Guidelines
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What's happening at Guide Dog Services?
It's been a productive time at Guide Dog Services (GDS) of late. A new Manager of the Guide Dog Mobility Instructors has been appointed. Simon Higgs plans to arrive in April with his family from County Cork in Ireland. He has worked for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind since 1984. This is a new position for GDS and we're delighted to have Simon's expertise and experience.
Another welcome addition is Dr Janice Lloyd from Massey University. Janice is with us until the end of April. A variety of projects are claiming her attention, including disseminating the valuable information contained in her PhD on successful matching of guide dogs.
The process of appointing a replacement for Joe Walker as National Manager of Guide Dogs is underway.
This year, we are trialling a relaxation technique with dogs in training, called the 'Tellington Touch'. It encompasses lead exercises, a confidence course, touches and body wraps. The method could develop skills that improve the dogs' ability to negotiate obstacles and move about in areas that they might otherwise feel anxious in and enhance their body movements, balance and body awareness. We are looking at integrating these techniques into part of the Guide Dog Training programme as a pilot study and will assess the outcome in mid-to late-2007.
Another project is an overview of the GDS Breeding Services Programme. Fiona Hollinshead of Matamata Vet Services will be instrumental in providing technical reproduction advice and direction in an effort to move the programme forward. She is fresh from working alongside a reproductive expert employed by Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York. A breeding services plan will stem from the review, to help us clarify and agree on the genetic gain in traits most important to get us where we want to be in the future.
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In December we hosted a delegation of six Japanese trainers and management staff from Eye Mate, Japan's oldest guide dog school. While the school has existed since the 1950s, this is a new relationship and we'll continue discussing ways we can mutually benefit.
Our annual funding agreement with the Guide Dog Society was renewed at a highly positive meeting. I'm sure the close links we have with the society will go from strength to strength this year.
Helen McKenzie
Divisional Manager
Adaptive Living and Guide Dog Services
Kushla
Each year around 100 amazing volunteer puppy walkers take guide dog puppies into their homes. For around 12 months they have the huge job of socialising and teaching the puppy basic obedience; but the hardest part is having to give the puppy back. Nine year old Laura-Jane Salthouse had guide dog puppy Kushla living with her family. Here is a story she wrote for school about what it was like to say goodbye to Kushla.
"When it was the day we had to take Kushla out to the Guide Dog Centre, I reminded my family to bring all of her guide dog stuff. We had to give her back so she could go in for proper training so she could help a blind person.
When we got to the Guide Dog Centre, we had to give her back, it was very hard and our whole family cried. We went and looked at the Guide Dog Memorial and read all the plaques. It made us feel better because their handlers loved their dogs so much and their dogs helped them so much.
When I got home I saw all Kushla's toys and her bed and water bowl. Every time I saw her toys I cried.
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My mum could not just empty her water bowl and put it away; so she left it out for a few days. I loved her so much and now she is gone. It was hard to play with my friends because they all had their dogs to keep. I loved her and she loved me, but I know I have done something good for someone else."
Update on Kushla
Guide dog Kushla has now completed her guide dog training and late last year was matched with deafblind member Val Dunlop. Kushla is the 65-year-old's second guide dog. After waiting almost a year for a new guide dog, and having several accidents during that time, Val is over the moon to have Kushla.
"I'm just absolutely rapt, I can't say enough about how great she is and how good it is to have my independence back," says Val who lives in Taupo with her husband. "She has been brought up beautifully and loves her cuddles. It must have been hard for Laura and her family to give her back but I thank them from the bottom of my heart. What Kushla has given me is priceless".
New Breeding Centre
Exciting plans for a new breeding centre at Guide Dog Services have been in the pipeline for some time. The project is now officially going ahead and the plans have been lodged for resource consent. With approval, the spade is expected to go into the ground mid year.
There are several parts to the project. The first is to build a stand-alone breeding facility within the grounds at Guide Dog Services in South Auckland. The current premises were designed for up to 60 dogs. We've been breeding on average 90 dogs per year, and this year we expect to breed about the same number.
The new premises will mean improved healthcare and hygiene, and the ability to introduce the latest international standards in early puppy development. It will also help to reduce vet care costs and staff time. The new breeding
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centre should assist towards a planned reduction in waiting times for guide dogs and promote faster replacement of quality dogs. It is expected that members will be better satisfied with the service.
Part two of the project is to upgrade the existing breeding centre to become a dedicated heathcare facility. This will allow dedicated space for dogs recovering from surgery, bitches in season and other special needs. At present, these dogs are housed in the main kennel in the breeding centre. When the need arises, this upgraded facility can be expanded, so it can cater for future growth.
The remainder of the project includes an extension of the existing kennel facility and an upgrade of the main administration block.
Funds for the redevelopment have been raised from a number of private and charitable trust sources, including the Lillian Valder Charitable Trust, ASB Community Trust and more than half from an anonymous family gift.
Bayleys Continues Sponsorship
The Foundation had a strong presence at a recent Bayleys Realty Group black tie event. The event featured the "Eight Wonders of the World." The Eighth Wonder was projected on a giant screen and featured an astronaut and his guide dog on the moon.
A highlight of the evening was Bayleys announcing that they will maintain their position as Principal Sponsor of Guide Dog Services for another three years!
Since the commencement of the relationship 32 months ago, Bayleys have raised an incredible $1.38 million for Guide Dog Services.
Bayleys currently have 34 dogs 'named' with a further five recent additions from the R and S litters. They are Rolly and Ritzi sponsored by the Bayleys Dunedin branch, Savi from Bayleys Wellington Residential and Stano from Bayleys Takapuna, Mairangi Bay and Albany.
Bayleys also have a new national guide dog puppy Stella, who is the face of the new Red Puppy Appeal.