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Guide Dogs of the Desert - August 2009 Newsletter
  

August Graduation
 
Grad Dog
Guide Dogs of the Desert and our Graduating class of August 2009 invite you to a celebration of Mobility and Independence.
Date: Sunday,
August 30, 2009
Time: 2pm
Place: Encinitas Community and Senior Center - 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024.

This event is limited to 100 attendees.
RSVP is requested.
Please contact Kim Laidlaw for reservations. (760) 329-6257 or [email protected].

Service animals & service animals in training welcome. Please no personal dogs. 
Blind Driver Challenge
 
Blind car driver
Virgina Tech is working on a project to create a vehicle that is capable of being operated by a blind driver.

Following the inception of the project in 2006, the team designed a unique tactile and audio
feedback system capable of relaying speed and directional information to a blind driver. Last year, this system was tested with human subjects using a computer simulation to analyze their effectiveness under user control in a real-time environment. Read More.
Trina's Tip of the Month
trina pup

Traveling with your companion animals can be a fun adventure - whether it's just for one day or several weeks. To make the experience happy and enjoyable for everyone, here are some tips to help you keep your companion safe and comfortable during your journey.
 
Identification
Don't leave home without a collar and current identification on your dog or cat. A cell phone number is highly recommended.
 
Vaccinations and Health Records
Be sure all your companion animal's vaccinations are current;
Bring copies of your animal's vaccination records with you and a health certificate from your vet;
If you have a pet on regular medication, be sure to bring along a a little extra in case you are delayed;
If you are going to be using a boarding kennel during your vacation, they will require your pet be vaccinated for Bordatella (kennel cough) - at least one week prior to your departure.
 
Automobile Safety
Consider purchasing a seatbelt designed specifically for your size dog to keep them safe or a crate for dogs, cats or other species that keep these animals safe in a car;
In many states it is against the law to allow a dog to ride in the back of a pickup truck unless they are in a crate that is secure;
Do not let an animal ride on your lap while driving - it is unsafe for them and for you and any other passengers;
More frequently than people, animals need to stretch their legs when traveling in a car - do online research before your trip to find dog parks and rest stops along your route.
 
Boat Safety
If boating, be sure to outfit your pet with a life jacket;
Don't let an inexperienced dog move freely around a boat - give them time to get their sea legs.
 
Airline Travel
Airlines have heat and cold restrictions. Small animals can ride in the cabin uner your seat. For larger animals, check with Pet Airways, an airline designed just for your pet;
If you are flying with an animal do not tranquilize them in any way. Tranquilization can sometimes create respiratory problems and put your pet at serious risk;
Make sure the airline crate use is airline approved - normal requirements include air vents on all sides, a securely locking door, and a size that allows your animal to be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position;
Check with your airline carrier when making reservations to make sure you understand all the requirements.
 
Lodging
There are a number of websites on the Internet that provide information on pet friendly lodging;
Bring a crate with you to keep the animal confined in the room when you are gone - this prevents any accidents or trouble your pet might get into, which can significantly increase the pet or damage fees;
You may want to research local pet day care centers close to your destination so that your animal can enjoy their day in. Again, you will need a health certificate from your vet to enroll your dog.

Vert.Helpapup 

 
gddweblogo 
 
P.O. Box 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92282
 
Guide Dog Depot
125 Tahquitz Canyon
Palm Springs, CA
 
Campus
60740 Dillon Road
Whitewater, CA 92282

 
Phone: 760.329.6257
Fax: 760.329.2866

www.gddca.org   
 
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Join Our Mailing List
Guide Dogs of the Desert is on Facebook. Join Facebook, talk with other GDD friends and help support us.
 
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase
 
  --- Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Ever wonder why our guide dogs are trained
 so well?
 Come take a dog obedience class with us and find out!  More info. 
obdience training 
Used Glasses Needed
glasses
Lions Sight Clinic is looking for "used" glasses
to give to underpriviledged families. Please drop off any unneeded glasses to Guide Dogs of the Desert. We appreciate any and all donations. 

doggonewild

                       LAST CALL!princess roseAttention all Dogs!...
Join us on Facebook for our Dog Gone Wild Contest! Post photos and your story of the craziest event, or place your owner has taken you. Have you been to the Grand Canyon, a ghost town or maybe to a different country? Perhaps you have met the president, had tea with royalty or attended a wacky party and were the belle of the ball. We will have a great gift bag of items from Guide Dogs of the Desert for the winner. 
Contest Rules:  
  1. Must be documented by a picture(s) as well as a story.
  2. Must not put your dog at risk of injury.
  3. Must enter the story and photo under the Dog Gone Wild Event on our Facebook Page.
  4. Deadline for all entries is September 15, 2009. Winner will be announced on Facebook and in our October newsletter.
Click here for Facebook.
Upcoming Events  
 
   August 15
15th Annual Summer Fling
Hosted by Guide Dogs of the Desert Club
 Visit our website for more info  
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August 26
Redlands Yappy Hour!
Smiley Park, Redlands 
Visit our website for more info  
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August 30
August 2009 Graduation
Encinitas Community and Senior Center - 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas, CA
Reservations Required.
Please call Kim Laidlaw for info. (760) 329-6257
 
Visit our website for more info    
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 September 27
 Milauskas Eye Institute "Help a Puppy Become a Hero" Golf Tourney    
Dog News
Blind Dog
  It's not unusual for visually-impaired humans to rely on a guide dog - but now a shelter in Norfolk has found a blind border collie with his own inseparable canine companion. Read More
Entertainment Books
 for Sale
entertainment book 
 
GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT
CLUB FUNDRAISER
 
It's that time of year again when we are selling Entertainment Books to support

gddweblogo

The 2010 books will be available on August 20, 2009.  Besides the great savings on restaurants, shopping, services, etc. They make great gifts for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Prices range from $25-$45. For more information please call Shirlee Ann White at
(949)-500-9965 or email [email protected] with your orders as soon as possible.
Guide Dogs of the Desert 
 would  like to thank our sponsors for their support.
  
petco
 
NaturalBalance
 
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