Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

“Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity”

 

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 view this publication online, go to www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org.

 

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more

  • If you haven’t joined us yet, now’s the perfect time. Come be part of the conversation, connect with others, and help us promote the acceptance and equality of guide dog teams everywhere. Our members live all over the country, including Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey. Visit our members page to join PTGDU or to learn more about membership in our group. Annual dues are just $10.00.
  • Look who’s in the news! PTGDU member Carolyn Bebee was honored with the Bud Lewis Community Service Award in recognition of her lifelong commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for Maine’s blind and low vision community. The American Council of the Blind of Maine (ACB of Maine) proudly presented her with this prestigious award during its annual conference in November. Congratulations Carolyn!
  • Travel adventures. Check out the recently updated version of Travel Tips, Tricks, Tools, and Techniques before you hit the road. Offers extensive, experience-based guidance for blind and low vision travelers accompanied by guide dogs.
  • More practical guidance. Check out VisionAventurers.com, a fully accessible, online space designed to empower and support the low‑vision and blind communities. The site offers a rich collection of informative resources, including a section on tips for guide dog handlers.
  • Express your gratitude. Let your veterinary team know how much they’re appreciated! Even a small gesture of thanks can mean the world — whether it’s a heartfelt thank you note, a positive online review, or a thoughtful treat like fruit, sweets, coffee, or other goodies. A few examples of gifting include dropping off a veggie platter from your local supermarket, ordering a DoorDash delivery of Starbucks coffee, or shipping snacks from Amazon Prime.
  • All about the match. Tune into episode 25 of the Leader Dogs Taking the Lead podcast to discover the art and science behind matching their clients with the right guide dogs.
  • Put your thinking cap on! Here’s your chance to improve the world of travel for guide dog teams. The Blind Travel Foundation will be awarding up to three $10,000 grants this year to support bold, imaginative, and impactful travel projects that benefit the blind and low vision community.
  • Looking for answers? Take a look at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Frequently Asked Questions resource that explains how the public should properly interact with guide dogs and their handlers, clarifies the rights and responsibilities surrounding legitimate service dogs, and highlights the skills, limitations, and care of working guide dogs.
  • Keeping your dog happy, healthy, and confident. Read the Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s blog entry about the importance of keeping your dog physically and mentally fit. Discusses ways to provide opportunities for mental stimulation, play, and exploration.
  • Senior moments — or something more? Does your dog seem confused, restless, or just not right? Tune into the Lap of love’s webinar about cognitive decline in dogs on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 PM ET. The presentation will cover early signs, medical and at-home support, common caregiver frustrations, and how to use tracking scales to understand what’s changing and when to reach out for support. Register now to learn more about supporting your dog through the aging process.

 

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

  • Know before you go. Get Tips for traveling with your guide dog at the airport, onboard the aircraft, and outside of the United states straight from the US Department of Transportation’s website. Includes guidance about what to do if you believe your rights are being violated.
  • SeaWorld Orlando.  If you’ve experienced access barriers with your guide dog at the SeaWorld Orlando theme park, reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida via email at USAFLM.Civil.Rights@usdoj.gov or by calling their civil rights hotline and leaving a voice mail at (813) 274-6095.
  • Recreational outings. Get ready for your next adventure to a National park, zoo, amusement park, and other recreational settings with a little help from The Seeing Eye’s advocacy website.
  • What’s up doc? Share PTGDU’s etiquette sheet with your healthcare providers and encourage them to take a look at our list of resources that explain how healthcare facilities should safely and legally accommodate service animals. These official publications outline infection control practices, ADA access rights, when animals may be restricted in sterile areas, and how hospitals should handle situations like inpatient care, supervision, and ambulance transport. Additional guidance covers service animal access in Veterans Affairs facilities.

 

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.

Ruffwear Vert Coverall Dog Snow Suit

Get ready for snow, rain, and cold temps. Ruffwear’s waterproof and windproof snow suit for dogs creates a reliable barrier against the wintry elements, while high-loft recycled polyester insulation delivers exceptional warmth where your doggo needs it most. The articulated, 4-way stretch sleeves give your dog full range of motion with added coverage. The chest zipper makes for easy on/off, and micro adjustability at the neck and back provides better fit. Reflective trim and a light loop enhance visibility during low light endeavors. The best part, “full coverage” means a less wet, muddy dog to manage post winter outings. Also available in a vest style. Price: $139.00.

 

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Easy Beef and Noodles Casserole

Submitted by one of our Facebook fans, this hearty, satisfying meal comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for a chilly winter evening.

Ingredients

1 lb. stew beef, cut into bite-size chunks

1 pkg. onion soup mix

1 can (10 oz) Cream of Mushroom soup

1 cup beef broth

1 bag (12 oz) egg noodles

1 cup sour cream

Directions

In a greased slow cooker, stir together beef, onion soup mix, mushroom soup, and broth. Cook on low for six to eight hours. Add egg noodles during the last hour.  Add sour cream to mixture just before serving.

 

About Us

This monthly news update is a publication of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU), an independent, nonprofit membership organization serving blind and low vision residents of Maine and beyond. Founded in 1997, PTGDU works to promote the equality and inclusion of guide dog teams in all aspects of life. Visit us on the web or follow us on Facebook.