Pet Ambassador Knowledge Test Study Guide

Transcription

1 Pet Ambassador Knowledge Test Study Guide Section I: Overview and Background Section II: Our Puppies and Dogs Section III: Guide Dog Training Program Section IV: The Making of a Guide Dog Team Section V: Access and Etiquette Section VI: Guide Dogs Organizational Overview Section I: Overview and Background Mission Statement Guide Dogs for the Blind empowers lives by creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. Vision Statement Guide Dogs for the Blind envisions a world with greater inclusion, opportunity and independence by optimizing the unique capabilities of people and dogs. Our History Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) was founded in 1942 by a small group of volunteers who wanted to provide guide dogs to blinded veterans of World War II. Our first training center was in Los Gatos, Calif., and relocated to our present site in San Rafael in In 1995 we opened a second campus in Boring, Ore., outside of Portland. Whom We Serve Any person who is legally blind or visually impaired desiring enhanced mobility and independence can benefit from the skills a guide dog provides. The person must be able to travel independently, and suited to work with a dog. Minors may be accepted into the program on a case-by-case basis; the usual minimum age is around 16 and there is no upper age limit. Our services are provided free-of-charge to men and women from throughout the United States and Canada. Our Dogs Guide Dogs for the Blind breeds Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden crosses from our own stock, specially selected for excellent temperament, intelligence and health. Advances in research and technology help make it possible for us to continue to improve the quality and health of our dogs and ensure their success as guides. Puppy Raising 1

2 GDB puppies are born in our kennels, but they are raised in the homes of volunteer puppy raisers as young as 9 and adults in ten states (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado). Puppy raisers devote incredible time and effort on our behalf; it's really quite amazing what they and their families do for us. They teach the puppies obedience and socialize them to the world. Raising a GDB puppy involves joining a club and participating in supervised club activities. It's a commitment that not only grows good puppies, it strengthens families and develops tomorrow's community leaders. Our Community Guide Dogs for the Blind has one of the nation s largest volunteer networks with thousands of volunteers assisting in the success of our mission. The human/animal bond creates a ripple that adds meaning and enrichment to each of our lives and strengthens our communities. Governance GDB is a private, nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors which oversees mission and policy matters. The Board is responsible for the appointment of a President and Chief Executive Officer who assumes direct responsibility for carrying out our mission. How We Are Funded We are supported entirely by private donations. We receive no government funding. Donors contribute through general contributions, bequests, grants, memorial and honor donations, charitable remainder trusts and other planned giving options. Section II: Our Puppies and Dogs Guide Dogs for the Blind fosters the human/animal bond, working tirelessly to ensure that we produce and nurture the best dogs possible. Breeding Program Labrador Retrievers have proven to have the most success worldwide as guides; at GDB, Labradors constitute the largest percentage of our breeding colony. We also have a smaller percentage of Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden crosses. The vast majority of our dogs are bred from our own specially selected stock, but a percentage is donated from other schools, through international programs, and other means. Our dogs need to not only have excellent health, intelligence and temperament, but also exhibit a willingness to work and thrive on praise. In addition, the breeds we use offer enough variation to fill the myriad needs of our students, including: Being of a size and weight that are appropriate for working beside a person and riding public transportation The ability to live in a variety of climates, thanks to easily-cared-for double coats The puppies are all born on our California campus. From the earliest stages of their lives, our puppies (and their moms) are cared for by a team of experts including full-time veterinarians and technicians supported by consulting specialists and volunteers. As the pups grow, our veterinarians will continue to monitor their health and well-being. 2

3 Breeding stock dogs all live within a 50-mile radius of the California campus with volunteer Breeder Custodians. Brood bitches are normally retired between the ages of 6 and 7; stud dogs are retired on an individual basis and may be active in the Breeding Program up to ages 11 or 12. Upon a dog s retirement from the Breeding program, the custodial family is offered the opportunity to adopt the dog. The Whelping Kennel The gestation period for female dogs is 64 days. GDB's female breeder dogs check in to our whelping kennel five days before the official due date. Their individual runs are equipped with a plastic wading pool lined with newspapers, which the moms will start to shred as part of her "nesting" routine when the time for delivery is near. As the births occur, the kennel staff assists when needed; this can involve resuscitating newborn puppies, clamping umbilical cords, monitoring the unborn pups via ultrasound and/or a uterine monitor, and giving medications as prescribed. Stalls in the whelping kennel are monitored via closed circuit video so that our staff can keep an eye on the moms and pups 24 hours a day from different locations on campus. The newborn puppies are weighed twice a day for first two days then daily for the next 5 days to ensure that they are gaining weight. Puppies that are lagging behind may be bottlefed. The puppies are identified after birth by a shaved area on their shoulder and/or hip (called their "clip"); this clip is used for identification until an official ID number is tattooed in their ears and they are given names. The puppy s sex and the location of the shave mark are used to identify each puppy in the litter ( Right Hip Male or RHM). The clip order used for every litter is as follows: Right Shoulder (RS), Left Shoulder (LS), Right Hip (RH), Left Hip (LH), Double Shoulder (DS), Double Hip (DH), Right Shoulder Right Hip (RSRH) and so on. All of the males are clipped in order from biggest to smallest and then start again at RS to clip all the females using the same pattern. One exception to the biggest to smallest rule is when a litter has both black and yellow puppies, in which case the black puppies are all clipped first then the yellow. The puppies spend their first 3 weeks in the wading pool and dine on mother's milk. At 3 weeks, the pool is taken away and they are put on the floor on shredded newspaper, and they start eating solid food. They are fed three times per day on a diet of a dry puppy food soaked in hot water mixed with canned puppy food. By 5-1/2 weeks the puppies are fully weaned from their mother. At 6 weeks the puppies get their microchips, a physical exam and vaccinations, and are ready to be moved to the Puppy Kennel. Within a few days of their move, the mother's milk will have dried up and she can go home. The Puppy Kennel In the Puppy Kennel, staff cares for the puppies until they are placed with their raising families at about 8 weeks old. In the Puppy Kennel, the puppies are placed in stalls with their littermates, with a maximum of four to a stall. The puppies are still fed three times per day, and have additional puppy socialization added to their daily schedules as well. Puppy Socializing Monday through Saturday mornings, the puppies are engaged in an extensive puppy socialization program run by a dedicated team of more than 100 volunteers. This socializing 3

4 exposes the puppies to new sights, sounds, and situations and teaches the puppies to overcome any initial fear or surprise toward new things. Additionally, they learn to enjoy the company of people. The volunteers introduce the puppies to things like walking on leash, wearing collars, encountering stairs and strange surfaces, and being handled on all parts of their body. How do the puppies get their names? Each new litter of puppies is assigned a letter alphabetically. For example, a litter of pups could be given the letter S. That means that every puppy in the litter would need a name starting with S. The next litter of puppies born would get the letter T, regardless of the litter s breed. It seems easy enough to come up with four or five or more names beginning with S but several considerations must be taken into account. For instance: A GDB puppy cannot be given the name of any other dog that is currently active in the GDB program: all working guide dogs, active breeding stock dogs, other GDB puppies, and dogs in training or class. The dog s name must hit just the right balance between being dignified and special without being too unusual or complicated. A puppy s name should be fairly short and easy to pronounce. Our graduates use these dogs to get around quickly, and commands (which include the dog s name) need to be given concisely. When a GDB dog is retired from the program, its name may go back into circulation. Also, the names of career change dogs (those dogs that are released from the program) may also be reused. By the time a puppy is 5 weeks of age, it has an official GDB name which remains the dog s name of record for its entire lifetime. The dog s recorded name just like a human being s social security number stays with the dog forever. But the question still remains: WHO actually selects the names of the Guide Dog puppies? For all litters, the breeder custodians of both the sire and dam, and the puppy raisers of both are given the opportunity of submitting names for consideration. The Puppy Raising department has the final say on the names, making sure that the names meet all of the aforementioned criteria. Puppy Raising When our pups are approximately 8 weeks old, they're ready for their first road trip. They say goodbye to their birthplace, and embark on the first leg of their journey toward becoming guide dogs. They might loaded up in our "puppy truck" which is specially designed with their safety and comfort in mind. The truck makes dozens of trips throughout the year, and is driven by our own staff "puppy storks," who deliver the special cargo to the arms of eagerly waiting volunteer puppy raisers. They also might be picked up locally on our California campus if the puppy raisers live nearby, or flown to their puppy raisers who live further away. 4

5 There are approximately 900 puppies in puppy raising homes throughout the ten states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, New Mexico, Texas and Washington. What do the pups learn while they're in the Puppy Raising program? Once in the comfort of their new homes, the pups begin to learn about their environment. They learn basic obedience and good manners, and are socialized to the world. In addition to learning good house behaviors, the pups are exposed to a variety of situations, places and people. They accompany their raisers just about everywhere. Examples of the places our puppies are socialized include grocery stores, school and work, restaurants, shops and malls and cars. Our puppies have the pleasure of living with their raiser families until they are 14 to 18 months old before returning to our school for formal training to become guides. Once back at campus, dogs are then placed under the care of the Training Department. The Puppy Raising Commitment Local representatives interview potential puppy raisers in their homes. Potential raisers submit completed applications for approval and attend preliminary club meetings. In addition: All members of the household must be committed to raising a puppy. Raisers can be adults or youth, 9 years and older. A safe and secure living environment must be provided. Young puppies need to be supervised throughout the day. All puppies must be on leash when not in a secure area. There must be a compatible relationship with other pets in the home. Puppies must sleep indoors. Daily exercise and socialization must be provided for the puppies. Raisers and puppies are to attend regularly scheduled club meetings and outings. Raisers are responsible for some expenses, including food and incidental expenses. These expenses may be tax-deductible, depending on the raisers state tax laws. Only Guide Dog approved training and management techniques are used when working with the puppies. Raisers need to be willing to travel to meet with GDB representatives for evaluation of the pup s progress and/or attend training workshops. Raisers are positive representatives of Guide Dogs for the Blind within their communities. Raisers are required to release the puppy back to Guide Dogs for the Blind at GDB s request. Career Change Dogs Becoming a guide dog takes a very special combination of health, skill and behavioral soundness. Our standards are extremely high, and not all dogs are able to perform this specialized work. Some of our dogs go on to have careers as breeder dogs, K9 Buddies for blind youth, or special community canines that assist people in various ways. Those that don't quite qualify as guide dogs or go on to alternate jobs we call "career change" dogs. In many cases, career change dogs are adopted by their puppy raisers. Others may go on to 5

6 work in search and rescue, hearing or service dog training, agility, cancer detection, or pet therapy. The dogs released from our program to become pets or companions are placed in adoptive homes through our Dog Placement program. Most of the dogs are between 1 and 2 years old, and can be any of our breeds. The reasons the dogs are dropped from our programs are generally two-fold: Medical reasons (40%): anything from allergies to cataracts to varying severities of dysplasia (hip and elbow). Behavioral reasons (60%): high activity level, incompatibility with cats or other dogs, assertiveness requiring strong handler leadership. Some of these dogs may not be suitable for homes with young children or other pets. Because we receive many more applications for adoption than we have dogs available, our selection process is based on suitability rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. The dogs are adopted by matching the needs of both the dog and the potential adopting home. Filing an application does not guarantee receipt of a dog. Foster Care Our Foster Care program benefits a variety of program dogs: puppies, career change dogs, dogs-in-training, active guides, retired guides and breeder dogs. Foster care is open to approved volunteers who live within a reasonable driving distance of campus. Program dogs are placed in foster care to give them a defined period of time in a home situation. Some foster dogs require medical attention, while others simply need time to recover from surgery. Some foster dogs adjust better in a home environment. Some of the dogs are waiting to be adopted; these career change dogs benefit from a home environment to assist with a seamless transition into an adoptive home. Foster care providers must be willing to follow handling and home management guidelines. Foster care can last a few days or several months. The dogs vary in the degree of training they have received, to the amount of exercise and veterinary care they require. Each dog is an individual and is treated as such. Foster care providers must be willing to travel, at their own expense, between their home and the Guide Dog campus as needed, since occasionally, a foster dog may need regular baths, veterinary appointments, or to be shown to a potential adopter. K9 Buddy Program We believe that a dog can make a remarkable difference in any child's life by fostering a sense of caring, companionship and a sense of responsibility through the human/animal bond. Our K9 Buddy Program matches specially selected dogs to become wonderful companions to visually impaired children and young adults. A dog can contribute to heightening of sensory development, motivating a child to learn and enhancing self-esteem. The dogs come from Guide Dogs' own colony, but are not qualified to work as mobility assistance dogs. K9 Buddies are offered free-of-charge. K9 Buddies are primarily placed in ten states the same territory in which we have puppies being raised and the staff to support these programs. The K9 Buddy Program differs from our Guide Dog Program in a few key ways: 6

7 K9 Buddies are not trained to assist with mobility. Therefore, children who have K9 Buddies and their buddy dogs are not granted access to public places (restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, hotels, public transportation, etc) with their dogs under the ADA. K9 Buddies are considered pets. Veterinary assistance and counseling services are provided only to active guide dog teams. Families interested in applying for a K9 Buddy are interviewed in their home to evaluate the environment as well as to determine the particular traits the family is looking for in a dog so an appropriate match can be made. After matching the family with a dog, the family receives training and guidance from GDB staff. Section III: Guide Dog Training Program Once the grown puppies return to our campuses from their puppy raising homes, the dogs are ready to learn the tools of the trade. They discover how to become not just wellbehaved, meticulously socialized dogs, but professionals! Now, they are about to embark on the career for which they've been preparing. The dogs are taught by our training staff how to safely guide someone through the complexities of pedestrian travel. How long is the training? Formal training of the dogs begins at 14 to 18 months of age, and takes approximately 3 months. The dogs are assigned to instructors as they enter training, and each instructor begins a training with a group, or string of dogs. The dogs progress through 10 stages of training and can be career changed at any stage. Only dogs that successfully complete all 10 stages can become guides. What are the unique abilities that Guide Dogs have? Our dogs are smart very smart! In addition to learning how to lead a person safely around obstacles and avoid distractions, Guide dogs are also trained in "intelligence disobedience": if they are given an unsafe command, they are taught to not obey it (for example: refusing to step out into the street when there is oncoming traffic). Some of the skills guide dogs learn include: Leading a person in a straight line from point A to point B Stopping for all changes in elevation, including curbs and stairs Stopping for overhead obstacles, such as tree limbs Avoiding obstacles in their path Two things guide dogs can't do: Determine the route to a new destination Read traffic signals Guide dogs take their cues and commands from their human partners; it's up to the person to determine the routes they take and if it is safe to cross a street. Through repetition, they may remember a routine course, but it is their partner s job to know where they are at all times. 7

8 What are our methods of training? Our dogs are trained with high value rewards of both food and praise. An abundance of rewards, including physical and verbal affection, builds motivation, confidence and produces a happy working guide dog. We are fortunate to have 60+ years of history that have contributed to the success of our programs. But, in order to stay relevant to the changing needs of our students and alumni, we are proud to be leaders in innovation as well. Our professional staff continues to revolutionize the way we train our dogs, accommodate our students, and serve as a model for guide dog schools the world over. Our Balanced Education System for Training (BEST) method encompasses myriad practices designed to improve the ease of learning for our dogs as well as to protect the health and safety of our trainers. BEST consists of several kennel enrichment, socialization and training innovations, including: Treadmill Training (introduces dogs to the mechanics of guiding in harness while walking on a treadmill) Pattern Training (introduces the dogs to desired behaviors repeatedly so they begin to understand what is expected of them; the training is geared to build the dog's confidence by focusing on what the dog does right) Food Reward Programs (using food rewards a piece of the dog s regular kibble - as a positive reinforcement method to counter undesirable behaviors; our dogs learn to only accept food rewards from their handler, not off the ground or from strangers, allowing them to maintain their good manners toward food) Clicker Training (using sound cues with food rewards to signal appropriate behavior) Guide Dogs Custom Needs Program We are constantly exploring creative solutions to guidework challenges that our alumni may face, such as the use of prosthetic limbs, the use of support canes, etc. Section IV: The Making of a Guide Dog Team From Alabama to Alaska, Vancouver to Vermont, the students who attend our training program come from across the United States and Canada. Each month throughout the year, new classes of students arrive at our campuses, full of anticipation to meet their new guide dogs. We provide transportation, room and board, the costs of training and all of our other services completely free of charge. Who qualifies for a Guide Dog? To qualify for our program, an individual must be legally blind*; able to travel independently using other mobility tools, and suited to work with a dog. Minors may be accepted into the program; there is no upper age limit. After applying to our school, qualified candidates are visited in their homes by a representative of our school for an interview and assessment. The home interview gives applicants a chance to gain a clear picture of our program and the responsibilities involved in living and working with a guide dog. It also allows us to obtain a good understanding of a person s lifestyle and mobility needs, which helps us to make the best match possible with a dog. 8

9 *Legal blindness defined: best corrected vision of 20/200, or less than 20% field of vision. Our class training program As the largest school serving North America, we are able to provide highly personalized training. The team spends two weeks learning to work together in a variety of real-life situations, from quiet country roads to busy metropolitan areas. The students learn to work their dogs in stores, restaurants and malls, and on all forms of public transportation. The class training is conducted by our licensed GDB mobility instructors. During training, students live in our well-equipped dormitories, where they enjoy all the comforts of home and are served three healthy, delicious meals each day. Dorm amenities include lounges, libraries, wireless internet access; fitness centers, laundry facilities and more. Our full-time nursing staff is on hand to tend to any health issues that may arise, including overseeing any special dietary requirements. Graduation The end of class training is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our new guide dog teams. A public ceremony marks not only the conclusion of the team's training, but the beginning of a fantastic journey beyond our doors. At graduation, the dogs' puppy raisers are invited to attend and formally present their former charges to the dogs new partners. How we are different from other guide dog schools Choosing to come to Guide Dogs for the Blind is not just about choosing a training program. It is choosing to become part of the GDB family. We provide unparalleled support to our alumni throughout the working life of the dog. Our staff is always available for telephone assistance, as well as in in-home consultation through our extensive follow-up program. Personal emergent visits are provided whenever necessary. Staff field managers, living in areas where there are large concentrations of graduates, provide ongoing, consistent support as well. We provide our alumni with veterinary reimbursement to help defray the costs of medical expenses for their guides, when financial assistance is needed. We are committed to the health and safety of our dogs. We are the first school to offer an Alumni Association to provide opportunities for graduates to network and to introduce potential applicants to our program. The quality of our instruction is world-class. Our instructors are all professionally licensed and our student/instructor ratio is 2:1. Section V: Access and Etiquette When you meet a person who is blind: Treat me as you would anyone else. I do the same things as you do, but sometimes use different techniques. Speak in a normal tone of voice. Blindness doesn t equal hearing loss. Talk directly to me, not to my companion. Loss of sight is not loss of intellect. When entering a room, identify yourself; when exiting, be sure to mention that you are leaving. Address me by name so I will know you are speaking to me. 9

10 Don t worry about using common, everyday words and phrases like "look," "see" or "watching TV" around me. If I look as though I may need assistance, ask. I ll tell you if I do. If I am about to encounter a dangerous situation, voice your concerns in a calm and clear manner. Pulling or steering me is awkward and confusing it s really not helpful. Avoid grabbing my arm, and please don t touch my dog s harness. Ask, "Would you like me to guide you?" Offering your elbow is an effective and dignified way to lead someone who is blind. Do not be afraid to identify yourself as an inexperienced sighted guide and ask for tips on how to improve. Be considerate. If you notice a spot or stain on my clothing, tell me privately (just as you would like to be told). If you leave me alone in an unfamiliar area, make sure it is near something I can touch a wall, table, rail, etc. Being left out in empty space can be very uncomfortable. Be sure to give useful directions. Phrases such as "across the street" and "left at the next corner" are more helpful than vague descriptions like "over there." In a restaurant, give clear directions to available seats. Your offer to read the menu aloud may be appreciated, but you shouldn t assume I would not want to order my own food. When the food arrives, ask if I d like to know what is on my plate. You can describe the location of food items by using clock positions: "Your coffee is at 3 o clock"; "The sugar is at 1 o clock." Leave doors all the way open or all the way closed half-open doors or cupboards are dangerous. Don t rearrange furniture or personal belongings without letting me know. Be sensitive when questioning me about my blindness. This is personal information and boundaries should be respected. When you meet a working guide dog team: As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for leading someone who cannot see. The dog should never be distracted from that duty. A person s safety may depend on their dog s alertness and concentration. It is okay to ask someone if you may pet their guide. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs when they have the time. The dog s primary responsibility is to its partner and it is important that the dog not become solicitous. A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats. The dogs are fed on a schedule and follow a specific diet in order to keep them in optimum condition. Even slight deviations from their routine can disrupt their regular eating and relieving schedules and seriously inconvenience their handlers. Guide dogs are trained to resist offers of food so they will be able to visit restaurants without begging. Feeding treats to a guide dog weakens this training. Although guide dogs cannot read traffic signals, they are responsible for helping their handlers safely cross a street. Calling out to a guide dog or intentionally obstructing its path can be dangerous for the team as it could break the dog s concentration on its work. Listening for traffic flow has become harder for guide dog handlers due to quieter car engines and the increasing number of cars on the road. Please don t honk your horn or call out from your car to signal when it is safe to cross, which can be 10

11 distracting and confusing. Be especially careful of pedestrians in crosswalks when turning right on red. It s not all work and no play for a guide dog. When they are not in harness, they are treated in much the same way as pets. However, for their safety they are only allowed to play with specific toys. Please don t offer them toys without first asking their handler s permission. In some situations, working with a guide dog may not be appropriate. Instead, the handler may prefer to take your arm just above the elbow and allow their dog to heel. Others will prefer to have their dog follow you. In this case, be sure to talk to the handler and not the dog when giving directions for turns. The Americans with Disabilities Act and laws in your state permit dog guides to accompany their handlers anywhere the general public is allowed, including taxis and buses, restaurants, theaters, stores, schools, hotels, apartment and office buildings. Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act Section (c) of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations generally to modify policies, practices, and procedures to accommodate the use of service animals in places of public accommodation. Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items. Place of public accommodation means a facility, operated by a private entity, whose operations affect commerce and fall within at least one of the following categories: Places of lodging Establishments serving food or drink Places of exhibition or entertainment Places of public gathering Sales or rental establishments Service establishments Stations used for specified public transportation Places of public display or collection Places of recreation Places of education Social service center establishments Places of exercise or recreation Section VI: Guide Dogs Organizational Overview Breeding Department The Breeding Department is responsible for managing a colony of approximately 200 active and 300 retired breeding stock dogs. Its goal is to responsibly breed suitable dogs to train for guidework at our two training facilities. Duties include: Evaluating and selecting dogs to include in the breeding colony (the selection is a collaborative effort between the Breeding, Training and Veterinary departments; 11

12 dogs that meet the highest physical and temperamental standards are considered for inclusion. Potential breeders are trained in obedience and basic guidework so training supervisors can assess their behavior and temperament) Placing the dogs in volunteer Breeder Keeper homes; involves an in-depth interview process Scheduling the pregnant female s veterinary appointments and stays in our kennels Utilizing the services of consulting specialists in the areas of canine genetics, ophthalmology, and cardiology Keeping accurate and comprehensive records in Breeding Database The Kennel Department The Kennel Department is responsible for the care of all non-training dogs, including female breeder dogs and their newborn puppies, puppies in the Puppy Kennel, dogs newly returned but not yet in training, active and retired breeding stock, career change dogs awaiting placement, and staff dogs being boarded in our facilities. The Kennel Department is staffed around the clock, 24/7. Duties include: Monitoring all births as they occur in the Whelping Kennel Providing care to newborn puppies Feeding all of the dogs under their care, multiple times per day Administration of medications and veterinary care Providing ongoing attention to dogs recovering from surgery In addition, the Kennel Department is responsible for the practical aspects of breeding. Working closely with the Breeding Department and the Vet Clinic, the Kennel staff conducts the actual breedings between each pair of breeder dogs. The Veterinary Clinic Both of our campuses have their own veterinary clinics that are fully staffed five days a week, with at least one veterinarian always on call. When the occasion warrants, the clinics use the services of outside specialists, including ophthalmologists, surgeons and dentists. The clinics are stocked with complete pharmacies to fill prescriptions for the medical needs of the dogs, comprehensive veterinary libraries, and in-depth medical databases with information and records available on all of our dogs. Duties in the clinic include: Conducting regular check-ups and physical examinations for all dogs on campus Providing prenatal and neonatal care for breeder dogs and puppies Performing routine surgeries, like spays and neuters Consulting with veterinarians in the field regarding working guides and puppies in training Provide routine care for working guides, puppies in training and breeding stock dogs living in the area. Puppy Socialization The puppy socialization staff coordinates the daily socialization of puppies by volunteers while the pups are on the California campus. Duties include: Oversight and training of puppy socialization volunteers Developing innovative socialization techniques Upholding standards and providing measurements of socialization practices Assisting the Kennel Department in overseeing the puppies health 12

13 Puppy Raising Department The Puppy Raising Department is responsible for tracking all puppies and dogs in the puppy raising program. General administrative duties include: Coordinating and scheduling puppy truck trips to deliver pups to their new raisers, and bring back dogs recalled for training Processing all puppy raising applications and related paperwork Producing annual Fun Day puppy raiser recognition events on both campuses In addition, staff provides extensive ongoing training and support to puppy raisers in the field. Specifically, the Community Field Representatives (CFRs) are responsible for supervising and training club leaders and raisers in their respective territories. The CFR s duties include: Conducting regular leader and raiser training seminars Periodic evaluation of each puppy s physical and behavioral development Providing hands-on intervention in problem situations Recruiting, supporting and maintaining club leaders The Training Department The Training Department s main functions are three-fold: Training dogs to become guides Conducting class training to teach our students how to work with their new guides Assisting our alumni in the field (in tandem with our Graduate Services Department) In addition, the Training Department assists other departments (such as Puppy Raising, AGS, Development or Marketing), by making appearances at functions or fundraisers; giving presentations and being media spokespersons, etc. Instructors are kept abreast of developments in the guide dog industry by networking with other schools and building relationships within the blindness community. The Training Department is the largest department at GDB, and has many career paths: Canine Welfare Training Technicians CWTTs (provide support to the apprentices and instructors by feeding, walking, grooming, medicating and socializing the training dogs) Apprentice Instructors (work under the guidance of a licensed instructor during a three-year apprenticeship to learn about the proper care of dogs and guide dog training techniques; apprentices are involved in the class work with students, followup work with alumni, the interviewing process of applicants, and public relations work) Licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructors GDMIs (have successfully completed their apprenticeship and have passed written, oral and practical tests administered by the State Guide Dog Board of California; they oversee strings of dogs and are mentors to apprentices) Master Instructors (have gained a level of proficiency above and beyond that of a GDMI) Training Supervisors (work with teams of instructors in the training and assessment of dogs; ensure proper progress of apprentice instructors; lead class training sessions) 13

14 Outreach Department The Outreach Department is responsible for student recruitment, and making people who are blind aware of our programs and services. Duties include: Overseeing and promoting our youth outreach programs, such as K9 Buddy, summer camps, etc. Representing GDB at consumer and blindness-related conferences and conventions Establishing and maintaining relationships with blindness agencies Giving presentations and conducting Guide Dog Lifestyle Workshops Admissions Department The Admissions Department provides direct assistance to people who considering applying to our school, and guide them through the application process. Duties include: Providing information about the guide dog lifestyle Coordinating applicant screenings and the student selection process Determining and scheduling class placement for those accepted for training Arranging transportation for our students to and from campus Providing personal services for students while they are in the residential class training program, including shopping for personal needs, arranging for attendance at religious services, etc. Providing a comprehensive take-home packet upon graduation that includes ID cards, access law cards, veterinary records, etc. Graduate Services Department Graduate Services staff duties pick up where the Admissions staff duties end; they provide support to our alumni after graduation. Field Representatives are responsible for supporting and assisting alumni in their respective territories. Duties include: Visiting graduates in their home areas to help maintain the soundness and safety of the team Providing telephone support and guidance Offering counseling services to our alumni for a variety of guide dog-related issues, including grief and loss issues associated with the retirement or death of a guide (GDB has a full-time counselor on staff) Sponsoring educational programs for Orientation and Mobility Instructors to enhance their understanding of guide dog use by their visually impaired clientele. Providing information and resources to graduates on issues related to access, transportation, dog attacks etc., including information on state and federal laws; providing resources that allow graduates to advocate for themselves in situations where they have been denied lawful access Representing GDB at conferences, seminars, etc. Developing relationships at agencies for the visually impaired Assisting with the education of Apprentice Instructors to meet their licensing requirements Conducting interviews with applicants to our school in their homes 14

15 Nursing Department The Nursing Department is responsible for the health and well-being of our students while they are in class. There are nursing staff on both campuses, and work closely with our Training and Dormitory Departments. Duties include: Reviewing special health considerations of students in class (dietary restrictions, medications, disabilities, etc.) Accompanying the students on their training excursions to be on hand in the event of an emergency Administering medications; monitoring existing health conditions; treating minor wounds, aches and pains Dormitory Department The Dormitory staff are charged with making our students stay in our dormitory as comfortable as possible. It is their home away from home. Duties include: Preparing and serving meals, three times per day; taking into consideration any special dietary restrictions (diabetic, vegetarian, Kosher, etc.) Housekeeping Providing an array of well-maintained and well-stocked amenities (fitness facilities, library of books and videos, computer equipment, etc.) Alumni Association GDB is the first guide dog school to create a formal Alumni Association to support its graduates. Its main functions include: Assisting our graduate population with employment and other issues Promoting advocacy for blindness-related issues Developing and maintaining relationships with consumer groups and other likeminded organizations Enhancing our image and visibility Increase awareness of our mission An Alumni Association Board of Directors (up to 15 members) reports to our CEO and is staffed by the Vice President of Admissions, Alumni and Outreach. The Alumni Association Board s responsibilities include: Selecting directors and officers, as well as setting qualifications and determining the powers and duties of the Board Recommending policies for membership categories, chapter formation, communications and member benefits Providing oversight of alumni programs Advising the GDB Board on issues facing guide dog users Recommending policies and procedures; approving amendments Providing feedback to the CEO on the performance of the Vice President of Admissions, Alumni and Outreach. Campus Volunteers GDB has more than 700 volunteers on the California campus and more than 100 in Oregon, performing over 100 different jobs; it is the Volunteer Department s responsibility to oversee and manage all of those people and tasks. Duties include: 15

16 Coordinating volunteer orientation sessions, held on both campuses throughout the year Recruiting volunteers to fill specific roles and job duties Making volunteer assignments; managing volunteer tasks Keeping accurate records of volunteer hours and duties Overseeing GDB s Summer Youth Internship Program Running the Campus Tour Program (drop-in tours for seven or fewer people available Monday through Saturday 10:30 am or 2:00 pm; larger groups need reservations), including a school tour program (reservations required) Foster Care and Dog Placement Departments It is the Foster Care and Dog Placement Departments responsibility to coordinate volunteer foster care and find adoptive homes for certain dogs. Duties include: Accepting applications and maintaining a comprehensive database of potential adopters and foster care volunteers Interviewing dog adoption applicants; arranging meetings between potential adopters and dogs Placing dogs in appropriate adoptive or foster care homes Development Department The Development Department is charged with raising funds that support most of GDB s annual operating budget. Duties include: Developing and fostering donor relations; creation and stewardship of donor recognition programs Managing corporate and foundation giving Producing fundraising and friendraising events, as well as overseeing events produced by others on our behalf Managing an extensive planned giving program Recording, processing and acknowledging all donations The Development Department raises funds through the following channels: Direct mail solicitations (the principal means of attracting new donors and for renewing the annual gifts of current supporters) Major gifts (donations of $1000 or more are usually obtained through personal solicitations from individual donors) Planned Gifts (e.g.- bequests from deceased donors or income from Trusts; planned gifts constitute the largest, single source of operating revenue for GDB) Fundraising events (e.g. - Support Our Canine Heroes Wine Gala and the Holiday Luncheon in San Francisco; Pinot and Pups and the Fall Luncheon in Portland) Corporate, community and family foundations; corporate grants or matching gifts Individual donations (including honor or memorial gifts, contributions received via Guide Dog News or other GDB publications, and donations from visitors to our campuses) Ways to donate: Cash, checks and credit cards Electronic transfers Matching gifts programs 16

17 Gifts in memory or in honor of someone or a pet Online via Stocks, mutual funds and other securities Gifts of personal property including residences, commercial or rental property, land, automobiles, boats, collections, art, etc. Wills, Charitable Trusts and Gift Annuity contracts; designated interest in an IRA; life insurance policies or pension fund benefits Marketing The Marketing Department is responsible for how GDB is presented to the world. It is the gatekeeper of information and news, and is charged with creating and upholding the GDB brand. Duties include: Coordinating all media activities; pursuing public relations opportunities Producing all GDB collateral material intended for external audiences, including videos, newsletters, brochures, presentation materials, etc. Creating and maintaining GDB s online presence, including website, blog, communications and social networking Acting as an in-house creative services agency to support other department s marketing needs Providing message points for constituents and staff Assisting with awareness of Guide Dog-related issues (access and etiquette, etc.) Other departments include: Information Technology, Finance/Accounting, Facilities Maintenance and Administration. 17