|
|
|
December 2014 - Executive Director Message
 | | Shean, Sarah, Curt and Suzanne at the Paws for Independence Dinner |
The social season has officially kicked off here in the Palm Springs area and Guide Dogs of the Desert has been in the middle of some rewarding activity.
Desert Classic Charities awarded Guide Dogs of the Desert $10,000 at a luncheon in November, sponsoring two new litters of puppies. Bighorn Cares/Golf Club Charities presented a $5,000 grant to enhance the kennels with a misting system. Through the H. N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Guide Dog of the Desert is the featured CBS 2 - Eye on the Desert - December non-profit and recipient of their generous $25,000 grant.
The activity continues and we invite you to mark your calendar:
- December 6-7-8 - Jensen's Fine Foods Palm/Springs Lobsterfest,
benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert - December 7 - Guide Dogs of the Desert Graduation - 2:00 PM - at the campus
- December 20 - 3rd Annual Santa Paws 5k Run/Walk
If your calendar is already overflowing, we invite you to consider a tax-deductible Tribute Gift to Guide Dogs of the Desert. This is a wonderful way to honor family and friends at this time of year and we are poised to send your gift recipient a holiday card, featuring some of our puppies. Remember, contributions are deductible in the year they are made.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Staff, Volunteer Puppy Raisers and Ambassadors, Dazzle and I wish you Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and may your New Year be blessed with good health, good fortune, and a dash of fun adventure.
Sarah Clapp
Executive Director
Sarah Clapp
Executive Director
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
to benefit
 SAVE THESE DATES
____________________
or call 760-329-6257
for more event details
|
|
Guide Dogs of the Desert's Kennel Needs
TP256 Gallon 256 Wintergreen disinfectant $35.00 each. Need (12)
TF400 Dura Chews Souper 7 ˝ " $11.00 when ordering 6 or more. Need (24)
RR297 8" 50 pieces per box pressed rawhides $79.00 per box. Need (2) boxes
Do2155 Petmate Ultra Vari kennels $100.00 each. 36"x25"x27". Need (10)
D02155 Petmate Ultra Vari kennels $120.00 each. 40"x27"x30" Need (10)
|
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Receptionists: Wellness
Center/Kennel
Monday - FridayHours 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
    | |
Guide Dogs of the Desert is a Lions California Multiple District Endorsed
project and an
approved Lions Club
International project.
|
 |
|
GIVING TUESDAY!
We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
It's a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity. |
|
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 2015 Calendars
The 2015 Calendars have arrived and are available for purchase. $5.00 each.
Shipping is $2.25
per calendar.
Call 760-329-6257 to order yours today!
|
Alaska Cruise to support
Guide Dogs of the Desert!
7-Day Inside Passage on the
Ruby Princess Embark: 07/12/2015
Disembark: 07/19/2015
PRICING STARTING AT:
Interior: $949
Ocean View: $1,599
Balcony: $1,799
Other categories available
|
|
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
Tom Sullivan
Dick Van Patten
Betty White
Our Staff
Management Team
Sarah Clapp
Executive Director
Trina Began
Canine Development
Curt Bergeron
Finance, Facilities & Operations
Lori Miller
Breeding Program
Bob Wendler
Administration
Debbie Sloss-Coyle
Database Manager
Shean Pao
Creative Manager
Linda Samulski
Student Services
Suzanne Suter
Receptionist
Kennel Manager
David Anthony
Angela Coleman
Cheri Duncan
Mike McCullough
Andre Murphy
Licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructors & Orientation
& Mobility Instructors
Emily Goodland
Michal Anna Padilla
|
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
|
|
Lorna Luft Pays Forward Canine Gift of Love
 | | Colin Freeman (left) and Lorna Luft (right) with October graduate- retired Major Jim Alford, and guide dog Harlan, (Photo: Bruce Fessier/The Desert Sun ) |
Lorna Luft couldn't handle losing another dog. Not after the death of her beloved Dalmatians in Los Angeles. Not after having given up another dog to Operation Freedom Paws after it had become like a family member through 18 months of training.
"I don't think I can do this again," the singer-actress said when a Guide Dogs of the Desert trainer put a yellow Labrador puppy in her arms.
But she did do it again. She took adorable little Harlan home because her house seemed so empty after giving up his veritable step-brother, Gene. In her heart, she also knew it was a blessing to train a dog to be a hero for someone else.
But, after training and caring for Harlan for a year, Harlan became her hero.
One year after reluctantly taking Harlan into the Rancho Mirage home she shares with her husband, Colin Freeman, Luft was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the shock waves of having a doctor look at her and say the word "cancer," through breast surgery and four months of chemotherapy and another month of radiation, Harlan, stood by her as more than just a companion. He was her rock; her soldier who never left his post no matter where his master went.
|
SPECIAL THANK YOU'S
to our SPECIAL DONORS!
Desert Classic Charities
Donates $800,000 to Local Charities. Desert Classic Charities, the nonprofit that organizes the Humana Challenge golf tournament, gave $800,000 Tuesday to Coachella Valley charities. Guide Dogs of the Desert is thankful to be one of the receiving charities of their generous donation. Thank You Desert Classic Charities!Read Story Here____________________________________ Guide Dogs of the Desert wishes to thank
BIGHORN Cares
For their generous donation!
 __________________________________________ We would like to say a very big THANK YOU
to Steve Christ, and Veon Ng of Oasis Brands, Inc.
for donating 3,840 rolls of paper towels to Guide Dogs of the Desert!
|
|
Guide Dog Team
SPOTLIGHT
 | | Linda Samulski and Lara |
This month's spotlight is a little different than the ones in the past.
As the holiday season is upon us, it is a time of reflection and giving thanks for all of the blessings we have, and for all of the goodness that has been bestowed on us throughout the year.
Graduates are the recipients of the biggest blessing. This comes in the form of a wonderful guide dog who gives us safe mobility and loving companionship without restriction or condition.
We couldn't receive this gift without everyone's contribution to each component of our Guide Dogs Of the Desert program. Puppy raisers, donors, administration and fundraisers, volunteers, and trainers all work together to make it happen. Every day people sacrifice money, time, emotions, and extremely hard work.
I believe that I can speak for all of the graduates, as the student services coordinator, in thanking everyone who makes this possible.
Recognizing many graduates are actively engaged in educating and representing Guide Dogs of the Desert in their communities, there are a few I would like to acknowledge for their spirit of giving back, which has enhanced the programs and services at the school:
Cynthia Woods and Biscuit: They have served on the board for many years and contributed significantly to our programs.
Mark Schaffer and Dozer: Donated two computers with accessible screen readers last spring so that students can access their email.
Petra jane and Mckeever: Donated a Braille printer, so if requested, students can have documents in accessible format, and Braille information can be disseminated at resource fairs.
Sandy Esposito and Bobbie: Tirelessly raise funds for Guide Dogs of the Desert.
Last but not least, Jim Alford and Harlon who donated a large television for the family room in the dorm so that students who have a little vision can watch their favorite programs when there is down time while in class.
Everything that is given matters and is significant. As graduates, we appreciate all you have done, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We hope that everyone has a safe and joyous holiday filled with love, peace, and gratitude.
Linda Samulski
Student Services Coordinator
|
Benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert
|
|
DECEMBER AND FEBRUARY GRADUATIONS!
 December 7, 2014 AND February 1st, 2015
2:00 PM
Guide Dogs of the Desert Auditorium
60-735 Dillon Road, Whitewater, CA
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! |
|
3rd Annual Santa Paws 5k 2014
Saturday, December 20
(Late registration 7:30 am)
Run/Walk starts 9:00 amElf Dash approx. 10:30 am New Location!! American Legion Post400 N Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
SIGN UP NOW! Space is limited to 1000 Sign up at: www.racewire.com or at www.active.com For more information call Molly Thorpe at 760-413-6508
Entry fee is $35.00
$40.00 on race day Elf Dash ages 10 & under - $5.00 on race day
Entry fee includes: Complete Santa outfit, t-shirt, Santa medal, goodie bag and souvenir photo. Complimentary milk and cookies at end of race. Special "Doggie Bag" (treats, toys & bandana) for all dogs walking. Entry fee waived for all dogs.
**Dogs must be current with vaccinations and
remain on leash at all times.
Sponsored by the Palm Springs Marathon Runners, Whitewater Guide Dogs of the Desert Lions Club, and Palm Springs Motors Benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert
HOORAY FOR OUR FRIENDS AT PALM SPRINGS MOTORS!
While you are at the December 20th SANTA PAWS 5K, test drive 2 of their vehicles (while wearing your Santa Suit, ...of course) and Palm Springs Motors will donate $40 in your honor to GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT! Also, you will receive raffle tickets for some really great prizes (like the ones you hope to find under YOUR Christmas tree!). So, if you're running or walking, test drive before or after the race and if you didn't plan to run the race, drop by to cheer us on and take a test drive to support GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT. Wanna race? Register TODAY at racewire.com or active. com.
THANK YOU, PALM SPRINGS MOTORS!!
|
|
October Graduates Patti and Dancer
 | | Jack, Patti and Ruth with Dancer and Honor |
Honor has a hero and her name is Dancer. Dancer is Honor's older sister (same Mom, different litter). Dancer is a female, black Labrador Retriever, who was raised in Yucaipa by Honor's puppy raisers, Jack and Ruth Carey as well. The Careys also raised Dancer and Honor's Mom, Harmony (another local Yucaipa raised dog).
Sunday, Oct. 26, was a big day for the October Guide Dogs of the Desert graduates and their supporters. It was a day of celebration and the culmination of puppy raising, training of dogs and instruction for humans on how to safely enter the new world of independence and mobility. This particular class was a little extra special, in that four of the people graduating were military veterans and the fifth was a 9/11 survivor. Since Honor was named by a veteran to honor our veterans, her puppy raisers and sponsors are extra proud to be part of the graduation.
Honor's big sister, Dancer, was among the graduates. Her new partner, Patti, is an United States Marine Corps veteran and assistant director at the University of Utah. Patti states "It is the unconditional love, the special bond and trust with Dancer that is going to keep me safe."
Honor's puppy raisers participated in the graduation, sharing stories with tears of joy, as they ceremoniously turned Dancer over to Patti. Patti and Dancer are now a "newly minted" Guide Dog Team. "It is a wonderful thing to be a part of, something we are extremely proud to do," said Jack Carey.
|
December is another busy month to spend special times with family and friends. All of us pet lovers want to include our furry friends as well. Please remember some safety tips for our four-legged friends.
Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all toxic. Please keep them out of reach.
Keep pets away from Christmas tree water. This generally has chemicals added to it. This is also a breeding ground for bacteria as it tends to remain in the home for several weeks.
Tinsel and other decorations are attractive but hazardous to both dogs and cats. How much fun they would have racing around the home, but this too can cause digestive upset, intestinal blockage or even cuts from glass decorations.
Avoid leaving candles lit while not supervised.
Keep your pets on their regular diet and exercise program. This will help avoid stress both mentally and physically on their bodies. Please use caution when discarding bones, these should be taken to an outside trash to avoid pets ingesting the cooked bones that splinter easily causing blockage or tearing of the intestinal area.
Provide your pets a safe place to avoid all the festivities. Some pets become overwhelmed with the increase of people and or children in their home.
Put pets away when setting out snacks. We all enjoy our chocolate and nuts but they should be avoided by our pets.
With the extra decorating, please make sure wires are tucked away. Pets like to chew on this rubbery surface and can suffer severe burns.
Please make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag. With all the commotion it is easy for them to slip out a door. This will help ensure a safe return should they wonder off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
