Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

“Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity”

 

August 2025 Monthly News Update

 

Welcome to the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Monthly News Update, a nationally recognized publication for guide dog handlers and others interested in the guide dog movement. To offer submissions or feedback, please send us a message.

 

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

  • Air quality alert. As smoke plumes from the Canadian wildfires continue to linger throughout Maine and beyond, be aware that exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution is not only harmful to humans, but also to dogs. Discover how to minimize your dog’s exposure to poor air quality from the experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Learning the ropes. Vision loss may be gradual or sudden, occur at birth or later in life, and may be the result of a genetic condition, a disease or an accident. A person may have partial vision, or none at all. But no matter the circumstances, a prerequisite to working with a guide dog is learning how to independently get around with a white cane. Watch this video from Maine’s certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists to learn more about safe and effective travel.
  • Look who’s in the news! PTGDU member Izzy Bailey, in recognition of her outstanding achievements and professional aspirations, was named as a finalist for the National Federation of the Blind’s annual scholarship program that provides financial assistance and connects students with blind mentors and other resources. Congratulations Izzy, and best of luck!
  • The end of a working partnership. Looking for help managing the complex aspects of retiring your guide dog? The Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Guide to Dog Retirement aims to normalize what you are feeling and offers suggestions on how to navigate the transition process.
  • Top Barks for all! Congratulations to guide dog school representatives Melissa Allman from The Seeing Eye, Will Henry from Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Sandy Merrill from Vision Guide Dogs for receiving awards from Guide Dog Users, Inc. A big salute also goes to Lukas Franck from The Seeing Eye for being honored with awards from both the American Foundation for the Blind and the American Council of the Blind. Many thanks to each of these individuals for their exemplary work within the guide dog community.
  • Telepathic trend. Join the world of woo woo and find out just what your dog has to say with a little help from an animal communications professional. Get the scoop on what it’s all about from a recent New York Times Wirecutter review.
  • Meet Squirrel Car! Want to know about the United Kingdom’s latest innovation in guide dog training? Read how the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association uses a fluffy toy squirrel strapped to a remote control Aston Martin car to train their dogs to resist the temptation to chase squirrels.

 

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

  • Paws for Access. A new global survey reveals widespread challenges for assistance dog handlers when accessing public spaces, despite many countries having laws to protect their rights. Among the most concerning findings are the emotional and behavioral toll on assistance dog handlers, particularly those living with blindness or low vision. Almost half of all guide dog handlers reported sometimes staying at home or avoiding public places because of the hostility they encounter when out and about. Download the full report from the Assistance Dogs International website.

 

  • Workplace guidelines. Concerned about emergency preparedness and your dog in the work place? Check out this helpful resource, Aiding Individuals with Service Animals During an Emergency, from the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Access for all? Read one woman’s account of her experience in a Florida hospital, where the staff refused to allow her husband to be with her because he was accompanied by his guide dog. The full story can be Found in the July – August issue of The Braille Forum.
  • Dealing with dog attacks. Actual dog attacks often come with little warning. It’s not unusual for guide dog handlers to feel intense confusion, fear, and powerlessness when involved in or witnessing a dog attack on their guides. Find out what Guide Dogs for the Blind recommends in its class lecture on Dog Encounters to learn more about avoiding negative conflicts with other dogs.
  • Trouble free trip. Whether it’s a work trip, weekend getaway, family vacation, or a longer stay, the Airbnb’s Accessibility Policy should help to ensure that you and your guide dog will be welcome when you arrive.

 

Gear, Supplies and Dog Toys

This section features a brief description of items favored by guide dog teams but is not intended as an endorsement of the actual products.

Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Dog Treats

Reward your dog’s good behavior! Cloud Star Tricky Trainers with Cheddar Crunchy Dog Treats are made with simple, wholesome ingredients, including real cheese. At just 2 calories per treat, the irresistible smell and taste of these tiny, high-value training morsels can help to enhance your training sessions. Tricky Trainers contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and no wheat, corn, dairy, or soy. Ideal for dogs of all ages and sizes, including small, medium, and large breeds. Available in a variety of flavors and two textures. A 12-ounce bag costs $10.00.

 

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

This section features a favorite recipe from the guide dog community.

Guide Dog Foundation

Frozen Banana Dog Treats

Switch up the peanut butter with canned pumpkin or crushed blueberries for a delightful twist to this canine favorite.

Ingredients

1 banana, frozen

12 ounces plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup peanut butter

Directions

Blend banana, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth. Spoon into silicon molds and freeze for about 2 hours. Pop out of the molds and serve! Uneaten treats can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer for 2 weeks.

 

About Us

This monthly news update is a publication of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization serving blind and low vision residents of Maine and beyond. Founded in 1997, PTGDU’s mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life. Visit us on the web or follow us on Facebook.