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GUIDE DOG NEWSThe Quarterly Publication of Guide Dogs for the Blind

2014 ISSUE 2

Meet Ruth Ann Dodson,

and learn why GDB is

close to her heart.

Ruth Ann has been a

Board member

since 2008. p4

San Francisco Giants

Shortstop Brandon

Crawford meets his

guide dog puppy

namesake, black Lab

Crawford. p6

Did you know that

Comedienne Joan Rivers is

a GDB supporter and will

be a guest of honor at our

Canine Heroes Auction in

September? Join us! p10

“The Guide Dog Lady,” Norah Hamilton Straus, passed away in

March in Santa Barbara at 99 years young. Norah served on the

GDB Board of Directors from 1958 to 1982, and was Board Chair

from 1962 to 1977. In addition, she tirelessly traveled around the

country with our instructors and dogs in the 1960s in order to

help raise national awareness about our program.

She enlisted the help of many celebrities who were her friends:

Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Claire Booth Luce, and George

Shearing, just to name

a few. She effortlessly

raised money for GDB

and is credited with

planting the seeds

that grew to become

our current operating

reserve. One time, a

well-known philanthropist

gave Norah $1 million

for GDB, so impressed

was he with her passion.

When GDB created our

major gifts recognition program, it was appropriately named

after her: The Norah Hamilton Straus Major Donors’ Circle. 

At one time she was married to U.S. Army General Pierpont M.

Hamilton. Her ties to the military affirmed her ardent support of

wounded veterans; since GDB was founded to serve veterans

blinded in World War II, our history and mission were a natural

fit for Norah’s efforts.

Norah never wavered in her beliefs, staying focused and

persistent until she achieved her goal. Her reputation at GDB

was that she could be tough and demanding, but was ultimately

very well respected for her love of, and commitment to, the

cause. She was and will always be a Guide Dogs for the Blind

legend. Norah is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years,

King Straus, and her beloved dog, KoKoMo.

A NON-PROFIT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

800.295.4050GUIDEDOGS.COM

National Office/California Campus:350 Los Ranchitos Road San Rafael, CA 94903

Oregon Campus:32901 S.E. Kelso Road

Boring, OR 97009

Officers Bob Burke | Chair

George Kerscher | Vice ChairSigrid Button | Vice Chair, PNWStuart Odell | Vice Chair, Finance

Joan Boyd | SecretaryChristine Benninger | President and CEO

DirectorsRuth Ann Dodson

Debra GershenJay Harris

Deborah KendrickStephen MansfieldAndrew Mathieson

Jack ScottMorgan Watkins

Lyle L. Hoover, Director EmeritusNorah Hamilton, Director Emeritus

Photo Credits Morry Anne Angell - pg 1, 3, 6Stacia Culp - pg 10 (top)Sierra Fish - pg 8, 9 , 10 (bottom), 12Paparazzi Tonight - pg 11Submitted images - pg 4, 5, 7, 9 (inset)

Guide Dogs for the Blind follows the guidelines recommended by the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools for the humane care and training of our dogs, and the instruction and services offered to our students and alumni.

Full Member

Please recycle this newsletter!Printed on recycled paper

Guide Dog News is published for the information of GDB supporters. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission from Guide Dogs for the Blind.

© Guide Dogs for the Blind

IN TRIBUTE

NORAH

HAMILTON

STRAUS

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Dear Friends,

I am so thrilled to be part of this great organization. I have long believed in the power of the

human-animal bond, but have been simply amazed to see it manifested in so many ways

during my first months at GDB.

One of my favorite aspects of my new role has been the opportunity to share meals with

students on campus. It has been wonderful to meet the incredible people who come through

our doors and learn about their paths to GDB and through life. It also has been amazing to

witness how a relationship between a guide and his/her handler progress from the first day

they meet to a week later when a strong bond is already evident.

As part of my onboarding process, I have been spending time with staff from across the

organization. People bring a broad array of experiences and expertise to bear—we have a

veterinary chaplain and a former seal and dolphin trainer, just to name a few. Despite this

diversity, this group is absolutely unified in their commitment to our mission. It has been

particularly impressive to see our instructors in action. They have the unique ability to work

equally well with people and dogs. They create a calm and supportive environment that is

ideal for adult learning, while also marrying intuition and expertise to ensure our incredible

dogs will keep our graduates out of harm’s way.

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank the larger community that helps make our work

possible. I thank you all for your ongoing generosity of spirit, time, and resources.

Warm regards,

Christine Benninger, President and CEO

GREETINGS FROM THE CEO

AS THEIR TERMS COME TO AN END, OUR SINCEREST THANKS AND

APPRECIATION GO TO MORGAN WATKINS AND DEBRA GERSHEN FOR

THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE ON GDB’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

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ERuth Ann Dodson’s passions in retirement are her family—especially

her three grandchildren—but also, world travel, long walks, and

Guide Dogs for the Blind. Her travels have taken her from Portland

to Machu Picchu and many places in between. Thankfully, her travels

also include frequent trips to GDB events and Board meetings. Ruth

Ann has been a key member of GDB’s Board of Directors since 2008.

She brings a wealth of experience as an educator and from serving

on numerous non-profit boards including the Oregon Children’s

Foundation (SMART reading program), Oregon State University, and

the Gales Creek Camp for Children with Diabetes. She shares,

“I think my experience in non-profits and education give me a useful

perspective as a Board member. Because I live in the Portland, Ore.,

area and have a home in Sonoma, Calif., I also get a unique perspective of the two

GDB campuses.”

Ruth Ann has loved dogs since she was she was a girl and her family had a Golden

Retriever, named Sandy, as a pet. Ruth Ann and her husband, Mark, have had three dogs

since they have been married and their favorite was a yellow Lab named Cooper. She

also has a long-standing interest in guide dogs. She says, “I remember reading Follow My

Leader—it’s a classic from 40 or 50 years ago. When I read it, it really impacted me. When

I was a 4th grade school teacher, I read that with my class each year. It’s all about the

powerful connection between humans and dogs.”

The belief in that connection was one of the things that drew Ruth Ann to GDB and has

fueled her passion for the organization over time. Asked what is the most rewarding

part of being affiliated with GDB, Ruth Ann responds, “My favorite part has been having

the chance to get to know teams in training, especially when you’ve watched the dog

being raised as a puppy. It’s great to have lunch with students and, of course, I love the

graduations. I truly enjoy working with our amazing grads that serve on the GDB Board.”

She continues, “There just isn’t a better place to have a team trained. Our instructors are

the best and our grads are incredible people. And I am simply in awe of the partnership

created between our students and our dogs!”

RUTH ANN AND MARK DODSON

THANKS TO VCA CLINICS

IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

FOR SUPPORTING GUIDE DOGS

FOR THE BLIND’S FUNDRAISING

EFFORTS. THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR

YOUR GENEROSITY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU!

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PARTNERS AT WORK

IN MARCH, MORE THAN 50 JIFFYLUBE LOCATIONS IN

ARIZONA CONDUCTED AN IN-STORE PROMOTION TO

BENEFIT GDB PUPPY RAISING IN THE STATE. FOR A

$3 DONATION, CUSTOMERS RECEIVED A PAW PRINT

CERTIFICATE TO DISPLAY IN THE STORES. THE

MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN RAISED MORE THAN $20,000.

THE PROMOTION WAS SPEARHEADED BY JIFFYLUBE

FRANCHISE OWNER AND GDB SUPPORTER BOB BOVE.

THANK YOU BOB FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

SURGERY ON THE

CUTTING EDGE

A new pilot program is under

way at GDB thanks to Portland

veterinarian Tim McCarthy and

the Storz Company, makers of

endoscopy equipment.

Dr. McCarthy has a goal to

educate as many people as

he can on minimally invasive

surgery techniques. He secured a

donation of equipment for GDB,

and has trained our staff to use

the new endoscopic machine to

perform laparoscopic spays.

“The dogs and their people

appreciate how quickly the dogs

can resume their normal routines

after this minimally invasive

surgery,” said GDB’s Dr. Patti

Van De Coevering. “There are

many techniques, treatments, and

diagnostics we can envision using

this equipment for in the future.”

PICTURED ABOVE:

GDB VETERINARIAN DR. GUMMER

WITH DR. MCCARTHY AND THE

NEW STORZ ENDOSCOPY UNIT.

JIFFYLUBE CREW MEMBERS

WITH BOB BOVE (FAR RIGHT).

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• Sean Mealin, a computer science

PhD candidate at North Carolina

State University, has been chosen

to receive a prestigious National

Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate

Research Fellowship. His research

is focused on using computers to

enhance communication between

humans and dogs, with a focus on

working dogs such as guide dogs.

His guide is yellow Lab Simba.

• Melissa Hudson and her black Lab

guide dog Camry are featured in a

documentary video produced by

The Academy of Motion Picture

Arts and Sciences/The Oscars

called “There’s Not Much To See—

How Blind People Enjoy Movies.”

You can find a link to the piece on

the Academy’s YouTube channel,

Academy Originals.

ALUMNI UPDATES

CRAWFORD, MEET CRAWFORD!

• GDB graduate and professional downhill skier Danelle

Umstead took home a bronze medal in the super combined

event at the Sochi Paralympic Games with her husband

Rob as her ski guide (yellow Lab Aziza is her guide off the

slopes). She had the opportunity to visit the White House

and speak with President Obama following the games. “Our

visit to The White House was amazing,” Danelle said. “The

President shakes my hand, touches the medal, and says

‘Congratulations, you did it again!’... What? I’m honored he

remembered from four years ago!” (Danelle also took home

the bronze for the same event at the Vancouver games.)

• Nancy Shugart with her guide dog Porsche recently

spoke at a TEDx program at Texas Tech University. Her

speech, entitled, “Be the One to Make it Happen,” shares

her personal story in which she accomplishes her dream

of becoming a school teacher despite being told it was

impossible. Not only did she go on to teach for 21 years, she

also became an award-winning author, successful business

owner, recognized community volunteer, and even

received five appointments from two Texas Governors.

You can find her speech on the Tedx YouTube channel.

GDB is thrilled to team up with the SF Giants and their amazing

shortstop, Brandon Crawford, to help raise awareness about our

mission. Recently, Brandon got the chance to meet his namesake,

black Lab guide dog puppy Crawford, prior to a home game at

AT&T Park. Crawford is being raised by the Mesches family in

Modesto, Calif., who are, of course, huge Giants fans. How’s that

for a winning combination? Go Giants!

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Artist Sharon McConnell Dickerson is an acclaimed sculptor and painter whose work

is featured in exhibitions and art collections all over the world. She became involved

with sculpture at the age of 27 after a diagnosis of Uveitis, a degenerative eye disease.

“Sculpture is the vehicle in which I access a lost sense,” she said.

She and her black Lab guide, Avatar, live in

Como, Miss., — less than an hour from Memphis,

Tenn. The area is rich in the musical heritage of

the blues, which has been the inspiration for a

collection of Sharon’s sculptures known as “A

Cast of Blues.” In this body of work, Sharon has

completed life casts (plaster castings of a person’s

face/head) of nearly sixty legendary blues

musicians, including Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter,

Charlie Musselwhite, and more. “A life cast is like a

3D photograph to someone who is blind,” Sharon

said. “It captures flesh, muscle, bone, hair, and the

subtle expression of emotion.”

For the project, her first guide dog, black Lab Bella, was by her side. “Bella’s love and

long service gave me new mobility and independence that changed and enriched my

life,” Sharon said. “She led me all over the country and was always at my side during

this entire blues journey and beyond.”

Indeed, while she and Bella were living in New Mexico, Bella was attacked by a loose

dog, which prompted Sharon to lobby for a change in the law. “Bella’s Bill,” as it’s

known, makes it a misdemeanor in New Mexico for owners whose unleashed animals

interfere with or injure guide or service dogs.

Sharon’s adventures continue with Avatar. “In 2013, Avatar, following in the paw prints

of Bella, guided me through my first art exhibition in France,” she said. “Fifteen years

prior, Bella led me throughout many of the same places to study art. I told Avatar to

halt on one of the bridges in Paris and I released some of Bella’s ashes into the Seine.

Such a full life would not be possible without the assistance of these special guides,

the generous supporters of Guide Dogs for the Blind, and its dedicated staff.”

Sharon is now creating a book titled, “A Cast of Blues: Images and the Stories Behind

the Masks.” Once published, a portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to GDB.

You can learn more about Sharon and her work at mcconnelldickersonart.com.

SHARON AND AVATAR ON THE PONT ROYALE BRIDGE IN PARIS.

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“We ride because we are proud to do our

part to stop diabetes,” said Paolo Pompanin,

TEAM GDB captain and guide dog mobility

instructor. “We are committed to ride each

year and raise money not just because

26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes,

but because we personally know many of

them, and want to do something about it.”

One such person is GDB Support Center

Generalist Ken Altenburger, who lost his sight

to the disease and has subsequently been

paired with two guide dogs (his current guide

is yellow Lab Bristol). As a tandem cyclist

member of TEAM GDB, Ken has very personal

reasons for participating in the ride.

“I celebrated 50 years of life by riding 50

miles,” he said. “This is my 40th year as an

insulin-dependent diabetic. I have suffered

the three major side effects of diabetes:

blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease.

My message is simple: always strive for your

best and never give up hope.”

GO TEAM GDB!More than 30 cyclists came together in May to ride as TEAM GDB in the American Diabetes Association’s

Tour de Cure event in Napa Valley. The team, comprised of GDB staff, alumni, puppy raisers, volunteers, and

supporters, raised more than $20,000 for the cause. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness

both in the United States as well as in GDB’s alumni population.

PICTURED, TOP: CYCLISTS AND

SUPPORTERS OF TEAM GDB.

LEFT: TANDEM RIDERS JANE FLOWER

AND PAT RICHARDSON.

RIGHT: KEN ALTENBURGER (IN RED)

WITH OTHER TEAM GDB CYCLISTS.

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR WEBSITE LATELY?

We’ve been evolving our website to better reflect GDB’s

updated visual identity, provide a better user experience, and

deliver even more rich content for everyone to enjoy. Be sure

to check it out at guidedogs.com!

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EJenn Ceia always knew she wanted to

work with dogs, but not many people

come into contact with the place they’re

going to work at such a young age.

“I got involved with GDB when I was in

middle school and my mom signed us

up as a puppy raising family,” said Jenn.

She went on to raise four guide dog

puppies: Towser, Nevada, Remington,

and Captain.

Jenn started at GDB in the fall of 2002

as a canine welfare technician (CWT) in

the Training Department. She went on

to become an apprentice and earned

her guide dog mobility instructor license

in 2007. In her current role as the CWT

supervisor on our California campus, she

leads a team of fifteen staff as well

as volunteers.

“CWTs are integral not only to the wellbeing and training of the dogs in our care,

but also play a big role in creating a positive learning environment for our clients

and other constituents,” she said. Some of the many things for which her team is

responsible include: bathing and grooming dogs; monitoring dogs recovering from

surgery; teaching dogs to tolerate being handled or examined; training dogs for

specific behaviors; student transportation to/from class; teaching our students ways

to interact with their new dogs (which helps accelerate the bonding process), and

staffing overnight shifts in our student residence.

“There are many things about working here that make me proud to be a part of

GDB’s mission, particularly our commitment to maximizing positive reinforcement

techniques with our dogs at every phase of their lives,” Jenn said. “It is this dedication

to innovation and continual improvement that continues to set us apart. Since I’ve

started with GDB I have never stopped learning, which is very fulfilling to me. I love

finding new ways to improve our customer experience, whether a customer is a client

or potential client, a puppy raiser, a donor, or a colleague. And of course I love, love,

love working with our amazing dogs.”

JENN CEIA TODAY, AND WHEN SHE WAS A PUPPY RAISER (INSET).

SAVE THE DATE: CANINE HEROES AUCTION

Saturday, September 20, 2014 | Napa Valley, CA

Special guest: GDB supporter Joan Rivers!

Visit guidedogs.com/events for more info.

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SLABS LIVE AT ANDREI’S IV

In March, nearly 140 southern California GDB

supporters turned out for the “Labs Live at

Andrei’s IV” event hosted by GDB’s Orange County

Friends Committee. Held at Andrei’s restaurant in

Irvine, guests were treated to dog demonstrations,

a puppy delivery, a scrumptious lunch, and a moving

keynote speech by GDB grad Keith Christian with

his guide dog Whitney. The event raised more than

$36,000 to support GDB programs and veterinary

care costs in Orange County.

PICTURED: ORANGE COUNTY FRIENDS COMMITTEE

MEMBERS NATALIA OLENICOFF OSTENSEN, KEA MEYERS

DUGGAN (EVENT CHAIR), AND GDB PRESIDENT AND CEO

CHRIS BENNINGER.

LEGACY LUNCHEON

A good time was had by the record-setting crowd

of 200 guests at the San Francisco Bay Area Legacy

Society Luncheon held at The City Club of San

Francisco in April. The afternoon’s program included

a viewing of our new video “Harnessing the Power

of Partnership” featuring GDB grad Belo Cipriani

and his black Lab guide Oslo. Belo then followed the

video as the luncheon’s keynote speaker.

PICTURED LEFT, TOP: FRED GEORGE, PLANNED GIVING

DIRECTOR TOM HORTON, JOHN MCCARTHY.

PICTURED LEFT, BOTTOM: JULIE BURNET,

DINAH DICKSON, DAVID SPENSER.

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PINOT & PUPS WINE GALA

Excitement was in the air as 300 guests arrived at the Portland

Art Museum for the 7th annual Pinot & Pups Wine Gala in

early May. By the end of the night, more than $250,000

was raised to support programs and services at our Oregon

campus. Guests enjoyed fine wine and beer tasting during

the silent auction and reception, followed by a Pacific

Northwest-inspired

dinner and spirited

live auction where

Auctioneer John

Glines had guests

in a bidding frenzy

over everything

from adventurous

getaways to

courtside seats for

the NBA playoffs.

GDB graduate David

Cooper with his guide

Parnelli delivered a

compelling keynote

address, while

the members of the “Mommies with Guides” GDB Alumni

Association chapter were celebrated during a paddle raise to

fund veterinary care.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

Companion Sponsors—US Bank Charitable Services.

Buddy Sponsors—American Steel, Kuni BMW, OnPoint

Community Credit Union, P&C Construction.

PICTURED: MEMBERS OF “MOMMIES WITH GUIDES” (L TO R):

RHONDA PATRICK AND GUIDE DOG DEMPSEY; KELSEY SPARKS

AND GUIDE DOG LOUANNE; TRACY BOYD AND GUIDE DOG

CHIFFON; JOY ROSS AND GUIDE DOG ANTONIA.

GDB is honored to be a

beneficiary of two recent

charity golf tournaments.

In April, GDB graduate Frank

Frand with his guide dog Cardinal

presented the 10th Annual Tee

Off for Dogs in Irvine, Calif.

Puppy raisers, GDB alumni, and

supporters gathered for a day

of links and hi-jinks. Highlights

included the “Be My Guide”

blindfolded putting contest,

the “Faster Than a Guide Dog”

hole challenge, and the longest

drive competition (won by GDB

graduate Adelaida Ortega!).

In Northern California, Kiewit

Infrastructure West Co. held

its 17th Annual Charity Golf

Tournament in Napa Valley. The

weekend event included lots of

golf, as well as a “Gala On the

Green” with a silent auction,

dinner, and a keynote address

from GDB’s Director of Outreach

and Alumni Services Theresa

Stern with her guide dog Dario.

Thank you Tee Off for Dogs and

Kiewit for your generosity!

P.O. Box 151200

San Rafael, California

94915-1200

PAID

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

• SEND A DONATION TODAY Please use our mailing address for donations: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950. You can also donate online: guidedogs.com.

• ELIMINATE CHECKS/POSTAGE Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation.

• MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL GIFT Pay tribute to a friend, relative, or pet; cards of celebration or sympathy will be sent in your name.

• CREATE A LEGACY IN YOUR ESTATE Name GDB in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary of your annuity, life insurance policy, IRA, or retirement plan. We honor such commitments with membership in our Legacy Society.

• DESIGNATE YOUR GIFT Designate your donation to go toward a specific GDB program. For info, contact us to receive a copy of our “Case for Support.”

Guide Dogs for the Blind will, on occasion, share donor information with like-minded non-profit organizations in an effort to better fulfill our mission and serve our clients. If you do not wish to have your information shared, please call our Development Department at 800.295.4050 or email us at donations@guidedogs.com.

!LEGACY SOCIETY

q I have already included Guide Dogs for the Blind in my estate plan. I accept the invitation to be recognized as a member of the Legacy Society.

q I intend to include Guide Dogs for the Blind in my estate plan.

q Please send me suggested language to use in my will or trust.

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________ Email: _______________________________

Return to Tom Horton, Director of Planned GivingGuide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200

CREATE A GIFT OF A LIFETIME…

DMS

To enroll in the Legacy Society, please return the coupon below, call our

planned giving team at 800.295.4050, or visit guidedogs.com/plannedgiving.

PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT

TO GUIDE DOGS FOR THE

BLIND IN YOUR

ESTATE PLAN.

ELIZABETH HURDMAN AND JAMISON