tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91838808474898932112024-02-18T21:01:50.125-05:00Dixie Land Guide Dog UsersWe provide education for the sighted community and peer mentoring with advocacy for the blindness community (guide dog, cane and sighted guide users alike), while promoting one
community at large.
The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-61454547686792706722018-12-02T14:35:00.000-05:002018-12-02T14:35:05.274-05:00Top Dog-Charleston, 2019 Agenda.<div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">Hello, pups & peeps;</b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Thanks to all who have registered for our upcoming "Top Dog-Charleston, '19" and to those who have signed up for our special "hands on" guided tour of Patriots' Point Maritime and Naval Museum. The response has been tremendous and we do appreciate your support.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""> </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Because of popular demand from those who want to know more about what we're going to be doing and who is going to help us do it, we'd like to share the following:</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">`Schedule of Events</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019</b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">4:00PM – 8:00PM Registration Suite Opened</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">4:00PM – 10:00PM Hospitality Suite Opened</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">4:00PM – 9:30PM Mini Mall & Exhibits Opened</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">5:30PM – 7:00PM Early Bird Spaghetti Dinner</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Dixie Land Guide Dog Users invite all of you "early birds" to a delicious, slap your mama good spaghetti dinner, including salad; garlic bread and a yummy dessert.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">Friday, Jan. 18, 2019</b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">10:00AM - 4:00PM Registration Suite Opened</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">10:00AM – 4:00PM Hospitality Suite Opened</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">10:00AM – 4:00PM Mini Mall & Exhibits opened</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">11:30Am Box Lunch Served</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">12:15PM Board Bus for optional tour (Must have ticket to board bus!)</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""> (12:15PM – 3:45PM Patriots' Point Maritime & Naval Museum Tour)</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">5:30PM – 6:15PM Opening Ceremony</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">6:15PM – 6:30PM Paws 4 Dining room set up</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">6:30PM – 7:45PM 1st Seating </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">7:45PM – 9:00PM 2nd Seating</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Wrap your lips around some of the bestest All You Can Eat Chicken Dinners with macaroni & cheese; red rice & sausage; green beans; sweet tater casserole; rolls; nanner pudding and iced tea you ever did taste. Our very own <a href="http://laureljean.com" class="">Laurel Jean</a> will add to the occasion with her unique style of piano and vocal renderings. We understand there may even be one or two of those "rovering reporters" from the Whimsical Guide Dog Radio to lighten things up!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">Saturday, January 19, 2019</b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><b class=""></b><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Our Programs:</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">8:30AM – 9:45AM "Thank you, God</b>!" God was the very First to be invited to Top Dog-Charleston and we're sure you'll agree He's showed up and gonna show out! Join us as we celebrate all of God's awesome bounty at The Blessing. Dixie Land's very own Laurel Jean will get us all in the mood with her hand-clapping, finger-snapping; toe-tapping, heartfelt and poignant musical tributes to those former guides that have retired within the past 2 years. There will be plenty of tissues available as she conducts her special "audible candlelight tribute" to our 2 and 4 legged friends that have crossed over Rainbow Bridge. Pastor Phil Glick a former US Navy Chaplain and retired United Methodist minister and Deb Trevino, a Presbyterian Minister and fellow guide dog user will offer personal individual blessings to all who wish to participate, including future guides; current guide teams; and anyone else who would like a special blessing. We'll have several Stephen's Ministers throughout the room to offer prayer support as needed. There will also be a "Prayer Station" in the rear of the room to offer closure and comfort for those who have had to say "good-bye" to their former guides. Each participant will receive a heart-shaped tac pin with a tactile cross in the middle to commemorate the occasion.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">10:00Am – 10:45AM "Thank You, Veterinarians!"</b> Dr. Nicole Constantine, Charleston Veterinary House Calls, will be on hand to answer your questions and address various issues pertaining to our ongoing quest to keep our guides healthy and safe.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">11:00AM – 12:15PM "Thank you, Patriots!"</b> To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the guide dog movement in this country with the founding of The Seeing Eye, and to pay tribute to the blinded veterans both here and in Europe who had the courage after sacrificing so much for their countries, to take their lives in their own hands by picking up that harness that links so many with the freeing "Love in the Lead" of a guide dog, Lukas Franck, COMS, GDMI, Senior Special Projects Consultant, The Seeing Eye, will present the history of these brave warriors and their guides from its beginnings in Germany through to today. Jenine Stanley, Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs will present a brief overview of the unique training processes that may be employed in training a veteran who is blind to accommodate the effects of his/her war-sustained injuries. Tim Hornik, Founder, CEO Blind Not Alone LLC; will share his own personal story of how he got from the war sacrifice for all of us to today. Wounded warriors attending Top Dog 2019 will be invited to share their own uniquely moving stories of fear evolving into courage to live victoriously once again with their guide dogs. </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">12:15PM – 1:<b class="">30PM Box lunch served</b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">1:30PM – 2:15PM " Thank you, Pups!"</b> In an attempt to end fear and mistrust and to bring about a sense of community of ADA recognized service dog users, Toni Eames MS, President and Co-Founder, International Association of Assistance Dog Partners; Veronica Morris PhD, President, psychiatric Service Dog Partners; Brad Morris, Legislative and Public Affairs Director, psychiatric Service Dog Partners; Jenine Stanley, Consumer Relations Coordinator, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. and America's VetDogs; will share with us the history of the service animal movement that began with us, the tasks that their animals are trained to do to mitigate an aspect of their disabilities, and hopefully help all of us to take those first steps onto a path of acceptance, understanding, collaboration and trust.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">2:30pM – 3:15PM "Thank you, Puppy Raisers!"</b> WE LOVE PUPPY RAISERS and we invite all puppy raisers from all schools who wish to share some of their most memorable moments with some of the pups they've raised! Be prepared to laugh and cry and laugh and cry again. (Tissues will be available)</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">3:30PM – 4:45PM "Thank you, schools!"</b> We are thrilled to have so many national guide dog schools participating in our event and each representative will be given time to update us on what's happening on their campus. Becky Davidson, former President of GDUI will moderate this extensive panel of experts to insure each school has ample opportunity to participate. There will also be time for Q&A, so be sure to have your questions ready.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">6:30PM – 7:45PM 1st seating Dinner</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">7:45PM – 9:00PM 2nd seating-Dinner</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Time to treat yourselves to another good 'ol southern style helping of Jamie Westendorf's Frogmore Stew includes shrimp, sausage , taters and corn on the cob cooked in a delicious secret concoction only found in Charleston; lip-smacking good barbecue and all the fixin's.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">7:00PM – 10:00PM Loosen them thar harness handles as well as your belts while <a href="http://iamheatherrice.com" class="">Heather Rice</a>, a talented pianist and recording artist entertains us all with her "jazzy" tickling of those ivories and unique lilting lyrics as we convert our Meeting Room to the "Top Dog House of Jazz!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019</b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><b class=""></b><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">8:00Am-9:00Am "Thanks for the Memories"</b> Join Jenine Stanley as she encourages folks to share some of their favorite experiences with their guides.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">9:30Am – 10:45AM "Thanks, God!"</b> Pastors Trevino and Glick will offer a non-denominational Christian service praising and thanking our God for all He has given us. Of course, it wouldn't be "church" without music and do we have some "church music" for you! Holy harness handles, it's Laurel Jean again! Fasten your seatbelts. You know you're about to share one of the most uncanny experiences few have ever witnessed, 'specially with Laurel at the piano! Yes, sir and ma'am; pups and peeps, we'll have our very own "God Squad" on deck, so we just might wind up with one of them thar Sunday-go-to-meeting faith revivals we've all heard so much about!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><b class="">11:00AM "Thank you, guests!"</b> It's time once again to say, "So long ... 'til the next time." We say "so long" and not "goodbye," because once you attend Top Dog, you know that you'll have lots of friends fur-ever! Although our tongues may be hanging and our tails may be dragging, we hope you will have had a howling good time here at Top Dog-Charleston, 2019!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">The preregistration deadline for Top Dog is December 5, 2018. Please stay tuned for Top Dog highlights and recorded sessions from this weekend full of fun, food, fellowship and furries!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-77862569726251612822018-07-27T19:36:00.000-04:002018-07-27T19:36:09.583-04:00Midsummer "Pupdates"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0olaJv5d9YiqpOjk_nz8jcqoU8918k_Oo3yWFvgjXU9TTYjyWgg7dtl5c2D3Keu6n_-VSk70e0BLloeX1hMX3N6vocIAouHRE849YfU_v3JePwn66F0-bib4qkdOE-r7CdJfEaS2qZKs/s1600/4H_Skyp_600X338-772431.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0olaJv5d9YiqpOjk_nz8jcqoU8918k_Oo3yWFvgjXU9TTYjyWgg7dtl5c2D3Keu6n_-VSk70e0BLloeX1hMX3N6vocIAouHRE849YfU_v3JePwn66F0-bib4qkdOE-r7CdJfEaS2qZKs/s320/4H_Skyp_600X338-772431.JPG" border="0" alt="Oconee County Bark Buddies 4H Group visits with Audrey and Laurel via Skype" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6582137340308559346" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">We Dixie Land Guide Dog Users have kept our "paws 2 the pavement" this year as together we discover new paths toward education, advocacy and keeping our families focused on each other. Earlier this spring, we were contacted by the Oconee County, SC 4H Program. The program's Bark Buddies Club has been studying service dogs and wanted to learn more about guide dogs in particular. Audrey and Laurel made an appearance at the group's May meeting via Skype. It was our organization's first time presenting via Skype, and we look forward to many more presentations like this in the future.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">As many of our readers already know, Charleston will be the host city for Top Dog-2019. The Southeast Region Top Dog Workshops are a collaborated effort among Guide Dog Users of Florida, Georgia and Dixie Land Guide Dog Users here in South Carolina. It's Top Dog Number 10 and it's coming home again, so be sure to check this site regularly for updates!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">It has been our joy to assist our extended family of Guide Dog Users Inc. in shipping healing prayer blankets to our brothers and sisters in the blindness community affected by personal hardship, the illness or loss of a human family member or that of a current or retired guide dog. The blankets come from the kind folks at <a href="https://epiphanycatholicchurch.org/161" class=""><span style="line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class="">Epiphany Catholic Church in Louisville, KY</span></a> and were first introduced to our extended GDUI family at the organization's 2017 National convention in Sparks, Nevada. These blankets are truly a blessing to all who receive them. Many within the blindness community deal with the challenges of isolation. </span><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class="">The majority of guide dog users are on a limited income. When a guide dog retires and it is time for the handler to receive a new dog, most cannot keep their previous guide with them. There is a desperate need for blessing and closure among the worldwide community of guide dog users, and we are grateful for this opportunity to empathize with our fellow handlers and their guides.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">The National GDUI Convention took place this year in St. Louis, MO. We were pleased to collaborate on promotional writing for this event. The imaginary antics of the "Nylaphone Pawty Line" and the "Whimsical Guide Dog Radio" brought smiles and wags alike as the journey continued with those "rovering reporters, Fred Floppears and Colleen Curleytail." We were honored beyond words by our extended family, as our President was recognized with the distinguished Lieberg-Metz Award for writing and media promotions of the guide dog movement.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">In North Carolina, Dixie Landers Glenn and Donna Permar have just returned from the national American Council of the Blind/GDUI Convention. They continue to make a difference in their community, </span><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">doing presentations to the Go Durham new bus operators on how to interact with customers who are blind as well as presentations to the Duke School of Nursing on interacting with patients who are blind or low vision.</span></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PpszIgoqnzGaY8LXabJs_ea4kHzBugT_yyLqNEVPE9MrjN0bCHfvWOXf6Bhq5BZ0veHG9zOVrC5BvLtKPTjkreONZDW3Ym4syKMJYA8Pk7qEmUpAfZJ7Kym1a3PU4mhzvl5lhZ3CjVke/s1600/0618_bark_camp_kimberly_laurel_audrey_600W-773860.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PpszIgoqnzGaY8LXabJs_ea4kHzBugT_yyLqNEVPE9MrjN0bCHfvWOXf6Bhq5BZ0veHG9zOVrC5BvLtKPTjkreONZDW3Ym4syKMJYA8Pk7qEmUpAfZJ7Kym1a3PU4mhzvl5lhZ3CjVke/s320/0618_bark_camp_kimberly_laurel_audrey_600W-773860.jpg" border="0" alt="Kimberly, Laurel and Audrey present for Bark Camp Pet Partners" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6582137345951251346" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Back here in Charleston, children are enjoying the many learning opportunities offered by summer day camps throughout the Lowcountry area. Here, Kimberly with guide Fonzie and Audrey with guide Jessie are shown talking with sighted students ages twelve to fifteen who attend the Pet Partners camp offered by the Charleston Animal Society. The kids always ask a lot of great questions, but the highlight of our visit is the off-harness time that the kids enjoy with Jessie and Fonzie. Our thanks to Laurel with her trusty white cane "Lady Liberty" for moderating these talks.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ToymtUeOGfdrvrf-ONrf-i8x7oKDRrfNpg-e7Dc4AxME0_xCe_pstFy-Y5bsG5FOYt30H70Nqxn_RGS9pKmJChyphenhyphenNSvlE9W_54CSdnNvIkPZrylEqnTQQCG5YtlkCb2vGvZ3XT52TvUbc/s1600/0618_bark_camp_kimberly_w_kids_and_fonzie_600W-775134.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ToymtUeOGfdrvrf-ONrf-i8x7oKDRrfNpg-e7Dc4AxME0_xCe_pstFy-Y5bsG5FOYt30H70Nqxn_RGS9pKmJChyphenhyphenNSvlE9W_54CSdnNvIkPZrylEqnTQQCG5YtlkCb2vGvZ3XT52TvUbc/s320/0618_bark_camp_kimberly_w_kids_and_fonzie_600W-775134.jpg" border="0" alt="Bark campers visit with Kimberly and Fonzie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6582137350494029890" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(30, 73, 125);" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Kimberly has been teaching sensitivity and awareness to her therapeutic riding instructors. Brianna is in New York, helping young people navigate the college environment independently for the first time. Sheryl continues to be active in her church and on her farm. Across the miles or just down the road, Dixie Landers are promoting one community at large among the sighted and the blind.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Please visit often as we share more posts like this one.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-61681876865319179462018-05-23T14:10:00.000-04:002018-05-23T14:10:58.327-04:00The Magic of Top Dog.<div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE4-ikRR0jy8HgAEhhzfhz3Pk3vjMOToN5TYdX_yeoX_MN2P5YQzmVnoiQsTZWgjsoPq1pEy5c5y6IupmqOKIr6QPkIzAlpuosDH96m-hSHAIAMPk7mK_BIRXJOG3OSD6-7BYWzMJZkV2/s1600/Baby_Jessie600Wby840-741770.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE4-ikRR0jy8HgAEhhzfhz3Pk3vjMOToN5TYdX_yeoX_MN2P5YQzmVnoiQsTZWgjsoPq1pEy5c5y6IupmqOKIr6QPkIzAlpuosDH96m-hSHAIAMPk7mK_BIRXJOG3OSD6-7BYWzMJZkV2/s320/Baby_Jessie600Wby840-741770.jpg" border="0" alt="Picture of baby Jessie." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6558104715873872258" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">The kennel was extremely big and unbelievably quiet. All of the older pups were curled up safely in their beds dreaming of breakfast. They'd had a very busy day learning how to be guide dogs and they were understandably tired.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">The smaller pups were asleep next door. They, too were tired but for other reasons. They'd had the arduous task of running and romping and playing all day-with, of course the frequent licks of appreciation they'd planted on those human volunteers. There was an occasional sound of muffled barks or dancing paws as they relived that day's activities in their sleep. The hour was late and morning would be there soon. Every little pup in that kennel was taking advantage of a much needed rest…except for that certain little yellow fellow with those fetching, big eyes and that adorable smile whenever anyone approached him. All one had to do was to simply call his name and snap their fingers and Jessie's long, lean tail would immediately begin to thump and he'd begin to bounce from one side to another.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Jessie couldn't sleep that night. He was just too excited. He'd overheard one of the trainers talking about teaching them to be guide dogs and to be able to travel extensively with their new handlers. He wasn't sure exactly where "extensively" was, but he surely liked the idea of going there one day! Immediately Jessie's nose began to twitch and his tail started thumping the cool concrete kennel floor.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">All of a sudden, from over in the far corner Jessie thought he saw some sort of figure appear. He needed to go investigate what this was before the others awoke. Cautiously Jessie sort of sidled up to the fog-like presence when the form began to materialize and he found himself nose to nose with a beautiful Labrador retriever donning some sort of special halo-like head dress and sporting a shining long wand.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Ah…who…who are you?" Jessie's curiosity was about to get the best of him.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Hello, little Jessie," the figure replied. "I'm your fairy Guide Mother. My name is One der ful, but you can call me 'One'. </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Why are you here, Miss Fairy Guide Mother, One?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Well, little fellow, you summoned me with the double twitch of your nose and the thump, thump, thump of your tail. You seemed to have stumbled upon the secret code and now I must grant you a wish. So, tell me little Jessie, what would you like your fairy Guide Mother to do for you tonight?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Well…Miss Fairy Guide Mother One", I overheard the trainers talking about the older guys becoming well-behaved, professionally trained guide dogs and I've decided that's what I want to be. I promise to be really, really good; to do exactly what they say and work very hard. Can you make me a guide dog?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Oh, Jessie! You silly pup! Of course, I can make you a guide dog and if you work really, really hard like you said, you can be one of the best guide dogs ever!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Oh, Miss Fairy Guide Mother One, do you think I'll be able to travel to "Extensively" someday? Maybe even get to go to that heavenly place I've heard so many of the big guys talking about called, "Top Dog"?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Not only will you get to go to Top Dog, Jessie, you'll be part of the inspiration for making Top Dog bigger and better! Pups and peeps from all over the country and beyond will recognize you and you'll even take part in one of the most important events there, called "The Blessing". You'll help your human mom, her friends and yours in planning, preparing and even presenting several Top Dogs, especially when it comes time to honor those newly retired guides and the 2 and 4 legged friends that have crossed 'Rainbow Bridge' All who will have ever attended Top Dog-Charleston, '19 will know your name, little Jessie!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Oh, Miss Fairy Guide Mother One, I can hardly stand the excitement! Will my person love and care for me like my puppy raiser folks?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"No, little Jessie. She'll love you even more. You two will work together so well and so long that you'll become part of each other!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Will she let me hold her and sit on her lap, Miss Fairy Guide Mother One?'"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Oh, yes, little Jessie! She will always praise you while you're guiding her safely and she'll absolutely beam with happiness each time you sit in her lap. You two will work together for a long, long time and you'll always-always take very good care of each other! Her heart will open up to you the very first time she touches your head and her love for you will grow stronger with each day's passing. You will soon find that you two were a match made in heaven and a true blessing for one another and the world! She will tell folks that you were sent to her from God, himself." </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Oh, Miss Fairy Guide Mother, I am so excited! Please tell me more about Top Dog-'19 and all I can expect when I get there."</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"It's getting late, little Jessie, and you have lots to do tomorrow if you're going to be a guide dog. However, I can tell you that you will meet lots and lots of new friends there…like, Copper and Astro and Alexa and you will see some of your old buddies, like Houston and Fonzie and Hopps! Lots of people will be there from lots of guide dog schools. In fact, there will be a workshop dedicated to the guide dog schools' updates and how they train their handlers to successfully work such traffic hazards as roundabouts and islands. You will truly share your mom's emotions as she assists in the Blessing and when those puppyraisers begin sharing their experiences raising their charges your little tail will almost wag off your bottom! You'll feel like your little heart will burst with pride when your very own vet begins to talk and answer questions."</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Will there be lots for us guide dogs to do there, Miss Fairy Guide Mother, One?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Silly boy! You'll have your little paws full taking care of your handlers! Remember, little Jessie, they won't be able to see and they'll need you to guide them."</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Will there be lots of food there, too?"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Oh, yes! Unfortunately, though, you'll only be able to enjoy the aromas, though. You'll smell that delicious baked spaghetti the first night and your little nose will wiggle almost off your muzzle when you get a whiff of that scrump-ta-dee-li-shus fried chicken, red rice and sausage; green beans and home-made macaroni and cheese on Opening Night! Saturday evening's aromas of Frogmore Stew and Barbecue will tantalize your olfactory nerve beyond your imagination. You'll even be tempted by the delectable scents of those box lunches served Friday and Saturday, but, because you'll be such a great guide and good boy for your mom, you won't even attempt a taste of any of it."</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Gosh, Miss Fairy Guide Mother, one, it all sounds so wonderful! I can hardly wait! Tell me again when and where Top Dog-Charleston, '19 will be held."</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">"Well, little man, it sounds like a long time away but it really isn't. It'll be here before you know it, January 18-20, 2019 at the Comfort Suites West of the Ashley, Charleston, SC! So, little man, it's not too early to start preparing! I'll be looking forward to seeing you and all your old and new friends there!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">Make your plans to meet Jessie and his friends at Top Dog-Charleston, January 18-20, 2019, Comfort Suites West of the Ashley, 2080 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 769-9850. Be sure to mention that you're attending Top Dog in order to take advantage of that special nightly rate of $89.95! We look forward to seeing you there! Stay tuned for more details!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-25056986401771864652018-02-11T20:32:00.001-05:002018-02-11T20:32:27.364-05:00Announcing Top Dog-2019!<div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholbH0sqzQUP-G2Y2DdTGDNTpeFA-4To80CT6Vl8hxQ5xywMGoPjW6-4U5WPa8ahnAAdpqzNc9faMBF8VBoOZ-NXAhKVXZQnnjKCGvUi3CZGVEn25IT2VFbfmUHBmB4qe_8qo9abRv0tSD/s1600/Jessie_Mission+U-776463.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholbH0sqzQUP-G2Y2DdTGDNTpeFA-4To80CT6Vl8hxQ5xywMGoPjW6-4U5WPa8ahnAAdpqzNc9faMBF8VBoOZ-NXAhKVXZQnnjKCGvUi3CZGVEn25IT2VFbfmUHBmB4qe_8qo9abRv0tSD/s320/Jessie_Mission+U-776463.jpg" border="0" alt="Audrey and guide Jessie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6521353691945895282" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">From our President, Audrey Gunter...</b></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">"Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning." Says the writer of the song. As a native bred and born Charlestonian, or "Geechie" as we are called, there are no prettier words or more meaningful tune .</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">I can remember as a young'un from the downtown projects awakening every Sunday morning to the melodious announcements of those hard working paper carriers trying to make a few pennies by selling their newspapers, "Sunday Morning News and Courier-get your paper now before the paper boy goes!"</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">On those rare delightful days that Mother didn't have to go to work, she'd lure us out of bed with the savory aroma of sausage and gravy or that unmistakable tantalizing smell of thick bacon sizzling in that big old cast iron frying pan and her special cat head biscuits baking in the oven.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Even in some of our typically warm winters, we could hear those red birds and Carolina wrens proudly chirping their sweet, Southern songs. Later that older than dirt gentleman would announce his arrival to our neighborhood while identifying those scrumptious, fresh vegetables piled high up on that ancient wooden, green hand-made cart he crafted from some found planks and antique metal wheels. If I close my eyes and listen really hard, deep within the recesses of my mind's ears I can hear his raspy voice crying out, "Veg-e-tables! Veg-e-tables! I got fresh greens! I got sweet potatoes! I got dem good ol' sweet on-yons!"</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Those sweet southern selections of sentimental songs will forever be inside my head and heart. Even today I can smell the nearby ocean and feel the salty breeze as it wafts inland towards our home. Somewhere in the distance rings some of the many church bells, announcing the hours or their portions. Our neighbors always greet us with a genuine, strongly Gullah-accented, "'morning, ma'am! Y'all be careful on that road, now!" </div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Sometimes, on those very special days God wants to reward us with a true southern treat, we can hear the animated choir of the nearby AME church clapping their hands as they proudly confess their faith and love through their lyrical spiritual hymns.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Charleston is, indeed, filled with exclusive sights and extraordinary sounds touting heart-felt honest emotions! Strangers proclaim they can feel our love the moment they arrive to our "Holy City by the Sea!"</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Some of you--several hundred actually--have visited my beloved historic city and have witnessed some or all of the above. You have heard the statistics that Charleston is the "friendliest city in the country" and you truly understand why. </div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">For those who have yet to encounter the Charleston experience, let me be the first to invite you to our upcoming Southeast Regional Top Dog Workshop, to be held back here January 17-20, 2019. For that matter, I do hope those of you who have visited us for previous "Top Dogs" will plan to once again come back home!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">This will be our 10th "Top Dog" event and we are delighted that the kind folks of Georgia Guide Dog Users and Guide Dog Users of Florida have agreed to let Dixie Land bring it back home, to its roots. So, this is number 10 and it's coming home again! Woohoo! </div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Of course, ours will be a collaborated effort between the 3 affiliates, chocked full of fun, food, fellowship, and, of course lots and lots of furries!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">We're looking forward to hearing those inviting, familiar ;melodic voices; wrapping our lips around some of that good, ol' fashion lowcountry cuisine we're so famous for; honoring those who are so dear to us and remembering those who have retired or passed on at "The Blessing"; catching up with the latest trending about blindness and guide dogs; strolling through our vast exhibit halls; enjoying a snack and/or beverage in our jam-packed Hospitality Suite; buying a couple of "braffle" tickets and, of course, checking out all the great goodies we got in our registration bags! Quite naturally, we'll hear from lots of the "important" guide dog schools and there will be plenty of tissue available when we hear those heart-felt, emotion-filled personal puppy stories from lots of our puppy raisers. In other words, we can hardly wait to see YOU again!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">We're in the process of "sharpening our pencils" to insure you get every cent of your money's worth and will bring you more details as they become available. For right now, though, we can share the dates and location. You'll need to call the hotel directly to secure your reservations.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Dates: January 17 through January 20, 2019</div><div class="">Hotel: Comfort Suites West of the Ashley</div><div class=""> 2080 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC 29407</div><div class=""> 843 769 9850</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">The management and staff are elated that we are returning "home" and are looking forward to working with us once again. In fact, Miss Charleen and Miss Angela both said to give you all their love!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">All of their suites come furnished with sofa beds, microwaves and refrigerators. Don't forget to pack your gym clothes and swimsuits 'cause there's a heated, indoor pool and a stocked exercise room on the first floor. The management is offering us the incredible nightly rate of only $89.95 plus tax and that rate will be good from Monday, January 14 through Monday, January 21, 2019, but we have to call that hotel directly and say that we're with Top Dog to take advantage of that special nightly rate. </div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">So please start pinching your pennies and wadding your Washingtons! Plan to make the Charleston Scene in 2019! We really want to see you there. It just wouldn't be "Top Dog" without you. </div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to call me from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST. I'm always delighted to talk with you.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Blessings,</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Audrey & Jessie 843 571 0737</div><div class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-15990330514878565302018-01-26T19:38:00.000-05:002018-01-28T20:29:10.458-05:00"Paws 4" A Look Back at 2017.<div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Hi y'all! Our tails are wagging with excitement as we "paws 4" a look back at our 2017!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Guide Dog Users of Florida hosted Top Dog-2017 in Orlando. The South Carolina affiliate members of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users provided administrative and promotional assistance as needed in preparation for this event. Just a few short months later, we were collaborating on promotional writing for the National convention of Guide Dog Users, Inc., introducing the imaginary antics of those renowned, "rovering reporters, Fred Floppears and Colleen Curleytail."</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcBvU2ZHs4AbHaoyuosk6lL1odDSxow9RDrikK1hLf2Abcp2NKNbJcdwg-eTazgYxODg8lta-U-F1GM0N9Qrld-O7q1bicdcKEkWrTWSZgXylv7g0cpYAz1W9ZBJwa-u-VtOPB8ZAhBs9/s1600/0117_top_dog_blessing_audrey_andrea_480W-719085.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcBvU2ZHs4AbHaoyuosk6lL1odDSxow9RDrikK1hLf2Abcp2NKNbJcdwg-eTazgYxODg8lta-U-F1GM0N9Qrld-O7q1bicdcKEkWrTWSZgXylv7g0cpYAz1W9ZBJwa-u-VtOPB8ZAhBs9/s320/0117_top_dog_blessing_audrey_andrea_480W-719085.JPG" border="0" alt="Audrey blessing Andrea and her guide" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265624033875026" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">At Top Dog Orlando, Dixie Landers were asked to participate in "The Blessing of the Guides," one of the highlights of Top Dog since that first workshop was held in 2006. Several of our Dixie Land members and their guides caught the early train to Orlando, FL for the weekend's convention. As our President Audrey Gunter assisted with "The Blessing," she was reminded of just how much her fellow blind handlers need the opportunity to celebrate the lives of their guide dogs. The majority of guide dog users are on a limited income. When a guide dog retires and it is time for the handler to receive a new dog, most cannot keep their previous guide with them. There is a desperate need for blessing and closure among the worldwide community of guide dog users.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">"The Blessing of the Guides" at Top Dog inspired us to produce an audio church service. The service, titled simply "The Blessing" would speak to the hearts of guide dog users, past, present and future guide dogs, and all who love them. "The Blessing" was delivered to an international audience via the Internet. For those who do not have the Internet, CD copies have been made available upon request. We've received responses from guide dog users throughout the US and Canada, and prayer requests came in from around the globe in remembrance of countless faithful guides who have crossed over "Rainbow Bridge." This presentation was highlighted on the Email lists of the national organization, Guide Dog Users, Inc., and was also featured on the Internet radio program, "Spotlight On Assistance Dogs." We have been asked to consider producing "The Blessing" on a regular basis. For a link to "The Blessing" and a copy of the show notes, just send an Email to <a href="mailto:dixielandguides@gmail.com" class="">dixielandguides@gmail.com</a> with "The Blessing" in the subject line.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4STV8EKYfcDBLRsw9B3qFUGvOejVAgFRDuFRgzo9SEPilwvDsyCtXtvvZjy9CLO0eb5AK6xPA8vAg5HxZRNPZT3nJee2d34mW6cDgSKDhJ5MIATXQFBCxJZYXcEUVOlqxPsNk1QWItqBs/s1600/02_17_bartimaeus_group_600W450H-720408.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4STV8EKYfcDBLRsw9B3qFUGvOejVAgFRDuFRgzo9SEPilwvDsyCtXtvvZjy9CLO0eb5AK6xPA8vAg5HxZRNPZT3nJee2d34mW6cDgSKDhJ5MIATXQFBCxJZYXcEUVOlqxPsNk1QWItqBs/s320/02_17_bartimaeus_group_600W450H-720408.JPG" border="0" alt="Gathering of the Friends of Bartimaeus" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265630254854386" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">The year 2017 marked the five-year anniversary of the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach for the Blind here in Charleston. This outreach is hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church and is one of over fifty of its kind throughout the United States. Friends of Bartimaeus offers a monthly gathering, usually on the last Friday of the month. People who are blind come from all around the Charleston metro area to enjoy a nutritious, delicious hot meal, devotionals, music and fellowship in a safe, non-threatening environment. At the end of each meeting, guests in need are even given a bag of groceries to take home. As we are among the founders of this ministry, it is always a blessing for us to assist with music, leadership and prayer support for the people of all ages and their families who are touched by this outreach. Last February, we even assisted with catering and leading the event while our regular sighted cooks were out of the country on a mission trip.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE45xHj6vbGHRn1LNri8Zgfwf2zeM2LMeXNL4suEOuQoFI4N5zWlVSrbF-GAkvMhyphenhyphenUEc67JQ2WUeH2AgIMqngqZvcnL1Jq6FdW8GBPNX3A7wUIRIJa7c9bDuz0sWgtCjkNNzYLYUdcXVYm/s1600/StandingOnDeck_600Wx840H-721136.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE45xHj6vbGHRn1LNri8Zgfwf2zeM2LMeXNL4suEOuQoFI4N5zWlVSrbF-GAkvMhyphenhyphenUEc67JQ2WUeH2AgIMqngqZvcnL1Jq6FdW8GBPNX3A7wUIRIJa7c9bDuz0sWgtCjkNNzYLYUdcXVYm/s320/StandingOnDeck_600Wx840H-721136.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel standing on the deck of the Spirit of Carolina tall ship." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265631238843762" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">In the spring, the tall ships came to Charleston. One of our officers, Laurel, enjoyed an afternoon cruise experience on the Spirit of Carolina. This ship is one of several replicas of those which actually sailed in the 1800's. Laurel even got to help hoist the sails! Our thanks to Laurel for her enthusiasm for representing the blindness community in an environment considered not to be accessible by many people with disabilities.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdkSK-zoUhRIy3EIOIM7WElwCxSlq0XxirmRbEPlxqU36haOEgQunx1ni8jXAU6FtgAUHtVLUwMs9zRRemCCdk1wznRgWOkW9LdLeCb6NWZ51oGkVPJnT6iKWBgTz_j6-cbocj9c3xsq5/s1600/0517_dixie_land_outing_black_fedora_theater_600W-721925.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdkSK-zoUhRIy3EIOIM7WElwCxSlq0XxirmRbEPlxqU36haOEgQunx1ni8jXAU6FtgAUHtVLUwMs9zRRemCCdk1wznRgWOkW9LdLeCb6NWZ51oGkVPJnT6iKWBgTz_j6-cbocj9c3xsq5/s320/0517_dixie_land_outing_black_fedora_theater_600W-721925.JPG" border="0" alt="Gathered at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265636067927586" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">As part of our "Keeping Families Focused" initiative, we enjoyed an outing to the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater here in Charleston for Dixie Land Members and friends. The spontaneous, interactive format of Black Fedora provided a wonderful opportunity for us to focus on our friendship. The evening was jam packed with twisted plots and a lot of laughter. A special thanks to the Black Fedora management and staff for making us and our guides feel so welcome!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K4oDc6uofIJFoIPxn16KWEm1CCuafS5fpW_8IwS9i95anElzMSWLfwGK3BzifL1yzH0Th5IICOxjg3Y0OHUE0krOjYfS8nTrnqucLf_z4RpPtVt1_T0bcB4A62X3c4HQ9Kq4angqqJVE/s1600/0717_audrey_laurel_kimberly_presenting_bark_camp_600W-722722.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K4oDc6uofIJFoIPxn16KWEm1CCuafS5fpW_8IwS9i95anElzMSWLfwGK3BzifL1yzH0Th5IICOxjg3Y0OHUE0krOjYfS8nTrnqucLf_z4RpPtVt1_T0bcB4A62X3c4HQ9Kq4angqqJVE/s320/0717_audrey_laurel_kimberly_presenting_bark_camp_600W-722722.JPG" border="0" alt="Audrey, Laurel and Kimberly presenting for day campers at BARK Camp" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265637902418450" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">As part of our "Paws 2 Educate" Initiative, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users once again assisted with coordination and participation in presenting for area summer day camps. Together, we educated sighted children--ages seven thru fifteen--on the subjects of Braille, proper etiquette when meeting a blind person--with or without a service dog--, accessible technology and much more. Our thanks to the Charleston Animal Society for welcoming us to another series of BARK Camps, and to Patty Smith for bringing us back to the East Side Community Center, where there is always a lot of excitement, and hugs for everyone!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bbp4QJ0BGqsmm6iWsJTx4M-2Y3Wm_Nx_mbBzVdTGm3aFDhTdj9gu5I_eSWB6q0M7TQbuoA9RQAHXUIE9miFQcYVw6k8BPiFWsLj-Ryw92FyPb9fXBjXycFbYkUuH7yh2gtGpxUPaqoEj/s1600/0617_laurel_audrey_east_side_community_center_gathering_with_day_campers_600W-723503.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bbp4QJ0BGqsmm6iWsJTx4M-2Y3Wm_Nx_mbBzVdTGm3aFDhTdj9gu5I_eSWB6q0M7TQbuoA9RQAHXUIE9miFQcYVw6k8BPiFWsLj-Ryw92FyPb9fXBjXycFbYkUuH7yh2gtGpxUPaqoEj/s320/0617_laurel_audrey_east_side_community_center_gathering_with_day_campers_600W-723503.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Audrey with summer day campers at East Side Community Center" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265639550013618" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">We continue to be available to serve as peer mentors for our blind brothers and sisters, and those who are in the process of losing their sight. Sometimes we meet in person, but most of our mentoring takes place via phone or Internet. We consider it an honor and a gift to hear Sofia's confidence growing as she speaks, or to witness Catherine learning to solve many of her own problems. We personally find that we are most often the ones who are mentored, and we thank God for every opportunity that He gives us to shine His Light in this way.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW9FncXtxMDGdSYIlKm4O-xUOtJnZqgBHpK68-zZa0TX1KwEQeawquAc8P9Tw7rxVQvdtScRULOQTDX2PN0_jWRrtKM8HkhlDw0OYsBeICbVAWV7yVCN0T7dkXur8mpauzROi9W3gxF8l/s1600/1017_dlgdu_gathering_pizza_picnic_600Wby450H-724464.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW9FncXtxMDGdSYIlKm4O-xUOtJnZqgBHpK68-zZa0TX1KwEQeawquAc8P9Tw7rxVQvdtScRULOQTDX2PN0_jWRrtKM8HkhlDw0OYsBeICbVAWV7yVCN0T7dkXur8mpauzROi9W3gxF8l/s320/1017_dlgdu_gathering_pizza_picnic_600Wby450H-724464.JPG" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers at James Island County Park" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265645514295202" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">In the fall, we got our families together for an afternoon of "Pizza In The Park." After a time of food and fellowship at James Island County Park, several of our members, their families and friends headed for the lake and the paddle boats!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBcw_jOFZ0w-ywr2u116Ks3TbOjP4tqiNWjYSWvLeJHvmkWiu5GzSmmxeaQ_cf47KPMdR7GyNolOBQQM58tJnCLi2Ou_Ht-d8oZ2a7-9CX16-X3XsB2OVlNe9mXy9GbweipzNTNuVjBoh/s1600/1017_dlgdu_hedricks_pulling_away_from_dock_600Wby450H-725373.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBcw_jOFZ0w-ywr2u116Ks3TbOjP4tqiNWjYSWvLeJHvmkWiu5GzSmmxeaQ_cf47KPMdR7GyNolOBQQM58tJnCLi2Ou_Ht-d8oZ2a7-9CX16-X3XsB2OVlNe9mXy9GbweipzNTNuVjBoh/s320/1017_dlgdu_hedricks_pulling_away_from_dock_600Wby450H-725373.JPG" border="0" alt="Sheryl, her husband and grandson pulling away from dock in a paddle boat" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516265662231607506" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">In December, we provided music for the Christmas parties of the Friends of Bartimaeus and also for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of South Carolina. Many guests in attendance, say that these celebrations served as their only means of socializing and celebrating the season with friends.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Audrey turned 70 this past December and we celebrated her with a birthday party. In lieu of gifts, Audrey asked her friends to bring nonperishable food items to help restock the Friends of Bartimaeus grocery pantry. Thanks to an overwhelming turnout of support, those pantry shelves were completely filled by the truckload of groceries delivered to Calvary Lutheran Church.</div></div><div class="">Already, 2018 promises to be a very busy and fulfilling year as we prepare to bring Top Dog back home to its Charleston roots in January of 2019! We hope you will visit often for more updates. Thanks for joining us in promoting one community at large and helping to make the world a better place.</div></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-49733429680691125882017-01-31T13:27:00.000-05:002017-07-31T13:36:06.027-04:00From our President: Top Dog-2017 Highlights<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;" class="">Jessie and I just returned from a great weekend of fabulous fun; fantastic food and, of course, frantic furries! Kathleen Trutschel and Debbie Grubb, along with the others in GDUF outdid themselves with this year's Southeast Regional Top Dog Workshops and should be commended for their hard work of planning, preparing and ultimately providing everything necessary for such a wonderful weekend-long event!</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">There were over 150 attendees, guide dog school representatives, volunteers and guests there and it seemed that they were all out in the hotel's lobby the day we arrived! Never have I witnessed so many smiling faces, wagging furry tails and happy people gathered in one area at one time. They made us believe they were all there just to greet us. From the nice lady who met us at the door of the hotel to the smiling clerk at the registration desk, we were all made to feel as though we were welcomed, wanted and, yes, loved!</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Thursday afternoon was filled with greeting old friends and meeting new ones. The multitude of tail-wagging, professionally trained happy guide dogs diligently leading their handlers to their respective destinations seemed to turn even the sternest of frowns into giant, toothy grins from the other hotel guests.</font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">The hotel's staff was unbelievably sensitive to our every need and the guest rooms were large, accommodating and very comfortable. It seemed as though someone was always there to lend assistance whenever and where ever needed.</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">The friendly volunteers who manned the event's registration desk were also very friendly and well-versed in their duties. The registration packets were filled with lots of gourmet goodies for both the two and four legged guests and we all knew who those splendid toys were for! I still don't know how they managed to include so many things in those bags for so little money. Of course, Jessie is still loving that Kong. Unfortunately, we had to have a funeral for that quickly stuffless stuffed critter he destroyed!</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">The programs were informative and entertaining. We learned about CPR; Airport Procedures; Updates from the guide dog schools; allergies and how to combat them and lots and lots more!</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Of course, our favorite was the "Blessing". Pastor Janet did a great job in communicating with our Christian handlers' individual prayer requests and conveying our Lord's Love to them.</font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJgtIx0l8vLPmVHdvxyJUdecZvpvcLukpcuf_c_HrERCGPxYOhmcmzpVdhnDMsETjmUCA33vlkSlG7XK3MzXbmMEAbdARPsZMRY89fkLYL-zBHeyBJrdRpIPx9jTItVbrqkM15X4Hdn3B/s1600/0117_top_dog_blessing_audrey_andrea_480W-724291.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJgtIx0l8vLPmVHdvxyJUdecZvpvcLukpcuf_c_HrERCGPxYOhmcmzpVdhnDMsETjmUCA33vlkSlG7XK3MzXbmMEAbdARPsZMRY89fkLYL-zBHeyBJrdRpIPx9jTItVbrqkM15X4Hdn3B/s320/0117_top_dog_blessing_audrey_andrea_480W-724291.JPG" border="0" alt="Audrey blessing Andrea and her guide at Top Dog-Orlando" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6448697218095187202" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">It was my distinct honor and extreme pleasure to have been asked to assist in such an emotional, heart-warming event where I, too, could offer prayer, God's powerful peace and comfort and solace to my fellow guide dog users. When they realized that I was also without physical sight, many exclaimed, "You know! You know!" And I did know. Because I, too, hold the harness handle I feel that loving bond between handler and guide. I know the fear of and actual need to retire a guide and, yes, I know the heart-wrenching pain of having to say "farewell" when my previous guide crossed over Rainbow Bridge to be with our Lord. It is because I know that I felt it necessary to remember those guides that had to retire from years of loyal guiding or that left this world to wait for us in the next. I can still hear those many voices call out the names, Luke, Caitlin, Fantasia, Maya, Marcell, Midas, Walker, Mason, Nason, Zack and on and on.</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2dutYj423Ej3KVkC4P8kFw3h6YVkOdhAOWqdiCdbCsBkLmdbyLaOutR9uYuaG7XZxCM_GQYZ5QIzQuuD4CqW7Ig5-DiZSSa1c3BTVyg36yC1pc2AS-jNwS3L8COfXiQZ6E9mKyGCvepY/s1600/0117_top_dog_friday_night_dinner_480W-725193.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2dutYj423Ej3KVkC4P8kFw3h6YVkOdhAOWqdiCdbCsBkLmdbyLaOutR9uYuaG7XZxCM_GQYZ5QIzQuuD4CqW7Ig5-DiZSSa1c3BTVyg36yC1pc2AS-jNwS3L8COfXiQZ6E9mKyGCvepY/s320/0117_top_dog_friday_night_dinner_480W-725193.JPG" border="0" alt="Gathering at Friday night dinner, Top Dog-Orlando" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6448697223838899922" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Throughout the entire weekend, the food was absolutely delicious and the servers made sure we had everything we needed.</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Charlie Crawford's sharing on Saturday evening was enlightening, entertaining and quite humorous. We could actually feel his love and respect for each of his guides as he led us down the path of his Memory Lane.</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">I do believe there were 2 Jenine Stanleys! It seemed like everywhere we went and every event we attended, we could hear her loving, sweet, knowledgeable voice. Whether she was talking about finding our way somewhere or emceeing "Puppy Tails", Jenine was, indeed, a true asset to each program.</font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">If at any time anyone felt the need for friendly fellowship or lip-smacking refreshment, he had only to visit the Hospitality Suite on the 10th floor. It was well-stocked with all sorts of snacks and sodas, coffee and tea and a smiling face to meet us upon entering the door.</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">The Exhibit Hall was unbelievable! There were toys, electronics, jewelry, candies, potions and lotions, visual aids and much, much more. There was everything to fill our faces, bodies and souls, including Jehovah's Witnesses, who offered all types of the Holy Bible in all kinds of formats.</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Oh, I'm sure there were a few SNAFU's, but they were certainly unseen by the majority of the guests. Occasionally we heard about an unforeseen accident or an impromptu puppy kerfuffle but there was never any blood drawn or damage done…except maybe to the exasperated handler who may have been a bit overwhelmed at the enormity of the event and the magnitude of the crowds. Besides, those smart GDUFers had the wherewithal to have a couple of vets and vet technicians on hand, just in case!</font></font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Yes, Top Dog Orlando '17 may now be just a marvelous memory but you can bet your Aunt Martha's mittens it was a huge success! I hear the next Top Dog is scheduled for sometime in 2019 and will be hosted somewhere in Georgia. Those folks in Georgia Guide Dog Users always "put on the dog" and I'm already gearing up for yet another great weekend. Hope to see you all there!</font></font></div><div class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Blessings,</font></font></div><div class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class=""><br class=""></font></font></div><div class=""><font face="Arial" class=""><font style="font-size: 18pt;" class="">Audrey and Jessie</font></font></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px;" class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-66038728500913855222017-01-01T13:40:00.000-05:002017-07-31T13:42:35.767-04:00"Paws 4" a look back on 2016.<div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Dixie Landers Kimberly (with her guide Fonzie) and Laurel (with her long, white cane "Lady Liberty") speak to students attending Bark Camp.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFz3seAlQkhcDVmZlmq7DpcsQv5xSCA6d3iDhG80V-JoeLFWVELXUhCYPC1l5gnQPk-AKyfq91BP2H6dN_kvHNBXvdkZNsP5GTVWQ77uCwJUVr_rcUO849zsmqLuD7bnvV6Hu7mEMkdPvm/s1600/12_Laurel_and_Kimberly_presenting_for_Bark_Camp-746890.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFz3seAlQkhcDVmZlmq7DpcsQv5xSCA6d3iDhG80V-JoeLFWVELXUhCYPC1l5gnQPk-AKyfq91BP2H6dN_kvHNBXvdkZNsP5GTVWQ77uCwJUVr_rcUO849zsmqLuD7bnvV6Hu7mEMkdPvm/s320/12_Laurel_and_Kimberly_presenting_for_Bark_Camp-746890.JPG" border="0" alt="Kimberly and Laurel presenting for Bark Camp" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6448687440963814146" /></a></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Throughout 2016, our "Paws 2 Educate" presentations have once again reached sighted individuals of all ages. We spoke to grade school and high school students attending the ASPCA Summer Bark Camps here in Charleston, SC. We also take pride in having assisted area Girl Scouts in earning their badges relating to service animals and people with disabilities. Here, our President Audrey Gunter and guide Jessie with fellow Dixie Landers Laurel and puppy raisers Peggy and Mike Sudol pose for a picture with Girl Scouts and their leaders.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1LBoieYQPV8DmIQNkAxohObpi_Fl5m1xzWhiupBRMKzq5zgMszHtmnE9ywRnx1421mJDBkvWqTbYwRMAGc_3PSRzyetM278EBjCPQ9HroOfDN3GhvHeaJes-aT4Yn7jMp6-cdFfFx3nn/s1600/12_Laurel_and_Audrey_with_puppy_raisers_and_girls_scout+troop-748012.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1LBoieYQPV8DmIQNkAxohObpi_Fl5m1xzWhiupBRMKzq5zgMszHtmnE9ywRnx1421mJDBkvWqTbYwRMAGc_3PSRzyetM278EBjCPQ9HroOfDN3GhvHeaJes-aT4Yn7jMp6-cdFfFx3nn/s320/12_Laurel_and_Audrey_with_puppy_raisers_and_girls_scout+troop-748012.JPG" border="0" alt="Audrey, Laurel and the Sudols with Girl Scouts and their leaders" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6448687445089924578" /></a></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">We have also enjoyed speaking to the College of Charleston Chapter of the Delta Gamma Sorority as part of this sorority's "Focus On Sight." Presentations like these allow us to offer sensitivity and awareness training to future business owners, teachers and other pillars of the community.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; min-height: 16px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Another Southeast Region Top Dog Workshop will take place this coming January, 2017 in Orlando, FL. As the original founder of these unique workshops, our Dixie Land Guide Dog Users always look forward to doing our part toward planning, promoting and attending Top Dog. We have also been asked to assist with the blessing, a highlight of Top Dog since the first workshop was held in 2006.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; min-height: 16px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">We are always available to answer phone calls and Emails from those who are newly blind, potential guide dog users and those who currently use guide dogs throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Thru this network of peer support, we provide information regarding access issues and the availability of useful resources. Last spring, we were contacted by Project Okurase, an area nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people who live in the West African village of Okurase. We met with Francis, a young boy blind from birth, who was brought to the United States for the diagnosis of his eye condition. We were able to find helpful resources for francis, including a solar powered talking Bible in his native tribal language of Ewe (pronounced "Ay-way.")</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; min-height: 16px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Thru our peer mentoring and advocacy, "Paws 2 Educate" and "Keeping Families Focused" initiatives, we continue to promote a positive image of our blind brothers and sisters among people of all ages, on all walks of life. Together, with your prayers and support, we can help to make this a better world for those of us who are blind or visually impaired. Thank you for joining with us as we work to promote one community at large among those with and without sight.</span></div></span></div></span></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-1234359240627838432016-01-01T19:32:00.000-05:002016-01-19T20:04:52.672-05:00Good bye ’15, hello ’16! <div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">Happy New Year, friends and furries! Dixie Land Guide Dog Users enjoyed a busy, yet productive 2015 and we're looking forward to an even busier, more productive 2016. </font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgMgI5YIB_c5oOVqGOY7F0YoSHeLbFEhDim_vpo1JCpkXlieVz_lo5kfG0WQeGUiuTAXtPZAzLdA8wH1I6XYgU2fwnuEcDFaJ4tSMxDP0sh6XxZvkeNretXjktuHu8KXgLtIYlWa2COe0/s1600/Photo1IMG_0204_600X450-737579.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgMgI5YIB_c5oOVqGOY7F0YoSHeLbFEhDim_vpo1JCpkXlieVz_lo5kfG0WQeGUiuTAXtPZAzLdA8wH1I6XYgU2fwnuEcDFaJ4tSMxDP0sh6XxZvkeNretXjktuHu8KXgLtIYlWa2COe0/s320/Photo1IMG_0204_600X450-737579.JPG" border="0" alt="Audrey, Jessie and Laurel speaking to College of Charleston Delta Gammas" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6241660956142681074" /></a></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">Our Dixie Land Guide Team truly enjoys each opportunity we get to educate and enlighten both the blindness community and the sighted. We are thrilled to have been able to form a long-lasting relationship with the great girls of the Delta Gammas at the College of Charleston and are happy to oblige any time they ask us to come and speak with their members.</font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9zWjFe1zt57v09-7ECz0g7EUZMNk9AxS8xjWn308qbEPNcNWp9nSzUPDY4yes5VhOR7LbZlm827flx1k1TfhNkqN7vQ9LHipaac1BUm7sO9rdmEdiQS_WTsCKQTb4Hx_nlmcNSsgGAv_/s1600/Photo2IMG_0206_600X450-739379.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9zWjFe1zt57v09-7ECz0g7EUZMNk9AxS8xjWn308qbEPNcNWp9nSzUPDY4yes5VhOR7LbZlm827flx1k1TfhNkqN7vQ9LHipaac1BUm7sO9rdmEdiQS_WTsCKQTb4Hx_nlmcNSsgGAv_/s320/Photo2IMG_0206_600X450-739379.JPG" border="0" alt="Picture of Delta Gammas" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6241660962272064242" /></a></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">Some of the ladies have confessed they'd attended our talks several times, but always look forward to hearing our stories and petting Jessie, of course. I think it's more about Jessie than us, though! (grin)</font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">Much has happened in the past year. We enjoyed visiting with over 150 two-legged and 90 four-legged friends at our now infamous Top Dog-Charleston, 2015. What a great time we all had! The only thing better than the food, workshops, entertainment and exhibits was the fellowship. If you were there, then you know what we mean. If not, well…hopefully you can make it to Top Dog-Orlando, 2017.</font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">We cannot look back upon the past year without remembering 2 of our special heroes-Lacey and Brego. Lacey, a beautiful black gold-a-dor from Foundation Guide Dog School was Brianna Murray's first guide. They were matched back in 2011 just prior to Brianna becoming a freshman at Winthrop University. Lacey did a great job leading Brianna to each of their classes over their 4 years together before showing obvious signs of retirement. Lacey's last official duty was to guide Brianna up to the front of the crowd to accept "their" diploma! Lacey is now living with her "Grandma & Grandpa" Murray in Charleston, enjoying the lap of luxurious retirement while Hopps, a strikingly beautiful black lab guides Brianna through grad school! Congratulations, Brie and Hopps! You can see pictures of them, and lots of others, on our <a href="https://m.facebook.com/Dixieland-Guide-Dog-Users-889242061165682/" class="">Facebook page.</a></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">Of course, we all remember Brego and what an ambassador he was for our mid-lands Dixie Lander, Ann Humphries. They began their journey together back in 2010 and worked side by side for 5 years. When Brego began to give subtle signs of needing to retire, Ann took notice and contacted her school. The trainers and staff at Southeastern Guide Dog School agreed it was time, so Ann returned to their Florida campus to get her successor guide, Monty. Monty has some big doggy shoes to fill, but we know he is up to the task!</font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">We're currently in the planning stages for this year's activities. We've already been asked to do some training for a nearby county and look forward to our newly formed relationship with the City of Charleston ADA representative, for whom we recently served as part of a small focus group. Of course, we are going to continue with our partnership in Christian Ministry and currently are busy trying to arrange various group activities and special appearances. </font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">If you'd like to know more about what we've done and where we've gone, simply click on the other posts on this site. Be sure to come back to our site more often! Meanwhile, we pray God's continued good blessings on you and yours. Remember, with God's divine guidance and that special pup by your side, you CAN do anything!</font></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class=""><br class=""></font></b></div><div class=""><b class=""><font face="Arial" size="1" class="">From Audrey Gunter (President) and Guide Dog Jessie (Executive Director to the President), Dixie Land Guide Dog Users</font></b></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-56299174198756091132015-10-28T19:46:00.001-04:002015-11-02T14:20:40.225-05:00Celebrating Independence<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm8vhe9QdsycvNnWHWGCGXz19GwsvCTJ9T27_Qo8deqxy1GS8DPjQawb5DISCdpR7VYTLNa-MjOkpvc_S7OsSV3gLMLVQNJ44HUlg0p4U1qrdGevLmyRZjWjd76mnlT1hj3Wvno3-JbNy/s1600/IMG_patriot_600W-775739.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm8vhe9QdsycvNnWHWGCGXz19GwsvCTJ9T27_Qo8deqxy1GS8DPjQawb5DISCdpR7VYTLNa-MjOkpvc_S7OsSV3gLMLVQNJ44HUlg0p4U1qrdGevLmyRZjWjd76mnlT1hj3Wvno3-JbNy/s320/IMG_patriot_600W-775739.JPG" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers at the entrance of Patriots Point" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6210849027450705202" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">It was a beautiful, sun-drenched morning here in South Carolina. A few Dixie Landers and friends joined together at Patriot's Point Naval Museum in nearby Mount Pleasant, to learn, fellowship and, perhaps even teach while spending a couple of enjoyable hours aboard the USS destroyer Laffey, the World War II aircraft carrier, Yorktown and the USS submarine, Clagamore, all of which now part of the Patriot's Point Naval Museum.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">We were met at the park's entrance by Cindy C.; Cindy L.; Molly and Melissa who graciously and patiently offered to escort us all around the premises. The very first piece of precious memorabilia we stumbled across was their tribute to the 995 South Carolinians who gave their lives during the Viet Nam war. Surges of pride, patriotism and gratitude embraced us as we ever so gently ran our fingers across the multitudes of replicated dog tags hanging on their wall. We all agreed how blessed and fortunate we were to live in such a magnificent country.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtSigzsQmPU0FuBMWuUeKeBSL2zNB8qLk8vRwwjbCerWrP3039ZjrGkdDoeJdevUFD8q0fHqqBKDzV2ZE5TmxZOHS2C02eXAkyEhUbs0fY5CGrA9L-u4Br-zGwIryXgRNYKbxwbbTXi52/s1600/IMG_Laffey_600W-777815.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtSigzsQmPU0FuBMWuUeKeBSL2zNB8qLk8vRwwjbCerWrP3039ZjrGkdDoeJdevUFD8q0fHqqBKDzV2ZE5TmxZOHS2C02eXAkyEhUbs0fY5CGrA9L-u4Br-zGwIryXgRNYKbxwbbTXi52/s320/IMG_Laffey_600W-777815.JPG" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers on the Destroyer Laffey with Plankowner Ari the Greek" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6210849032282291634" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Soon Cindy C. began to tell us about a handful of volunteers who had donated their time and efforts that entire week towards the up-keep and appearance of the destroyer Laffey. Before long a couple of those dedicated fellows were introducing themselves to us and telling us how they'd all been connected to that destroyer at one time or another. We all thanked them for their service and remarked how it was through their efforts that we were even allowed to be there. N Then, it happened! From out of no where walked "Ari, the Greek", or, at least that's how they introduced him. Ari, now living with his wife and family in Portland, Oregon, proudly donned a bright orange shirt that had printed on the front, "USS Laffey Plankowner". He explained that he had been assigned to "her" when she was commissioned back in 1943 and spent 2 years aboard during World War II. We were all spellbound as Ari began a very special guided tour of "his" Laffey.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Dropping my harness handle and clutching Jessie's leash, I quickly grabbed Ari's left arm as he began to show us around. Suddenly it was June 6, 1944 and we were off Utah Beach during the invasion of Normandy! Surrounded by various other ships in the United States Naval fleet and umbrellad by a cloud of US bombers, we could almost hear the guns blazing, bombs bursting and guns blaring. Ari affectionately escorted us from stern to bow; lee and port side, taking my hand and placing it on various areas of the ship that had received damage. His voice was filled with pride as he pointed out the "hedgehogs"; gunnery deck and radar equipment. He stopped at one point to tell us a story or two about a couple of shipmates during the invasion and to allow us an opportunity to feel where a Japanese Kamikaze struck her dead on during the battle of Okinawa! It was mind-boggling to know that even after all that, the Laffey still continued on. No wonder she's known as "the Ship that Would Not Die"! </div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">I learned that Ari had spent over 2 years aboard the USS Laffey, most of which engaged in warfare. How difficult that must have been for all of them-especially Ari. I asked if he'd been given any opportunity for worship during that time and he sadly replied that they'd had no chapel on board, which was really hard for him since his dad had been a Priest. </div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ISpPxtDSKAgqGKFbPlfFIWShwBOep2__mDLPQcv4DWm2ejhnyk7EApYia2fUSi3gTYeFXWIa-weznTCwlRDyOTlhdGJuVShZ0OwdTOKLee1x45YoWjJgnTBgjbh1XzLYt2HaEuNmcLBP/s1600/IMG_flag_600W-780553.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ISpPxtDSKAgqGKFbPlfFIWShwBOep2__mDLPQcv4DWm2ejhnyk7EApYia2fUSi3gTYeFXWIa-weznTCwlRDyOTlhdGJuVShZ0OwdTOKLee1x45YoWjJgnTBgjbh1XzLYt2HaEuNmcLBP/s320/IMG_flag_600W-780553.JPG" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers in front of large flag on Yorktown Hangar Deck" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6210849045115467842" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Much too soon our tour of the Laffey was over and it was time to visit the Yorktown. There was no comparison between the two in size. One was a destroyer and the other an aircraft carrier. One was the size of a city block and the other, an entire city!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">The Yorktown was commissioned in 1937 and fought during World War II until she was sunk in 1942. She now sits proudly in the shadows of the newly erected Ravenel Bridge in the Cooper River just outside of Charleston, SC.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Because of time constraints, our tour of the Yorktown was somewhat rushed but we did get to visit the flight deck, hanger deck and a few other points of interest. </div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5ksyKJ-YcDUkk29I2TRAZ-vhhryf7RsG3DV4ANiewkD-2FXuaXnny-WZpNB6GaVo0-plhs6fI88xk2L9DDqA9Y38c-vHuDkK1fcw6K8jjTU7InaPUA9Fz2Gu32vEWUZJQs7dzq7d7w1Q/s1600/IMG_Scrappy_600W-783705.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5ksyKJ-YcDUkk29I2TRAZ-vhhryf7RsG3DV4ANiewkD-2FXuaXnny-WZpNB6GaVo0-plhs6fI88xk2L9DDqA9Y38c-vHuDkK1fcw6K8jjTU7InaPUA9Fz2Gu32vEWUZJQs7dzq7d7w1Q/s320/IMG_Scrappy_600W-783705.JPG" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers on Yorktown flight hangar deck with Mascot Scrappy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6210849056271523490" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">As we passed their mess hall, we could actually hear the tinkling of glasses and clanking trays just like it was so very many years ago when that ship was fully manned. Our lunch at Sticky Fingers was delicious and we even got to have our photos made with their mascot, Scrappy!</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqUtrrtLFvCN-ht66ct0W7kCK9M3yWW1bJ_iuiswXJ7cu3Cn-FLZq6yxxWHBjJgCBjiYISoVdxMI4b7koDKxxmluhATD-Yj2ZOaE4Epro5_L2d_vLPfCBESrA4x_61cQvrrpSPWa5qwCY/s1600/IMG_in_helicopter_600W-787078.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqUtrrtLFvCN-ht66ct0W7kCK9M3yWW1bJ_iuiswXJ7cu3Cn-FLZq6yxxWHBjJgCBjiYISoVdxMI4b7koDKxxmluhATD-Yj2ZOaE4Epro5_L2d_vLPfCBESrA4x_61cQvrrpSPWa5qwCY/s320/IMG_in_helicopter_600W-787078.JPG" border="0" alt="touring helicopter" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6210849073055672594" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Before long we were headed towards the gangplank and the parking lot. We'd have to see the submarine Clagamore another day. But wait! Some of us still had one more thing they absolutely had to do. Within a few moments, Kimberly Taylor, Laurel Jean Walden and Kimberly's friend Cindy were jumping in the tour helicopter and flying over Fort Sumter and the Battery. </div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">"This is the best day ever," Kimberly said as she exited the chopper area. </div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">We'd only spent 4 hours visiting Patriot's Point, but we'll have a lifetime of memories from our time there. Thank you, Cindy C,; Cindy L.; Melissa and Molly for an incredible day and a very special note of appreciation goes out to all of the brave men and women who have served or are now serving in our US military, especially "Ari, the Greek."</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Of course, none of this would have been possible if not for our driver, Libby who generously donated her time and vehicle to transport us. God bless you all and God bless the USA!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-19764429208082053212015-09-07T21:46:00.000-04:002015-09-07T21:46:54.040-04:00Brego the Brave<div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpGoBvM1sbmJ1ORAdmR4IsDLA3_bIx5GMOlS2xr9gUm5iFccnYjXwZz4Z_CJUOldBfnwO2m5N6QSpqQe7GfxDUEHxgs7KzGqcbBvH8OtveV7xmCt-m9u6A3UBnyJNvIdutmp-rz51wu1T/s1600/11053156_10207880043065180_5303154494194992032_n-740318.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpGoBvM1sbmJ1ORAdmR4IsDLA3_bIx5GMOlS2xr9gUm5iFccnYjXwZz4Z_CJUOldBfnwO2m5N6QSpqQe7GfxDUEHxgs7KzGqcbBvH8OtveV7xmCt-m9u6A3UBnyJNvIdutmp-rz51wu1T/s320/11053156_10207880043065180_5303154494194992032_n-740318.jpg" border="0" alt="Retirement portrait of guide dog Brego" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6191759460152524306" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;" class="">Pictured here is the retirement portrait of Brego (Columbia, SC). Brego is the first guide of Dixie Land GDU member Ann Humphries. He returns to his loving pu</span><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;">ppy raiser family, the Gruvers of Montgomery, AL on September 13th. Ann says, "Brego has been an exceptional guide. We've had so many wonderful adventures. He has a huge fan club!"</span><br clear="all" class=""></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1z5XXsG7VxYH-7Z8VUrsabPlJ8N9xFpISoVWYADLXl3jHVkw3JznEWRoBe82GNLBu69ZIWFEkxxRmGz52peIfx7-IFxlzfvudkUqRoNM2ucQMRvAqXCwdnqTcLcF1aFDRn1LkIzJ67Vt/s1600/brego_parks_award-743102.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1z5XXsG7VxYH-7Z8VUrsabPlJ8N9xFpISoVWYADLXl3jHVkw3JznEWRoBe82GNLBu69ZIWFEkxxRmGz52peIfx7-IFxlzfvudkUqRoNM2ucQMRvAqXCwdnqTcLcF1aFDRn1LkIzJ67Vt/s320/brego_parks_award-743102.jpg" border="0" alt="Ultimate Outsider" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6191759474703320034" /></a></span></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><div id="id_55eafbd6826099e57821650" class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 16.08px;">Brego w<span class="" style="display: inline;">as awarded "Ultimate Outsider Status" by the <a class="" href="https://www.facebook.com/SC.State.Parks" id="js_4i" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); text-decoration: none;">South Carolina State Parks</a>. He has stayed in 22 parks! The parks are commissioning an "Ultimate Outsider" pillow for Brego.</span></div><br clear="all" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;" class=""></span></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><div class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="" style="display: inline;"><br class=""></span></div></span></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><div class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="" style="display: inline;">Our prayers are with both Brego and Ann during this time of transition.</span></div></span></div><div class=""><span class="" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><div class="" style="display: inline; line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="" style="display: inline;"><br class=""></span></div></span></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-36633197748521734102015-09-07T21:38:00.000-04:002015-09-07T21:38:01.980-04:00Dixie Lander in "Hawg" Heaven!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz5XnszVfFsVV6MCJJbu5BwMSATpq5CiwyZUgaXT8hdtiJBSQMvMboLwiZB9CptFDXU6rNFCLtTVZrUREKleoh9ibnFyUw2ad1d8gFhUhzfzTW1G8L12JH3KFuOJzyLYbhGfhUBFJULiZ/s1600/IMG_0033-766690.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz5XnszVfFsVV6MCJJbu5BwMSATpq5CiwyZUgaXT8hdtiJBSQMvMboLwiZB9CptFDXU6rNFCLtTVZrUREKleoh9ibnFyUw2ad1d8gFhUhzfzTW1G8L12JH3KFuOJzyLYbhGfhUBFJULiZ/s320/IMG_0033-766690.JPG" border="0" alt="Ann Humphries on Motorcycle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6190084540627733010" /></a><br class=""><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Dixie Land GDU member Ann Humphries, Columbia, SC was guest of Chuck & Carol Beaty , long time friends from Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, who arranged a morning country back- roads trip on a Harley Davidson Touring bike. Brego (Ann's guide dog) sat out this trip, but only after sniffing the tires. The driver described the country scenery. Kirk joined Ann and the host couple for lunch in historic Ridgeway, SC in Fairfield County.<br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-49776701138306162332015-08-28T16:10:00.000-04:002015-08-28T16:10:08.871-04:00In Memory<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5EixzE0zX4EVe42RopYZ0mUWCj38MnerSEyaYaT2GT5VRRUtb_8pk6Ejqzg3UjMJP6hQf3ouXYoMZoKg2WzfMb_2nvOxRAJmjetVCug107TZbdqSsoqWHvqVEa4cpo_YJVnq3IYgUSIc/s1600/Wayne+Fridrich+Jr-733933.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5EixzE0zX4EVe42RopYZ0mUWCj38MnerSEyaYaT2GT5VRRUtb_8pk6Ejqzg3UjMJP6hQf3ouXYoMZoKg2WzfMb_2nvOxRAJmjetVCug107TZbdqSsoqWHvqVEa4cpo_YJVnq3IYgUSIc/s320/Wayne+Fridrich+Jr-733933.jpeg" border="0" alt="picture of Wayne Fridrich, Jr." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186751073757917346" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">Dixie Land Guide Dog Users Paws 2</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">Say "Thank You!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">In Memory of Wayne Fridrich Jr.</div><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class=""> </p><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">As most of you already know, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Guide Dog Users of Florida and Georgia Guide Dog Users, with the generous sponsorship of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Charleston, held our bi-annual Southeast Regional Top Dog Workshops here in Charleston, SC in January of this year. We hosted over 150 registrants, including 9 guide dog schools and over 90 dogs from across the continental USA. In addition to these we also were privileged to have dozens of much-needed volunteers to help with whatever was needed at the time. One of our beloved members and a former puppy raiser for Fidelco and Southeastern, Peggy Sudol was our Volunteer Co-coordinator.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">Peggy solicited assistance from many of the organizations with which she was associated and, when that list was exhausted, she began to recruit family members.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">Wayne Fridrich, Jr., Peggy's son, traveled from his home in Connecticut specifically to help us. In fact, when he heard of an impending treacherous snow storm approaching his area, he intentionally re-scheduled his flight a day ahead in order to avoid the blizzard!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">When his plane landed, Wayne hit the ground running! He and his step-dad, Mike, immediately began transferring all the items we'd been accumulating over the past several months to the hotel. He helped Mike and Russ create and maintain our "portable relief area", helped fold t-shirts and bandanas; stuffed our registration backpacks; helped with registration and in the Hospitality Suite; assisted with foot traffic in the hotel lobby and Exhibit Hall and even pitched in at dinner times. There was no job too small for this nice young man!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">Although Wayne was stricken with a serious health condition for several years, he'd fought it valiantly. Unfortunately, however, Wayne lost his battle and went to live with our Lord a few months ago. Please join with me and my fellow Dixie Landers as we offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the privilege of having known Wayne-even if it were for such a short time and another prayer for Peace for Peggy and her family as they mourn his passing. </div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">Thanks, Wayne, for all you did and thank you, God for Wayne! Rest in Peace, my friend!</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial;" class="">From our President — Audrey Gunter</div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-68082299256878908982015-08-28T16:00:00.000-04:002015-08-28T16:00:27.484-04:00Promoting Inclusion Ministry.<div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuwLt-1GYWRJ9QNEfnkGO3cy7p6JCGEdDQp-JOjfxvTOGMEwWE728p0x33_pY8S2yjC2Yvcd0GuHIXlMWkdMG1ocfOChCwvAHBNyUOQInvJD-f9igMBJjs_7ug6sM0-VBHBPqRsRrHvgn/s1600/laurel_w_ladies_mission_u_600W-724373.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuwLt-1GYWRJ9QNEfnkGO3cy7p6JCGEdDQp-JOjfxvTOGMEwWE728p0x33_pY8S2yjC2Yvcd0GuHIXlMWkdMG1ocfOChCwvAHBNyUOQInvJD-f9igMBJjs_7ug6sM0-VBHBPqRsRrHvgn/s320/laurel_w_ladies_mission_u_600W-724373.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel Jean with United Methodist Women of Latta, SC" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186684458443676866" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Here is our Secretary/Treasurer Laurel Jean Walden, at Spartanburg Methodist College with United Methodist Women from Latta, SC at the close of the 2015 South Carolina Mission u (formerly the School of Christian Missions." For the past couple of years, Laurel has served as Music Director for this event. Both she and our President Audrey Gunter have also served as study leaders for the UMW course, "The Church and People With Disabilities."</div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Every two years, the United Methodist Women feature a new class on the subject of social justice. The study of "The Church and People With Disabilities" was offered as part of the 2014 and 2015 Mission u events. Our thanks to the national body of United Methodist Women for growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God as we work toward making The Body of Christ on earth the inclusive Body of differently able members which God intends the church to be.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-47492522143446915922015-08-28T15:50:00.000-04:002015-08-28T15:50:41.786-04:00Paws 4 Summer Camp!<div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5n8kTZBVOaEhFJXaC6EIasMosXGw_qhEcJeYV7mOx19ZoUldg9Wlgbgrl-BXstrFUCItOa0-EUnDmYwzNN2YHy2nzUHRxvmJwLbVdg2zAZvcFW9ljE3IFVu5BTZd2hj_vnf-vJSNhD1p/s1600/dlgdu_bark_camp_kids_playing_w_jessie_600W-747665.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5n8kTZBVOaEhFJXaC6EIasMosXGw_qhEcJeYV7mOx19ZoUldg9Wlgbgrl-BXstrFUCItOa0-EUnDmYwzNN2YHy2nzUHRxvmJwLbVdg2zAZvcFW9ljE3IFVu5BTZd2hj_vnf-vJSNhD1p/s320/dlgdu_bark_camp_kids_playing_w_jessie_600W-747665.JPG" border="0" alt="Summer day campers enjoy playtime with Jessie." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186680697248244706" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">It is always a fulfilling experience for us Dixie Land Guide Dog Users to speak to children as part of our "Paws 2 Educate Initiative." Here, children attending the Charleston, SC ASPCA 2015 Summer Bark Camp are enjoying a little out-of-harness time with Jessie, the guide dog of Dixie Land GDU President Audrey Gunter.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Whether spending time at Bark Camp, or at the City of Charleston's Summer Day Camp held at the St. Julian Devine Center (another of this summer's highlights), there is never a dull moment. It probably goes without saying that God's kids of all ages enjoy learning about guide dogs and having the opportunity to speak personally with Jessie. The young people also ask a lot of well-thought-out questions about blindness, Braille, the technology that we use and how we who are blind experience life. We find that, as we take the time to answer such questions, the barriers which seem to divide the sighted and blindness communities decrease significantly. We believe that with every presentation for one of these summer day camps, we grow just a little closer to living as one community at large. As always, thanks for your ongoing prayers and support.</div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-20504018389779794502015-06-21T21:25:00.000-04:002015-06-21T21:25:59.001-04:00Dinner In The Dark<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class="">Once again, in keeping with our ever-present attempts towards sensitivity and awareness education, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users sponsored another Dinner in the Dark, co-hosted by our great friends at Grace United Methodist Church.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class="">Much preparation was required to have such an event. Assignments had to be made; food purchased and prepared; room set-up; volunteers in place; blindfolds made; bibs constructed; and advertisement sent!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxt-z2bh_H382pCWJbs9CkBQFvGFRxsy_Bu36hoVJdmN2RX6ewcQ9rlyjQaphunDw291Oi61WpF-nwhLYzvQSuyVwQb5JzaeS-dwTjwpFYm49STYx54PZcFo4ZcASGKfwcBJMg9pbakoJ/s1600/delta_gammas_making_bibs600W-742108.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxt-z2bh_H382pCWJbs9CkBQFvGFRxsy_Bu36hoVJdmN2RX6ewcQ9rlyjQaphunDw291Oi61WpF-nwhLYzvQSuyVwQb5JzaeS-dwTjwpFYm49STYx54PZcFo4ZcASGKfwcBJMg9pbakoJ/s320/delta_gammas_making_bibs600W-742108.JPG" border="0" alt="Delta Gammas making bibs for Dinner in the Dark" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162545530969511538" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class="">Thanks to the great relationship Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and the nice young ladies at the College of Charleston's Delta Gamma sorority share, our bibs were completed in less than an hour! Those girls set up an assembly line, cutting and converting large trash bags into stain-repellant plastic bibs. Some even showed up to take advantage of the great food, fantastic fellowship and fabulous furries!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class="">Volunteers from Grace UMC cut the yards and yards of material into blindfolds, prepared signs, set up the fellowship hall and actually served the piping hot, scrumtee-da-lishus, mouth-watering, palate pleasing spaghetti, garlic bread and 'nana pudding Chuck prepared.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGhg1fhzMABH6CuIR8tt0YYxpIedsKK_OVqGlJk8ntpYOjP7HKZPpPDZh1tGazr81t7GWNz_dv4WDipO-NLI9rFzRIfu2gdGhi2pZIP5sg_Qd4Ffix9D-6n0sMyYUsXIOEfZrEL2HOP9K/s1600/dixie_landers_at_dinner_n_the_dark600W-744707.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGhg1fhzMABH6CuIR8tt0YYxpIedsKK_OVqGlJk8ntpYOjP7HKZPpPDZh1tGazr81t7GWNz_dv4WDipO-NLI9rFzRIfu2gdGhi2pZIP5sg_Qd4Ffix9D-6n0sMyYUsXIOEfZrEL2HOP9K/s320/dixie_landers_at_dinner_n_the_dark600W-744707.JPG" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers at Dinner in the Dark" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162545539504149858" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class="">Some of our Dixie Landers present to enjoy the evening were Audrey Gunter, (with Jessie) President, Tweety Ford, (with Evonne) Vice-President, Laurel Jean Walden, (with White Lightn'in) Secretary/Treasurer, Sheryl (with Houston) and Russ Hedrick (with retired guide, Luke), members.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Times;" class="">The only thing better than the food was the fellowship we all enjoyed! Sorry YOU couldn't make it. Maybe next time…and there will be a next time. Hope to see you there!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-50135710518386821442015-06-21T21:21:00.000-04:002015-06-21T21:21:28.888-04:00Top Dog Charleston<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Thank You!</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">The silence now enveloping the hotel is almost deafening. The somberness of the lobby is more like that of a funeral home than that of the laughter filled, dog-jammed, crowded hotel where fun-loving folks of all ages and their helpful furry guides gathered with joy and enthusiasm. The staff stands there teary-eyed, fondly remembering the group they'd come to know so well in such a short amount of time. The housekeeping staff has already begun to vacuum the mounds hair and crumbs unknowingly left there by their 2 and 4 legged guests. </b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Top Dog-Charleston is now history-a memory…but what a memory it was! Some arrived as early as 7 days prior to our opening ceremonies to escape from the bone-chilling frigid temps of their home states and, of course to live, taste, hear, touch and breathe Charleston. Most planned to take advantage of our great prices and better climates by extending their stays for at least 3 additional days. </b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">They came from everywhere! California, Washington, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Massachusetts, and many, many other states were well represented in our ranks. Total strangers when they arrived became close, forever friends when they departed. Folks who had experienced valid differences of opinions in the past put those issues aside and were soon hugging each other in the hallways! Some would say the catalyst was the charm and spirit of our "Holy City" but I believe it was simply God continuing to offer His blessings to us, through us and among us.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">The journey began almost 2 years prior with a handful of Dixie Landers and a limitless number of ideas. They worked together to find just the right venue-the right programs-the right caterer and the right entertainment. GDUI had been badly fractured and no one knew whether anyone would even attend Top Dog, but they continued on with their search, soul depending on God's Divine Guidance. They'd learned long ago that God is, indeed a gentleman. If invited, He'll always attend and bring His bountiful blessings. If left out, He stands silently by as a spectator, and reserves those many blessings.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">They remained faithful and obedient, inviting any and everyone who wanted to attend. No one was omitted. Their objective was to make everyone feel wanted, welcomed and loved and they began with their initial invitation. At first a few began to respond; then more and then, even more. Soon, within 2 months, over 50 had been registered. Friday morning's events started with Dixie Land's very own Brianna Murray and Kimberly Taylor presenting our "Paws 4 Technology". Soon Janet Ingber joined in to bring everyone up to date on the use of the iPhone and iPad. Before the Opening Ceremonies began on Friday night, 154 people had registered-94 blind, 81 with guide dogs; 19 vendors; 9 guide dog schools; umpteen puppy raisers and dozens of loving, supportive friends and/or spouses.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio874HsDuRIdvI3xXyYz25vkz-HcsyOuWdLjS1IVEI5e9iB6aC9WrdZhsvvyMv2enYxDAYzu4xwRGTRQwCfPfYnH1bRjh-Fp4aiWFQoduD9aOtVv-C3VBIogYBKNf-foIEdvtcnCbzh0La/s1600/Opening+ceremonies+5_600W-720949.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio874HsDuRIdvI3xXyYz25vkz-HcsyOuWdLjS1IVEI5e9iB6aC9WrdZhsvvyMv2enYxDAYzu4xwRGTRQwCfPfYnH1bRjh-Fp4aiWFQoduD9aOtVv-C3VBIogYBKNf-foIEdvtcnCbzh0La/s320/Opening+ceremonies+5_600W-720949.JPG" border="0" alt="opening ceremonies" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552314022463298" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrEUYrtWt1rl5Hf76ccFeksy6u4382-u-yNkzdpii_7Ju85BMLy_zp-wc4DtKHJmdW22L-4PbMvygRT-zq4CJD4CWaXdaWwQEVTIqtMpL4gOJf8CFCGUUjlGwXipD7jmjTvaZWbjeq8tO/s1600/Laurel+and+Audrey%252C+welcome_600W-722677.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrEUYrtWt1rl5Hf76ccFeksy6u4382-u-yNkzdpii_7Ju85BMLy_zp-wc4DtKHJmdW22L-4PbMvygRT-zq4CJD4CWaXdaWwQEVTIqtMpL4gOJf8CFCGUUjlGwXipD7jmjTvaZWbjeq8tO/s320/Laurel+and+Audrey%252C+welcome_600W-722677.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Audrey at opening ceremonies" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552315913781202" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">That meeting room was crowded more than ever. People were elbow to elbow and furries, tail to snout! The mumbling roar became silent as Laurel Jean and Audrey offered their official welcome! Pastor Ed Grant officially started our event with a heartfelt prayer of invocation. When Laurel Jean began to sing "that" song ("The Blessing of Your Love") written specifically to speak of the love between handler and guide, loving tears began to flow. Bob Acosta then read a brief history of our flag and the brave veterans from the American Legion, troop 179 proudly marched in to "Present the Colors". Debbie Grubb then stood to draw a correlation between the various Bugle Calls and the many stages of life for a guide dog team. Our national GDUI president, Penny Reader rose to update us all on the latest development of that organization we knew and loved. Over 10 people and/or organizations were recognized for their generosity and support before a brief intermission was called and our delicious "Frogmore Stew" began! Soon lips were smacking and folks were laughing as they attacked the mountains of fried chicken and shrimp on their plates. </b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Because our guests had completely occupied all of the rooms at the Comfort Inn & Suites, West Ashley, we were given a little more latitude so we grabbed the tables and chairs from the breakfast area and converted the entire lobby into a swanky restaurant. When all had eaten as much as they could and their dogs relieved, they retired to their rooms for a much-needed rest in order to prepare for the next day.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UVqRVvj9Gf5nggK6dLM1BLKHp1zID_9Lzf3n9gXJwAIf9IkG0Ua3bPztXqgHCZCbadGsxCixi2lEDYsvoscigNiwzkO_-pUmfSbUFV61kccJnwNKWOS4g4fyOpxkbeewLi4zcX3P1n75/s1600/Deb+Trevino+prayer+at+the+blessing600W-724304.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UVqRVvj9Gf5nggK6dLM1BLKHp1zID_9Lzf3n9gXJwAIf9IkG0Ua3bPztXqgHCZCbadGsxCixi2lEDYsvoscigNiwzkO_-pUmfSbUFV61kccJnwNKWOS4g4fyOpxkbeewLi4zcX3P1n75/s320/Deb+Trevino+prayer+at+the+blessing600W-724304.JPG" border="0" alt="Pastor Deb Trevino offers prayer at Blessing" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552326644711458" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlwDHggGCDOuUqpq2hdJIdmEl7z0y43YvmE98UhaYn2iIG7CyY4MLGaDIBChUE_8AkFlgLJX4FKRQJd4a_0ylnb2CPIaHlokSne62s7L2Pzb4QRQETZNkn9CyZjl6Dp_SXID451qJ99nM/s1600/Penny+Guide+dog+receiving+Blessing_600W-726662.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlwDHggGCDOuUqpq2hdJIdmEl7z0y43YvmE98UhaYn2iIG7CyY4MLGaDIBChUE_8AkFlgLJX4FKRQJd4a_0ylnb2CPIaHlokSne62s7L2Pzb4QRQETZNkn9CyZjl6Dp_SXID451qJ99nM/s320/Penny+Guide+dog+receiving+Blessing_600W-726662.JPG" border="0" alt="GDUI President Penny Reeder receives blessing from Pastor Bonnie Miller" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552334866797202" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Saturday began with Pastors Bonnie Miller and Deb Trevino officiating at our Christian ceremony, "The Blessing". They each offered a prayer prior to Laurel Jean's tribute to those guides that had retired recently. Afterwards Laurel initiated a special, audible candle lighting salute to those guides that had crossed "Rainbow Bridge". As she called the name of each of our heroes, a lone chime would ring to honor their memories.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSxc9CVmarchVtTxER4De30aQ-X0sIcR4uDIkRpvyotuU5xrO31U2H_bWlCM6-EsboI8X8dy61iw5zJStCsttWv4sSpF_dAtukUoe46yFMdvTYSa3R4a0S4JsohkmYGzTlaV0KmZF3N2r/s1600/Sat.+morning%252C+the+Blessing%252C+table+with+harness+and+bowl_600W-728810.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSxc9CVmarchVtTxER4De30aQ-X0sIcR4uDIkRpvyotuU5xrO31U2H_bWlCM6-EsboI8X8dy61iw5zJStCsttWv4sSpF_dAtukUoe46yFMdvTYSa3R4a0S4JsohkmYGzTlaV0KmZF3N2r/s320/Sat.+morning%252C+the+Blessing%252C+table+with+harness+and+bowl_600W-728810.JPG" border="0" alt="Table with harness and bowl at Blessing" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552340785764994" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWIcQFf3c-AWnRshPiBiKuab1Dwn1Zn1O9nAvNSZzD2XKVpuPpSB3PW7g1txVoc0OWkFX8M-DyUGU-59Md0_E-hguIgAPE_QIJBVnUvTvhVX-zQM3nqZ4-pRCuY-GBsBA2xMMYYWXKMJr/s1600/remembering+a+past+guide+dog_600W-730882.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWIcQFf3c-AWnRshPiBiKuab1Dwn1Zn1O9nAvNSZzD2XKVpuPpSB3PW7g1txVoc0OWkFX8M-DyUGU-59Md0_E-hguIgAPE_QIJBVnUvTvhVX-zQM3nqZ4-pRCuY-GBsBA2xMMYYWXKMJr/s320/remembering+a+past+guide+dog_600W-730882.JPG" border="0" alt="Remembering a past guide at prayer table" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552357668287938" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">A prayer station with 2 empty, upside down harnesses and an upside down food bowl was prepared for folks to visit and remember. The ministers assigned at that station were so moved by those who visited that prayer station that they, themselves needed consoling. They'd never experienced a love between human and animal like that illustrated before them that day.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6H0cseQB-ptup794yCmcNnS_NY_H0OUeK2L7c2JaMj6IeF4zDlSaEKzrknRjf_f_6l26X3ODFSLdhYpRYUEeIkVOq5On6mpyY9I4RcmNiJSa3RIsPIqp_9vHaZ4EdgqLx35DJ-e1Dafy/s1600/puppy+in+training_600W-732741.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6H0cseQB-ptup794yCmcNnS_NY_H0OUeK2L7c2JaMj6IeF4zDlSaEKzrknRjf_f_6l26X3ODFSLdhYpRYUEeIkVOq5On6mpyY9I4RcmNiJSa3RIsPIqp_9vHaZ4EdgqLx35DJ-e1Dafy/s320/puppy+in+training_600W-732741.JPG" border="0" alt="guide dog puppy in training" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162552360233803458" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Marshall and Michael from Sun Dog Cat Moon talked with us about emergency first aid supplies and the benefit of massage therapy for our guides. Afterwards we heard from the many puppy raisers in attendance! (Did you know that I love puppy raisers?) I think as handlers, we were all surprised to find out that these heroes who have given us our angels actually admire and respect us as much as we admire and respect them!</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Following the tears and cheers from and by our puppy raisers and guests, we all took a break to enjoy our scrumptidalicious boxed lunches. Mind you, while all of this was taking place our exhibit hall was buzzing with visitors upstairs and our motorcyclists were rounding up their next victims…I mean riders.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">After lunch Penny Reeder brought us all up to date on GDUI-the hurdles and obstacles already conquered and remaining to overcome. Becky Barnes Davidson and Dr. Deni Elliott spoke about the various airports that offer relief areas within their security zones. Afterwards they ramrodded us on that especially touchy topic of fake service dogs and how they affect us, legitimate handlers. Both ladies offered an extremely informative, invaluable view into the problem and various diverse, and even unpopular at times resolutions. Many guests shared their personal insight towards the issue. The discussion became heated at times, but that was simply because of the passion felt towards the subject. </b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Our last scheduled discussion, "Pup dates from the Guide Dog Schools" was quite informative and uplifting. Representatives from Fidelco; Freedom Dogs for the Blind; Gallant Heart; Guide Dog Foundation; Guide Dogs for the Blind; Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Leader Dogs for the Blind; The Seeing Eye and Southeastern Guide Dogs did a great job in bringing us up to date on their latest endeavors. Afterwards, they all met outside to erect and oversee a great obstacle course that only the brave and confident would embark upon. There were many of them there, too-all with chests puffed out and "I knew we could" smiles on their faces.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Saturday evening ended with another lip-smacking, tongue titalating lowcountry cuisine straight from Jaimie's smoking barbecue pots! Yum! Yum! I can still taste that good ol' slap your mama good chicken and pork, perfectly seasoned and lovingly prepared!</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Our event closed with the hand-clapping, finger-snapping, foot-tapping music of Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers melodically transporting us through history to a much different, simpler-yet not so much nicer time. Everyone there enjoyed her "Gullah-Geechie" from another era and culture.</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">Sunday morning began early with folks leaving for their red eye flights back home. The majority of our guests were checked out and gone by noon, leaving just a handful to reminisce about Top Dog-Charleston and plan for Top Dog-Orlando!</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">By all accounts, our event was extremely successful, thanks to everyone in attendance and, especially to God! We'd also like to offer a special note of thanks to all of our many wonderful volunteers and the management and staff of the Comfort Inn and Suites, West Ashley. All there went way out of their way to accommodate each of us, but there were 2 ladies in particular who sacrificed their day off to return just to assist us with our breakfasts! Thank you, Miss Angela and Miss Cynthia!</b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></font></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><font face="Arial Black" size="1" class=""><b class="">So, Top Dog-Charleston is now history and we all look forward to hearing more from Debbie and Kathleen as Guide Dog Users of Florida begin to plan and prepare for Top Dog-Orlando in 2017!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></b></font></div><div class=""><br class=""></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-34444648363104458712015-06-21T21:05:00.000-04:002015-06-21T21:05:36.057-04:00Top Dog, 2015 Audio and PhotosHere is a list of pictures and audio from Top Dog, 2015. They are on Dropbox, and you must either sign up or sign into Dropbox to access them. You can copy and paste the URLs into a new window of your browser.<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Audio:</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hkkgqbu82e1jyou/AABNde1wi6soqcB_Fk2AaReSa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hkkgqbu82e1jyou/AABNde1wi6soqcB_Fk2AaReSa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Candid Shots</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7wxwdi1xheigvkt/AACmpzG6jjVSuqxQJPxWfMnIa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7wxwdi1xheigvkt/AACmpzG6jjVSuqxQJPxWfMnIa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 photos from Fake Service Dog Presentation</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/as50imc593l0h0n/AACOqRHnv9IL2TcEsRLyw-Y7a?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/as50imc593l0h0n/AACOqRHnv9IL2TcEsRLyw-Y7a?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 pictures of various Guide Dog schools</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/056f4u7njo2cru3/AABHPEFb7V9rsqvIW7lALZMaa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/056f4u7njo2cru3/AABHPEFb7V9rsqvIW7lALZMaa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Miscellaneous Guide Dog shots</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/056f4u7njo2cru3/AABHPEFb7V9rsqvIW7lALZMaa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/056f4u7njo2cru3/AABHPEFb7V9rsqvIW7lALZMaa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Motorcycle pictures</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/08ngs5qxfklcu8s/AAAHYgCyteh_xGUhWtKMbOtBa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/08ngs5qxfklcu8s/AAAHYgCyteh_xGUhWtKMbOtBa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Opening Ceremonies</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/20s1avks3yog7sa/AAB4nRIQKvM8DTOGySc8dHxEa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/20s1avks3yog7sa/AAB4nRIQKvM8DTOGySc8dHxEa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Paws 4 Technology</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jd2fqkiivxtk5tx/AADzVA9oT0y-i8X4GvnLhB1Ha?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jd2fqkiivxtk5tx/AADzVA9oT0y-i8X4GvnLhB1Ha?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Puppy Raisers</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7damlaf204ffa5z/AABCCd_zWDHMjEnVfKJ3BJuca?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7damlaf204ffa5z/AABCCd_zWDHMjEnVfKJ3BJuca?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77); min-height: 16px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Saturday evening entertainment</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ii1g3v35be07p3/AAAJIkh-_w0K7cjZdPpsyT0ia?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ii1g3v35be07p3/AAAJIkh-_w0K7cjZdPpsyT0ia?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77); min-height: 16px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class="">Top Dog, 2015 The Blessing</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey4eksx0d8eh1jk/AABuev-Wn55lFcgAqGluOxw7a?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey4eksx0d8eh1jk/AABuev-Wn55lFcgAqGluOxw7a?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77); min-height: 16px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Paws 4 Recognition</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ymaoed4a5dr2zrf/AAAr6w67feKinGfXhntAqUZ0a?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ymaoed4a5dr2zrf/AAAr6w67feKinGfXhntAqUZ0a?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77); min-height: 16px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class="">Top Dog, 2015 Paws 4 Wellness</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77);" class=""><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s431xjgo50pn7uq/AACtotZwy7aDknn5XJibzoZxa?dl=0" class="">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s431xjgo50pn7uq/AACtotZwy7aDknn5XJibzoZxa?dl=0</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Times; color: rgb(61, 70, 77); min-height: 16px;" class=""><br class=""></div></div>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-77718309322711156272014-04-28T18:03:00.000-04:002014-04-28T18:03:55.759-04:00Remembering Zack
<p><b><i>In Memory...</b></i></p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vbnvW6F0Q7lR2XC8_mj1FLtRIiR1xnBbYen7wUp7KxB2uZU7mThR1cnP2ottrGOlpVw7_weMwxnBHuX-HNL5nPzIcYkwPuyaQNFab1HDZ0MgYJCQWZuWT09tMDHwT497_bkLkD8lDzdf/s1600/Zack170X317H-747554.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vbnvW6F0Q7lR2XC8_mj1FLtRIiR1xnBbYen7wUp7KxB2uZU7mThR1cnP2ottrGOlpVw7_weMwxnBHuX-HNL5nPzIcYkwPuyaQNFab1HDZ0MgYJCQWZuWT09tMDHwT497_bkLkD8lDzdf/s320/Zack170X317H-747554.jpg" border="0" alt="Zack The Guide Dog" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462020441862770" /></a></p>
<p><b><i>Zack Gunter, November 27, 2000 -- April 11, 2014</b></i></p>
<p><b><i>"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth." -- (Isaiah 42:16)</b></i></p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o2RQc7jHv74tx1V1SR_ICa27t9eiOnVI3Aoa_YoZoUSmy2587qWcbww9sUy7ffvnee3gLa0XAz0GSVsfPglwr75DCgZa2i2D54FfoewyskRSk0ASE3Te5gv8D2KJViUeBUr7VR-0NhHJ/s1600/Zack_w_birth_mother_and_siblings600W910H-750430.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o2RQc7jHv74tx1V1SR_ICa27t9eiOnVI3Aoa_YoZoUSmy2587qWcbww9sUy7ffvnee3gLa0XAz0GSVsfPglwr75DCgZa2i2D54FfoewyskRSk0ASE3Te5gv8D2KJViUeBUr7VR-0NhHJ/s320/Zack_w_birth_mother_and_siblings600W910H-750430.jpg" border="0" alt="Zack with his birth mother and siblings" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462028732980354" /></a></p>
<p>On November 27, 2000, God sent a golden ray of sunshine into the world to light the Way of faith, hope and love and to bless many lives. Zack was born at <a href="http://guidedogs.org">Southeastern Guide Dog School</a> in Palmetto, FL to birth parents Judy and Walker. This young man was truly a very special gift from God, Himself. He was, indeed God's Guiding Light.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdXAM5qe7iT7Z_WpTIaVN2b75RFeCtRmYNm2CxJhyvtjfdU3SzbbQKg3giKmuunReNe-w6zCyd5rnoWa7_TZzVbVdyDQtiI1zYqOuWLFzdaa4WT3Pst2ESF8cuoe-OSu-zWmCueYzDYyV/s1600/Zack_coming_home_w_mama_cheri600W881H-753521.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdXAM5qe7iT7Z_WpTIaVN2b75RFeCtRmYNm2CxJhyvtjfdU3SzbbQKg3giKmuunReNe-w6zCyd5rnoWa7_TZzVbVdyDQtiI1zYqOuWLFzdaa4WT3Pst2ESF8cuoe-OSu-zWmCueYzDYyV/s320/Zack_coming_home_w_mama_cheri600W881H-753521.jpg" border="0" alt="Zack coming home with puppy raiser, Cheri Hall" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462039532157714" /></a></p>
<p>At around ten weeks old, Zack went to live with his foster parents, puppy raisers Lew and Cheri Hall just a little further south of Palmetto. Here he is with "Mama Cheri." The next year was spent learning basic obedience, socialization and other skills needed to accomplish his life's work. He also signed on enthusiastically for the electives of eating and playing ball!</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ8m2SCE5TiqaNT5QsaW2GiAWafMoJCojs5FstZgeXnmvFOtzsW9vSGSwpjKEJIpnfkwhI2LNvBz_svhEGCkTT3te8nCN7FUK_gm36hfBY-WqigJIrvV2rfFHuCC9uvIsXbSTowgv2sEL/s1600/zack_puppy_w_harness600W844H-756263.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ8m2SCE5TiqaNT5QsaW2GiAWafMoJCojs5FstZgeXnmvFOtzsW9vSGSwpjKEJIpnfkwhI2LNvBz_svhEGCkTT3te8nCN7FUK_gm36hfBY-WqigJIrvV2rfFHuCC9uvIsXbSTowgv2sEL/s320/zack_puppy_w_harness600W844H-756263.jpg" border="0" alt="Zack's puppy picture with harness" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462053410578418" /></a></p>
<p>This brave young man proved to be an exemplary scholar and ambassador for the sighted and blindness community. Although much of his early years were spent in the Sarasota Hospital (where "Mama Cherri" worked), he soon became a familiar face to hundreds who lived in that area. All too soon for his foster parents, Zack returned to Southeastern for professional harness training.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsQRq5d8b-_tOgePNGachMSmYW6_R1JN_JVzscJRVw9hduPAVFrD62bQIKmvNe1iiLbFAw2oxy9Dpqy5YoOba9pqCQrnKd_Qt6I5_pIE-h_D45pKNhYJQOZmv52U1LgSez026domoy4uq/s1600/Zack_and_Audrey_Graduation600W838H-759144.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsQRq5d8b-_tOgePNGachMSmYW6_R1JN_JVzscJRVw9hduPAVFrD62bQIKmvNe1iiLbFAw2oxy9Dpqy5YoOba9pqCQrnKd_Qt6I5_pIE-h_D45pKNhYJQOZmv52U1LgSez026domoy4uq/s320/Zack_and_Audrey_Graduation600W838H-759144.jpg" border="0" alt="Zack and Audrey Graduating from Southeastern" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462066592546098" /></a></p>
<p>On October 23, 2002, Zack was matched with his "new mom," Audrey Gunter who is now the President of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc. Shortly thereafter, he began to forge an indelible mark on society, in general-teaching others about guide dogs and the proper etiquette necessary from the public. He helped establish and pass South Carolina's Guide Dog Protection Law ("Layla's Law"); brought several hospitals' policies regarding service dogs into ADA compliance; made hundreds of public appearances promoting public awareness while offering peer mentoring and advocacy for the blind. He raised enough money to sponsor at least 5 special puppies that would eventually be trained to serve as guide dogs. In fact, it was his face alone that raised the funds to sponsor Horace, a handsome Australian Shepherd that would eventually be matched with the then President of Guide Dog Users of Florida. Zack even took time out of his busy schedule to pen "Zack's Tales," a "pawdobiographical" account of his early days and the first two years of working with his "mom."</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_MUhGVSdQTd4E50e5NzPxq_A5b1sK8PMqdafiQyhTL9xO4qOBGaVvCuwhE2bLYVvy6qbgWthBMLWL0KoAggxdvlmJ2Ccdq7ojHh-Y3LTGnEgpFCpfNGmTAznYIK4fRR7h-mwXtDsC9uE/s1600/taylor_baptism_w_pastor_don%257E600-761920.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_MUhGVSdQTd4E50e5NzPxq_A5b1sK8PMqdafiQyhTL9xO4qOBGaVvCuwhE2bLYVvy6qbgWthBMLWL0KoAggxdvlmJ2Ccdq7ojHh-Y3LTGnEgpFCpfNGmTAznYIK4fRR7h-mwXtDsC9uE/s320/taylor_baptism_w_pastor_don%257E600-761920.jpg" border="0" alt="Audrey and Zack at taylor's Baptism" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462079838295490" /></a></p>
<p>In his short lifetime Zack traveled thousands of miles, across dozens of states always the pillar of strength and independence for his mom. Their most memorable journey together, though, was that beautiful Sunday morning-Palm Sunday, in fact- when he led his mom down that church aisle to receive and accept Christ! Since that time the two of them became licensed and ordained; anointed; received special dispensation to receive Holy Communion in an Indiana Catholic church; had their feet washed (he drank the water); received and projected the "Laying on of Hands" practice. He has visited virtually thousands in schools, hospitals, churches, businesses and assisted living facilities. It was he who would inspire our very first Top Dog way back in 2004 on a state level and the Southeastern Top Dog Workshops in 2006. Thanks to him hundreds of our blind brothers and sisters have come together in friendship and fun.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhHwCNAZP28NDhXnwZIVBjcXq7dKZUSi72Rtt46jNrB19KCe5KAAVXHSUCNeooYdIPf7-BJne46QHRJuOXMMFrKULP2BmG9-C2UWX2C0EqOBAaQx7LwR_h_WTIAFrk6HfmvYrkKKDzDHl/s1600/Zack_wants_to_play_ball600W778H-764449.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhHwCNAZP28NDhXnwZIVBjcXq7dKZUSi72Rtt46jNrB19KCe5KAAVXHSUCNeooYdIPf7-BJne46QHRJuOXMMFrKULP2BmG9-C2UWX2C0EqOBAaQx7LwR_h_WTIAFrk6HfmvYrkKKDzDHl/s320/Zack_wants_to_play_ball600W778H-764449.jpg" border="0" alt="Zack in retirement ready to play ball" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462086651877234" /></a></p>
<p>Zack retired from guiding his mom fulltime in November, 2010, taking on the job of directing "homeland security." Whenever his mom and her successor guide Jessie left the house, it was Zack's job to take care of things at home, including any food that may have been left on the edge of the table or kitchen counter. Ever faithful, Zack was always there for an enthusiastic welcome home (sometimes still licking crumbs from his whiskers), always ready for an exhilarating game of playing ball with his "mom and Bubby"."</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1Q31Fdj3zVC7VPYIOqMQtnum08RSEnVXVJj2LKHm3isu-ATssDiq5-0zLVZvuoCW-LSu-3bz-bDqsUdKsaURthip_jhlXi0TVpGUKE-KVWU4sF9vBKDK3Ux6-cXuquYbqe4eV4RmU8xo/s1600/Zack_w_audrey_last_pic-766425.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1Q31Fdj3zVC7VPYIOqMQtnum08RSEnVXVJj2LKHm3isu-ATssDiq5-0zLVZvuoCW-LSu-3bz-bDqsUdKsaURthip_jhlXi0TVpGUKE-KVWU4sF9vBKDK3Ux6-cXuquYbqe4eV4RmU8xo/s320/Zack_w_audrey_last_pic-766425.jpg" border="0" alt="Audrey and Zack together" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6007462097624491698" /></a></p>
<p><i>"Zack was my buddy; my heartstrings; my first key to independence and my inspiration and I was and am proud to share him with the World," Audrey says. "Much too soon I had to return him back to the One from which he came and I miss him terribly. However, I thank God for those thousands of precious memories He's left me with and I thank you for allowing me to share him with you."</i></p>
<p>Yes, on April 11, 2014, God called this handsome young man Home to be with Him. Surely, Heaven is a little brighter now with Zack there, probably chasing a ball from star to star as he plays with his puppy raiser, "Daddy Lew" who passed away earlier this year. Our thanks to Cheri, who helped provide many of these pictures and continues to be a treasured member of our extended family. Cheri's devotion to raising Zack in his early days has led to the blessing of so many lives, too numerous to mention here. "Zack was a faithful and obedient servant," Cheri writes. "I hope he hears from the Lord, 'Well done my good and faithful servant.'"</p>
<p>Audrey adds, "I also thank Southeastern Guide Dog School for providing me with a life that I dared not even dream of ever having."</p>
<p>So many of us are so much the better for having known and loved Zack, that gallant, faithful, loving, whimsical, wonderful Guide Dog. He left his paw prints on our hearts, and for that we are truly grateful.</p><DIV> </DIV>
The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-46912863378494706232014-03-14T11:25:00.000-04:002014-03-14T11:25:28.630-04:00In Memory...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YpeXVyMdO0fhDv4Eevfmal-bdliimlQIckfQLaPaWZOq2JsQjKqZOx-tqD7qiPW0mjOHnBmJAZ3fDkuIVRrEnuens3mesEc9EtkM3dIC4mDEW2-TXk7ine_cl4oTLVF7ZO_g0YAVhoXf/s1600/Zettie_Snow600W840H-784775.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YpeXVyMdO0fhDv4Eevfmal-bdliimlQIckfQLaPaWZOq2JsQjKqZOx-tqD7qiPW0mjOHnBmJAZ3fDkuIVRrEnuens3mesEc9EtkM3dIC4mDEW2-TXk7ine_cl4oTLVF7ZO_g0YAVhoXf/s320/Zettie_Snow600W840H-784775.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel and Zettie on a snowy day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5990663271249102370" /></a></p><DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><EM>Pictured here is our Secretary/Treasurer, Laurel Jean Walden, with her beautiful, black Lab mix <STRONG>Zettie on a snowy day in Charleston, SC.</STRONG> Zettie passed away on Wednesday. The following is posted in Zettie's memory by our President, Audrey Gunter.<BR></EM><BR> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face=Calibri><STRONG>Zettie Walden</STRONG></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face=Calibri><STRONG>2000-2014</STRONG></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>She was a beautiful girl-tall, tantalizingly tall; long and sleek with gorgeous, shiny, silk-like hair; captivating big, brown eyes-one could be consumed by those eyes; soft, unbelievably soft ears and an attitude that quickly told you that you were in the presence of royalty!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She was, after all, the Empress Queen Diva!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She was the boss and she had no problems letting folks know it, either.<BR></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>She was also a character-goofy and clumsy and just so-so funny; but majestic at the same time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She'd blunder into a room, tail wagging, knocking things about with every step; look around for just that perfect person; plow through anything in her way; take that regal, long nose of hers and place it just under one's hand.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then she'd throw her head up in the air, taking the hand with her!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That was her way of introducing herself. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She was just as genteel as she was rambunctious, though. Zettie could have very easily passed as a guide dog but <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City><st1:place>Laurel</st1:place></st1:City> made sure that she was never mistaken as a service dog.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was always amazed how well Zettie interacted with the many, many service dogs she came into contact with over the years.<BR></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>As big as a small horse and stubborn as a large mule, she was such a loud, demanding yet ever-so faithful soul-with the wisdom of an aged sage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She took on other's responsibilities like a mother hen.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She appointed herself as attendant to others and made sure those in her charge knew she was the boss!<BR></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Loyal, faithful, loving, exuberant Zettie!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What a girl she was!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She crossed over <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Rainbow</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Bridge</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Wednesday with her mom, Laurel by her side.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Zettie is running through the Heavens right now-free from pain and hurt.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> <BR></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Zettie and I had this thing we did with me shaking my fist at her saying, "I'm gonna give you one of these right across the kisser!"<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>She'd always prance on those two big front feet and give me that playful growl of hers that would make anyone smile.<BR></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0.25in" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>God continues to bless us in many ways. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I know He blessed me by knowing sweet Zettie and I believe the entire world is a bit better for having her among us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P></FONT></FONT></DIV>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-46082647174685591302014-03-12T06:18:00.000-04:002014-03-12T06:18:33.441-04:00GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION INTRODUCES NEW TWO-WEEK CLASS FORMAT<DIV> <DIV class=Section1> <P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><EM>The following press release may be of interest to our visitors...<BR></EM><BR><STRONG>Beginning in February 2014, a new model for guide dog training will provide individualized training approaches to meet specific needs of students<o:p></o:p></STRONG></SPAN></P> <P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">January 2014 </SPAN></B><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place><st1:City><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Smithtown</SPAN></B></st1:City><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">, </SPAN></B><st1:State><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">NY</SPAN></B></st1:State></st1:place><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"> </SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">The Guide Dog <A href="http://www.guidedog.org/">Foundation</A> is excited to announce it will now offer its<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> </B>accredited guide dog training in a 12-day program. Beginning in February 2014, this new curriculum will offer a 2:1 student/instructor ratio and will focus on incorporating a blend of customized training formats to meet the specific lifestyles and needs of students while maximizing the training time in class for students and their dogs as they prepare for real-world situations. <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">"We are implementing this new approach in order to meet the needs of our blind and visually impaired applicants while also being respectful of our students' time to commit to training with a guide dog," says Wells B. Jones, CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation. "This is an exciting change for the program. Our students will graduate with their dog in a shorter amount of time while gaining the real-world training targeted specifically to their lifestyles."<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">The hallmark of the Guide Dog Foundation is its meticulous matching program to ensure that each applicant is teamed with the guide dog that best suits that person's personality, lifestyle, and physical needs. This refined training program will now offer greater individualized training in concentrated sessions. While the student will spend fewer days on campus, the amount of practical training will increase. This represents a change from the Foundation's previous four-week residential training. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">In addition, because of the lower student-to-trainer ratio, students and instructors will be able to cover their specific needs pertaining to their home environments by focusing on various training walks (urban, country and night walks); mass transit situations, including train platforms, subway, and bus travel; traffic area training and other types of conditions. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Students in class will continue to participate in lectures on grooming and care for their dog, obedience practice, accessibility awareness and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and guide dog etiquette for non-guide dog users.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">The Foundation will still offer home training if it is determined that a student's needs will be best met by this type of intensive training; this decision is made on a case-by-case basis. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">For questions about the guide dog training program visit <A href="http://www.guidedog.org/">www.GuideDog.org</A> or contact the Guide Dog Foundation Consumer Services Office at 866-282-8047.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Garamond Antiqua'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><BR style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always; mso-break-type: section-break" clear=all></SPAN> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">About the Guide Dog Foundation<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">For over six decades, the Guide Dog Foundation has supported the independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship a guide dog brings to its handler. Students come to its </SPAN><st1:place><st1:City><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Smithtown</SPAN></st1:City><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">, </SPAN><st1:State><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">N.Y.</SPAN></st1:State></st1:place><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">, campus from all over the </SPAN><st1:country-region><st1:place><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">United States</SPAN></st1:place></st1:country-region><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"> and </SPAN><st1:country-region><st1:place><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Canada</SPAN></st1:place></st1:country-region><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"> for the quality of Foundation dogs and its innovative training techniques.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">There is never a cost to consumers for their guide or service dogs. The Guide Dog Foundation relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to support its programs. It does not receive government funding. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">In 2009, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind became the first assistance dog school in the </SPAN><st1:country-region><st1:place><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">United States</SPAN></st1:place></st1:country-region><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"> to be certified by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. It was recertified by both regulatory bodies in 2013.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">To learn more or to donate, visit <A href="http://www.GuideDog.org">www.GuideDog.org</A>. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Calibri; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P></DIV>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-11245375697525455632014-03-12T05:57:00.000-04:002014-03-12T05:57:30.383-04:00Paws 2 Meet Laurel Jean!<p><b>From the President...</b></p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBOqw9__sSZDCCP6kgPboi0z0ttqo42m4GEnodR5mWTSajysU8zpyCnL_puqA0tZSLFFsjdIm_NhiERJht69VmX8jjjTGRzvaAY4NePVUWtWV6IMlZRw-mtspEWBpyGdmTT10jD065XNK/s1600/web_06032012_laurel_grand_piano_profile-713381.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBOqw9__sSZDCCP6kgPboi0z0ttqo42m4GEnodR5mWTSajysU8zpyCnL_puqA0tZSLFFsjdIm_NhiERJht69VmX8jjjTGRzvaAY4NePVUWtWV6IMlZRw-mtspEWBpyGdmTT10jD065XNK/s320/web_06032012_laurel_grand_piano_profile-713381.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel at Grand piano" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5989815996452423810" /></a></p>
<p><b>Keys are Key</b></p>
<p>Whether sitting at her desk, typing on her computer keyboard or at her Casio, popping out tunes on her digital pianos, or exercising her vocal chords, always hitting just that right note, Laurel Jean Walden seems to constantly be “on key.”</p>
<p>An accomplished recording artist, composer/writer, vocalist, pianist, and motivational speaker, <a href="http://laureljean.com">Laurel Jean</a> has dedicated her life to presenting God’s message with her music. Laurel began her professional career at 14; produced her first album while still a teenager and has 12 CD’s to her credit.</p>
<p>The epitome of “independence”, Laurel frequently travels all across the country accompanied only by “White Lightning”, her long, white cane. When asked why she chooses not to use a dog guide Laurel smiles and replies, “Well, I love dogs-all dogs. If I’m traveling on a job and my cane breaks, I can always get a new one. If I had a guide dog, though, and something happened to it while traveling...well, it would just break my heart!” She is very active, enjoys scheduling her own travel itinerary, as well as hiking/walking, tandem biking and bowling.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nhE0c8gmGBNgFrvVZK33TAWH3JTgiT-LJZAt-cK0lSRIkv2KRdwxM1gB90oUSTFpIJioseEJEwe-m0iXgx3y6QRXUq8u6pcctI6r9shDlCkdYmh5zW1I9GInZy8Kxb6zleTomUJczR5S/s1600/laurel_talking_to_zettie600W-715866.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nhE0c8gmGBNgFrvVZK33TAWH3JTgiT-LJZAt-cK0lSRIkv2KRdwxM1gB90oUSTFpIJioseEJEwe-m0iXgx3y6QRXUq8u6pcctI6r9shDlCkdYmh5zW1I9GInZy8Kxb6zleTomUJczR5S/s320/laurel_talking_to_zettie600W-715866.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel talking to Zettie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5989816009461204786" /></a></p>
<p>Laurel quickly adds that she has a dog, Zettie-a beautiful black lab mix. "She’s not a service dog. She's my little girl and I love her with a love that is bigger than life!"</p>
<p>In addition to her music, ministry, and Chaplaincy for God’s Blind Kids of all ages, Laurel is a Certified Braille Proofreader by the U.S. Library of Congress. She also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and, in fact, created and maintains this website.</p>
<p>Laurel dedicates much of her time towards helping others. One of the many ways she serves God is by providing <a href="http://talkingbibles.org">talking Bibles</a> to those who cannot read because of blindness or severe learning disabilities. She truly does shine His Light on those who would live in perpetual darkness.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HqHz1LLB2DPIFKrrHyypqoWlBXxo-Zbb4-7J-1wWZKaTmHBTlEL1zhjnh8_Sw15myRlWR_D_-yYnk_1vA0KZkxPS8znFGaY05ik4Flfs_krtOWo4jGYTKvYq_0zRLJFgw2-FbC7SYp-w/s1600/laurel_w_grace_choir_600Wby400H-718407.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HqHz1LLB2DPIFKrrHyypqoWlBXxo-Zbb4-7J-1wWZKaTmHBTlEL1zhjnh8_Sw15myRlWR_D_-yYnk_1vA0KZkxPS8znFGaY05ik4Flfs_krtOWo4jGYTKvYq_0zRLJFgw2-FbC7SYp-w/s320/laurel_w_grace_choir_600Wby400H-718407.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with Grace Church choir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5989816014521304226" /></a></p>
<p>Two of Laurel’s favorite things to do, though,would be to sing and play the piano for the choir at her home church, <a href="http://mygraceumc.org">Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC.</a> She even used her computer to print out one of her very own songs for the choir to sing with her! She never ceases to amaze us with her unbridled adventurous nature. Last year she displayed her dancing skills with the Interpretive Dance group and she’s already planning to try her hand at acting in this year’s Easter production. She has even been known to assist withmeal preparation for church fellowship events!</p>
<p>If that isn’t enough, Laurel continues to serve as a vital member of our Dixie Land Guide Team when we’re out doing a “Paws 2 Educate” program and is already working hard in the planning of next year’s Top Dog-Charleston, 2015!</p><DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-37707945202834441222014-01-14T21:29:00.000-05:002014-01-14T21:29:30.894-05:00Paws 4 a look back on 2013!
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawjKYSdpyLxEeiOn-xqX7tGM3GJgRyHDln02eCy8L4fCnzqLrHrmXQOUCTQDDHE4iBUPT1b1YN7qrVWIOk99g092kaziinjYNAK2ssmqANw6uQEQcNa3VWac9Sk67cGNh5ZGtwen7igU-/s1600/top_dog_2013_linda_blessing_guide-739982.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawjKYSdpyLxEeiOn-xqX7tGM3GJgRyHDln02eCy8L4fCnzqLrHrmXQOUCTQDDHE4iBUPT1b1YN7qrVWIOk99g092kaziinjYNAK2ssmqANw6uQEQcNa3VWac9Sk67cGNh5ZGtwen7igU-/s320/top_dog_2013_linda_blessing_guide-739982.jpg" border="0" alt="Pastor Linda blessing guide team" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928827617123410" /></a></p>
<p>Pastor Linda Trowbridge, senior pastor of Bethany Park Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Rantoul, IL blesses one of the many guide teams attending The Top Dog 2013 Blessing of the Guides. Thanks again to Georgia Guide Dog Users, and Guide Dog Users of Florida for joining with us to make Top Dog Savannah a tail-wagging success! Dixie Land was responsible for assisting in planning, audio, music/entertainment, pastors for The Blessing as well as purchase of the token coins given out at this event. We’re happy to announce that Top Dog is coming home to Charleston, SC in 2015! Plans are under way for another down-home, southern weekend filled with food, fun, fellowship and furries! Check back soon for more details!</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWxNtcDhOtaIq5vMcNhEtb55A9dRzp5Dd2vt1-1b8Y7WGhe26JFdeAAXS2UuozwncG0m49nW2QtBjCwQUxZkc4Byld3GuXHX6mjt7m7yP6B-EXhPHhiIqy0EtfOQU3HiP5Fup53932n83/s1600/Celebrate_With+Laurel_Jean_Cover-742729.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWxNtcDhOtaIq5vMcNhEtb55A9dRzp5Dd2vt1-1b8Y7WGhe26JFdeAAXS2UuozwncG0m49nW2QtBjCwQUxZkc4Byld3GuXHX6mjt7m7yP6B-EXhPHhiIqy0EtfOQU3HiP5Fup53932n83/s320/Celebrate_With+Laurel_Jean_Cover-742729.jpg" border="0" alt="Celebrate CD cover" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928834148286002" /></a></p>
<p>Top Dog 2013 marked the debut of a very special song, written by Dixie Land officer <a href="http://laureljean.com/">Laurel Jean.</a> “The Blessing of Your Love” is a heartwarming musical tribute to the love shared between guide dogs and their handlers. You can hear a sample of the song and check out Laurel Jean’s “Celebrate” CD on her <a href="http://laureljean.com/albums_etcetera.html">Albums Page.</a></p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIOI0KsQMwdggxEgxtK-QQbUb8lEb9NtKD1OcaW75dPEZS2OAXgrzZxg2nsGFykoM3A6yKa3zMksDxW2Y1ccs9on_KoDSxZexQTiXSNnOqbjrss14DujUiX9Eaev924NyIkrq8AYEQqHX/s1600/WEB_022413_fort_johnson_audrey_speaking-744689.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIOI0KsQMwdggxEgxtK-QQbUb8lEb9NtKD1OcaW75dPEZS2OAXgrzZxg2nsGFykoM3A6yKa3zMksDxW2Y1ccs9on_KoDSxZexQTiXSNnOqbjrss14DujUiX9Eaev924NyIkrq8AYEQqHX/s320/WEB_022413_fort_johnson_audrey_speaking-744689.jpg" border="0" alt="Audrey speaks at Fort Johnson Baptist Church" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928844535335762" /></a></p>
<p>Our President Audrey Gunter and guide Jessie address the Girls In Action of Fort Johnson Baptist Church, Charleston James Island, SC as part of Dixie Land’s Paws 2 Educate Initiative. Our thanks to the Girls In Action and the Seniors of Fort Johnson for making Dixie Land GDU and Music By Laurel Jean part of their schedules, and for their generous financial sponsorship toward the continuation of our work in the community.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohi4GdL8yCfgQrBXUSBQouXsNXoiLeuW3kFLIjimgjvG5cSfvhXaixMoFBJ0f-0rW6u2U8jBRnqIP4cN_LDvPs2siHP39i8BAtndTw480Hn_x1ktADDxDg0Bwy7jXDrh44u7TcsZWVNMm/s1600/WEB_cub_scouts_braille-746736.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohi4GdL8yCfgQrBXUSBQouXsNXoiLeuW3kFLIjimgjvG5cSfvhXaixMoFBJ0f-0rW6u2U8jBRnqIP4cN_LDvPs2siHP39i8BAtndTw480Hn_x1ktADDxDg0Bwy7jXDrh44u7TcsZWVNMm/s320/WEB_cub_scouts_braille-746736.jpg" border="0" alt="Cub Scouts looking at Braille" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928850606055106" /></a></p>
<p>Cub Scouts of Goose Creek, SC take time to connect the dots to the Braille code. Our visit to Goose Creek helped these young Scouts as they learned about the importance of being kind to others.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIvX7-nEKnFGCUO8vYTWUcNtXXS-wj1iCyWbckO4uxr25XYBnvFviAk2GfEuyN68vmyn2yHQ9SZhJSTQhyphenhyphenzYbn0caLXbgAmjBHS2jDpu6v_IZK1fgW8yAlvO93WpIBLFTcYCqECmEroIO/s1600/WEB_space+camp+007-748546.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIvX7-nEKnFGCUO8vYTWUcNtXXS-wj1iCyWbckO4uxr25XYBnvFviAk2GfEuyN68vmyn2yHQ9SZhJSTQhyphenhyphenzYbn0caLXbgAmjBHS2jDpu6v_IZK1fgW8yAlvO93WpIBLFTcYCqECmEroIO/s320/WEB_space+camp+007-748546.jpg" border="0" alt="Shelby at Space Camp" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928861702577010" /></a></p>
<p>Thanks to Bill and Debbie Craig, parents of Dixie Lander Shelby Craig, for sending this picture of Shelby at Space Camp. This young lady is not about to allow her blindness to stop her from reaching for the stars!</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOllpe9do9IP_1p3THzM4mPtJ_T8e7LIUWoEWczKrn_ARq7Fhs3mj4pOn-90Ql9y_fLXL5QcjytGaAJVBAKgNnUvRVVMEjD-pHiJtu58-jhCcCm_kcK3XWDZYH1BUiV5iZGe9INKpld9P/s1600/WEB_dixielanders_at_dock_street_best-750523.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOllpe9do9IP_1p3THzM4mPtJ_T8e7LIUWoEWczKrn_ARq7Fhs3mj4pOn-90Ql9y_fLXL5QcjytGaAJVBAKgNnUvRVVMEjD-pHiJtu58-jhCcCm_kcK3XWDZYH1BUiV5iZGe9INKpld9P/s320/WEB_dixielanders_at_dock_street_best-750523.jpg" border="0" alt="Dixie Landers at the Dock Street Theater" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928868436524466" /></a></p>
<p>Thanks also to Bill and Debbie for sending this picture, taken at our outing for pizza and a visit to the Dock Street Stage, part of our Keeping Families Focused Initiative. A big thanks to the Dock Street Stage for providing the tickets which helped make this fun evening possible for Dixie Landers and family members.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkamJXP7rpXpKfdwEEwly_eufV1s4PYii2sSTbmAVaAnflwyVSIW-Ryzk7WkDV8lQ4VMZ5Y7PDyEWcDECBZsxt2cyVBIL3puoSCjYR4Bu6WTxAmFXf416CqPjufhVGKmHUJ666hKz5h0u/s1600/web_0713_be_the_light_drama-752493.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkamJXP7rpXpKfdwEEwly_eufV1s4PYii2sSTbmAVaAnflwyVSIW-Ryzk7WkDV8lQ4VMZ5Y7PDyEWcDECBZsxt2cyVBIL3puoSCjYR4Bu6WTxAmFXf416CqPjufhVGKmHUJ666hKz5h0u/s320/web_0713_be_the_light_drama-752493.jpg" border="0" alt="drama presentation at Worship Arts Camp" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928879182041906" /></a></p>
<p>Our Immediate Past Vice President, Taylor Jones Stebbins, joins youth in a drama presentation as part of the Worship Arts Camp hosted by <a href="http://mygraceumc.org">Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC.</a> Our thanks to Grace UMC for being so open to giving God’s outa sight kids the same opportunities to minister in the Body of Christ with all other members.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xbJ4joB5OXW-IKQcIYv5_CqM_P1KPfh_9qudO6j01cZAkWUSFegEXXwkOQfP_6zNmHWNBJ6jcpYreebU26uKnoDP4kD-Ck7ZYKvZdVoWWw_V2ah4zYZtPaY8RrvVFCCI3Wzx33LplGUV/s1600/Brego-753839.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xbJ4joB5OXW-IKQcIYv5_CqM_P1KPfh_9qudO6j01cZAkWUSFegEXXwkOQfP_6zNmHWNBJ6jcpYreebU26uKnoDP4kD-Ck7ZYKvZdVoWWw_V2ah4zYZtPaY8RrvVFCCI3Wzx33LplGUV/s320/Brego-753839.jpg" border="0" alt="Ann and Brego visit Santa" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5968928880749620290" /></a></p>
<p>Finally, just in, we had to share this from Dixie Lander Ann Humphries and her guide Brego in Columbia, SC as they visit with Santa Claus, or is that “Santa Paws?”</p>
<p>2014 is already proving to be an exciting year. Check back often for posts, and updates on how you can get involved. Thanks to our Dixie Landers and friends, especially the <a href="http://associationfortheblindsc.org">Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Charleston, SC,</a> for your ongoing prayers and support! Together, we really can make the world a better place!</p><DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-88362513031822163262013-12-19T16:58:00.002-05:002013-12-19T16:58:16.657-05:00Friends of Bartimaeus<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkUwVZFjaixPgkKJc2GAEvGfiCsO5lH5MPnVHO2Eo3bZs7PlLYLJdoVK6PM1BkjmfHBLlSAxKU6uLmSYQHuBCoIOk2BZVTyWC_tt2P-sy3fTE3J6GbXIrsz4ysbe_yVbOV5kMWFbRIVBv/s1600/web_092012_taylor_laurel_kevan_ann-771762.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkUwVZFjaixPgkKJc2GAEvGfiCsO5lH5MPnVHO2Eo3bZs7PlLYLJdoVK6PM1BkjmfHBLlSAxKU6uLmSYQHuBCoIOk2BZVTyWC_tt2P-sy3fTE3J6GbXIrsz4ysbe_yVbOV5kMWFbRIVBv/s320/web_092012_taylor_laurel_kevan_ann-771762.jpg" border="0" alt="Friends of Bartimaeus jamming" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5956285866781788226" /></a></p>
<p>August, 2013 marked the one-year anniversary of the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach Center for the Blind, hosted by <a href="http://calvarylutherancharleston.org">Calvary Lutheran Church,</a> Charleston, SC. This photo was taken at the center’s very first meeting in 2012, as our Secretary/Treasurer Laurel Jean at the piano accompanied our then Vice President, Taylor Jones Stebbins, an amazing Lowcountry blind youth with a beautiful tenor voice. Pastor Ed of Calvary Lutheran couldn’t help but join in the praise with his guitar and our friend and sighted volunteer Kevan-Ann Spangler brought her hand-clapping, toe-tapping percussion to this impromptu music ensemble.</p><br>
<p>The Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach Center offers a monthly gathering for the blindness community to enjoy food, fun, fellowship and worship in an accessible, inclusive, non-threatening environment. After being served a delicious hot meal, guests participate openly in songs, prayers and times of sharing, including devotional time led by Pastor Ed. At the end of the meeting, people are given more time to socialize. Groceries are offered to attendees who have need of them, and mail-reading services are also available.</p><br>
<p>Congratulations to the people of Calvary Lutheran for all of their efforts which have made the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach such a tremendous success and a blessing to the community. Dixie Land was honored to be invited to join with many from the Lowcountry’s blindness community, to assist in the beginning of this center. In cooperation with <a href="http://lbwinc.org">Lutheran Braille Workers,</a> responsible for 60-plus outreach centers like this one across the United States, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc. and <a href="http://laureljean.com">Music By Laurel Jean,</a> every blind individual attending the Friends of Bartimaeus has also received a talking Bible of his/her very own. God’s Light keeps shining!</p><br>
<p>Be sure to watch for more posts like this one to learn more about how Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc. continues to reach out to our community!</p><br>
The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-33960007171935243742013-11-27T22:15:00.000-05:002013-11-27T22:15:55.831-05:00Paws 2 Educate<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cZn5XWud2PMCwgulgmNAatmug1NqA55qIUwWoRJK2_EBPn4CBvRG7wMXmmvXyjQog9iZPqPCh9gO9Xk6xZLQg1xR688YySV6vRXTsDT-MvMm9U7RlFv-Hlh49cfcU3PEdoiPHUKRh4vF/s1600/web_bark_camp_jessie_petting_kids-746497.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cZn5XWud2PMCwgulgmNAatmug1NqA55qIUwWoRJK2_EBPn4CBvRG7wMXmmvXyjQog9iZPqPCh9gO9Xk6xZLQg1xR688YySV6vRXTsDT-MvMm9U7RlFv-Hlh49cfcU3PEdoiPHUKRh4vF/s320/web_bark_camp_jessie_petting_kids-746497.jpg" border="0" alt="Day Campers visit with Jessie off-harness" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5951042459040601922" /></a></p>
<p>Together and individually, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users work to promote a positive image of the blindness community within the community at large as part of our <i>“Paws 2 Educate”</i> Initiative. Our recent presentations have included Charleston’s ASPCA Bark Camp, where our President Audrey is shown giving campers a little off-harness time with her guide, Jessie. This allows young people, especially, the opportunity to see the importance of the harness. Campers also learn why one must never pet or speak to a guide dog in harness.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVbFFhhCSw1rHikWn5PpzpRY75PSaKzR5aMbYpTvBYRrysn8DgrwZ7F3qXnbm4MQM0nmKYBFj-TUuLJR3gryEJGQ7ll9r0iPBw5uppeFkyTpfpTBFTPatPVCJL0ntE5BZk2kOmfZF8PyV/s1600/web_bark_camp_laurel_at_brailler_w_kids-749089.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVbFFhhCSw1rHikWn5PpzpRY75PSaKzR5aMbYpTvBYRrysn8DgrwZ7F3qXnbm4MQM0nmKYBFj-TUuLJR3gryEJGQ7ll9r0iPBw5uppeFkyTpfpTBFTPatPVCJL0ntE5BZk2kOmfZF8PyV/s320/web_bark_camp_laurel_at_brailler_w_kids-749089.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel brailling names of campers" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5951042473395464322" /></a></p>
<p>Here, our Secretary/Treasurer Laurel Jean is shown brailing the names of day campers as our sighted friend Kevan-Ann Spangler, brings the photographer in focus. Kudos to our sighted volunteers!</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkkMFkdYvKCau2RFyhjdhwvgnVrV7sjtHfaQj4ly7F1aqODLQz5peF78r_s3VDk71fFthJciC3V1ZijJHGX2d6Lgrf91I9UrdnENhGrJ-XRuMZvJ-qmr1lo1kyZjW22jP6w1pFhbM-iRw/s1600/web_bark_camp_laurel_teaches_sighted_guide-751112.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkkMFkdYvKCau2RFyhjdhwvgnVrV7sjtHfaQj4ly7F1aqODLQz5peF78r_s3VDk71fFthJciC3V1ZijJHGX2d6Lgrf91I9UrdnENhGrJ-XRuMZvJ-qmr1lo1kyZjW22jP6w1pFhbM-iRw/s320/web_bark_camp_laurel_teaches_sighted_guide-751112.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel teaches sighted guide to day campers" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5951042481877432962" /></a></p>
<p>Laurel teaches day campers the proper way to serve as sighted guides. Campers learn to <b>always</b> ask if help is needed and <b>never</b> grab a blind person by the arm.</p>
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb8RlckLVDrnHDD9LfsgZ69OT9Arf5i3MgS8qKzg7Z-ozcGOHKSzmG-KzuwF9vvmHDJHZPaPEPcUDe9Wqf6MIhiDqwwgKh-zluDRJLFAH6Wjv-wHXNkzTRgXXQFW8w93B1IBkIBYvBdrx/s1600/web_delta_gammas_laurel_audrey_jessie-753968.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb8RlckLVDrnHDD9LfsgZ69OT9Arf5i3MgS8qKzg7Z-ozcGOHKSzmG-KzuwF9vvmHDJHZPaPEPcUDe9Wqf6MIhiDqwwgKh-zluDRJLFAH6Wjv-wHXNkzTRgXXQFW8w93B1IBkIBYvBdrx/s320/web_delta_gammas_laurel_audrey_jessie-753968.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel and Audrey speak with Delta Gamma Sorority" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5951042495684936274" /></a></p>
<p>Recently, Audrey and Laurel were also blessed to address the Delta Gamma Sorority of the College of Charleston, whose philanthropic focus serves the blindness community locally and beyond.</p>
Special thanks to the <a href="http://associationfortheblindsc.org">Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired,</a> whose support helps keep our “Paws 2 Educate” Initiative going and growing!
<DIV> </DIV>
The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183880847489893211.post-52860468402673433642013-11-27T21:25:00.000-05:002013-11-27T21:25:10.878-05:00Meet Our Officers<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_rlO6TWrF1dos6bl4lsFvdjOqCHA6jqsaI9wAELVeildj-5LHMsjII59MGe0c7UzG5aLfnmXfMu3iSwHFbjKf3o5dfJZdsX1dXqO_1HVJfzwiFuJlvvA1ymftbwz94HhKt4D2ZM-YIq2/s1600/WEB_tweety_brianna_audrey_laurel_citadel_mall-746164.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_rlO6TWrF1dos6bl4lsFvdjOqCHA6jqsaI9wAELVeildj-5LHMsjII59MGe0c7UzG5aLfnmXfMu3iSwHFbjKf3o5dfJZdsX1dXqO_1HVJfzwiFuJlvvA1ymftbwz94HhKt4D2ZM-YIq2/s320/WEB_tweety_brianna_audrey_laurel_citadel_mall-746164.jpg" border="0" alt="Dixie Land officers, Tweety, Brianna, Audrey and Laurel" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5951041170962797938" /></a></p>
<p>Meet our newly-elected officers, Tweetie ford (First vice President), Brianna Murray (Second Vice President), Audrey Gunter (President) and Laurel Jean Walden (Secretary/Treasurer).</p>
<p>Tweetie with her guide Yvonne, is a native Charlestonian, a graduate of North Charleston High School, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina. In addition to her work in the medical field, Tweetie served actively as a church musician until health issues forced her to retire. She lost her sight later in life due to complications brought on by a stroke, and was matched with her first guide dog, Heidi in 2004. Heidi tragically passed away suddenly and Tweetie was matched with her second guide Yvonne in 2010. Tweetie and Horace, her husband of 42 years, served actively within the blindness community here in Charleston until Horace passed away in 2012. A devout Christian, Tweetie continues to serve her God and her community.</p>
<p>Brianna has been a friend of Dixie Land GDU, long before she was matched with her guide Lacy in 2011. We especially appreciate her expertise when it comes to learning new computer and cell phone technology. As of this writing, Brianna is the only blind student to be accepted to the Charleston School of the Arts, where she graduated with honors as a violin major. She is currently a junior at Winthrop in Rock Hill, SC, pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in English.</p>
<p>Also a native of Charleston, Audrey Gunter, pictured here with her current guide Jessie, was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and declared legally blind at age nineteen. She was told to get herself a cup and some pencils because she had nothing else to look forward to. Audrey received her ABA with honors in 1975. She retired in 2001 as the Director of the MUSC Department of Transportation. A pillar of the blindness community, Audrey is a Past President of both the Lowcountry Chapter and the State American Council of the Blind in South Carolina. She has served on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Disability Resources Center, the Board of Directors of Guide Dog Users, Inc. and the Board Graduate Committee of Southeastern Guide Dog School (where she was matched with her first guide Zack and her current guide Jessie). Her book "Zack's Tales, Travels of a Guide Dog" can be purchased <a href="http://laureljean.com/albums_etcetera.html">here.</a> She founded the Southeast Regional Top Dog Workshop in 2006. In 2011, she was commissioned as a Stephen Minister at <a href="http://mygraceumc.org">Grace United Methodist Church in Charleston,</a> where she currently serves as an active member.</p>
<p>Although Laurel Jean is an avid cane user and takes pride in honing her skills with the long, white cane, she wholeheartedly supports those who choose to use a guide dog as their means to personal mobility and independence. In addition to taking care of the administrative duties for our organization, Laurel brings to the team her knowledge of Braille, technology, independent travel, and her life experience of twenty-five years in professional music ministry. Laurel has been blind since birth, and has a special enthusiasm for reaching out to blind youth. Her latest CD, “Celebrate With Laurel Jean,” featres a special tribute to guide dogs and their handlers, “The Blessing of Your Love,” which was debuted earlier this year at Top Dog, Savannah. You can hear samples and purchase the CD, <a href="http://laureljean.com/albums_etcetera.html">here.</a></p>
<p>We invite you to check back regularly to learn more about the Dixie Land Guide Team, our membership and activities. Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support!</p><DIV> </DIV>The Dixie Land Guide Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741693054887661180noreply@blogger.com0