GUIDE DOG NEWS - gdb-official.com · Melissa Hudson and ... Stuart Odell | Vice Chair, Finance Joan Boyd ... give our teams the best food and services possible as well as raise money

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GUIDE DOG NEWSThe Quarterly Publication of Guide Dogs for the Blind

2014 ISSUE 1

Melissa Hudson and guide dog CaMry

GDB is excited to

welcome Chris Benninger

as our new CEO. Learn

more about her and the

wealth of experience she

brings to our team. p2

Congratulations to our

three newest licensed

guide dog mobility

instructors: Lisa Weil,

Carol Schmid, and

Leonela Canseco. p4

Our career change

dogs are doing great

things! Read up on

how they’re making

a difference in their

communities. p6

14114_GDN_2014 Issue 1_CS6-r2.indd 1 3/12/14 1:55 PM

A NON-PROFIT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

1.800.295.4050GUIDEDOGS.COM

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

Oregon Campus:32901 S.E. Kelso Road

Boring, OR 97009

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

Joan Boyd | SecretaryBob Burke | Interim 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 2 Sierra Fish - pg 3, 4, 10, 11 (top)David Hudson - CoverEd Smith - pg 5, 11 (bottom)Submitted images - pg 6, 7, 9, 11, 12

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 paper that contains recycled material.

Guide Dog News is published for the information of its 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 WE

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EGDB’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that

Christine Benninger (Chris) has been appointed as our new

President and CEO. Chris brings a wealth of experience

that will help us continue as leaders and innovators in

our field. She spent 17 years leading the Humane Society

Silicon Valley during which she and her team’s progressive

approach helped save the lives of tens of thousands of

animals and greatly reduce pet overpopulation in Santa

Clara County. Under her leadership, the organization also

raised $25.5 million to build The Animal Community Center

— the first facility of its kind in the country. Chris honed her

business skills as an auditor with Arthur Andersen & Co. as

well as in her 15 years with Hewlett Packard Corporation.

She holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University.

Chris gives back to the community through her role on

several non-profit boards, including Page Mill YMCA,

Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, and Merit Partners.

Chris loves bicycling and hiking, and of course her three

dogs: Hank, a Basset Hound, Bess, a three-legged Cattle

Dog mix, and Fred, a Chihuahua. “I am thrilled to have

been chosen as the next CEO,” she said. It’s an amazing

organization and it’s such an honor to be part of its team.”


Our sympathies and gratitude gO Out tO the family Of

gdB’s cO-fOunder lOis merrihew, whO recently passed

away. she was 95. we are all deeply indeBted tO her fOr

her cOmmitment and fOresight tO create gdB and

help Over 12,500 teams graduate since Our fOunding.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our first issue of Guide Dog News for 2014. You may have noticed a few changes:

we are carrying forward our new look and feel and have expanded our format, so that we can

focus on a topic that is near and dear to our hearts, namely harnessing the power of partnership.

Without the generosity of our puppy raisers, our campus volunteers, and our donors we simply

couldn’t do the amazing work we do. It was wonderful to see so many of you at our festive Fall

and Holiday events and we thank you for your ongoing commitment to helping our organization.

GDB is also extremely grateful for the assistance we receive from our graduates. We thank

you for helping introduce us to new individuals who would benefit from leading the guide dog

lifestyle, for your efforts to advance the alumni association, and for your insights that help us

continue to evolve and improve.

We also benefit from partnerships with a growing number of other

organizations. We are working with DoveLewis, among others, to find

new and meaningful roles for our career change dogs. And we are

partnering with organizations like VCA Antech to find creative ways to

give our teams the best food and services possible as well as raise money

that will help further our mission.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate Chris Benninger on her appointment

as President and CEO of GDB. I will be working closely with Chris

during the transition period. I have truly enjoyed my time as the interim

President and CEO. Thank you for your support; I look forward to

returning to my role as Board Chair.

Warm Regards,

Bob Burke

Interim President and CEO

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Congratulations to gdB’s three newest

licensed guide dog mobility instructors

Lisa started training dogs

when she was 8 years old —

her parents are both former

GDB instructors and had a dog

training school. She competed

in agility and obedience and

showed dogs through the 4H

program. Lisa also trained and

showed horses. Prior to GDB,

she worked in a dog daycare

center. “Getting my California

State Guide Dog Mobility

License is an incredible feeling,”

Lisa said, “especially coming

from a family that understands

my job and knows how

challenging and also rewarding

it can be.”

Carol has an undergraduate

degree in psychology from

Lewis & Clark college and a

master’s degree in special

education with a focus in

guide dog instructing from

San Francisco State University.

She has worked with dogs

in a variety of settings while

she attended college: kennel,

dog daycare, and private

dog training. “The favorite

part of my job,” Carol said, “is

witnessing the bond between

canines and humans.”

Leonela (Leo) has been a dog

owner and lover her entire life.

She began training pet dogs in

2008 working primarily out of

a boarding facility. However,

she knew she wanted to pursue

working with service dogs,

especially Guide Dogs for the

Blind. “I love the variety of the

job,” Leo said. “Working with

dogs and clients in all phases

of their development is very

exciting to me. I enjoy the

challenge. I love seeing what

a positive impact that a dog

can have on a person’s life.

Seeing the team develop and

mature is my favorite and most

rewarding part of the job.”


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Stuart Odell loves hanging out with his twin boys, taking photographs, and tinkering

with his 40-year old Austin Mini Cooper. Thankfully, he also loves dogs and GDB.

As chair of the Investment Committee and Vice Chair of Finance, Stuart has been a

vital member of GDB’s Board of Directors since 2008. He draws on his experience

as Assistant Treasurer, Investments in the Treasury Department of Intel Corporation

(where Stuart and his team oversee $14 billion of retirement plan investments) to

ensure that GDB has the financial resources we need to fulfill our mission. Stuart notes

“We have a truly amazing donor base. We also work really hard to be good stewards

of our operating reserve in order to

create perpetuity of income. This

is what allows us to provide these

life-changing services.” He adds,

“People are often astounded that it

takes so much and costs so much.

Yet the other side of the coin is that

we are able to provide these services

to students for free, thanks to the

generosity of donors and great

financial stewardship.”

Stuart finds it incredibly rewarding

to be affiliated with GDB. “The most

rewarding part? I think it’s going to graduations and seeing the impact of what we do. It

changes lives — it really does. I am so proud to be associated with an organization that

has that impact. Dogs are the medium — it’s what they do for people that matters. “

Stuart has experienced the power of human-canine partnership throughout his life. “I

have always had dogs since I was a little kid: Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs, and

Jack Russell Terriers.” When he moved here from New York in 1998, he got his current

dog, California — a Chocolate Labrador Retriever. He shares, “For me, the biggest thing

is companionship. I adore the fact that I come home and Cali comes to greet me as

though she hasn’t seen me in 10 years. That unconditional love is amazing.”

gdB welcomes alumna deborah Kendrick of cincinnati, Ohio

to our Board of directors. deborah’s guide is black lab flo.

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stuart odell (leFt) WitH gdB suPPorters Peg and roger Van Wagoner


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Becoming a guide dog takes a very special combination of health, skill, and behavioral

soundness. Our standards are extremely high, and not all of the puppies in our program turn

out to be suited for this role. Fortunately, there are many other important roles that these career

change dogs can fulfill. Some of our dogs go on to have careers as breeder dogs, K9 Buddies

for blind youth, or special community canines that assist people in various ways. GDB continues

to expand its relationships with other service dog organizations. Below is a brief overview of

several of the fine organizations where our career change dogs are making a difference.

• Dogs for Diabetics (D4D) trains medical alert service dogs to recognize when blood sugar

is low for insulin dependent, type 1 diabetics. These dogs identify scent changes in body

chemistry caused by drops in glucose levels, alerting their partners to take insulin or other

swift action to regulate their glucose levels.

• Dogs for the Deaf (located in Oregon) trains dogs to alert their hearing impaired partner

to certain sounds both at home and in public, thereby increasing the awareness that is

necessary for everyday safety and independence. These dogs make physical contact and

lead their partners to the source of the sound

when needed.

• Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (PACTT)

program is a partnership between GDB and

DoveLewis Emergency Hospital. Together, we

train career change dogs and their handlers to

perform animal-assisted therapy. Program teams

visit with people in a variety of settings, including:

long-term and skilled care facilities, assisted-living

communities, hospitals, residential treatment

centers, schools, and libraries.

• National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSF) teams trained dogs with firefighters

around the U.S. to rescue people from disasters ranging from Hurricane Katrina to recent

tornadoes in Oklahoma. Confident, energetic, athletic, driven, and highly-focused dogs are

ideal candidates for this particular role.

• Children’s Literacy Programs: Many of our career change adopters have gone on to certify

their new companion as a therapy dog. One of the most popular types of therapy programs

is reading programs for children. Dogs in these programs serve as friendly, patient, and

non-judgmental listeners, who encourage children to read out loud and gain confidence in

their reading skills.

PaCtt dog logger sPreading CHeer at a senior Center


Megan Minkiewicz has literally been connected to

GDB since the day she was born. Megan’s sisters

raised puppies through 4H for GDB. Her family also

had a number of career changes and retired guides as

pets. This commitment to supporting GDB and other

philanthropic efforts was central to Megan’s upbringing.

As Megan says “We grew up in a family where you

actively participate in non-profit or fundraising

activities. You give back to society; it’s just what

you do.”

This commitment continues to this day: Megan’s mom

has a community placement dog and does a great deal

of outreach to blind support groups. Megan began

raising puppies after college and is now raising her

tenth puppy, Ferdinand. Megan shares her love of

puppies and educates the community about GDB’s

efforts through speeches, articles, and her Facebook page, Frequent Ferdinand.

She explains “people know that you are a puppy raiser, but they don’t really

understand what it takes to make it all work. At the same time, I wanted people

to know that these dogs have fun too — it’s not all work.”

Megan and her husband, Alex, are members of the NHS Donors’ Circle as well

as the Legacy Society. “We donate because Guide Dogs for the Blind gave

me my best friend in the entire world — noah (a career change dog). I want

to leave our legacy to a good cause that will go forward and do great things.

Legacy Society gives us the opportunity to give more and have a bigger

impact. We wanted to have this figured out a young age, so that our wishes are

well known and will be carried out.”

Megan has a truly positive worldview: “I believe that happiness is a choice

and I try to choose to be happy all the time. We have the good fortune to be

around really great family and friends.” One of her favorite things about GDB

is that it has connected her with amazing dogs and people. “I have had great

relationships with the grads who have been matched with the puppies I have

raised, with donors who have sponsored the puppies I have raised, and with

others who care about the same things I do. One of the cool things about GDB

is the way people come together for a common purpose.”

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Megan and aleX MinKieWiCZ and gdB PuPPy Ferdinand

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• GDB alumna Maile George and her guide dog Jasmine recently

graduated from Dogs4Diabetics (D4D). Jasmine is the first dog

in the world to be trained as both a guide dog and a diabetes

hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) alert dog.

• Gary Norman was named a 2013 recipient of the Leadership

in Law award by The Daily Record newspaper (Maryland’s

statewide business and legal publication). Gary specializes in

animal law, and also works as a mediator and attorney with the

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gary’s guide

dog is LabXGolden Pilot.

• Cristina Jones with yellow Lab guide Kingsley and Natalie

Martiniello with black Lab guide Carlina were named as GDB’s

2013 recipients of the alumni “Reach for the Stars” scholarships,

generously underwritten by fellow GDB graduate Gina Harper.

Cristina is studying opera performance at the Royal Academy of

Music in London; Carlina is persuing a master’s degree in vision

rehabilitation at the University of Montreal.

• Frank Frand and his yellow Lab guide dog Cardinal are gearing

up to host the 10th annual “Tee Off for Dogs” charity golf

tournament. The event will be held Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the

Oak Creek Golf Course in Irvine, Calif. A portion of the proceeds

will benefit GDB. Visit teeofffordogs.org for more information.

• Alumna Kristina Blum recently won Miss Congeniality at the Miss

California USA 2014 Pageant. She is the first blind contestant in

the history of the pageant. Kristina’s retired guide dog is lindy.

• A Portland, Ore. GDB alumni chapter, “Mommies with Guides,”

which includes members Joy Ross, Rhonda Patrick, Tracy

Boyd, and Kelsey Sparks, is prominently featured in the March

2014 issue of REAL SIMPLE magazine. Pick up your copy at

newsstands today!

GOOD READS

“Wags to You — Short &

Long Dog Tales” by GDB

grad Clark Roberts. The book

includes stories of courage,

inspiration, and humor about

each of Clark’s guide dogs

and the people that are

connected to them. Available

at ultimate-vision.org.

“Harry — A Puppy with a

Special Job to Do: A photo

guide to raising a guide dog

puppy” by Yvonne Gilchrist.

A fun and informative

photo-story about a guide

dog puppy, perfect for the

kids in your life. Proceeds

will benefit GDB. Available

on Amazon at

http://goo.gl/hudxRW.

“Beyond Vision: The Story

of a Blind Rower” by GDB

grad Victoria Nolan. In this

collection of reflections on

and off the water, Victoria

travels the world winning

medals and breaking records

as a member of the Canadian

National Adaptive Rowing

Team. Available on Amazon

at http://goo.gl/arrLfY.

ALUMNI UPDATES

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Russell Redenbaugh was 17 when he came to GDB and got his first guide dog, a

German Shepherd named Minka. Seven guide dogs later, Russell is currently paired

with black Lab Coulter and says that having a guide dog by his side has been the “gift

of upward mobility” that has helped to facilitate his successes in life.

Russell is the founder of Kairos Capital Advisors. Kairos, an ancient Greek word, means

“that moment in which vision, bold action, and opportunity converge to achieve

extraordinary accomplishment.” Blinded at the age of 16, Russell learned early to

discover unconventional ways to achieve. He

translated those lessons into graduating top

of his class in college and graduate school at

Wharton, working his way up from analyst

to chief investment officer while helping

build a multi-billion dollar investment firm,

serving under three U.S. presidents as an

appointed commissioner on the U.S. Civil

Rights Commission, and reaching the height

of athletic accomplishment by winning three

gold medals from 2003 to 2005 in

the world jujitsu competition…fighting

sighted opponents.

“Having a confident guide dog changes the

conversation,” Russell said. “Whether it’s

the general population, people I work with,

clients, or colleagues, people always think

that ‘dog guys’ can do more. We don’t have

to spend time talking about how I’m going to

get from here to there — we can spend time

talking how I’m going to produce results and

client satisfaction.”

Russell has recently shared his story as a motivational speaker in a number of venues.

He was a keynote presenter at a Gift of Courage live event in San Francisco in

February, and presented at TEDx in Bend, Ore. last May (check out his speech,

“Post-Traumatic Gifted: Moving from Scarcity to Abundance,” on YouTube at

http://goo.gl/qfMUBF). Learn more about Russell at his website, shiftthenarrative.com.

russell redenBaugH and guide Coulter

ALUMNI UPDATES


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EIt’s 6:00AM and GDB cook and caretaker Rose Ramirez

has just arrived at the California campus to do what

she has done for over 22 years — provide amazing care

for the students in training. From grocery shopping

and cooking delicious meals, to learning each student’s

individual needs and giving gentle pats on the back,

Rose has proven to be an integral part of the heart and

soul of GDB.

GDB Support Center generalist Ken Altenburger has

known Rose for over 17 years. “I can honestly say

that she is one of the treasures of GDB,” said Ken. “I have been on the receiving end of her care and

kindness from a client’s perspective and I have also enjoyed working alongside her as a fellow staff

member. Rose always greets you with a warm smile and it is clear that she cares very deeply for the

students in each class — she works tirelessly for the benefit of anyone needing assistance.”

Rose moved to the United States from Mexico as a young adult and learned to cook at her brother’s

restaurant in Martinez, Calif., for 15 years before coming to GDB. Rose said she serves the students in

the best way she knows how in order to make sure they have everything they need, even if it is small.

“Rose is so thoughtful and remembers everything about you,” said GDB graduate Keith Breaux. “I truly

appreciated the way she took care of me during my stay. She is one the best parts about coming to

GDB for training.”

From the students and instructors to the nurses and the rest of the GDB staff, Rose is someone who

makes everyone feel welcome. “I’m very lucky to work at GDB,” said Rose. “One of my main goals is to

make sure the students are as comfortable as possible. I want to make this place a warm home when

they come for training.”

While it can be exciting for students to work with a new partner, there is also the reality of being away

from home and family, meeting and working with new people, and participating in a comprehensive

training experience. “Having the support of someone as warm and caring as Rose took any stress that

I had away,” said GDB graduate Penny Hardin. “Rose showed genuine concern and interest in our well-

being and her cooking was amazing! Her friendly smile and encouragement were constant reminders

of how much she cared about us. It’s clear to me that Rose is a very important part of the GDB team

who, along with the instructors and nurses, helped us to be successful every day.”

Rose is someone who has had a tremendous impact at GDB. “Some people talk about wanting to

serve — Rose truly does serve, every day of her life,” said Ken.


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SOREGON FALL LUNCHEON

The smell of puppy breath was in the air this past November

at GBD’s 14th annual Oregon Fall Luncheon held at the Oregon

Zoo in Portland. With more than 300 people in attendance,

this year’s luncheon

program featured

an informative

presentation about

the GDB breeding

department, a

heartwarming talk

from puppy raiser

Emma Ellard, and a

keynote speech by GDB alumna Joy Ross with her guide dog

antonia. The program closed with the oh-so popular puppy

delivery where seven puppies were presented to their new

raiser families. More than $50,000 was raised to support

GDB’s Oregon campus and training programs. A special thank

you to the event’s corporate sponsors: NW Natural, The Harold

& Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, OnPoint Community

Credit Union, and Dunn Carney Allen Higgins & Tongue, LLP.

SAVE THE DATE

•Pinot & Pups Wine Gala

Portland, OR

Saturday, May 3, 2014

•CanineHeroesAuction

Napa Valley, CA

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Special guest of honor & speaker:

Comedienne Joan rivers!

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FESTIVE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

In December, GDB celebrated the spirit of the season

at the 37th annual Festive Holiday Luncheon at the

Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco. More than

600 guests joined us for this holiday tradition, which

raised over $155,000. GDB graduate and long-distance

solo hiker Trevor Thomas recounted his adventures

of completing the 900-mile Mountains to Sea Trail in

North Carolina with his black Lab guide, tennille, by his

side. You can check out his speech on GDB’s YouTube

channel, youtube.com/user/guidedogsaregreat. Many thanks to our corporate sponsors:

Guardians — Bon Air Center, Dodge & Cox, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council.

Patron — Westamerica Bank.

JenniFer FliCKinger, Brian Joelson, eMCee Kelley day, HoWard Hedinger

a lunCHeon guest gets soMe PuPPy loVe

Visit guidedogs.com/events

for more info.


If you are like many people wondering about

their economic future, consider the security of a

GDB Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). By creating

a CGA, you not only provide fixed payments for

yourself, but also benefit from a charitable tax

deduction this year. Benefits of a CGA include:

• Safe and secure investment vehicle

• Attractive rates

• Guaranteed fixed income

• Income tax deduction

To learn more, please return the coupon below,

call our planned giving team at 800.295.4050,

or visit guidedogs.com/plannedgiving.

P.O. Box 151200San 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; we will send cards of celebration or sympathy 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

[email protected].

LEGACY SOCIETY/GIFT ANNUITY PROPOSALq GDB is included in my estate plan; please enroll me in the Legacy Society.q I’d like to learn more about how to include GDB in my estate plan; please send info.q How would a charitable gift annuity work for me? (Minimums: age 50, $5,000 gift)

My birthdate: ___________ My spouse’s birthdate: ___________

Sample gift amount: q $5,000 q $10,000 q $25,000 q Other: $ ___________

Name: _________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________ Email: ____________________________

Return to Tom Horton, Director of Planned Giving

Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200

GIFT ANNUITY ONE-LIFE RATES

Call For tWo-liFe rates

AGE RATE

65 4.7%

70 5.1%

75 5.8%

80 6.8%

85 7.8%

90+ 9.0%

INTEREST RATES GOT YOU DOWN?

DMS


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GUIDE DOG NEWS - gdb-official.com · Melissa Hudson and ... Stuart Odell | Vice Chair, Finance Joan Boyd ... give our teams the best food and services possible as well as raise money