PTGDU at a Glance
Membership Benefits
Emergency Veterinary Expense Fund
The Ellis – McKenna Memorial Fund
Meeting Minutes & Reports
PTGDU Committees
Join or Renew your Membership with PTGDU Today
PTGDU at a Glance
Discover the unique advantages of being part of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users! PTGDU members are a diverse group who know first-hand how guide dogs change lives. Together, they strive to promote the acceptance and inclusion of Maine’s guide dog teams in all aspects of life.
Membership Benefits
Membership in PTGDU includes the opportunity to:
- Network and develop relationships with one another and those interested in the guide dog movement
- Be part of an organized group effort to build safer and more accessible communities
- Get organizational support and relevant information when faced with access issues and other challenges
- Apply for financial assistance of up to $2,500 for emergency veterinary care
- Receive group benefits from the Ellis – McKenna Memorial Fund
- Volunteer as a mentor for new and prospective guide dog handlers
- Obtain support when grieving the retirement or loss of a guide dog
- Attend PTGDU sponsored events and activities throughout the year (travel and lodging stipends may be granted when available)
- Receive news and updates from PTGDU publications
- Get automatic membership in Guide Dog Users, Inc. and all of its benefits
Emergency Veterinary Expense Fund
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. The Mary T. & Curtis D. Lovill Trust Fund is intended to assist Maine guide dog handlers in these circumstances. For more details, please download a copy of
The Ellis – McKenna Memorial Fund
The Ellis – McKenna Memorial Fund was established in 2023 to commemorate the lives of Patricia E. Ellis and Leona R. McKenna, two very dedicated women who were instrumental in the formation of Pine tree Guide Dog Users. The fund was created to assist members to participate in an event or opportunity that is associated with the inclusion and acceptance of people with guide dogs. For more information, email info@PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org.
Meeting Minutes & Reports
Want to learn more about the work of PTGDU? Visit our Meeting Minutes & Reports page.
For a summary of the discussions and decisions that take place at our quarterly meetings. To request a copy of our most recent treasurer’s report, email info@PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org
PTGDU Committees
Following is a list of PTGDU committees with brief descriptions of their purpose and work. Find out how you can do meaningful work with PTGDU by serving on one or more of our committees.
Advocacy & Legislative
Advocates for the full and equal access of guide dog handlers within the state of Maine; identifies and prioritizes PTGDU’s responses to federal, state and local legislative initiatives important to our members and the general guide dog community; and works to educate guide dog handlers and others about the rights and responsibilities related to living and working with a guide dog.
Fundraising
Works with the board to ensure funding for long and short term goals; identifies likely sources of financial and other support and solicits funding through grants, sponsorships, in-kind donations, individual contributions and other means to support PTGDU activities; assures compliance with the terms and conditions of any grants received.
Membership
Develops recommended strategies to recruit and retain members; connects individuals seeking guide dog related support with members who are willing to help or volunteer as mentors; and assists the Public Relations committee in planning PTGDU fall and spring membership meetings
Publications, Newsletter & Website
Creates and publishes content for the website, newsletter, and other publications; oversees and assures the highest standards of quality for all PTGDU publications; provides editorial assistance to the board and committees with respect to the preparation of publications; ensures optimal accessibility, effectiveness, and visitor satisfaction of the PTGDU website; and keeps website and social media content up-to-date.
Public Relations
Finds, creates, and implements events and activities throughout the state that help to promote awareness and acceptance of Maine’s guide dog teams; plans and carries out PTGDU’s annual spring and fall membership meetings; and serves as the official voice of PTGDU on guide dog matters in traditional media.
Join or Renew your Membership with PTGDU
Want to be part of a growing and dynamic organization?