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Executive Director Message
 | | Sarah Clapp |
Happy New Year! With a new year comes the opportunity to change and grow. Your shared suggestions, feedback on processes and materials, along with opportunities to be involved continue to be evaluated and incorporated into new beginnings. An exciting 2014 is in store at Guide Dogs of the Desert. We especially want to thank you for your participation at Lobsterfest (Kudos to Jensen's Fine Food Market in Palm Springs) and the 2nd Santa Paws 5k Run/Walk. Your support far exceeded our expectations and we are most appreciative. Looking ahead - we have some fun events being planned - the Milauskas Eye Institute Golf Tournament, a Wine/Puppy Art Reception in the Spring, Graduations of more classes, and most importantly, setting aside a special time to recognize and appreciate our Puppy Raisers and Volunteers. Stay tuned! The staff, volunteers and Board continue to be inspired by your interest and valued support. Your generous donations allow Guide Dogs of the Desert to offer the highest quality, custom-trained guide dogs and ongoing support to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Thank you for partnering with our mission. We encourage your ongoing input and communication throughout the year. Our very best wishes to you for 2014!
Blessings,
Sarah Clapp
Executive Director |
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UPCOMING EVENTSto benefit  SAVE THESE DATES
___________________ Tour de Palm SpringsFebruary 8, 2014 ____________________ Milauskas Eye Institute
"Help a Puppy Become a Hero"
Golf Tournament
April 6, 2014 Terra Lago Golf Resort For information please contact Barb Kovacs at (760) 340-3937 ____________________ Visit our website or call 760-329-6257 for more event details _________________________ Still need a 2014 calendar? Guide Dogs of the Desert
calendars are for sale.
Call 760-329-6257 to
purchase yours now!
Cost: $10.00 plus $2.25 shipping per calendar.  Thank you to Natural Balance for making our calendars possible!______________________
VISIT OUR PHOTO GALLERY 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Receptionists needed
at the Guide Dogs of
the Desert Administration
and Wellness Center.
Monday - Friday
Hours are flexible!!
_______________________
Volunteers needed to
help clean the kennels daily from 8am-12pm Please contact Jennifer at 760-329-7366 or email her at jpinder@gddca.org _____________________ Guide Dogs of the Desert would
like to thank its sponsors
for their support
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Guide Dogs of the Desert is a Lions California Multiple District Endorsed
project and an
approved Lions Club
International project.
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Congratulations to Emily Goodland!
 | | Emily and Sidney |
Emily passed her California State Test and is now a Licensed Guide Dog mobility Instructor and Orientation and Mobility Instructor.
Congratulations Emily!
Guide Dogs of the Desert now has five licensed instructors!
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Beijing To OK Taking
Guide Dog on Public Transportation
Municipal authorities in Beijing are considering a new law which allow the blind population in the capital to take their guide dogs on public transportation.
CRI's Chi Huiguang has more.
Chinese audiences will remember the scene during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games when Ping Yali, China's first paralympic champion, was guiding into the event's happenings by her seeing-eye dog, Lucky, to complete the penultimate torch relay.
At the time, Beijing authorities issued a regulation about the use and management of guide-dogs during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ping and Lucky were welcomed openly by public transportation operators and hotels around the city during the Games.
"I thought that, since there was a temporary residence, can permanent residence be far away? The spring of guide dogs is coming." Read entire article here
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Blindness Facts
It is estimated that about 1.3 million people in the U.S. are legally blind. Legal blindness refers to central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Each year 75,000 more people in the United States will become blind or visually impaired. It is estimated that as many as 10 million Americans are blind or visually impaired.
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Board of Directors
Bob Niez - Chair
Cynthia Woods - Vice Chair
Jim Klocek - Treasurer
Patricia Craine
Clark Hallren
Raymond McLean
Albert T. Milauskas, MD
Sha Newman
Leonard Sigdestad, DVM
Honorary Board Members
James Garner
Peter Marshall
Kit and Arnold Palmer
Dick Van Patten
Tom Sullivan
Betty White
Our Staff
Management Team
Sarah Clapp
Executive Director
Trina Began
Canine Development
Curt Bergeron
Finance, Facilities & Operations
Lori Miller
Breeding & Canine Development
Bob Wendler
Canine Operations
Kim Laidlaw
Grant Writer, marketing
& public relations
Administration
Debbie Sloss-Coyle
Database Manager
Marjorie Griffith
Part-Time Admin. Assistant
Shean Pao
Creative Manager
Linda Samulski
Student Services
Jennifer Pinder
Kennel Manager
Angela Coleman
Cheri Duncan
Mike McCullough
Licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructors & Orientation
& Mobility Instructors
Emily Goodland
Michal Anna Padilla
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P.O. Box 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92263
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Training Facility
60-735 Dillon Road
Whitewater, CA 92282
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
Phone: 760-329-6257
Fax: 760-329-2866
Toll free: 888-883-0022
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Thank you Patti Wheeler!
 | Patti, Dennis
and Taxi |
Eight years ago Patti Wheeler and her husband, Dennis, became puppy raisers and extraordinary volunteers for Guide Dogs of the Desert. For the past few years in particular, Patti has overseen the management of - and coordinated - the Puppy Raiser/Sponsor information, keeping track of the comings and goings of the dogs and providing quarterly updates. In addition to this monumental task, Patti has also served as the Volunteer Coordinator which has ensured the appropriate and adequate representation of Puppy Raisers and Ambassadors attended events benefiting the organization.
Patti now has some wonderful ministry opportunities to fulfill, serving alongside her husband Dennis, as well as mentoring opportunities with new chaplain wives. She will be stepping down in her volunteer role related to the Puppy Raiser/Sponsor management and Volunteer Coordinator. She and Dennis are still staying active as Puppy Raisers and attending events, as their schedule permits.
Thank you Patti, for all you have done (and will continue to do) that supports the delivery of the mission of Guide Dogs of the Desert. We will miss your weekly visits to the office but we know that God has a greater calling for you at this time. Our best wishes to you and Dennis.
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THE 16th ANNUAL TOUR DE PALM SPRINGS
 THE 16th ANNUAL TOUR de PALM SPRINGS is one of the finest charity cycling events in America! Over 10,000 bicyclists ride to support over 100 local charities in the Coachella Valley while being serenaded by over 25 bands & choirs of all types: Symphony, Jazz, Rock 'n Roll and Marching bands. There will be over 1,000 volunteers assisting you along with the way.
Please use Promo Code GDD when you pre-register and Guide Dogs of the Desert will receive 100% of your registration fee.
Please advise your contacts to insert the Guide Dogs of the Desert's code in this box that says:
(If you are riding on behalf of a charity please enter their code below - Codes provided by the Charity) it is on the 2nd page after you fill in your name and information.
DO NOT enter it in the "Promotion Code" box that is on the first page of the registration sheet since that is an entirely separate function.
This year Tour de Palm Springs has added a 1, 2, and 3 mile walk. If riders want to solicit pledges GDD receives 100% of those as well.
FEBRUARY 7, 2014
Vendor Expo & Onsite Registration
Noon - 8:00pm
Vendor Expo & Onsite Registration
6:00pm - 9:00pm - Tour de Jazz
Info & Bike Rentals:
SIGN UP TODAY:
www.TourDePalmSprings.com
FEBRUARY 8, 2014 - Ride Day
6:00am - Registration Opens
6:30am-8:00am - 100 Mile Ride (staggered start)
8:00am-9:00am - 55 Mile Ride (staggered start)
9:30am - 25 Mile Ride
10:00am - 15, 10, 5 and 1 Mile Rides
1, 2 or 3 Mile Celebrity Walk
SIGN UP TODAY:
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Pet Talk: Blind Portland woman's new guide dog
provides comfort and confidence
 | Sherrie Woods
and Blake |
About two months ago, Southwest Portland resident Sherrie Woods' world got a whole lot brighter - thanks to a fluffy male blue standard poodle named Blake.
Woods has glaucoma, a disease that causes optic nerve damage and can lead to blindness.
She was in Mexico for a language immersion program when her vision began to deteriorate significantly.
"Everything turned really foggy," she recalls.
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Puppy Raiser Corner
Cindy Lyon
 | Cindy, Noelle
and Hilton |
For a few years a friend had been asking me about becoming a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of the Desert. I just couldn't. Who can love and cherish a puppy and then give it up?
In 2004 change happened and I agreed to do it. Almost 10 years later, I'm raising my eighth puppy. It has been a most rewarding and challenging experience. I was fortunate to puppy raise Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, the cross of the two, and currently German Shepherds.
Each dog breed has had its unique qualities along with individual personalities. Some are more challenging then others. Two of my puppies, Kelly and Angel, became breeders. These two girls have produced many successful working and breeder dogs.
It is amazing that we are family here at Guide Dogs of the Desert, through our pups. Most puppy raisers are known by the puppies rather than the human. We know more dogs names than humans. It sounds silly but we all get a good laugh.
Since joining Guide Dogs, I have become an ambassador for the school. This involves speaking engagements, setting up, and staffing Guide Dogs of the Desert booths for community awareness. Most recently, I was appointed an area leader for the Southwest part of the Inland Empire. I have been a member of the Guide Dogs Founders Club for nine years and served as President for two years. I have also sponsored three puppies, Taxi (Yellow Labrador), Baxter (German Shepherd), and Damie (Golden Retriever).
Guide Dogs gives me a sense of purpose about really what matters in life. My love for dogs and the act for human kindness is what enriches me as a person. Every one asks me "is this my job?" It is not a job it's a pleasure.
Cindy Lyon
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Trina's Tips
As you set your resolutions for 2014, don't forget to consider ways to improve your pet's well being, too. Providing a little bit of extra grooming or playtime for your pet can go a long way. We suggest you start by making a few simple resolutions that will keep your furry friends healthy and happy in the coming years. Here are some easy ways to get started: Exercise time! Before you rush to join a gym, consider ways to incorporate your pet into your new workout routine. Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day-jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great options. Engage your cat with rousing play sessions of chase and fetch with furry toys, and spend time with your birds and other animals living within your household. Battle the bulge. Humans aren't the only ones who might need to cut back on excess food after the holidays. This year, vow to lay off giving table scraps and consider switching your cat or dog to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food. Schedule a check-up. Give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses by scheduling regular check-ups for your pet. If it's been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make an appointment today! IDs, please! Get an updated look by outfitting all of your animal companions-even indoor pets-with an ID tag. Implanted microchips are also a smart option. This New Year brings new changes in healthcare for us humans, so now is as good a time as any to plan for long term care for your pets. Approximately 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide each year, and approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). As a responsible guardian, it is important to think about who would care for your pets in the event of your inability, illness, or even death, and to implement a plan to prevent your pets from ending up in a shelter where their future remains uncertain. For more ways on how to plan for your pets future, please visit this link provided by the ASPCA. Link to ASPC
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Lorna Luft Sings
"I See Through the Eyes of My Friend"
The song, "I See Through the Eyes of My Friend," was originally composed for the 2003 movie Stuck on You, starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear. In 2013, composer Irwin Rubinsky modified the lyrics to emphasize the unique bond between a blind person and their guide dog.
With the assistance of her producer/husband, Colin Freeman, Lorna Luft recorded the song which then debuted at the November 24, 2013 Guide Dogs of the Desert Graduation.
Lorna and Irwin have graciously given Guide Dogs of the Desert the full right to sell the song on its website - www.gddca.org - with all proceeds benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert.
Click on the link below to download the song for $1.49! Lorna Luft Sings "I See Through the Eyes of My Friend" Lorna Luft is the daughter of Judy Garland and Sid Luft. She is an American television, stage, film actress and singer. She and her husband, Colin, reside in Rancho Mirage and are valued supporters and puppy raisers for Guide Dogs of the Desert.
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