Harness & LeashEdition 24

Message from David Locklin, Director of ProgramsWhen I speak to people about Leader Dog, I am always amazed at how amazed they are by some of our statistics. This is true whether I’m talking with a client, volunteer or a donor. So I thought it might be interesting to share some statistics to give you a better feel for the size and reach of Leader Dog.

There are currently 1,300+ active LDB teams around the world: 835 in the USA, 242 in Spain, 45 in Canada, 71 in Mexico, and 91 in South and Central America. Our goal for the current year is to serve an additional 185 people in our guide dog program. In total, we have graduated over 15,000 client/dog teams since 1939.

We have trained over 630 people in our Accelerated O&M program. We run 36 classes per year with two to four people per class. This year our goal is to have 90 clients improve their cane travel skills during this weeklong training.

Some of our most impressive numbers come out of our clinic where each year our veterinary staff complete 60+ major surgeries, 400+ spay/neuters, 140+ dental procedures, 400+ phone consultations with veterinarians from around the U.S. and 650+ breeding and puppy exams. It’s a good thing that the new Canine Development Center was designed with a much larger clinic and surgical area.

Remember, we are always here to assist you as needed. Please contact the client services department if you have questions or concerns regarding your dog or training. Reach us at clientservices@leaderdog.org or 888–777–5332.

Your Survey Answers Help Us ImproveMessage from Rod Haneline, Chief Operations OfficerAt Leader Dog we are always striving to improve the training we provide to our dogs and the service we provide to you, our clients. This is why we enlist the help of Morpace, an outside research consultant, to complete anonymous exit surveys at the end of training, and six and 12-month follow-up surveys.

The responses we get from past clients helps us to change our methodology as needed to provide better service to new clients (and better service to you the next time you come to Leader Dog). For instance, past follow-up surveys showed that many Leader Dogs were having trouble with social behaviors, most commonly distractions, so we now include how to refocus your dog in guide dog curriculum.

Because we feel these follow-up surveys are so important, we are adding an incentive—each quarter Morpace will randomly draw one client’s name from those who have completed the survey to receive a $50 Visa gift card. So when you receive a phone call or email from Morpace, please be sure to take the time to complete the survey.

Please remember that client names (other than the name of the $50 winner) are not shared with anyone at LDB. If you have any questions regarding Morpace or the surveys, contact client services at clientservices@leaderdog.org or 888-777-5332.

Now Taking Applications for Summer Experience CampPlease help us spread the word about our Summer Experience Camp to any 16 and 17-year-olds you know who are visually impaired. Camp is a week of outdoor fun, friendship and skill building. The program combines physical activities like kayaking, rock wall climbing and tandem biking with things exclusively Leader Dog—GPS training and the opportunity to spend time with future Leader Dogs.

Leader Dog covers all costs including airfare to Michigan—and everyone receives a free HumanWare Trekker Breeze+ GPS device. Summer Experience Camp is scheduled for June 23–June 30, 2017. Applications are due by April 1, 2017.

For more information and to download an application, go to www.leaderdog.org or call the client services department at 888-777-5332.

Get Your Guide Dog Training Applications in EarlyIf your dog has already celebrated its 8th birthday, it is time to get the application process started to return to Leader Dog for

training. Guide dog applications are active for two years, so it really isn’t too early to start planning. By having your completed application on file, you are likely to have a shorter wait time to return for training, and it allows us to start looking for the perfect dog for you.

If you have any questions regarding retiring your dog, refer to the retirement toolbox on our website. Find it fast by typing “retirement toolbox” in the search box located near the top-right corner of our website.

Remember, we are here to help when you’re thinking about applying for another dog. Feel free to contact us at 888–777–5332 or clientservices@leaderdog.org.

Maintaining Your Cane SkillsWe encourage everyone to maintain your cane skills no matter how long you’ve been working with a Leader Dog. If your dog becomes ill or you go into an environment you don’t want your dog to go into, you’ll need good cane skills to keep traveling safely and independently.

Over time many people experience progressive vision loss and realize they can’t rely on their residual vision as much as they had in the past. This is a good time to get more O&M training, especially if you’re planning on getting another Leader Dog. If you can’t find O&M training in your area, consider Leader Dog’s Accelerated O&M Training. The program is personalized for each client so you get to work on the skills that need the most

improvement such as street crossings, stairs, etc. Also, a brush-up on your problem solving skills is always a good idea.

For information on Accelerated O&M training, go to LeaderDog.org, or contact us at 888-777-5332 or clientservices@leaderdog.org.

Carroll JacksonCarroll Jackson has been a Leader Dog client since 1997 when he received his first dog, Jack. He met his second dog, Hunter, in 2008 and trained with his current dog, Will, this past June. The following is an excerpt from a recent email he sent to LDB.

As I think about my three Leader Dogs, I cannot help but compare their personalities and abilities. My first two came to me with wonderful basic skills and over time they became outstanding Leader Dogs. Will has been outstanding from day one. It seems to me that there are four major contributing factors. First, the constantly improving breeding program is providing healthier and appropriately sized dogs for training. Second, since I received my previous dog the puppy raisers curriculum has been dramatically upgraded and when it’s followed, the puppies have a much higher chance of success. Third, the training techniques used by the instructors have been enhanced with the use of treats to quickly establish appropriate behaviors. Fourth, the new Canine Development Center is providing a dramatically improved living environment. I believe that my Leader Dog Will is a perfect

example of the high quality of Leader Dog that can be achieved when all of these improvements come together.

Free ACVO Service Dog Eye ExamsThe American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) will again be conducting free eye exams for qualifying service dogs during the month of May. Registration is open from April 1 through April 30 at www. acvoeyeexam.org . ‘Like’ their Facebook page at ‘ACVO National Service Animal Eye Exam Event’ to receive updated announcements.

Please spread the word to others with a service dog.

Free ADA Mobile AppThe National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) has a free Guide & Service Dog Mobile App which contains the text of the implementing regulations of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) concerning service dogs, the entire text of each state law ensuring the rights of service dog users in that state, specific guidance for industries of particular concern to service dog handlers, e.g., restaurants, hotels, taxicabs, and healthcare facilities, and information about the National Association of Guide Dog Users and the National Federation of the Blind. The app also allows users to connect directly to the NAGDU Information & Advocacy Hotline, as well as send an email message for more information.

You can download the free app by searching “NAGDU” in the app store.

New Dog Relief in Atlanta InternationalSince so many flights connect through Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International airport, it’s great that they now have Service Animal Relief Areas inside Concourses T, A, B and C near gates T7, A10, B33 and C19. The relief areas are complete with Braille signs along with concrete and grass turf.

In addition, there’s a 1,000-square-foot dog park in the Ground Transportation area on Domestic Terminal South outside of doors W1 and W2. The fully fenced-in park offers biodegradable bags along with benches.

An additional pet relief area is located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal right outside of door A1.

Circle of LifeBirthsLily (hosted by Dan Vandercar) x Walker (hosted by Jerry and

Cathy Sikorski) – 6 Labrador retrieversJasmine (hosted by Kathryn Marl) x Wally (hosted by Tammy

Bartz) – 4 Labrador retrieversNelcie (hosted by Kristin Shively) x Ollie (hosted by Jackie Raffler)

– 7 Labrador retrieversSpice (hosted by Jody Best) x Alphie (hosted by Geri Dunn) –

6 Labrador/golden cross

Luna (hosted by Jennifer Hynes) x Alphie (hosted by Geri Dunn) – 10 golden retrievers

Oaklie (hosted by Kay Shorkey) x Wally (hosted by Tammy Bartz) – 6 Labrador retrievers

Gracie (hosted by Christine Donovan) x Cruiser (hosted by Julie Gardner) – 5 Labrador retrievers

Trinket (hosted by Lori Wieber) x Ryder (hosted by Robin Biebuyck) – 6 Labrador retrievers

Bella (hosted by Bob/Judy Kjellander) x Tom (hosted by Wendy Miechiels) – 4 Labrador retrievers

Asteria (hosted by Nathaniel Brock) x Ryder (hosted by Robin Biebuyck) – 1 Labrador retriever

Stella (hosted by Nicole Zolinski) x Ryder (hosted by Robin Biebuyck) – 8 Labrador retrievers

Zoey (hosted by Chris Stauffer) x Shadow (hosted by Faye Arndt) – 4 Labrador retrievers

Chloe (hosted by David and Tracy Peterson) x Alphie (hosted by Geri Dunn) – 2 golden retrievers

Sadie (hosted by Gretchen Waters) x Henry (hosted by Theresa Barr) – 9 golden retrievers

Lucille (hosted by Ellen Waller) x Sid (hosted by Karen Helmers) – 8 Labrador retrievers

Luna (hosted by William and Cheryl Kaechle) x Briggs (hosted by Mike Malloy) – 4 Labrador retrievers

Kadie Jo (hosted by Patrick Dimmer) x Buddy (hosted by Brad Mackler) – 5 Labrador/golden cross

Josie (hosted by Sue Novak) x Kasey (hosted by Paul Colombo) – 9 golden retrievers

Alayna (hosted by Carol Thompson) x Bob Miller (hosted by Nancy and Rocco Corsetti) - 3 German shepherds

Ripley (hosted by David and Stacey Anason) x Gatsby (hosted by Michael Bond) – 3 Labrador retrievers

Grace (hosted by Janet Skillman) x Henry (hosted by Theresa Barr) – 11 golden retrievers

Sadie (hosted by Carol Coppens) x MacGuyver (hosted by Melissa Howard) – 4 Labrador retrievers

Libby (hosted by Kristina McCliment) x Walker (hosted by Jerry and Cathy Sikorski) – 6 Labrador retrievers

Piper (hosted by Laura Bandy) x Sergeant (hosted by Amy Schuster) – 7 Labrador retrievers

Chanel (hosted by Ann Bonds) x Gundy (hosted by Marianne Fish) – 9 Labrador retrievers

Breeding Stock RetiredBear – Shannan McNairCalypso – Rhonda MorrisEmma – Susan KesselJosie – Bethany SpencerKrista – Jeff DeherderLily – Dan VandercarMensa – Carol BeavnierPandora – Candace Goemmel

Raini – Penny BatemanSerene – Elaine BerkheiserShimmer – Susan NagySpice – Jody Best

Breeding Stock DeceasedNone

Leader Dogs Retired Belair – Ann MittelstadtBiscuit – Charlene BrownBuster – Joseph RondeauCindy – Patricia Pepper OrrDanae – Bobbie PolingFlorrie – Christine RogersGeorgiana – Colleen DayGia – Paul JenkinsGrover – Catherine DailyGwynn – Richard HollowayHarley – Marcelo PanicoHoliday – Paula DuffHunter – Carroll JacksonJustice – Jennifer PrattKevlar – Ron LindsayLayla – Genival Silva de SantosLeroy – Deborah Guice

Lightning - Inez Kay LoveLily – Barbara OeschgerLucy – Roy StockNettie – Carol MillerPauling – Simone ChiodiniSable – Martha CowdenSam – Katia Antunes Marques dos SantosScout - Fabricio Aleman ValadezShilo – Laurel KeisterSirius – Liana Lidger Conrado PereiraSophie – Alexandra FalardeauToby – Nickolas VanderwallViva – Jeannette Calvo ArayaWarren – Valentina Velarde LizanaWebster – Raymond KocakZack – Martha Acuna Murillo

Leader Dogs DeceasedApollo - Hugo Noe Flores HuertasArtie – Christopher McCainAsher – Jill GausAspen – Lewis WalkerAxel – Jo HagerBaci – Alicia StarnerBo – Catherine Munoz HermosillaBoone – Robert Brown

Charlie – Richard RinesChester – Michael KingClara – Kathy HuffGem – William ThillGrover – James O'NeillHolland – William GallikHoney B – Adria HanusHope – Harvey HouseJimmy – Kathryn MohrLady – Nancy EllisLibby – Robert RoseneMaggie – Virginia HesterMason – Samantha CampbellMaxwell - Chih-Wei WangOmni - Anajane GrayRowdy - Darryl MillerSadie – Samuel FaustScout – James LockwoodScout – Carol WhitneyTeddy – Javier Sanchez CastellsTeddy – Kevin KnightTiny – Connie GephardtWillow – Patricia KellyZackary – Angel Estevez Garcia

Classes (note: GDMI is Guide Dog Mobility Instructor)

Class 17-04GDMI Jenny Sanderson and Apprentice Instructor Sarah Duyck; Amanda Hamacher and Chloe, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Stan Warren); Theresa Lambert and Caroline, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Jennifer Ulm); Christopher Loomis and Alex, black lab (puppy raiser: Gary Kirchner); Joseph Wisniewski and Lacy, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Janice Van Wulfen)

GDMI Moises Vieira of IRIS in Brazil; Marcelo Panico and Rudy, yellow lab (puppy raiser Elaine Borning); Liana Lidger Conrado Pereira and Indy, yellow lab (puppy raiser: G. Robert Cotton, Correctional); Katia Antunes Marques dos Santos and Valen, black lab (puppy raiser: Pia Carlsen); Genival Santos and Wayne, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Scott Bates)

Class 17-05GDMI Linda Fisher; Sammy Norman and Daisy, black lab (puppy raiser: Cora Hohnstadt); Mark Hymes and Bogey, golden retriever (puppy raiser: Robert Strongheart); David Boyd and Abby, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Jennifer Bartaway); Scott Hauge and Travers, black lab (puppy raiser: Natalie Cousin)

GDMI Kathryn Roberts; Garry Lum and Kahlua, black lab (puppy raiser: Kevin Frankin); Tonya Vonkelsheimer and Cami, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Robert Williams); Elizabeth Ulrich and Hope, golden

retriever (puppy raisers: Cindy and Dave Hesselbein); Brian Thorkelson and Oli, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Celia Mistretta)

Apprentice Instructor Lauren Brady; Victor Casado Contreras and Jaeger, black lab (puppy raiser: Mary St. Clair); Laura Guiterrez Rosales and Lily Rose, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Gay Gloss); Juan Conde Rasco and Arbor, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: James Schultz); Jorge Caceres Torija and Kirby, black lab (puppy raisers: Stephanie Brennan and Dan Hartranft)

Senior GDMI Christie Bane; John Coxe and Riley, black lab (puppy raiser: Lisa Olson); Ron Lindsay and Beau, black lab (puppy raiser: Victoria Reifel); Roy Stock and Lindie, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Shelley Strobel Erhardt and Ed Erhardt); Kenneth Nead and Lansing, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Ryan Wedebrand)

Home Delivery; Karen Park and Delight, German shepherd (puppy raiser: Lynne Davis)

Class 17-06Apprentice GDMI Tina Goedertier; William Golden and Zeke, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Erin Kappaz); Laurie Scott and Mallow, black lab (puppy raiser: Megan Ryan)

GDMI Randy Horn; William Miksicek and Chief, black lab (puppy raisers: Kathy and Kevin Hansz); Fabricio Aleman Valadez and

Arthur, yellow lab (puppy raisers: Jenn and Robert Parker); Maria Hernandez Gaytan and Ebony, black lab (puppy raiser: Catherine Messerly)

GDMI Catherine Martin; Bradley Strause and Stout, black lab (puppy raiser: Stephanie Gornick); Lynn Westphal and Doug, black lab (puppy raiser: Finus Atwood); Robert Friot and Conner, golden retriever (puppy raisers: Trudy and Joseph Nowak)

GDMI Alyssa Ozrovitz; Amanda Handlin and Delphi, black lab (puppy raiser: Roberta Morse); Thor Miller and Mogul, black lab (puppy raisers: Becky and Scott Stange); Bridget Morris and Nutmeg, golden retriever (puppy raisers: Ann and Frank Davis); Andrew Stone and Rayna, black lab (puppy raiser: Kathy Larsen)

Home Delivery: Alexandra Falardeau and Aero, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Jenny Senko)

Class 17-07Apprentice GDMI Meredith Bryde; John Drenth and Sophia, black lab (puppy raiser: Matt Barton); Amber Broad and Winnie, golden retriever (puppy raisers: Erin and Frank Grzesik); Sarah Wittekind and Denver, black lab (puppy raisers: Michelle and Dennis Lizotte)

GDMI Ashley Ayers; Lois Stevens and Karma, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Lino Lakes Correctional Facility); Ryan Vandercook and Oci, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Barbara Fry)

GDMI Paul Meister; Jose Ortin Ayarza and Yuba, yellow lab (puppy raiser: Ayako Breitenbach); Marta De la Torre Arnanz and Blue, lab/golden cross (puppy raiser: Nancelee Halle); Lucia Gonzalez Luengo and Lucy, yellow lab (puppy raiser: William Edwards)

GDMI Sue Hackman; Gerard Descarrega Puigdevall and Willow, black lab (puppy raisers: Louise Thompson and Kim Patterson); Noemi Silva Bravo and Sheila, black lab (puppy raiser: Rickie Slinger); Miguel Clemente Solano and Molly, black lab (puppy raiser: Mickey Millen)

Home Delivery: Jo Hager and Leo, yellow lab (puppy raiser: G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility)

Contact Us by Phone, Email or TextYour first point of contact for assistance is always the client services department. You can reach them by calling 888–777–5332, or email or text us at clientservices@leaderdog.org.

Questions, Comments or SuggestionsPlease send them to UpdateEditor@leaderdog.org or call 888–777–5332 ext. 1158.