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 offer submissions or feedback, please send us a message.

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

  • Calling all dog lovers! PTGDU’s Annual holiday Gift Giving Guide is just around the corner, and we want to hear from YOU! What dog gear, gadgets, toys, treats, or supplies do you absolutely swear by? Share your favorites and help fellow dog lovers discover the best of the best this holiday season.
  • Missed the last issue of our Monthly News Update? No worries! All back issues are archived and readily available on our website.
  • CLYNK your cans for PTGDU! Every time you drop off your CLYNK bags at participating Hannaford stores in Maine & New York or Stop & Shop in Connecticut, you can choose to donate your bottle returns to PTGDU. Just log in to your CLYNK.com account, head to the Donate page, search for Pine Tree Guide Dog Users, and click Donate. Your small change can make a big difference!
  • Puppy power. Get ready for a heartwarming afternoon with Maine author Gail Donovan, as she celebrates the release of her latest children’s book “Sparrow Always,” featuring a future guide dog in training. You’ll get a chance to meet Clifford, a 6-month old yellow Lab, and his puppy raiser from Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Maine region. The event will take place Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at The Portland Public Library.
  • More books about guide dogs. Subscribe to the Guide Dog Book Club list serve, a forum created to “offer a place dedicated to guide dog partners and the people who raise, train and work with them.”
  • Celebrate the season! Guide Dog Users, Inc. is partnering with Sherwood Forest Farms for its annual Christmas fundraiser, and this year’s offerings are more festive than ever. From lush wreaths to elegant centerpieces, there are seven stunning decorative pieces to choose from—each designed to bring warmth and joy to your home.
  • Facts about fiber. Want to learn more about how fiber plays a crucial role in canine health, aiding digestion, regulating bowel movements, and supporting gut microbiome balance? Check out a recent article in Whole Dog Journal for more information about dietary fiber for your dog.
  • Dirt, dust, and dog hair. Discover helpful Swiffer tips and tricks from The Grubby Puppy when it comes to tackling the constant shedding of dog hair.

 

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

  • Respect and etiquette. Help spread awareness — share these six tips from Vision Guide Dogs of Texas on your social media to support guide dog teams and promote respectful interactions.
  • Speaking out. Tune into a recent interview with guide dog handler Kirsten French, Community Education and Advocacy Manager for Guide Dogs for the Blind, as she shares her personal experiences with rideshare denials and how this widespread problem is affecting other GDB graduates.
  • Why it matters. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has withdrawn a key piece of Fair Housing guidance that helped protect the rights of people with service animals. Guide Dogs for the Blind breaks down what this means and shares their perspective on why it matters in their latest No Bones About It blog post.
  • Legislative resource. The Animal Legal & Historical Center Table of State Assistance Animal Laws covers key areas like public access rights, protections against interference, licensing rules, pedestrian safety, and laws around misrepresenting service animals. You can also find direct links to the full text of each law on this site.

 

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.

Blind Design Woodworking

Make this holiday season unforgettable with Blind Design Woodworking! Choose from a wide selection of custom-made pieces —charcuterie boards, lazy Susans, cutting boards, noodle boards, coasters, and more. Every item is skillfully crafted and may be personalized with a laser-engraved image of a faithful guide dog, inspirational quote, or any design you choose. Pieces start at $25 and up. Order early to ensure delivery by Christmas. Text or call guide dog handler Kati, owner of Blind Design Woodworking, at (949) 333-9443 for more information or to place an order.


Guide Dog School Updates

This section offers brief updates about guide dog schools in the United States and beyond.

  • Going once, going twice… The Seeing Eye’s annual online auction is back—just in time for the holidays! From November 12–19, you can browse and bid on items like assistive technology, mobility aids, adaptive kitchen tools, handcrafted leather leashes, plush guide dogs in harness, and breed-themed treasures featuring Labs, Goldens, and German Shepherds. Plus, you can find items across a wide array of other categories including jewelry, gift cards, dog gear, electronics, sports, getaways, entertainment, exclusive Seeing Eye merch, and more. Download an audio preview of this year’s auction lineup hosted by Seeing Eye graduate and voice talent Bonnie Mosen — and be sure to place your bids on November 12 to get a head start on your holiday shopping.
  • Leader of the pack. Christopher Perry will be stepping into the role of President & CEO at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, effective November 3, 2025. A seasoned nonprofit executive, Christopher brings a wealth of experience in guiding mission-driven organizations to success. Congratulations and all best wishes.
  • Try your luck! Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to bring home a beautiful, star-pattern quilt, lovingly handcrafted by the Santa Clarita Quilt Guild in support of Guide Dogs of America’s annual holiday fundraiser. Tickets are $2 each or $10 for six.

 

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

The Seeing Eye

Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Pecan Topping

A little sweet, a little crunchy, and a lot delicious, this holiday side dish is best served right out of the oven for maximum flavor.

Sweet Potato Mixture

2 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping

3/4 cup corn flakes, crushed

1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped pecans

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a large pot of boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, add butter and beat until smooth. Beat in egg, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake until slightly puffed and edges begin to brown, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together corn flakes, brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter until well combined. When sweet potato mixture is ready, remove from oven and sprinkle with topping. Return to oven and bake until topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes longer.

 

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.