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

 

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

  • Looking to stay connected with the guide dog community? Follow the PTGDU Facebook page, where we share updates, resources, and real-world perspectives on living and working with guide dogs. It’s a great way to stay informed and engaged!
  • Ticks are back—and these tiny little terrors don’t mess around. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab reminds us that while you can’t totally avoid ticks, you can outsmart them with a few simple moves: protect yourself and your pets, do quick tick checks, and make your yard less inviting to unwanted hitchhikers. No single trick does it all, but a smart combo goes a long way toward keeping you and your dog bite-free and enjoying the great outdoors.
  • Guide dog travel and emerging technologies. Tune in to Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Central Bark podcast to explore how tools such as smart glasses, smartphones, and remote assistants can help guide dog handlers navigate unfamiliar places with greater confidence and ease.
  • From woofs to words. A recent Tech Xplore piece highlights AI-powered robotic guide dogs that don’t just lead—they describe surroundings and offer real-time navigation. Designed to boost independence for visually impaired users, these high-tech companions blend guidance with conversational feedback, making everyday travel feel more intuitive and futuristic.
  • Shopping alert. Chewy has combined its in-house brands under one label, “Chewy Made.” Lines like Frisco and American Journey have been renamed and repackaged, but the products themselves are reported to be mostly unchanged. The shift is intended to reduce brand clutter and make it clearer these items come directly from Chewy.
  • On the move. Join guide dog handler Mike May on his latest episode of People Make the Places podcast as he shares his experiences exploring Costa Rica, a country known for its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and relaxed “pura vida” lifestyle. The podcast highlights both the excitement of travel and the deeper insights gained from immersing in a new environment without sight.
  • Straight from the heart. In a recent interview, Seeing Eye GDMI and Training Manager Jan Abbott reminded us what our dogs already know best—when love is real and when it isn’t. She said, “There’s a big difference between praise and genuine gratitude, and your dog can feel the difference. Our dogs give us unconditional love, and the best we can do for them is to try our best to reciprocate that love. When your praise comes from your heart and is not just spoken words, your dog will feel that love and appreciation. THAT is what brings them joy.”
  • Keep those tails wagging. While aging can slow dogs down, taking a few simple steps can make a big difference in their mobility and comfort. An article in Animal Wellness Magazine encourages maintaining a healthy weight, providing gentle regular exercise, supporting joint health with proper care or supplements, and making small home adjustments like adding non-slip surfaces or ramps.

 

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

  • Advance preparation is key. Taking your dog on International travel can be a complex, multistep process that requires advance planning and preparation. To help make this process go smoothly, The USDA Plant and Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a comprehensive website to walk you through the process.
  • Who’s who? For international travel, APHIS requires an accredited veterinarian to examine your dog. These vets have additional federal training through the National Veterinary Accreditation Program, enabling them to understand country-specific import rules, assess disease risks like rabies, and issue official documents such as international health certificates. Regular licensed veterinarians can provide routine care but cannot complete or sign these travel documents. Visit the APHIS website to  find an accredited veterinarian in your area.
  • Curious to know more about airline safety? Tune in to a presentation on airline accessibility and in-cabin safety features, delivered by two members of the American Airlines Inflight Policy & Procedures team. This session was originally broadcast in July 2025 during the Guide Dog Users, Inc. annual convention.
  • Smooth sailing. Check out The Blind Guide’s recent article about accessible cruises, highlighting how they can offer a safe and enjoyable travel experience for blind and low vision passengers. It features Celebrity Cruises as an example, with amenities like Braille and tactile signage, service animal relief areas, qualified readers, early boarding, and trained staff assistance. It also offers practical tips, presenting cruising as an increasingly inclusive option for travelers with vision loss.

 

Remembering John Byfield

This section honors individuals whose lifelong dedication helped shape and strengthen the guide dog community.

John Byfield, a respected leader in the guide dog community, whose work helped shape generations of trainers and partnerships, devoted his life to expanding independence for people who are blind and have low vision. His career began in 1958 in England with Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, where he trained as an apprentice and developed the skills and principles that would guide his life’s work.

After moving to the United States, Mr. Byfield joined Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in 1964, where he played a key role in developing training programs and later served in a leadership capacity. In 1981, Mr. Byfield cofounded Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and became its first Director of Training. Over the next 28 years, he helped shape the organization into a lasting institution, pioneering the In-Community guide dog Placement model.

He later continued his work with Freedom Guide Dogs, where he remained committed to mentoring trainers and expanding access to services. His influence extended globally through his involvement with the International Guide Dog Federation, where he supported and advised guide dog programs around the world. In 2008, he was honored with the International Guide Dog Federation’s Ken Lord Award—one of the organization’s highest distinctions—in recognition of his lasting contributions to the guide dog community.

Mr. Byfield was widely respected not only for his expertise, but for his steady leadership, high standards, and deep respect for both the dogs he trained and the people they served. His work reflected a belief that independence should be within reach for all, and he dedicated his life to making that belief a reality.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy defined by the guide dog teams he helped bring together, the trainers he mentored, and the programs he strengthened throughout his career. His influence endures in the standards he set and in the continued work of the organizations and people who carry his teachings forward.

A Celebration of Life for John Byfield will be held on Friday, May 29, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center in Lake Mary, Florida. Friends and family are invited to attend, share memories, and honor his life and legacy.

 

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Guide Dogs of the Desert

A fresh, protein-packed dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, crisp greens, and classic Cobb toppings tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade dressing.

Salad Ingredients

3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about one and a half pounds)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon avocado oil (for grill)

8 cups chopped romaine, mixed greens, or spring mix

3/4 cup cherry tomatoes

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced

1 large avocado, peeled and cubed

8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy, then chopped or crumbled

6 hard-boiled eggs, diced in bite-size pieces

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons raw honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or white vinegar

1/4 cup avocado oil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush the grill grates lightly with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Season the chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for several minutes before slicing.

In a large bowl, arrange the chopped greens as the base. Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, avocado, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.

In a small bowl, whisk together the raw honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice or white vinegar, avocado oil, and sea salt until smooth and well combined.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side. Toss gently if desired and enjoy.

 

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.