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August 2014 - Executive Director Message
 | | Sarah Clapp |
August brings on the Dog Days of Summer - the sultry, hot days of July and August. And while the desert temperatures have been hot - and sultry from the swirling monsoons that bring humidity to the desert, it hasn't been too hot and sultry to initiate five litters of puppies being checked in for evaluations and then checked out to Puppy Raiser families, to begin their training as a guide dog. In all, over 30 puppies were coming and going during July and into the early days of August. They were quite a sight to behold!
A very big THANK YOU and shout out to Teri and Evan Hughes, along with Betty and Ron Evans, who graciously underwrote the new Shade Structure for the puppy play area. Also underwritten was one of the power washes needed in the Kennel. Thank you Steve Christ. Thanks also to Stacy and Jim Jacobs for crate pads, Sandy and Joey Esposito for dog bones, Liz Halperin and Donna and Larry Cutner for dryers. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has responded to meet the Special Summer Needs.
Your trust in the mission of Guide Dogs of the Desert - and generosity - make so much possible. For instance, if you are an Amazon.com shopper, consider completing your online shopping through Amazon Smile program - and naming Guide Dogs of the Desert. A percentage of your total is donated back to the school. And with upcoming events or dining/shopping days, your participation garners additional funds for the school. Every guide dog and client directly benefits from your participation.
Events during August include the Founder's Club annual Summer Fling event on Saturday, August 16, held at the Guide Dogs of the Desert facility. BBQ dinner will be available as folks do their best to be the winning bidder on the Silent Auction items. AND Ruby's Diner - downtown Palm Springs - is hosting a Dining Event the entire week of August 11 - 18. Remember to print out the event flyer and join us one evening at Ruby's. To wrap up August fundraising events, Chico's (The Village at Arrowhead) in Glendale, AZ is hosting a Shopping Event Day - Wednesday, August 27, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Thank you Board Member, Cynthia Woods, for making this possible. Come shop with us!
If you are traveling to escape the Inland Empire high temperatures, I wish you safe travels. And if you're hanging around to enjoy all Southern California has to offer, our best wishes to you to enjoy a tall, refreshing glass of lemonade and a toast to the Dog Days of Summer.
Sarah Clapp
Executive Director
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UPCOMING EVENTS
to benefit
 SAVE THESE DATES
August 16, 2014
5:30 pm - Happy Hour
6:45 pm - Dinner
Guide Dogs of the Desert
______________________Dine in at Ruby's August 11th - August 18th - 2014 7:00 am - to close At Ruby's Palm Springs - Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs __________________
Arrowhead Chico's Shopping Day
August 27, 2014
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
67th Ave. and 101 Freeway Arrowhead, Arizona
______________________ or call 760-329-6257
for more event details
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 Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Guide Dogs of the Desert every time you shop, at no cost to you.
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices,
vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Guide Dogs of the Desert!
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Puppy Pass Out Day
We have been blessed this month with puppy madness! Here are photos from one of our Puppy Pass Out Days!
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Receptionists: Wellness
Center/Kennel
Monday - FridayHours are flexible!!
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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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Guide Dogs of the Desert
Sponsorship Opportunities
Would you like to know about our sponsorship opportunities? Please Click Here for more information! |
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Partners with Custom
Canines Service Dog Academy
For PTS, autism and medical alert training and placement.
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Receptionists needed!
We are in need of receptionists! Do you have a few hours one day a week during the summer where you can help us out by answering phones? Please contact Curt Bergeron at 760-329-6257 and let us know if you can help!
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Board of Directors
Albert T. Milauskas, MD - Chair
Leonard Sigdestad, DVM - Vice Chair
Cynthia Woods - Secretary
Clark Hallren - Treasurer
Patricia Craine
Phil Dombrowski
Jim Klocek
Raymond McLean
Sha Newman
Bob Niez
Honorary Board Members
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
Administration
Debbie Sloss-Coyle
Database Manager
Marjorie Griffith
Part-Time Admin. Assistant
Shean Pao
Creative Manager
Linda Samulski
Student Services
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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We now have a puppy shade up in our Puppy Wellness Center!
 Thank you to Teri and Evan Hughes, and Betty and Ron Evans for the generous donation of funds to bring shade to our puppies while they are playing outside. Valley Patios did a great job installing the shade!
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Donor Spotlight
Guide Dogs of the Desert Founders Club
 The Founder's Club supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert was established in 1982 to raise money to further the mission of the organization, providing guide dogs to the blind for safe mobility, companionship and independence. The membership knows no territorial boundaries and all are welcome to join. The Founder's Club meets on a monthly basis to plan fundraising activities to support Guide Dogs of the Desert. Some of the events the Founder's Club actively sponsor include Bunco fundraisers held twice a year, sale of World Class Chocolate candy bars, a variety of restaurant promotions, and annual sales of Entertainment Books. The Club's major fundraiser, held annually, is the upcoming Summer Fling which offers a fun evening of basket drawings, silent auction items and a yummy dinner menu along with a no host bar. This year's Fling is a western-themed BBQ and is Saturday, August 16, held at the Guide Dogs of the Desert campus. "As puppy raisers, my mom, Joy Stadler, and I wanted to do more for Guide Dogs of the Desert," states member and puppy raiser, Penie Belger. "We joined The Founder's Club many years ago to raise funds for the school and help promote Guide Dogs of the Desert to the public. Mom and I really enjoy helping produce the Summer Fling." Founder's Club members are always exploring fundraising ideas throughout the year. Their annual efforts raise approximately $10,000, which Guide Dogs of the Desert gratefully utilizes to support its mission. Shirlee Ann White New recently shared she became a member of the Guide Dogs of the Desert Founder's Club when her former husband, Jud White, graduated with guide Fillmore. "In the Graduate Binder was an application to join the Founder's Club. After Jud passed away, I wanted to stay active in supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert because I knew, first-hand, how much these wonderful dogs provided independence and mobility to a blind person. Jud's independence was enhanced when he was with Fillmore." If you are interested in becoming a member or hosting a fundraising event on behalf of The Founder's Club, feel free to contact Guide Dogs of the Desert, (760) 329-6257, who will put a club member in touch with you. Your participation will help give a blind person "sight" with having a guide dog at its side. |
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Article Headline
Graduate Spotlight
Petra Janes and McKeever
Blind since birth, Petra hasn't let anything stop her from work or play. Before retiring, she worked at United Airlines as a reservations sales representative.
Retirement hasn't slowed her down and McKeever, her German Shepherd guide, is always by her side. Petra and her husband raise llamas, so as they work around the property, McKeever gets her where she needs to go. "Amazingly, she hasn't let me step in any patties or pies" Petra states. They are always traveling together too. Since graduating in November 2013, they've gone to Texas, S. Dakota, Arizona, and Nevada.
"My guide dog breed of choice is a German Shepherd as they are always focused on where they are going and what they are doing. I believe that McKeever is the best guide I've ever had; the trainers did an excellent job."
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Petra, McKeever and Madam Rue
at the Fairplay Llama Race,
Jul 26, 2014
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Petra, her husband, and McKeever live in a remote area of Colorado. Note: Guide Dogs Of The Desert would like to thank Petra for her donation of a Versa-point Braille printer. This will enable us to Braille material for resource fairs and clients coming in to class.
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Saluting our Graduate Dogs!
 | | Mikey |
Hi! I couldn't resist sending this picture of our son, Jordan's dog, Mikey.
Mikey is almost ten years old and still going strong as Jordan's guide. They are set to graduate from college in December, and we are reminded every day how lucky we are to have him in our lives!
Mikey was part of the M litter of Megan and Gil. He was puppy raised by Roger in Alaska, which is why he loves the Wisconsin winters! As always, Guide Dogs of the Desert and all the wonderful people there will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Sally C. Johnson
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Trina's July TipsTraveling Tips
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 seat belt 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.
Tranquilizers 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.
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Special Summer Needs
Help keep our puppies and dogs happy and healthy this summer. Below is a list of specific needs from our Kennel Department and Breeding Center. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are appreciated.
Kong toys - $12.99 each. Quantity needed: 20
Pawprint Crate Mats (42"x28") - $32.99 each.
Quantity needed: 20
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Deluxe Full tread Aluminum Dog Crates with Rubber Mats
- $1,375.00 (with shipping and tax). Quantity needed (8).
Please call Curt to underwrite one of or part of the following:
Kool Fog Misting System - $5,000. Quantity needed: 1
Troy Bilt 2800-PSI Gas Pressure Washer with Briggs and Stratton Engine - $319.00. Quantity needed: 1
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JOIN US FOR OUR
20th ANNUAL SUMMER FLING!
Saturday, August 16, 2014 Guide Dogs of the Desert
Theme: Western
5:30 Happy Hour - 6:45 Dinner
No "Daisy Dukes" - (No short shorts)
Location: Guide Dogs of the Desert. 60735 Dillon Road, Whitewater, CA
Opportunity prizes and silent auction
$30.00 per person - Includes Dinner
Chicken and Pork BBQ
By reservation only - payment in advance. Limited to 180 people.
Reservations close on August 9, 2014
Send reservation and payment to:
Jim Klocek, 35620 Panorama Drive, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Please make checks out to
Guide Dogs of the Desert Founder's Club
For information call:
Jim Klocek 909-215-7321
Joy Stadler 909-592-1622
Guide Dogs of the Desert 760-329-6257
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Dine in at Rubys
Come Dine at Ruby's and 20% of all food and non-alcoholic beverage sales (when accompanied with flyer) will be donated to Guide Dogs of the Desert.
August 11th - August 18th - 2014
7:00 am - Close
At Ruby's Palm Springs
155 S. Palm Canyon Dr. - Suite A6
Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 406-7829
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CHICO'S SHOPPING DAY!
Glendale, Arizona
 Arrowhead Chico's in Glendale, Arizona is having a special shopping day fundraiser to benefit Guide Dogs of the Desert.
August 27, 2014
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Arrowhead Chico's
20022 N 67th Avenue,
Glendale, Arizona 85308
(67th and 101 Freeway)
Join us for a terrific shopping day in August. Chico's will be donating 10% from their sales to Guide Dogs of the Desert. Shop the latest in women's designer fashion and clothing. Chico's carries full lines of jackets, tops, pants, jeans, dresses, skirts and accessories. When purchasing, be sure to let your sales associate know you are there for the Guide Dogs of the Desert shopping event.
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Santa Paws 5k 2014
Attention Puppy Raisers!
The Santa Paws 5k Run/Walk Committee is so excited to offer you a chance to have your puppy's name on the Santa Paws 5K
Event T-shirt! Limited to the first 10 puppy raisers. 
Click graphic to
download the form.
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