Pine Tree Guide Dog Users is a Maine-based nonprofit that brings together guide dog users and supporters from Maine and across the country. Drawing on firsthand experience living and working with guide dogs, we promote independence, access, safety, and opportunity through education, advocacy, outreach, and shared experience.
Education and Advocacy
Knowledge can prevent misunderstandings, improve access, and support the full participation of guide dog teams in everyday life. Our educational resources address guide dog etiquette, legitimate service animals, healthcare settings, rideshare access, encounters with pet dogs, and other topics affecting guide dog teams.
Explore Rights & Responsibilities
Learn About Guide Dog Team Safety
Every Crossing Counts
Street-crossing safety is a shared responsibility. Every Crossing Counts is our public safety awareness campaign encouraging drivers and cyclists to recognize white canes and guide dogs—and to know how to respond safely.
Stay Alert. Slow Down. Yield.
The campaign offers free materials and outreach tools that individuals, schools, businesses, community groups, and other organizations can use and share.
Bring the Campaign to Your Community
News, Stories, and Guide Dog Life
Stay connected through PTGDU’s nationally recognized Monthly News Updates, featuring guide dog news, advocacy developments, personal stories, helpful resources, and information from across the guide dog community.
You can also read about life with a guide dog, learn how partnerships are formed, explore personal experiences, and find updates about PTGDU meetings, activities, and events.
Get Involved
There are many ways to stay connected with the guide dog community and support our work. Become a PTGDU member, follow us on Facebook, share our educational materials, volunteer your time, invite a speaker, support Every Crossing Counts, or make a tax-deductible gift.
Together, we can advance independence, access, and opportunity for guide dog teams.
Discover More Ways You Can Help
Homepage photography by Dave Cleaveland of Maine Imaging.