.
PTGDU Recipe of the Month
This section features a favorite recipe from the guide dog community.
Homemade Pan Release
This recipe was originally shared by the late Maryann Mitchell, a founding member of PTGDU and a long-time Seeing Eye puppy raiser. Simply brush this nonstick coating on your baking pan and voila, no more sticking!
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture is creamy and the volume appears to slightly increase. To use, simply brush the pan release on with a pastry brush or paper towel. Use when recipe calls for the baking pan (even non-stick pans) to be greased and floured. Store in an air tight container for up to 3 months. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
About Us
This monthly news update is a publication of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU). The organization is a registered nonprofit under IRS section 501(c)(3). Founded in 1997, PTGDU’s mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life. For more information, please visit www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org.
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