Just days into 2024 and we are thrilled to share our next class is starting soon!
A woman is seated outside on the Guide Dogs of the Desert campus. You can see a campus building and palm trees behind her. In front of her a standard poodle is sitting in a brand new guide dog harness. She is pressed against the woman's knees, with her head high, her chest puffed out in almost a prideful posture.
Guide Dogs of the Desert is excited to announce our upcoming class is coming soon! At the end of January we will be welcoming our first class of 2024 to campus to begin training with their guide dogs. Make sure you continue to follow along to hear more about our students, their new partnerships and graduation. Save the date for Graduation on February 17th! It is free and open to the public- we hope to see you there!
Welcome to our newest volunteers and puppy raisers! We are excited to have those of you joining us for our next volunteer orientation on January 19th! Want to volunteer, or have a question about orientation? Reach out to Lisa Morand at lmorand@gddca.org
Our incredible team of staff and volunteers will be hosting information tables at VillageFest in Palm Springs on January 4th & 25th. We will also be at the College of the Desert Street Fair on January 6th & 21st. Come out and say hi to our team, or learn more about what we do!
Three Labradors sit in a row. From left to right is Dakota, a chocolate lab, Arrow, a black lab, and Princess, a yellow lab. These three dogs are guide dogs who are in for training. They are currently working with our instructors to learn what it takes to be a guide dog.
whats up with our pups?
Guide Dogs of the Desert is thrilled to send our poodle pups off to their puppy raising families!
The above photo features a collage of three images. The first on the top right, shows a small brown poodle pup, curled up and sleeping in someone's lap. The second photo along the left edge of the frame shows the same poodle pup, several weeks older, sitting in Corinna (GDD Intern)'s lap, looking at the camera. The last photo shows a group photo of very young poodle pups snuggled together.
Remember our poodle pups? These guys were born in October and have been spending time on campus getting used to the world around them. They have received daily care and education-based play facilitated by our amazing staff and volunteers! Through this, they've learned some of the most important basics, like interacting with people, pups, and environmental stimulation too!
At long last, they are ready to take the next step forward in their journey through puppyhood. On Friday, January 12th, these puppies will be making their way to their puppy raising homes. Each of these future guide dogs are being placed with a volunteer who has made a commitment to helping them build the crucial foundation needed for guide dog work.
These pups will learn basic obedience commands, and how to be on their best behavior in all circumstances. The willingness of these volunteers to set each pup up for success has an impact that lasts a lifetime.
Puppies are named by supporters like you, who generously give to support the first steps in this puppy's two-year journey through training. The support of these contributors directly provides for the care and training of each pup. Individuals and groups can work together to give a gift that has a lasting impact on a puppy!
Black Labrador guide dog, Kenny, is shown sitting in harness on cement in front of a low wall made of rock. Behind the wall you can see the ocean, and off to the right a wooden dock. The sunset in the background is bright, yellow and orange, reflecting on the water.
"United Flight 2772 with nonstop service to Bonaire is now boarding at Gate C121". Fueled by caffeine and wanderlust, Kenny and I boarded our early morning flight to Bonaire- Kenny's first international trip!
Bonaire is a small Caribbean island that's just 24 miles long. This tiny country is most known for water sports- particularly SCUBA diving. They don't have many sidewalks, or fully paved roads. Service dogs are not common on the island, and there are no legal protections to ensure their access to public places.
Basically- we had our work cut out for us!
Each time Kenny and I planned to go anywhere on the island, we had to be ready for anything. Our ability to go anywhere together was not promised. In some instances, I contacted places in advance, explaining his role and requesting permission. Other times, this involved lengthy conversations with staff at a location, explaining why Kenny was needed.
For many, Kenny was the first service dog they ever met, and some of them had no idea dogs could be trained to do the things he can. While we took this trip to SCUBA dive, and spend time with family, this quickly became an experience of advocacy, education, humility and gratitude. The added level of diligence and awareness around Kenny's access to places was a really impactful space to appreciate the liberties we have here in the U.S.
The dramatic change in climate did spark an ear infection for Kenny early into the week. For those of you with dogs, you know ear infections are not uncommon, and are pretty easy to resolve. However, when it comes to tracking down that resolution in a country that speaks a different language, it's a whole new kind of challenge.
After doing some research, we found the one vet's office on the island. Using a Wi-fi based messaging app, I was able to communicate and schedule an appointment with a Spanish speaking vet. (We did have to ensure we could get an appointment with a vet we could communicate with!) The team at this practice was so excited to learn about Kenny and his work, and happy to help get him on the mend so he could travel home without issues. We learned a lot through this; from needed technology tools, to different communication styles/strategies and even how to ask about medication types. This was a learning experience I won't soon forget!
Despite this, for Kenny, it was a trip of fun and excitement. One of his favorite things is to watch the ocean. He doesn't really want to swim in it, but he appreciates just sitting and staring at the crashing waves. He was so happy that all week long he could admire the clear, Caribbean waters. Each morning he loved sitting on the dock and taking in the view. Each afternoon, as we explored, Kenny would ask to stop and just admire the ocean for a minute, always gravitating to where he could work while still keeping an eye on the sights of the rolling waves. He just loved being able to see his favorite thing all day, every day!
Working a guide dog is filled with so many moments of independence and confidence, empowered by the strong and capable pull through the harness handle. But there's something just a little bit extra exciting about heading out of the country and knowing you can do so with safety, certainly and freedom. That with harness in hand, and paws by my side, the world is limitless.
Black lab guide dog Kenny is sitting, in harness. Palm trees and carribean-esque plants are visible in the background. Off to the left is an indoor/outdoor storage space, displaying an array of SCUBA diving equipment.
Guide Dogs of the Desert was honored to be chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the Gift of Love concert series. For the last six years, Barry Manilow has generously dedicated a five day concert series to supporting local non-profits in the Coachella Valley. Guide Dogs of the Desert was one of the 25 chosen charities. Proceeds from this event went directly to benefit the selected organizations.
Held in Palm Desert each December, this generous outreach really brings to light the need to focus on supporting and impacting local non-profit organizations. Mr. Manilow chooses to contribute all proceeds towards making a difference. This year GDD was honored to receive a contribution of $24,500 from this event.
Guide Dogs of the Desert Executive Director, Robert Maher, was able to meet Mr. Manilow on stage, with GDD ambassador dog, Dahabo and puppy in training, Alex.
We are humbled and appreciative for the outpouring of support from both Mr. Manilow and all in attendance. Thank you for making this lasting impact on both Guide Dogs of the Desert, and the Coachella Valley!
Young yellow lab puppy in training, Alex, is shown with his puppy raiser Johanne Chenel, greeting Barry Manilow. Barry is bent down to pet the young pup. Alex is mid hop, zealous to make a new friend! Executive Director Robert Maher stands between the two, watching this precious greeting. He is holding the leash of standard poodle, Dahabo.
Thank you
Til next time,
Guide Dogs of the Desert Team
The Lowdown is a Guide Dogs of the Desert publication.
