From mike at michaelhingson.com Thu Feb 14 11:32:18 2019 From: mike at michaelhingson.com (mike at michaelhingson.com) Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 11:32:18 -0800 Subject: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Message-ID: <003101d4c49c$004fa970$00eefc50$@michaelhingson.com> Hi, Are we taking a position on this? Best Regards, Michael Hingson From: Theresa Stern Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:01 AM Subject: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 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. 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? AB 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 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 Who is the staff contact for this bill? Hallie Balch (916) 319-2036 hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov Letters should be addressed to Assemblyman Tom Lackey and can be sent to: Fax: 919-319-2136 Scan: Hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov Physical Copy: 1303 10th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 And, here is GDB's letter: Assemblyman Tom Lackey, 36th District 1303 10Th Street State Capitol, Room 2174 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Support AB 169 Dear Assemblyman Lackey, As the largest guide dog training program in North America, with headquarters in San Rafael California, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) greatly appreciates your sponsorship of Assembly Bill 169 as a means of enhancing protections governing dog attacks against guide, signal, and service dogs. Since 1942 GDB has produced and supported thousands of working guide dog teams; currently we have over 500 working teams and over 400 puppies in training in California alone. Dog attacks on service dogs can be devastating and can lead ultimately to the dissolution of the team, resulting in the loss of highly valuable resources, as well as the great emotional toll on the guide dog handler or puppy raiser/trainer. The resources required to breed, train and support our teams are vast, and the loss of one's guide can mean the loss of one's independence. Under existing law, it is an infraction or a misdemeanor for any person to permit any dog which is owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to cause injury to or death of any guide, signal, or service dog while the guide, signal, or service dog is in discharge of its duties, or actively providing service. However, these attacks often occur while the dog is not engaged in these duties. Under these circumstances, it is very difficult for guide, signal, or service dog handlers to recover potential costs incurred because of these attacks, such as medical expenses or loss of wages. This bill will expand the provisions which provide protection for guide, signal, or service dogs by eliminating the requirement that the guide, signal, or service dog be in discharge of its duties. And also affords protection to dogs who are actively enrolled in a service dog training program. Your support and sponsorship of this important legislation is appreciated as it will extend protections for communities that are often ignored. Please accept this letter as support for AB 169. Respectfully, Christine Benninger President and CEO Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind Theresa Stern | VP Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services tstern at guidedogs.com | 415 492-4717 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 GuideDogs.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190214/0df50e7b/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3914 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190214/0df50e7b/attachment.gif From tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com Thu Feb 14 12:04:31 2019 From: tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com (tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com) Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:04:31 -0800 Subject: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 In-Reply-To: <003101d4c49c$004fa970$00eefc50$@michaelhingson.com> References: <003101d4c49c$004fa970$00eefc50$@michaelhingson.com> Message-ID: <00e201d4c4a0$802b4d80$8081e880$@gmail.com> Hello Mike- Yes, we are supporting this bill. Tina From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org On Behalf Of mike at michaelhingson.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:32 AM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Hi, Are we taking a position on this? Best Regards, Michael Hingson From: Theresa Stern > Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:01 AM Subject: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 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. 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? AB 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 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 Who is the staff contact for this bill? Hallie Balch (916) 319-2036 hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov Letters should be addressed to Assemblyman Tom Lackey and can be sent to: Fax: 919-319-2136 Scan: Hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov Physical Copy: 1303 10th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 And, here is GDB's letter: Assemblyman Tom Lackey, 36th District 1303 10Th Street State Capitol, Room 2174 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Support AB 169 Dear Assemblyman Lackey, As the largest guide dog training program in North America, with headquarters in San Rafael California, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) greatly appreciates your sponsorship of Assembly Bill 169 as a means of enhancing protections governing dog attacks against guide, signal, and service dogs. Since 1942 GDB has produced and supported thousands of working guide dog teams; currently we have over 500 working teams and over 400 puppies in training in California alone. Dog attacks on service dogs can be devastating and can lead ultimately to the dissolution of the team, resulting in the loss of highly valuable resources, as well as the great emotional toll on the guide dog handler or puppy raiser/trainer. The resources required to breed, train and support our teams are vast, and the loss of one's guide can mean the loss of one's independence. Under existing law, it is an infraction or a misdemeanor for any person to permit any dog which is owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to cause injury to or death of any guide, signal, or service dog while the guide, signal, or service dog is in discharge of its duties, or actively providing service. However, these attacks often occur while the dog is not engaged in these duties. Under these circumstances, it is very difficult for guide, signal, or service dog handlers to recover potential costs incurred because of these attacks, such as medical expenses or loss of wages. This bill will expand the provisions which provide protection for guide, signal, or service dogs by eliminating the requirement that the guide, signal, or service dog be in discharge of its duties. And also affords protection to dogs who are actively enrolled in a service dog training program. Your support and sponsorship of this important legislation is appreciated as it will extend protections for communities that are often ignored. Please accept this letter as support for AB 169. Respectfully, Christine Benninger President and CEO Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind Theresa Stern | VP Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services tstern at guidedogs.com | 415 492-4717 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 GuideDogs.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190214/a3331ac6/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3914 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190214/a3331ac6/attachment.gif From shannonldillon at gmail.com Thu Feb 14 12:19:30 2019 From: shannonldillon at gmail.com (Shannon Dillon) Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:19:30 -0800 Subject: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 In-Reply-To: <003101d4c49c$004fa970$00eefc50$@michaelhingson.com> References: <003101d4c49c$004fa970$00eefc50$@michaelhingson.com> Message-ID: Thanks, Mike. We are listed as a supporter and are working on getting our letter-writing campaign going. On 2/14/19, mike at michaelhingson.com wrote: > Hi, > > > > Are we taking a position on this? > > > > > > Best Regards, > > > > > > Michael Hingson > > > > From: Theresa Stern > Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:01 AM > Subject: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 > > > > 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. > > > > 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? > > AB 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 > > > > 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 > > > > Who is the staff contact for this bill? > > Hallie Balch > > (916) 319-2036 > > hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov > > > > Letters should be addressed to Assemblyman Tom Lackey and can be sent to: > > Fax: 919-319-2136 > > Scan: Hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov > > Physical Copy: 1303 10th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 > > > > And, here is GDB's letter: > > > > Assemblyman Tom Lackey, 36th District > > 1303 10Th Street > > State Capitol, Room 2174 > > Sacramento, CA 95814 > > > > Re: Support AB 169 > > > > Dear Assemblyman Lackey, > > As the largest guide dog training program in North America, with > headquarters in San Rafael California, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) > greatly appreciates your sponsorship of Assembly Bill 169 as a means of > enhancing protections governing dog attacks against guide, signal, and > service dogs. > > > > Since 1942 GDB has produced and supported thousands of working guide dog > teams; currently we have over 500 working teams and over 400 puppies in > training in California alone. Dog attacks on service dogs can be > devastating > and can lead ultimately to the dissolution of the team, resulting in the > loss of highly valuable resources, as well as the great emotional toll on > the guide dog handler or puppy raiser/trainer. The resources required to > breed, train and support our teams are vast, and the loss of one's guide > can > mean the loss of one's independence. > > > > Under existing law, it is an infraction or a misdemeanor for any person to > permit any dog which is owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to > cause injury to or death of any guide, signal, or service dog while the > guide, signal, or service dog is in discharge of its duties, or actively > providing service. However, these attacks often occur while the dog is not > engaged in these duties. Under these circumstances, it is very difficult > for > guide, signal, or service dog handlers to recover potential costs incurred > because of these attacks, such as medical expenses or loss of wages. > > > > This bill will expand the provisions which provide protection for guide, > signal, or service dogs by eliminating the requirement that the guide, > signal, or service dog be in discharge of its duties. And also affords > protection to dogs who are actively enrolled in a service dog training > program. > > > > Your support and sponsorship of this important legislation is appreciated > as > it will extend protections for communities that are often ignored. Please > accept this letter as support for AB 169. > > Respectfully, > > > > Christine Benninger > > > > President and CEO > > Guide Dogs for the Blind > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Guide Dogs for the Blind > > Theresa Stern | VP Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services > > tstern at guidedogs.com | 415 492-4717 > 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 > GuideDogs.com > > > > > > -- SHANNON L. DILLON Secretary and Legislative Coordinator National Federation of the Blind of California The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation?s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. www.nfbcal.org From Peacefulwoman89 at cox.net Thu Feb 14 13:00:07 2019 From: Peacefulwoman89 at cox.net (Peacefulwoman89 at cox.net) Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 13:00:07 -0800 Subject: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 In-Reply-To: <00e201d4c4a0$802b4d80$8081e880$@gmail.com> References: <003101d4c49c$004fa970$00eefc50$@michaelhingson.com> <00e201d4c4a0$802b4d80$8081e880$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <008701d4c4a8$4485db80$cd919280$@cox.net> How odd that emails aren't being accepted. Lisa Irving-pardini From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org On Behalf Of tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 12:05 PM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: Re: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Hello Mike- Yes, we are supporting this bill. Tina From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org

> On Behalf Of tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 12:05 PM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: Re: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Hello Mike- Yes, we are supporting this bill. Tina From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org

> On Behalf Of mike at michaelhingson.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 12:42 PM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: Re: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 When is the next CAGDU meeting? From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org

> On Behalf Of tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 1:36 PM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: Re: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Hi Mike- The next CAGDU meeting will be held on Tuesday March 12. Tina Thomas-CAGDU-President-NFBCA From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org

On Behalf Of tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 1:36 PM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: Re: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Hi Mike- The next CAGDU meeting will be held on Tuesday March 12. Tina Thomas-CAGDU-President-NFBCA From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org

> On Behalf Of mike at michaelhingson.com Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:32 AM To: cagdu at nfbcal.org Subject: [Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 Hi, Are we taking a position on this? Best Regards, Michael Hingson From: Theresa Stern > Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:01 AM Subject: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169 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. 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? AB 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 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 Who is the staff contact for this bill? Hallie Balch (916) 319-2036 hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov Letters should be addressed to Assemblyman Tom Lackey and can be sent to: Fax: 919-319-2136 Scan: Hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov Physical Copy: 1303 10th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 And, here is GDB's letter: Assemblyman Tom Lackey, 36th District 1303 10Th Street State Capitol, Room 2174 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Support AB 169 Dear Assemblyman Lackey, As the largest guide dog training program in North America, with headquarters in San Rafael California, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) greatly appreciates your sponsorship of Assembly Bill 169 as a means of enhancing protections governing dog attacks against guide, signal, and service dogs. Since 1942 GDB has produced and supported thousands of working guide dog teams; currently we have over 500 working teams and over 400 puppies in training in California alone. Dog attacks on service dogs can be devastating and can lead ultimately to the dissolution of the team, resulting in the loss of highly valuable resources, as well as the great emotional toll on the guide dog handler or puppy raiser/trainer. The resources required to breed, train and support our teams are vast, and the loss of one's guide can mean the loss of one's independence. Under existing law, it is an infraction or a misdemeanor for any person to permit any dog which is owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to cause injury to or death of any guide, signal, or service dog while the guide, signal, or service dog is in discharge of its duties, or actively providing service. However, these attacks often occur while the dog is not engaged in these duties. Under these circumstances, it is very difficult for guide, signal, or service dog handlers to recover potential costs incurred because of these attacks, such as medical expenses or loss of wages. This bill will expand the provisions which provide protection for guide, signal, or service dogs by eliminating the requirement that the guide, signal, or service dog be in discharge of its duties. And also affords protection to dogs who are actively enrolled in a service dog training program. Your support and sponsorship of this important legislation is appreciated as it will extend protections for communities that are often ignored. Please accept this letter as support for AB 169. Respectfully, Christine Benninger President and CEO Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind Theresa Stern | VP Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services tstern at guidedogs.com | 415 492-4717 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 GuideDogs.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190214/6b168d94/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3914 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190214/6b168d94/attachment.gif From tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com Tue Feb 19 14:56:25 2019 From: tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com (tina.thomas90044 at gmail.com) Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:56:25 -0800 Subject: [Cagdu] CAGDU Newsletter: Message-ID: <009401d4c8a6$58480bf0$08d823d0$@gmail.com> 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 and me, Allison Depner at 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 ? cups water * Apple crunch pupcakes * ? 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 ? hours -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://nfbcal.org/pipermail/cagdu/attachments/20190219/d051d7ac/attachment.html