Monthly News Updates - Pine Tree Guide Dog Users

Welcome to Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Monthly News Updates.
Read about dog handling tips & tricks, advocacy news, favorite gear & toys, guide dog school updates, great-tasting recipes and more!

Close-up of yellow Lab looking at camera with a hand holding the harness

2024 Monthly News Updates

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2025 News Updates List
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025

April 2025

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.

A nose for news. Do you have any newsworthy content or trending tips that might be of interest to our readers? Please send your ideas our way.
You’re invited! Join PTGDU on Wednesday, May 7^th at 6:30 PM EDT via Zoom for our annual spring membership meeting. Special guest speaker Dr. Erin Matern, a veterinarian at Guide Dogs for the Blind, will discuss how we can recognize and meet the needs of our dogs in their senior years, including tips for end-of-life care and euthanasia. A brief PTGDU business meeting will follow. Everyone is welcome. Watch for details in our next monthly news update.
Have you heard? We just finished a new tip sheet designed to help family and friends understand and avoid some of the most frustrating situations experienced by guide dog handlers. Special thanks to the many handlers who helped us identify these top areas of concern, and to our talented graphic designer, Chris Espiritu.
Sit, stay, and goodbye. Check out a recent New York Times article about volunteers who are working diligently to tackle the nationwide shortage of service animal puppy raisers. Please consider if puppy raising is right for you.
Spring has sprung. From muddy paws to increased shedding, our darling little doggos can certainly leave a mess behind at this time of year. Here’s helpful guidance for removing dirt, hair, and odors from your dog’s bedding.
A salute to guide dogs everywhere. International Guide Dog Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in April each year, marking the establishment of the International Guide Dog Federation and the work of guide dog schools around the world. Happy International Guide Dog Day to all!
Meet your match! Every guide dog team begins with that unforgettable moment when a person and dog meet for the very first time. Take this fun quiz from Guide Dogs of the Desert to discover your perfect match.
From here to there. Need a refresher on using non-visual orientation strategies when working your guide dog? Listen to the Orientation & Learning Routes lecture from Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Register now. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists is offering free eye screenings to service animals throughout the U.S. and Canada. For Maine residents, participating ophthalmologists are located in Scarborough, Maine or Portsmouth, New Hampshire. You must register for your May exam between April 1 and April 30th.
Money matters. Worried about paying out-of-pocket for unexpected vet treatments — or having to make a difficult decision about whether to approve an expensive procedure for your beloved canine? Find out all there is to know in this MarketWatch article about pet insurance, including how it works, what affects the cost, which companies are best, and much more.
Changing of the guard. Guide dog handler Thomas Panek, former President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind since 2014, has left the organization. He will be starting a new role as President and CEO at the Lighthouse Guild this month.

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

Access denials. Watch Molly Burke, one of YouTube’s top blind influencers, as she shares her reactions to footage of service dogs being denied access. Includes video clips of rideshare, restaurant, and hospital denials.
Get the lowdown on Uber’s new Self-Identification feature. Read The Why and How of Service Animal Self-ID in Rideshare to get the facts about this new voluntary option.
Here comes the sun. With the arrival of warmer weather, both people and pets spend more time outdoors, increasing the likelihood of guide dog teams encountering uncontrolled dogs. Check out the Guide Dog at Work website to find out how you can help to educate pet owners in your neighborhood and beyond.
Ready for takeoff? Visit The Seeing Eye’s web page on air travel to learn all you need to know about flying with your guide dog. Includes information about service animal policies, security checkpoints, service animal relief areas, and more.

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.

Loving Pets Bella Non-Skid Dog Bowls

Steel and style. Add a touch of whimsy to your home with the Loving Pets Bella bowls. Go with a fun design like paw prints, bones, hearts, and dragonflies. Or choose one of several playful colors like Paparazzi Pink, Aqua Sea, or Hawaiian Red. Bella Bowls are made with a stainless-steel interior set in an attractive poly-resin exterior. Includes a removable rubber grip base that helps to prevent skids, spills, & noise. Dishwasher safe (just remove the rubber ring from the bottom before washing). Available in sizes small, medium, large, and x-large. $6.50 and up.

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Texas Chili Rice Bowl

Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

1 (6.8 oz.) box Rice-a-Roni Spanish Rice

2-3/4 cups water

2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey

1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14 ½ oz.) can tomatoes or stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

In a 3-quart saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered, about 20 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Serve and top with shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro if desired.

About Us

This monthly news update is a publication of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization serving Maine’s blind and low vision residents who are partnered with specially trained guide dogs. Founded in 1997, PTGDU’s mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life. Visit us on the web or follow us on Facebook.

March 2025

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

Spring is in the air. Mark your calendars for PTGDU’s annual Spring Membership Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Everyone is welcome.
Look who’s in the news! PTGDU’s Vice President Pauline Lamontagne was featured in the Iris Network’s 2025 Winter Newsletter. Read about her lifelong work as a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Take a peek. Our latest educational flyer for healthcare professionals just got a new look! Download a copy of our newly designed tip sheet and share it with your healthcare providers.
Woof! Tune into the Central Bark podcast from Guide Dogs for the Blind and hear all about their plans for a new state-of-the-art Client Residence and Community Hub on the Oregon campus.
Turning fear into confidence. Bestselling author Michael Hingson’s latest book, Live Like a Guide Dog: true stories from a blind man and his dogs about being brave, overcoming adversity, and moving forward in faith is now available on BARD. In his book, Mike shares how to Biblically overcome fear and live courageously through awareness, preparation, perseverance, empathy, and faith.
News Hound. NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled. It offers access to more than 500 publications, including Whole Dog Journal! Sign up now and get the latest in dog health, care, and training.
Farewells & new beginnings. Listen to guide dog handler Marcus Engel and his wife Marvelyne, co-hosts of the Courage and Compassion podcast, as they discuss their different perspectives regarding the early retirement of a Seeing Eye dog and the transition to the new one.
Hidden danger. From chewing gum to peanut butter to baked goods to toothpaste, Xylitol is a common ingredient in many foods. While considered safe for humans, this sugar substitute, also known as birch sugar, birch extract, and wood sugar is highly poisonous to dogs. Find out what you need to know about this toxic ingredient.
Bad breath? Stinky dog breath isn’t just unpleasant – it could be a sign of serious dental disease in your dog. Learn the signs and how to make dental care part of your everyday routine.

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

Pet peeves. Looking for an etiquette tip sheet to share with pet owners in your apartment complex? Guiding Eyes for the Blind has put together a few safety tips for pet owners to follow when encountering guide dog teams.
Uber update. If you use Uber’s new voluntary Self-ID feature, drivers that attempt to cancel the ride after being notified about your guide dog will automatically receive a second alert that says, “Do you want to cancel your trip? It is your legal obligation to transport riders with service animals. Canceling a ride because of a service animal is against the law.” If drivers proceed with the cancellation, riders will automatically receive an in-app and email message asking if they want to report the incident.
Another Uber update. For those who select Uber’s self-ID option to notify drivers about the guide dog’s presence, realize that the alert only shows up when the driver is arriving at your pickup location. For some riders who previously messaged drivers earlier in the trip, the delay in notification has caused an increase in face-to-face confrontations with drivers who refuse to transport service animals, plus additional time spent waiting for a replacement driver. If your ride experience has been negatively impacted by the timing of the notification, Let Uber know what’s going on.
Lyft updates. Lyft is now offering a self-disclosure option. Unlike Uber, however, Lyft drivers receive the service animal notification right after the ride has been accepted. Lyft does not proactively reach out to the rider after a denial though, the rider must initiate the complaint.
By the book. Did you know that guide dogs are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements? They’re also subject to the same licensing rules that are applied to all other dogs. However, in Maine, and in many other states, the licensing fee is waived for service animals. Check to see if your state provides an exemption.
Flying the friendly skies. From navigating airports to making the most of airline assistance services, Hadley’s recent audio podcast offers ways to make air travel with vision loss a little easier.

Submissions From Members & Friends

This section features contributions shared by PTGDU members and friends.

The Transition Period

By PTGDU member and blogger Bonnie Mosen

As I sit here waiting to go out on my afternoon trip, Eclipse is curled up peacefully napping in her crate. It’s hard to believe it was just a week ago when this tiny four-footed ball of curiosity walked into my life.

It’s amazing in general what these dogs do, but especially amazing how much progress is made in just one week. Are we a perfect working team? Absolutely not. We have a long way to go before we can guess each other’s thoughts, read each other’s movements, and just know what the other is thinking or feeling. And even then, there will be moments I ask her was she actually trained, and she wonders where my head is.

We are in the transition period. All guide dog handlers experience this on some level while training with a new dog. The dogs, who are two or nearly two, have gone through lots of changes in their short lives. They’ve lived in a loving puppy raiser home, spent months with a beloved trainer, and now are expected to turn over affections and guide total strangers. To put it bluntly, everyone has left them, so it is not surprising they are a bit unsure of who we are and how long we might stick around.

The initial tail wags and licks can be deceiving. They may like you, but they aren’t sure if they want to work for you yet. That is why it takes weeks to train with a guide dog, and miracles don’t usually happen overnight.

It’s both ends of the leash though. For me, I’m coming off a nine-year partnership with a dog who rarely made a mistake, was rock solid even in the busiest subway stations, and was far smarter than me. At least that is the way I remember every moment.

Chances are I’ve forgotten the initial transient phase of nine years ago. I’ve forgotten the walls, trees, poles I ran into initially, or the distracted sniffing. Because when we did click as a team, it was pure bliss and magic. Magic tempered with the occasional mistake and bad day.

I believe this is why I, and probably other guide dog handlers, keep coming back. We forget how difficult it is in the beginning and only remember the freedom of flying as a perfectly coordinated being.

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Guide Dogs of the Desert

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Tasty and satisfying, this wholesome meal can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients

3 – 4 cups cooked rice

2 – 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

4 cups cooked broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces (fresh or frozen)

4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 (10 oz.) can cream of chicken soup

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

2 tablespoons sherry

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and evenly layer with rice, broccoli, and chicken.

3. Set aside 2 cups cheddar cheese and combine all remaining ingredients. Mix well and pour over rice mixture. Top with remaining cheese.

4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until casserole is bubbly and browned

About Us

February 2025

Community Connect

This section features community updates and more.

Be our Valentine! We’re looking for a very special someone who is willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help us build our social media presence. Please reach out to us if you can help.
Powering the partnership. Learn more about the skills that empower guide dog teams to go from one place to the next. Our Guide Dogs in Action Supplemental Material document provides a detailed overview of several skills routinely used by guide dog teams. (Expert review by Lukas Franck, GDMI, COMS. The Seeing Eye.)
Best friends forever. Loyal, supportive, and always there for you — our dogs check all the boxes! Read Psychology Today’s recent blog entry about how pets embody the true qualities of friendship and the positive benefits they bring to our lives.
Bird flu facts. At this time, the global outbreak of avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus is unlikely to spread to your dog. However, since avian influenza viruses often modify over time, the Medical Director at Guide Dogs for the Blind offers several suggestions for keeping your dog safe from catching the bird flu.
Remembering Karen Pryor. A true pioneer in the fields of animal behavior and positive reinforcement training. Her groundbreaking work with clicker training, a method now used by many guide dog schools around the world, helped to bridge the communication gap between humans and animals. Learn more about her life and legacy.
Mind your manners! A dog’s exuberant personality and boundless energy can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors, especially when the doorbell rings. Try out these clicker training tips for teaching your furry friend to stay calm when visitors come to the door.
Seizures and dogs. Whether caused by epilepsy or other conditions, seizures can be most distressing for both you and your dog. Watch the Animal Medical Center’s webinar on the causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for seizures in dogs.

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

Safety first. Whether you’re preparing for your first guide dog, or you’re already a seasoned handler, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Leader Dogs for the Blind offer guidance on how to prepare a safe home environment for your guide dog.
Are you ready? The countdown to REAL ID enforcement is less than 100 days away. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S. or access certain federal facilities, make sure it is REAL ID compliant. Or find out what other forms of identification are acceptable for U.S. travelers.
Planning a trip abroad with your guide dog? Get tips, tools, and resources about traveling internationally from a recent webinar recorded by The Seeing Eye’s Advocacy and Government Relations team.
Uber’s new self-ID option. Want to get all your questions answered about Uber’s new voluntary self-ID option for riders with service animals? Listen to the recent National Association of Guide Dog Users town hall meeting where board member, Al Elia talks with Uber’s Head of Global Accessibility Policy about the new self-identification option, including its purpose, how it works, and how riders can opt-in to use it.

Submissions From Members & Friends

This section features contributions shared by PTGDU members and friends.

A Journey of Change, Patience, and Love

By PTGDU member and book author Sue W. Martin

Last Winter, my guide dog Quan had a series of seizures. It was absolutely terrifying. I took him to the vet and called the school where he was trained. The consensus was to wait and see. I remember being told that, sometimes, a dog will have a seizure and never have another one.

Unfortunately, this is not what happened with Quan. A few weeks after that first seizure he had three in a row. We took him to the emergency vet where he stayed overnight. They put him on medication and we brought him home the next day.

For several days, he seemed disoriented and not very stable on his feet. We babied him and helped him the best we could. His vision on the right side was definitely affected, requiring caution when navigating doorways and stairs.

It seemed clear that Quan’s working life was over. I called the school to let them know what was going on and completed my application to train with a new dog. I have to admit, all of that seemed distant and slightly amorphous. I was focused on Quan in the “here and now.”

A few weeks after the last seizure, we tried taking a little walk on our quiet dirt road. I walked sighted guide with my husband, Jim. Although I took my harness with me, I just had Quan on a leash. He moved slowly at first but seemed to enjoy the little outing. After a week or so of these walks, I noticed that Quan was pulling ahead on his leash. So I harnessed him and, to my surprise, he pulled right out and guided me all the way home.

I experimented with letting Quan work in various environments. Granted, none of these were especially arduous, complicated, or dangerous. He wanted to work so I let him.

Fast forward to today. I guess the average dog handler would say that Quan is semi-retired. His pace is often too slow for my liking. He occasionally gets too close to the right edge of sidewalks and I step off. And he’s not great at marching right up to intersections and halting on a dime.

I’ve made allowances for all of this. When he seems slow or reluctant, I sometimes just take Jim’s arm and walk sighted guide for a bit. Or I let Jim lead with Quan following him quite readily. Sometimes I use a lightweight cane so I can keep track of the right edge of the sidewalk or path and avoid stepping off.

The old boy still has some surprises up his sleeve. We went to the beach recently and he did great. He worked without hesitation. Even on long hikes he pulled steadily and guided flawlessly.

Last weekend, we climbed a mountain in a local park. It was the same thing. He never hesitated, working beautifully for the entire five mile hike. Quan and I led the entire way back and he nailed every turn in the complicated route.

It’s now been almost a year since I completed my application to train with a new dog. The problem is that the school doesn’t have many shepherds available right now. Quan is doing the best he can. I know his work will never be what it was. I’m grateful when he pulls right out in harness. Otherwise, I’m trying to be patient and flexible.

Visit the PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org website for more personal stories about guide dogs and vision loss.

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.

German Shepherd solid bronze Key Ring

The key to your heart! Made of solid bronze and attached to a brass key ring, this German Shepherd 3D mini-sculpture is beautifully textured and sealed to preserve the glossy finish and the fine detail. The approximate size of the mini shepherd standing on its base is 3/4 inches by 3/4 inches. The inner diameter of the key ring is 1 1/4 inches. Key rings with other breeds are also available. Made in the USA by The Hunting Horn Jeweler. $19.95.

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Add a taste of decadence to your Valentine’s Day with these quick and easy chocolate covered strawberries.

Ingredients

1 quart large strawberries with fresh green leaves

1-1/2 cups high quality milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Wash strawberries, pat dry, and leave out until they reach room temperature.

2. Cover a large baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, foil, or waxed paper.

3. Heat chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, just till it looks soft and shiny. Gently stir chips until melted and smooth.

4. Hold a strawberry by its stem and swirl it in the chocolate. Be sure to coat all sides. Place on the pan. Repeat with the remaining berries, spacing them so they don’t touch.

5. Refrigerate the berries for 20 minutes. Then remove them from the refrigerator, and let them harden completely at room temperature. Best if served the same day.

About Us

January 2025

Community Connect

This section features PTGDU community updates.

The holidays may be over but the New Year is here! Kick off 2025 with PTGDU — join our group, renew your membership, follow our Facebook page, or make a donation. In the meantime, we wish each of you and your canine companions all the best for the new year!
New coloring page for kids! Designed to encourage children to think about how dogs can assist people who are blind, our new coloring page shows a simple drawing of the guide dog team featured in our Guide Dogs in Action Educational Series as they walk along a country road. Other free materials offered in the series include a poster, two handouts, supplemental info, and a lesson plan.
Bundle up! Every dog is different, but generally, temperatures below 32F can be problematic for dogs. Age, breed, fitness level, and concurrent medical conditions all influence how your dog handles cold temperatures. Read more about cold weather safety tips from the experts at Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Couples Corner. Join guide dog handlers Jake Koch and Melissa Carney on Forward Together to learn more about their lives with two guide dogs. They’ll discuss how they navigate with their dogs, the importance of self presentation, and their take on making event spaces accessible.
Financial assistance for Maine guide dog handlers. Occasionally, a guide dog will require major surgery, emergency care or some other significant medical procedure for which its handler may need help to pay. PTGDU’s Mary T. & Curtis D. Lovill Emergency Veterinary Expense Fund is intended to assist Maine guide dog handlers in these circumstances. For more details, please download a copy of our Emergency Veterinary Expense Fund Policy.
Lost and found. A family member leaves a door cracked while bringing groceries into the house, the landscaper forgets to close the back gate, or your guide pulls away from you to engage with the neighbor’s dog. Whatever the circumstance, losing your guide dog can be a frightening and stressful experience. Check out these tips from Guiding Eyes for the Blind to proactively prevent lost dog incidents and the proper actions to take in order to report and locate a missing dog.

Advocacy Matters

This section features news on access and legislative issues.

New and improved! The Seeing Eye’s Advocacy App for Apple/iOS and Google/Android is now easier to navigate and even more screen reader friendly. Some of the changes in this free app include:
1. Improved navigation: Key documents have been converted to HTML, making them much easier to navigate.
2. Quick access to resources: Direct dial and email links have been added in the HTML documents so you can easily reach out to the resources you need.
3. Better organization: The State Laws section now has a structured layout similar to your phone’s contact list, making it more intuitive to browse.
4. Enhanced search function: Significant improvements have been made to the search feature, including additional screen reader announcements to better guide you as search results populate.

Help prevent access challenges in Maine’s public places. Share this pamphlet on service animals from the Maine Human Rights Commission and the Department of Justice’s ADA guidance on service animals with your local businesses.
Rideshare discrimination. Despite the recent publicity about ridesharing and guide dogs, an article in The Associated Press reports that handlers continue to experience canceled rides, unwarranted cleaning fees for their guide dogs and outright refusals by rideshare drivers.

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.

German Shepherd solid bronze Key Ring

The key to your heart. Made of solid bronze and attached to a brass key ring, this German Shepherd 3D mini-sculpture is beautifully textured and sealed to preserve the glossy finish and the fine detail. The approximate size of the mini shepherd standing on its base is 3/4 inches by 3/4 inches. The inner diameter of the key ring is 1 1/4 inches. Other breeds are also available. Made in the USA by The Hunting Horn Jeweler. $19.95.

PTGDU Recipe of the Month

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

Corn and Cheddar Chowder with Bacon

Popular with Seeing Eye students and staff of all ages, this old-fashioned favorite with a Southwestern twist has just the right amount of heat and tang.

Ingredients

4 slices of thick bacon, chopped

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken broth

2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen corn, thawed

8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Heat a heavy stock pot over medium-high heat and cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towel-lined plate. Add butter and onions to remaining bacon drippings and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add cumin and stir for 1 minute. Add flour and stir constantly for 3 minutes. Slowly add broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Add potatoes and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Slightly mash potatoes with the back of a spoon and then stir in cream and corn. Simmer for about 5 minutes, remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese just until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.