[Nfbc-info] CAGDU Newsletter:

Tue Feb 19 22:56:25 UTC 2019

Hello Everyone, 

The California Association of Guide Dog Users (CAGDU) A strong and proud
division of the National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBCA)  is
excited to share our stories and efforts with everyone. 

Demonstrating that with love, hope and determination, we can live the life
we want. 

Enjoy, 

Tina Thomas-President-CAGDU-NFBCA        

The CAGDU Barker

Newsletter

February 2019

Contents

The CAGDU Barker <> . 1

Newsletter <> . 1

>From the Editor <> . 1

Legal Pad <> . 3

Legislative Alert: Bill AB-169 (Concerning Attacks on Guide dogs <> . 3

What a Howell <>  5

The sound of Rain?? <> . 5

How I Became a Lover of Guide Dogs <> . 6

What Do Dogs and Cats See? <> . 11

>From the Canine Kitchen <> . 14

Apple crunch pupcakes <> . 14

>From the Editor

By Allison Depner

As we are well into 2019, it’s high time for another CAGDU newsletter. This
issue covers several topics including the experience of becoming a guide dog
fan, what dogs can see, and a healthy dog treat, a humorous anecdote and the
progress of local legislation. I want to thank all those individuals who
have contributed to this newsletter. It is your input that has created its
rich content and personal tone. 

If you would like to contribute to future issues, please send your stories,
dog treat recipes, doggie related equipment or toy recommendations, or other
items of interest to both CAGDU president, Tina Thomas at
tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com <mailto:tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com>   and me,
Allison Depner at  <mailto:adepner1425 at gmail.com> adepner1425 at gmail.com. If
you are providing an article that you have found on the internet or via
another source, please make sure to include the name of the source and
original author. It is very important to credit sources and authors when
using pre-written articles. 

Legal Pad

Legislative Alert: Bill AB-169 (Concerning Attacks on Guide dogs

Teresa Stern, Guide Dogs for the Blind

Below is an e mail message concerning AB-169. The information was provided
by Theresa Stern, from Guide Dogs for the Blind VP Outreach, Admissions, and
Alumni Services. The hearing for this bill is scheduled for February 26.
Although the deadline for letters about the bill will have passed by the
time our readers receive this newsletter, the process will continue and it
is good to know about the bill and how its passing will impact the laws
regarding attacks on guide dogs. CAGDU is in full support of this bill. And
now, here is Teresa’s message.

Greetings California GDB Alumni and Puppy Raisers,

We want to make you aware of bill AB 169.  GDB strongly supports this
legislation and we invite you to share your thoughts with legislators as
well.  Below you will find some info about the bill followed by the letter
we are submitting.  If you choose to weigh in on this bill please know that
letters must be received by Feb. 19, 2019. Letters must be signed and either
faxed or sent, no emails will be allowed.  There will be a hearing regarding
the bill on Feb 26 from 10:00AM - Noon at the Capitol in Room #126, if you
would like to join me in Sacramento, please let me know.

Background and Current Law

Currently in California, it is a crime for any person to cause injury or
death to any guide, signal, or service dog, while the guide, signal, or
service dog is in active service. California showed its support for the
disabled community when the Legislature adopted this law, however, this does
not protect service animals in every respect.

The Problem

The protections stated do not extend to service dogs in training, nor do
they apply to those not actively fulfilling their duties as a service
animal. If an off-duty animal is harmed or killed, the owner is often left
without the help of their service dog. Without the aid of service animals,
the independence of the owners is put on hold. Members of the disabled
community are likely to miss work, get injured, or be unable to complete
everyday tasks while trying to get through without their service animal.

Impact

This legislation will enable victims to receive restitution for any lost
wages or medical expenses incurred while they are without the service of
their guide, signal, or service dog.

What will this bill specifically do?

A         B 169 will delete the requirement that specified crimes, such as
causing injury or death, against guide, signal, or service dogs must occur
while the dog is in discharge of its duties and would make these crimes
applicable to the injury or death of dogs that are enrolled in a training
school or program for guide, signal, or service dogs, or to dogs that are
currently off-duty.

This bill will also require restitution to the victim with a disability for
medical expenses and loss of wages incurred as a result of injury or death
to his or her service dog. It would also change the definition of
"replacement costs" for which restitution may be claimed under existing law,
to include: the training costs for a new dog, the cost of keeping the
now-disabled dog in a kennel while the handler travels to receive a new dog,
and the cost of the travel required for the handler to receive a new dog,
each of these as needed.

Sponsor

California Council of the Blind

Golden State Guide Dog Handlers

Bill Support

National Federation of the Blind of California

Canine Companions for Independence

ASPCA

Child and Family Center

Guide Dog Users Inc.

Independent Living Center of Kern County

What a Howell

The sound of Rain??

By Janet Snow

This happened about three years ago. It was a Sunday morning in November. It
was a warm, sunny day, which we sometimes get here in Northern California. I
woke up and got ready for church. My friend, Abbey always gives Raleigh and
me a ride. Raleigh enjoys going to church because he likes people and, let's
face it, he's a guide dog who likes going anywhere at any time, although he
does have the habit of sleeping during the sermon.

After church was over, Abbey and I, along with Raleigh, walked outside. We
were walking along the side of the building on the sidewalk, heading toward
the parking lot. It was crowded so I decided to heel Raleigh and take
Abbey's arm. We were talking as we made our way through the crowd. Suddenly,
I felt Raleigh's leash pull tight. I stopped and turned toward Raleigh. He
was peeing right there in the middle of the sidewalk. Everybody stopped
walking and there was total silence. What came out of my mouth was, "Oh
Raleigh! I took you before we left home!" Then I just stood there. A lady
said, "Watch your foot," because my left foot was in danger of "splashing
waters."

Raleigh's pee hitting the cement never sounded so loud. And on top of that,
he was like that energizing bunny, he just kept going....and going. At one
point that same girl said, "Wow, he's still going." And then silence
continued to reign. Finally, thankfully, Raleigh was done. Then he started
walking and so did we, and finally, everyone else. As I walked away I said,
"Sorry everyone!" Then I was thinking in the back of my mind how everyone
would have to walk around the puddle, so again I said the dumbest thing, "If
I had some paper towels, I would clean that up." Then Abbey and I quietly
headed toward her car. When we got a distance away from all the people,
Abbey stopped, turned to me and said, "Janet, I don't care how many paper
towels you might have, there is no way I'm going to let you clean that up
when the sun will do it for us." We began laughing and couldn't stop. Then I
said, "Well, at least he waited until we got outside the building." It was
just one of those days.

How I Became a Lover of Guide Dogs

By Teresa Almy

As someone who is rather adventurous in nature, approximately a year after
learning that the quarantine had been lifted in the state of Hawaii, my
husband, myself, and my guide dog, North, decided to enjoy the flowers and
beaches.

When I got married in 1982, my first guide, Neva, had to spend time with my
parents while we explored Kaua'i and Oahu. This also held true a year later
when we traveled to the UK.

Though I agree that there are times when one chooses to leave a guide at
home, or not, my preference is that the choice is mine, and not dictated or
mandated due to a series of circumstances beyond my control. I knew, for
instance, that I would have to go through some hoops to get my guide into
Hawaii, but knew that it could be done. I thought that I might as well try
it since so much trouble had been taken to ensure that our guides, though
not able to sit under an umbrella sipping a Mai Tai or a Tropical Itch,
could enjoy other aspects of the Hawaii experience.

Once the decision had been made, research had to begin. If undertaking a
trip of this kind, I would urge a visit to the person in charge of foreign
travel at your local veterinarian. This person can be very knowledgeable
about rules and regulations with respect to traveling with one's dog,
including guide dogs. We are on a first name basis with ours. If the steps
involved in the procedures seem overwhelming, this individual can break
everything down so that the experience doesn't seem so overwhelming. For
general information, however, I would look at the Hawaii Department of
Agriculture website here: 

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/guide-servi
ce-dogs-entering-hawaii/.

One thing that has to be done, in addition to the titer testing, is that a
fax needs to be sent, and forms need to be completed, to ensure that a
smooth entry into the state of Hawaii takes place. The locations of the
guide need to be noted, along with where the handler and guide will be
staying while visiting Hawaii.

Once you arrive at your destination, a trip will have to be made to the
Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, which is located in the airport.
A vet will examine the dog, check all of the relevant papers, including the
Health Certificate, which has to be completed within 30 days of travel, and
the rabies certificate. The visit is extremely brief, so much so that you
can't help asking yourself if it really happened. Once that portion of the
trip has been completed, you and your guide are free to enjoy your trip.

OUT WITH THE OLD? 

WELL... NEVER!

I really hate to say this, but I am not a "dog person" per se. In fact, I
tried to ignore dogs as much as possible, no doubt because I was jumped up
on as a very small child, and was terrified. My family seemed to have dogs
for as long as I could remember, with the first of my recollection being
Nipper, whom I loved. He must have left us before my encounter with the big
Boxer who wanted to take me on. 

Imagine my disgust with myself when I started thinking, at age 19 or so,
that "those Seeing Eye Dogs" might be the right idea. I approached my mother
about it. Even more to my disgust, she was all for it. I kept presenting
problem scenarios, hoping that she would agree with my rather twisted logic,
and validate me by affirming that the cane was really the best choice. This,
however, was not to be. When I went to my sister for further validation, I
got: "You're finally wising up. That's good." Ok, ok. I wrote to the Seeing
Eye, and to Guide Dogs for the Blind, and awaited some kind of word. The
Seeing Eye sent me literature, the other school, the one with which I have
been affiliated now for the past 44 years, sent an application, which I
promptly, if reluctantly, filled out. January, 1975, here I come. 

I am now on my fifth guide, and am scheduled to attend the March 3rd class
of 2019. Each dog has provided just a bit of a different perspective, a
different role in my life. Trooper, my current guide, is no exception. He
retired with me, and now he is retiring to his dream home in Sunland. 

I am again confronted with the fears and doubts that assail every newbie of
the Guide Dog Kingdom. Will it work out? Do I have it in me to go through
the training again? Will I even make it through the training again? 

As I write this, Trooper is about to pass the torch to a more enthusiastic
and younger four-legged, loving, half-grown-up neophyte. I wish that I could
hear what he would say to the new kid on the block: "Watch those tree roots
pulling up the sidewalk! They'll sent her sprawling!" "She likes to go to
weird places they call other countries. Good luck with that strange
guidework!" 

Each dog has taught me so much. As I embark on a new segment of my life, I
know that my new guide will stand beside me, tail wagging, with an alert
look in his or her eye. Trooper will no doubt hear about me from time to
time. God bless him, and all of those who have gone before: who got married
with me, got a Master's with me, worked in the courtrooms of Los Angeles
with me... each one has made a contribution. Hence, my contribution to this
newsletter.

May we who love and partner with our guides continue to reap the benefits of
the independence which they so ably and nobly provide. 

What Do Dogs and Cats See?

From

Animal Eye Care Specialist Clinic - San Francisco & San Carlos - Veterinary
Vision

Veterinary ophthalmologists are often asked, “How well do animals see?”
Visual function involves a combination of many factors, including: the field
of view, depth perception (ability to judge distances), acuity (focusing
ability), perception of motion, and color differentiation. All of these
functions must then be integrated by the brain to produce useful vision.
Although we are unable to ask our pets to read an eye chart, through
comparative studies, it is possible to make some educated assumptions about
their vision.

The position of the eyes within the head determines the degree of peripheral
vision as well as the amount of the visual field that is seen simultaneously
with both eyes. This binocular vision is necessary for judgment of
distances. Dogs have eyes which are placed on the sides of the head,
resulting in a visual field of 240 degrees compared with the human field of
200 degrees. The central, binocular field of vision in dogs and cats is
approximately half that possessed by humans.

The eyes of dogs and cats have many of the modifications typically seen in
animals which evolved as nighttime hunters. The pupil functions much as the
aperture for a camera and can dilate for maximal light capturing ability in
dogs and cats. In addition, there is a reflective layer under the retina
called the tapetum which serves to intensify vision in dim light. The
“mirror” effect of the tapetum results in the “eye shine” observed when an
animal looks into a car’s headlights. While dim light vision is enhanced by
the tapetum, scattering of the reflected light may result in reduced acuity.

Although it was formerly believed that dogs and cats could see only in black
and white, we now know that many animals may have some degree of useful
color vision. The perception of color is determined by the presence of cone
photoreceptors within the retina. These cone cells function in bright light
conditions and comprise approximately 20% of the photoreceptors in the
central retina of the dog. In humans, the central retina (macula) is 100%
cones. Behavioral tests in dogs suggest that they can distinguish red and
blue colors but often confuse green and red. Below is a simulation of what
dogs are likely to see in terms of color vision.

Human vision with full color range possible because of specialized retina
including cone photoreceptors and macula.

Animals rely on contrast and movement to identify objects. The type of
normal vision is restored following cataract surgery with implantation of
replacement lens.

Visual acuity is the ability to focus so that two objects appear as distinct
entities. This is the value that is measured in people using an eye chart.
In animals (and in infants) this can be measured using retinoscopy. Visual
acuity in normal dogs has been estimated to be 20-40% that of humans. This
means that, at 20 feet, a dog can distinguish an object that a human could
see at 90 feet. Acuity is a function of the clarity of the structures of the
eye (cornea, aqueous humor, lens, and vitreous) as well as the combined
refractive powers to focus the image clearly on the retina.

One of the most common diseases which can affect the clarity of the eye is
formation of a cataract within the lens. Cataracts in dogs are most often
inherited and may affect dogs at any age. As the lens becomes progressively
opaque, an animal’s vision deteriorates so that only light and dark
perception exists. Surprisingly, animals function relatively well in
familiar surroundings, even with severe vision impairment. This illustrates
the ability of dogs and cats to depend heavily on their other senses, namely
smell and hearing. 

>From the Canine Kitchen

A fruity treat your dog will adore

Apple crunch pupcakes

Article Source:
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/recipes-for-quick-and-healthy-d
og-treats

Ingredients:

*         2 ¾ cups water

*         Apple crunch pupcakes

*         ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)

*         2 tbsp honey

*         1/8 tbsp vanilla extract

*         1 medium egg

*         4 cups whole wheat flour

*         1 cup dried apple chips (unsweetened)

*         1 tbsp baking powder

Directions:

*         Preheat oven to 350 degrees

*         Mix water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla together in a bowl

*         Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended

*         Pour into lightly greased muffin pans

*         Bake 1 ¼ hours