SUMMER 2015 NEWSLETTER
Matchmaking For Independence
A
Sharon and Goliath
top defense attorney and law
school advisor, Sharon had lost
her eyesight, and had a physical
obstacle with severe rheumatoid
arthritis, along with a below the
knee amputation. She needed a
large dog who could be a gentle
guide, provide essential balance,
and adjust to her pace with her
prosthesis. When Sharon lost her
fourth guide dog, she turned to
Guide Dogs of the Desert
because of their reputation for training dogs for amputees.
Petra has had German Shepherds as guide dogs since she
was 16 years of age. Having just retired her 11th guide dog
– she reached out and applied to Guide Dogs of the Desert.
Her needs were much different from Sharon’s requirements
– Petra wanted another German Shepherd who could
maneuver a rural working cattle ranch. She also desired a
small class size which would give just the custom attention
she needed from the excellent trainers at Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs of the Desert’s matchmaking team consists
of Lori Miller, Director of Breeding Program, Trina Began,
Director of Canine Development, Bob Wendler, Director of
Training, Michal Anna Padilla and Emily Goodland, licensed
trainers. Along the process, each plays a role in finding the
perfect match between the client and their guide dog.
It begins with Lori and the breeding program. “I thoroughly
monitor the genetics of each breeding dog,” explains Lori.
She also diligently oversees the subsequent breeding,
whelping, and initial puppy raising process. Lori and Trina
constantly communicate about the newborn pups.
By the time the puppies arrive at the Guide Dogs
campus, at around 12 weeks of age, Lori and Trina
have already started to notice characteristics of
each puppy. Some may have a high, playful
demeanor, some very observant, while others are
rough and tumble types, or already appearing to be
“in charge.”
Taking these behaviors into consideration, the first
“match” is with the
puppy raiser who will
foster the puppy in their
home until around 18-20
months of age. Puppy
Raisers provide monthly
reports, detailing various
outings, eating habits,
and behavior. These
reports give a lot of
insight of the dog’s
developing behavior,
Petra and McKeever
temperament, and abilities.
“I have an amazing position that allows me to work
with so many volunteers who have the same goal
in mind as the organization,” stated Trina. “We all
want to improve the lives of others. Raising the
puppies is no easy task and our foster families do it all!”
When the dogs are called in from their foster homes
for evaluation and training, they go through a full
physical exam and are evaluated for their
temperament and ability. Close to 70% of the dogs
are given the seal of approval to enter formal
training as a guide dog, which is directly attributed
back to Lori’s attention to the genetic makeup of
each breeding and the hard work of the Puppy
Raisers.
Simultaneously, the core of the matchmaking team –
Bob, Michael Anna, Emily – have been reviewing the
completed applications, noting any unique physical and
capability needs,
alongside the lifestyle
of the applicant – their
home environment,
workplace setting,
community
involvement.
“All aspects of a client’s
life, requirements, and
individual needs must
be taken into account
when considering the
Lori Miller
match. This is the beginning
of a 10-year relationship that is designed to enhance
our client’s life and we take that seriously. It is a vital
part of a team’s ultimate success.”
and environment, well, McKeever is truly a match made
in heaven,” declared Petra. “She is as active as me.”
“Bob and the training staff did such an amazing job in
selecting Goliath and training for my special needs,”
explained Sharon. “They took into account my difficulty
in retrieving dropped CDs, which I use in my work, and
Goliath is able to pick them up with his teeth and place
them in my hand. Walking with Goliath is a poetic
adventure – like the Robert Frost poem ‘Talk With A
Friend.’ His confidence is reassuring and, in turn,
increases my confidence.”
A personal interview is conducted, as well. In fact there
will be several interviews and, if distance is a factor, the
applicant provides the team with a video, showing their
mobility and orientation, walking with a cane, moving
around their home and other locations.
As the dogs that are now being put through their guide
dog training workouts, the trainers keep in mind the
special requirements of each applicant. Michal Anna
further explains, “The trainers know the dogs in and
out. We know their guiding style, their personality, and
what they are like in their downtime.”
“Because of the dog’s unique personality and
capabilities, the applicant’s waiting list is not satisfied
on a first-come, first-served system,” added Emily. The
team discusses the capabilities of the dogs and current
applicants, and through a process of elimination, they
find the right match between dog and applicant.
“We match each dog to the right person.”
When the match is determined, the applicant is
confirmed to attend the four-week, on-campus training
and the matching, bonding and training commences.
“From day one, a client’s individual needs are addressed
in how the Instructors work with each team. As training
progresses training is custom tailored to fit the
requirements of each team. The last week of class is
dedicated to allowing at client/dog team to prepare for
their home environments by seeking out similar
environments here.”
Michal Anna Padilla, Bob Wendler, Trina Began and Emily Goodland
Thank you to
Alison and Obby Agins
for the new Toyota for our students!
Bob receiving keys from Obby
In conclusion, Petra and Sharon went on to share . . .
“Having had many guide dogs, the trainer’s
experience, consideration of the life the dog is going to
lead and having the wisdom to match to the client’s needs
Alison and Obby Agins, Sarah Clapp
Congrats to our Graduates!
February Graduating Class
Becky and Roy
“My introductory experience with a guide dog
was through (Board Member) Cynthia Woods
and Biscuit. Everything is so right for me, now
that I have trained with Roy. He is truly my
‘eyes’ to the world and he’s all heart. I just can’t
believe I now have a guide dog.”
Eric and Cooper
“Training with Cooper has been a two-fold
life-enhancing experience. Having a dog allergy,
Guide Dogs of the Desert made it possible for me
to have a guide dog, since Cooper is a standard
poodle. Because of my work and travel schedule
as a Programs Outreach and Education
Coordinator, moving around the metropolitan
area of Fort Wayne, IN will now be more fluid,
with Cooper guiding the way.”
Pedro and Tyler
As a student at University of Nevada Las Vegas,
Pedro looks forward to he and Tyler finishing
their Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. “I am
so thankful for this opportunity to receive and
train with Tyler. Everything here at Guide Dogs of
the Desert has exceeded my expectation. Tyler
has already made a positive impact on my life.”
Evelyn and Prim
Having retired my fourth guide dog in 2004,
I took a 10 year break and went back to using a cane.
Mobility is much easier with a guide dog and when the
time was right to apply for a new guide, I only thought
of Guide Dogs of the Desert. In my job at San Diego
Center for the Blind, I have seen the best guide dogs
from this school. Prim is sweet, smart and spunky and
instantly goes into working-mode when she is in
harness. We are a perfect match!”
Tom and Pistol
Residing in San Jose, California, Tom leads the Physical
Fitness program at Santa Clara Valley Center for the
Blind, teaching an exercise class and leading a weekly
Mall Walk. “Pistol is a great dog–he’s like me, very laid
back. I already feel more at ease with my mobility and
safety, with Pistol by my side–I can go more places with
confidence.”
Vanessa and Paullie
All the way from Kent, WA, Vanessa is heading back to
school to advance her degree as a paralegal. “Paullie
is truly a life-changing partner for me. He has a very
protective side, looking out for me in addition to
guiding me. It will mean a lot to have a guide dog with
me on campus.”
March Graduating Class
Mary and Annie
Annie is my first guide. She is like my dance
partner – we walk the same pace and move
well together. She is a gift from God – a
perfect match for me.
Rachel and Austin
Having worked with a cane for 22 years, I
could always sense people staring at me and I
felt like a spectacle. With Austin as my guide,
I don’t feel blind anymore. I feel like I am a
normal person, walking with her dog. Austin is
AMAZING!
Craig and Nike
Nike is the black, male Labrador I always wanted to
get. I can now get around faster and look forward to
introducing Nike to my community.
Welcome to the Board
It is a pleasure to report the Board voted in two
new members . . . Marcia Erickson Boate and
Vicki Lynes.
Marcia is no stranger to Guide
Dogs of the Desert. She was a
breeder keeper for the
organization for a number of
years and also served on the
Board at an earlier time in its
history. Marcia had previously
served on the Board for Guide
Dogs Los Angeles (now Guide
Dogs of America) and oversaw
their fundraising efforts. She is
a welcome addition.
Vicki Lynes
Steve Maloney, Ayn Turner and Patrick Mundt
Marcia Erickson Boate
Vicki Lynes, like Marcia, is
well acquainted with Guide
Dogs of the Desert. Vicki’s
mother-in-law is Sally
Lynes, a graduate who has
received Bonnie and now
Sidney as her guide dogs.
Vicki brings a wealth of
business and financial
acumen to the Board and
we are so pleased she is a
new member.
Guide Dogs of the Desert’s Board Roster
Dr. Albert T. Milauskas
Dr. Leonard Sigdestad
Clark Hallren
Cynthia Woods
We had a lovely afternoon at Smoke Tree Ranch thanks to
our hosts Yvonne and Steve Maloney.
Peggy Greenbaum, Gilbert Holmes, Melissa and Tristan
Milanovich and Patrick Mundt were our event committee
and did a marvelous job welcoming everyone to a delicious
luncheon.
We enjoyed the guide dog
puppies-in-training, and
guide dog trainers to liven
up the day. There was a
silenct auction of delightful
items, a delicious luncheon
and a fun opportunity
drawing!
Yvonne Maloney and Judy McLaren
What a terrific way to start off the year of fun events!
Board Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Marcia Erickson Boate
Patti Craine
Phil Dombrowski
Vicki Lynes
Ray McLean
Bob Niez
Our Mission:
Guide Dogs of the Desert provides
custom trained Guide Dogs for the blind,
and for those with special needs, for safe
mobility, companionship and independence.
Board Members, Clark Hallren
and Al Milauskas
Puppy Raisers
Terri and Evan Hughes,
Dee and Fred Reno,
Linda Samulski and Lara
Patrick Mundt and Wafflez
New Floral
Paintings by
Yvonne Maloney
Support Guide Dogs of the Desert
In celebration of “The Dog Days of Summer
Fundraiser” Yvonne is hosting for Guide Dogs of
The Desert, enjoy 15% collector consideration
on all original paintings and prints.
15% total Discount thru May 2015
All proceeds will be donated to
Guide Dogs of The Desert
Poppies on Green Background, 2014,
Acrylic on Canvas 34 x 50 inches
Purple Ruffled Tulips on Black & Red Background,
2014, Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 40 inches
California Poppies on Red Background, 2014,
Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 40 inches
Tulips in Yellow Vase, 2012,
Acrylic On Canvas 36 x 36 inches
Orange Tulips, 2014,
Acrylic On Canvas 36 x 36 inches
Art By Maloney, LLC
YvonneMaloney.com
Call or email to schedule a private showing with
Stephen Zapantis
760-567-2199
[email protected]
Trina’s Tips
Top 10 Tips for Safe Car Travel With Your Pet
From the ASPCA
Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than
just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—
especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be
away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips:
1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate
or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and
soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure
it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn
around in. And it’s helpful to get your pet used to the carrier in
the comfort of your home before your trip.
2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a
series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent
in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it
won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light
meal three to four hours prior to departure.
4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot
day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can
become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In
cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.
5. What’s in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel
papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags,
grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a
favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and
wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address.
7. Don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the
window. He could be injured by flying objects.
8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies
vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at
certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a
problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or
tap water stored in plastic jugs.
Drinking water from an area
he’s not used to could result in
tummy upset for your pet.
10. If you travel frequently
with your pet, you may want
to invest in rubberized floor
liners and waterproof seat
covers, available at auto
product retailers.
Puppy Den Needs
Availabe at: www.drsfostersmith.com/800-381-7179
9N-75750 - Redmon Digital pet Scale. Large. $99.99
9N-85925 - Drymate Max Whelping Box Liner. 48 X 100
$49.99
9N-90783 - Heated Whelping Nest. $249.92
9N-3442 - #30 Blade $18.99
9N-3448 - 4FC Blade $24.99
9N-3444 - #15 Blade $18.99
9N-12547 - Deluxe Orthopedic Pad. Large 48” x 28”. $64.99
Availabe at www.jrsmedical.com/ 844-633-4577
30462801 - 4 Ear/Ulcer Bulb Syringe. 3 oz Reusable Sterile
Kraton $13.76
#Double K 008KK-2200AMVS Airmax Dryer-Variable Speed
$344.95 (Amazon.com)
Best Step Interlocking Comfort Flooring. 8 Pack 2’x2’ x 38”need 1 pack of 8 tiles - $29.48) (Amazon.com)
Available at www.jefferspet.com/800-533-3377
#0035016 - Bye Bye Odor 32oz. Concentrate Item $119.95
(Need 2)
#199 - Xtreme Kong. $13.99 (Need 5)
#N9PT - Puppy Teething Pacifier. $4.99 (Need 10)
#N9NS - Nylabone Durachew Monster Bone. $12.99 (Need 15)
#9N-84165 - Puppy Star. $6.39 (Need 8)
#9N-71574 - Instant Ear Thermometer. $39.99
#9N-18582 - Refill Lens Covers 40ct. $8.99 (Need 2)
Say hello to a fast, easy and
washable dog bed cover. Your
BarkBed Cover quickly slips off your
dog bed, washes beautifully, and
easily slips back on.
Kennel Needs
Thank you so much to everyone who has been
contributing to this list. You have helped us
tremendously!
Wal Mart-Black and Decker 16volt Max Lithium Ion HandVacume.
$59.88 (used in prepping dogs for surgery).
From www.Petedge.com
#KC202 – Zoom Groom $4.49 when
ordering 12 or more (Need 40).
#ZT263 Premier Easy Walk Harness
Small and Medium. (Need 15 of each
size) $17.95
RR557 – 6” pressed rawhide 90 piece
box $79.99
ZW150 – Stainless Steel bowls 64oz.
$1.89 for 12 or more – (Need 36)
IT’S TIME TO
SEND IN PHOTOS1
Please continue to take
photos of your dogs for the
2016 calendar. Send them in
to Shean Pao, our
Creative Manager. Her
email is: [email protected].
If they are small we might
put them in the collage area
of the calendar. If they are
large they might make the featured month portion of
the calendar!
Tips: Shoot your shots in the highest jpg setting or
even the RAW setting of your camera if you have one.
Focus on the dog’s eyes for best clarity. Put your dog
in a colorful and engaging setting.
THE DEADLINE IS JULY 31st!
Our covers are attractive, scratchresistant, and chew-resistant. Made
of a high quality, durable fabric, and looks great after
100 washes.Available in a variety of fabrics, including
seasonal patterns.
Our absorbent fleece fabrics are good for dogs who
like to snuggle and for senior dogs who may have
“hygiene issues.” Our broadcloth BarkBed Cover is a
little cooler and really tough for those younger, feisty,
scratchers and chewers. Both wash fabulously well!
www.barkbedcovers.com
February On-Campus Cleanup Day
Thank you to the Marines from 29 Palms!
Puppy to Guide Dog
By Paula C. Feig, Puppy Raiser
Editor’s Note: Paula is the
publisher of a community
newsletter, Inside the Hills,
and shared her story as a
puppy raiser with the
residents. Reprinted with
permission.
I would like to introduce
you to Cody, a black
Standard Poodle. Cody is
a very special dog. Most
dog owners think that their
dogs are very special and I
get that. But Cody is truly
a special dog. You see, I
raised Cody from a puppy
to be a guide dog for Guide Dogs of the Desert. I trained him in
all the basic obedience and, of course, I was responsible for his
socialization. Being a service dog in training, I could take Cody
anywhere and everywhere. And I did! He went with me to
department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, doctors’
offices, classes at the gym, and on trains and buses and more.
Then, of course, after almost two years, I had to return him
back to Guide Dogs of the Desert for blind training to
eventually be matched with a blind guardian.
As a “puppy raiser,” as we are called, the question I most often
got asked was,” How are you going to give him up?” And,
trying to stay detached, I would always answer with my
mantra, “He’s not my dog and he was meant for a higher
purpose.” But then I got the letter saying I would have to turn
him in and I had a total meltdown. It was one of the hardest
things I ever had to do. But it was what I signed up for and I
knew that.
About six months ago, Cody got matched up with a blind
guardian in Western Canada. In these six months, Cody has
traveled to New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC,
Edmonton, Alberta, and two separate trips to the Philippines.
And, I understand from Brian, his guardian, he will be making
a trek to India this year, as well. I still miss him but what gives
me solace is that Cody is having the best life a dog could ever
have. He is constantly on all kinds of adventures and seeing
sights and sounds of all different kinds of places.
Having been to many guide dog graduations, where after the
graduates have spent almost a month training with their new
guide dog companions, the blind graduates are now ready to
go off in the world with their new guide dogs. I totally
understand the difference a guide dog makes for the
blind individual. I have heard testimony after
testimony of various blind individuals and how they
now will have more freedom than they have ever had,
and things that we take for granted, they are now able
to do. After these testimonials, there’s often not a dry
eye in the house.
If you’re looking to make a donation to a different or
new charity, think of Guide Dogs of the Desert. They
can be found at www.guidedogsofthedesert.org. Tell
them you’re a friend of mine and of Cody, who was
matched up with Brian in Canada.
And as a finale to my story, four months after I gave up
Cody I rescued a small Tibetan Terrier mix named
Maggie. You can now often hear me say, “I never
realized how smart Coty was until I rescued Maggie.”
But now I know smart isn’t everything. Loveable goes
a long way!
Shop At Amazon Smile
for Mother’s Day!
Shop at AmazonSmile
and Amazon will make a
donation to:
Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic
way for you to support the Guide Dogs
of the Desert every time you shop, at
no cost to you. When you shop at www.
smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact
same low prices, vast selection and
convenient shopping experience as
Amazon.com, with the added bonus
that Amazon will donate a portion of
the purchase price to Guide Dogs of the
Desert!
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #149
PALM DESERT, CA
PO Box 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92263
www.gddca.org • 760-329-6257
Upcoming Events!
Guide Dogs of the Desert Graduations
Sunday, May 17th, 2015
Ceremony begins at 2:00 pm
You are invited to join us for
Pinot for Paws!
Friday, May 8, 2015
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
RSVP by May 5th 2015: 760-329-6257
Enjoy a variety of wines and
participate in a live auction of
“Puppy Art” and more!
At the home of:
Dorothy and Al Milauskas
744 N. Patencio Road
Palm Springs, CA
Tickets: $75.00/person
Attire: Desert Casual
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Santulli Auditorium
60-735 Dillon Road,
Whitewater, CA 92282
No cost to attend
Check our website for updates
www.gddca.org
Calimesa Beaumont Lions Golf Tournament - May 9
Colorado Motorcycle Ride - June 6
Summer Fling - August 15
Milauskas Gold Tournament October 18
Heroes Strut - November 7
Paws for Independence - November 18
Santa Paws 5K Run - December 19