Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)
“Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity”
August 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.
· Unexpected vet bills for your guide dog? If you live in Maine, you may be eligible for up to $2,500 in financial assistance through PTGDU’s Mary T. & Curtis D. Lovill Trust Emergency Veterinary Expense Fund.
· Honoring excellence. Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) has announced that Jan Abbott of The Seeing Eye and Eric Loori of Freedom Guide Dogs (posthumously) are the recipients of the 2026 Ethel Bender Award. Presented annually by GDUI, the award recognizes a sighted individual or organization for outstanding service to the guide dog and handler community. We congratulate Jan Abbott on this well-deserved honor, and remember Eric Loori’s lasting legacy of service and dedication.
- Wear the message. “May I Sit With You?” shirts and sweatshirts are now available through The Seeing Eye’s online store. The designs were inspired by the viral moment when a handler and his German shepherd guide dog faced a passenger’s refusal to sit next to them on a flight. Jen Hamilton, a registered nurse, New York Times bestselling author, and influencer, stepped in with a simple act of kindness — offering to switch seats so she could sit beside the team. Featuring designs based on quotes and messages from that moment, the merchandise celebrates inclusion, kindness, and the message that guide dog teams belong everywhere, including on airplanes!
- Puppy power. Ever wonder how many future guide dogs around the world are getting their start each year? In 2025, International Guide Dog Federation member schools produced 7,923 puppies, including 4,723 Labrador Retrievers, 1,727 Labrador–Golden Retriever crosses, 572 Golden Retrievers, 282 German Shepherds, and 146 Standard Poodles.
- Now available! Miss out on the National Association of Guide Dog Users Convention—or want to relive your favorite sessions? Catch the presentations on guide dog news, legal updates, guide dog retirement, and more. Listen anytime and enjoy the helpful information shared by these expert presenters.
Advocacy Matters
This section features news on access and legislative issues.
- Building better mobility. Transportation for Maine (T4ME), a new statewide coalition, advances equitable and sustainable transportation options in Maine through support for walking, cycling, rolling, shared rides, and public transportation. Join T4ME today and add your voice to Maine’s transportation choices movement.
- Happy 36th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Did you know the ADA National Network is a free resource offering information, guidance, and training on disability rights and the ADA? Learn more about the resources available to help you understand this landmark legislation.
- Planning an adventure in a national park? The National Park Service provides guidance on service animals in parks, helping visitors better understand access rights and responsibilities while enjoying the great outdoors. Learn more about service animal access as well as the free pass program available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a disability.
- Advocating for access. What happens when a guide dog team enters a restaurant, steps into a rideshare, or checks into a hotel? Find out what kind of nonsense they encounter in Guide Dogs for the Blind’s new Access PSA!
- Strength in numbers. Tune in to Leader Dogs’ Taking the Lead podcast as they join forces with The Seeing Eye to discuss the importance of advocacy, government relations, and protecting the rights of guide dog handlers.
What’s Trending?
This section highlights current topics generating conversation across the guide dog community.
New on the Menu: Service Animal Etiquette Reminders
Don’t be surprised if you receive a handout about service animal etiquette the next time you visit a restaurant. Some dining establishments are sharing these reminders to “help create a welcoming and comfortable experience for service animal teams, staff, and fellow diners.” These notices typically cover service animal etiquette, appropriate behavior in public spaces, handler responsibilities, and staff guidance on access rules, including when an animal may be asked to leave.
The growing use of service animal etiquette sheets by restaurants is largely a response to increased confusion about service animal access and concerns about animal behavior in public spaces. Several factors are contributing to this trend:
- Growth in the number of animals being presented as service animals — Many businesses report seeing more pets or emotional support animals being misrepresented as service animals, which can create challenges for staff and negatively affect public understanding of legitimate service animal teams.
- Need for clearer staff guidance — Restaurant employees often receive little training about service animal rules. Reminder cards can help reinforce what is and is not appropriate, including that service animals must be under control and that businesses may address disruptive behavior.
- Reducing conflict at the point of service — Some businesses use written reminders as a proactive approach so expectations are clear before a problem occurs, rather than having staff confront a customer during a disruption.
The disability community’s response to service animal reminder cards has been mixed. While some appreciate them as a way to educate businesses, clarify expectations, and address concerns about misrepresented pets, others have raised concerns that these cards may make legitimate handlers feel singled out or viewed with suspicion, requiring them to navigate additional scrutiny or reminders about responsibilities they are already trained to follow because of the actions of people who misrepresent pets as service animals.
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.
Ready for a game of fetch? The Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball is made for dogs who love to chase, jump, and play. Measuring 3.5 inches in diameter, this brightly colored, extra-large ball delivers impressive bounce, durability, and buoyancy for fun on land or in the water. Its unique open-air design helps dogs breathe more easily while carrying the ball, and the lightweight, rubber-like material is gentle on your dog’s mouth. $10.00 each. Available in other sizes.
PTGDU Recipe of the Month
This section features a favorite recipe from the guide dog community.
Grilled Chicken & Peach Salad
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Fresh grilled peaches, balsamic-marinated chicken, goat cheese, blueberries, and candied walnuts come together over peppery arugula for a colorful, flavor-packed summer salad.
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound arugula
Olive oil
6 fresh ripe peaches, halved
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
Fresh blueberries
1 log goat cheese, crumbled
Candied Walnuts Ingredients
1 cup walnut halves
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
¼ cup of your favorite balsamic glaze
Marinade Ingredients
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon granulated onion
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and paprika. Combine with chicken and marinate for 1 hour.
- Prepare the arugula: Toss the arugula with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the candied walnuts: Boil the walnuts for 3 minutes. Drain, toss with powdered sugar, and bake at 325°F for 4–7 minutes, or until lightly caramelized.
- Pickle the onions: Bring the apple cider vinegar and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot mixture over the sliced red onion, cover, and set aside to pickle while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Grill the peaches: Cut the peaches in half and lightly grill until grill marks appear and the peaches are just softened.
- Cook the chicken: Grill the chicken thighs, then transfer them to a 350°F oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the arugula on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with grilled peaches, sliced chicken, blueberries, pickled onions, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with your favorite balsamic glaze and top with candied walnuts. Serve immediately.
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.