Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

“Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity”

 

March 2026 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. Read the archives at www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org/monthly-news-updates

 

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

  • CLYNK Bottle Redemption Program. At participating Hannaford stores in Maine and New York and Stop & Shop locations in Connecticut, your empty bottles and cans can add up to meaningful support for PTGDU — and for our environment. In fact, thanks to generous supporters, we’ve already diverted enough containers to fill nearly seven lobster traps! That’s a boatload of bottles kept out of the waste stream — and a great boost for PTGDU. To support our work, simply log in to your account at CLYNK.com, visit the Donate page, search for Pine Tree Guide Dog Users, and click “Donate.” Every bottle makes a difference.
  • Ready to throw a tail-wagging birthday bash? From dog-friendly cakes and tasty treats to paw-some party games, Chewy’s Ultimate Guide to Dog Birthdays is packed with adorable, easy ideas to make your pup’s big day unforgettable!
  • NAGDU Unleashed has officially launched. Tune in to the National Association of Guide Dog Users new podcast for engaging conversations, important updates, and inspiring stories—now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
  • The next chapter. Follow Melissa and Jake on Forward Together as they explore the retirement journey of a guide dog. In this episode, they answer common questions such as: How do you know when it’s time for a guide dog to retire? Where do guide dogs go after retirement? And how can friends, family, and community members best support handlers during this emotional transition?
  • Preserve the power of recall. A strong, reliable recall is one of the most important skills your dog can learn. It can help keep your dog safe, especially in unexpected situations. Explore expert tips for a dependable recall from the professionals at the Guide Dog Foundation.
  • Thinking about a guide dog? A recent audio podcast from Hadley Presents shares real stories and practical advice from two guide dog handlers who have been through the journey. These honest insights will help you feel informed and confident as you decide whether to take the next step toward a life-changing partnership.
  • Learn, explore and connect! Leader Dogs for the Blind is now accepting applications for its Teen Summer Camp and Teen Orientation & Mobility programs. Both programs are delivered by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists and are provided at no cost to families (including travel, housing, and meals). Learn more about these two opportunities online or by contacting a client services representative at 888.777.5332.

 

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

  • Is That a Service Animal? Find out which rights apply—and where—when it comes to service animals on March 3rd at 1:00 PM EST. Presented by the Northeast ADA Center, this informative webinar is designed for individuals with disabilities, businesses, transit providers, and others who wish to gain a clear understanding of a person’s rights under various disability laws. Register now for more details
  • Pedestrian safety. In a recent episode of the Making Transportation More Accessible for All podcast by the American Council of the Blind, guests Suzette May – a Seeing Eye graduate and pedestrian safety specialist — and Linda Myers, an orientation & mobility specialist and research associate with Accessible Design for the Blind — discuss the challenges facing blind pedestrians and share insights from their experiences attending the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Transportation Research Board conferences.

 

Submissions from Members & Friends

This section features contributions shared by PTGDU members and friends.

That’s no ordinary Pup… and Your Pet Dog Knows It!

Submitted by PTGDU member Ginger Kutsch

Pet dogs read the world primarily through body language — and guide dogs don’t always look or move like typical dogs. Those differences can feel confusing or even threatening to a pet, especially in close quarters.

Why guide dogs can trigger uncertainty in pet dogs

  • Unusual posture and focus

Guide dogs move with intense forward focus and minimal social signaling. They often avoid eye contact, ignore sniffing rituals, and walk in straight, purposeful lines. To a pet dog, this can appear stiff, aloof, or even confrontational.

  • Specialized gear

Harnesses with rigid handles change a dog’s outline and movement. The shape of the harness — and the way it influences body motion — can make the guide dog seem larger, unfamiliar, or subtly “off,” which may trigger uncertainty.

  • Lack of typical greeting behavior

Most pet dogs expect curved approaches, mutual sniffing, loose wagging, and other calming signals. A working guide dog generally won’t engage in those behaviors. When those normal social cues are missing, another dog may feel uneasy or defensive.

How pet dogs typically react

When pet dogs feel unsure or concerned, they tend to react quickly and instinctively. Common responses include barking, lunging, growling, backing away, freezing, or attempting to flee. Some dogs become loud and reactive to create distance; others shut down or become hyper-alert and tense. These behaviors are automatic safety responses — not deliberate misbehavior.

Seven simple steps to keep everyone safe

  1. Create immediate space

As soon as you see a guide dog team approaching, calmly increase distance. Cross the street, step off the path, or move behind a barrier like a parked car if needed. Distance lowers arousal quickly and is the most effective tool you have.

  1. Shorten the leash and stay relaxed.

Keep your dog close at your side on a short leash. Long or retractable leashes make sudden lunges or momentum harder to control, so shortening the leash early helps you control your dog more easily without adding tension.

  1. Don’t allow greetings — even friendly ones

A guide dog in harness is working. Avoid letting your dog approach “just to say hello.” Even playful interactions can break the guide dog’s concentration and create risk for the handler.

  1. Redirect your dog’s focus

Use simple, well-practiced cues like “watch me,” “let’s go,” or a hand target. Reward calm attention and movement away from the team.

  1. Give the handler a quick heads-up

Offer a brief, clear statement so the handler knows where you are. For example:
“Hi there — I have a dog with me and we’re going to step aside to give you space.”
This reassures the handler that you’re aware and actively creating room for a safe, smooth pass.

  1. If your dog reacts, move first — talk later

If your dog barks or lunges, create distance immediately. Don’t try to explain or apologize while standing close. Once everyone is safely apart, a brief apology may be appropriate — but space comes first.

  1. If something goes wrong, take responsibility

If your dog makes contact with or injures a guide dog team, do not walk away. Secure your dog immediately, create space, and check in with the handler. Offer assistance, provide your contact information, and take full responsibility. Even incidents that seem minor can seriously affect a working dog’s focus, training, or the handler’s safety.

Why it matters

Guide dogs help provide independence, mobility, and safety for their handlers. A few seconds of awareness and thoughtful handling from pet owners can make public spaces safer and more comfortable for everyone.

 

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Ginger Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Creamy and cozy, this comforting soup blends sweet roasted cauliflower with zesty lime and a gentle ginger kick.

Ingredients

2 large heads cauliflower

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon ground ginger

A pinch of salt & pepper

½ cup coconut Oil

1 large onion, diced

6 cloves of garlic, chopped

3 pieces of ginger root, peeled, grated, and divided  (about 4-5 tablespoons)

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced

8 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 can coconut milk

2 tablespoons miso paste

4 tablespoons sherry vinegar

3 limes, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons agave syrup

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Season cauliflower with coconut oil, garlic & onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Roast in oven at 400 degrees for 10 – 12 minutes until browned.
  2. In a medium stock pot sauté onion, garlic and half grated ginger in coconut oil until translucent. Add roasted cauliflower, cut potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil then heat to simmer for about 25 minutes.
  3. Add coconut milk, miso paste, vinegar, lime zest and juice, agave syrup, remaining grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Using an emersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Add chopped cilantro and serve. Yum!

 

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.