Special Convention issue of Paws!
dawg...@gmail.com
Hello GDUI Universe,
Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use!
•Month 2024 •Vol IV •No. X
This publication includes announcements, as well as articles, columns, and opinion pieces of interest to guide dog users, Specifically, and to people who are blind and visually impaired in general. Find the link introducing this issue near the bottom of the page, here-
Read the entire issue here-
Additionally, the entire issue is attached, and pasted below.
Thank you for your friendship and support.
Smiles,
Andrea
(I did this without involving any of the other Paws Peeps or Pups. So if there is any fallout, it is all on me!
Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use!
VOL. V, NO. 3, June 2025
A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.
President: Sarah Calhoun
Editor: Andrea Giudice
Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder
Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972
Toll-Free: 866.799.8436
From the editor- Hello fellow GDUISters
I begin with an apology for the late date upon which you are receiving this. Given the rapid approach of convention, and the shortness of time to complete and publish, I am making a unilateral decision to make this an issue dedicated to all things convention. A more comprehensive, typical issue of Paws will follow in July.
By way of explanation, not excuse, the reasons contributing to this tardiness include, but may not be limited to, sickness, moving, and broken refrigerators!
To assist with convention preparation, you will find GDUI, plus ACB, conference schedule information; helpful tips from guide handlers, and even guides themselves; hotel info for those attending in person; news of the 2025 plush guides drawing; and similar “conventional” topics.
Sending cyber hugs and wags,
Andrea and Super T
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From the President-
Greetings members and friends!
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of PAWS News You Can Use! A big thank you to Andrea Giudice, Editor and Penny Reeder, Publications for making this newsletter a remarkable edition!
GDUI is gearing up for the 2025 convention in Dallas, Texas! We will have our Bark-A-Lounge, selling wonderful dog items, our harness signs and pouches, and more!
Stop by and visit, relax with your dog, catch up with friends and make new ones! You can purchase drawing tickets for the three plush dogs in a handmade leather harness, graciously donated by Hava! The lineup is: Dallas, a beautiful boxer, Willie a playful chocolate labrador retriever and Ranger a handsome German Shepherd! Tickets are three for five dollars and seven for ten dollars! You can purchase your tickets now, online at: www.gdui. Org, or call our office manager at 866-799-8436.
If you will not be at the convention, be sure to register and join the GDUI programs virtually using the Zoom platform! Maria Hansen, second vice-president and chair of programs has planned terrific events! Yes, GDUI has scheduled the guide dog school update organized by Maria Hansen and Ryan Hooey, guide dog school liaison!
The GDUI advocacy, membership committees and disaster assistance preparedness program are quite busy and working on new information to share with members! Notices will be posted via the announce list!
Welcome to new partnerships! Please share your new adventures by submitting an update in this newsletter or on the chat list! Email to submit stories, articles or guide dog related news.
To email articles and other items for Paws, News You Can Use: dawg...@gmail.com
To post emails to: GDUI chat list: ch...@guidedogusersinc.org
If you are not subscribed to the GDUI chat list, send a blank email to: chat+su...@guidedogusersinc.org
As the summer days get hot, be sure to check the temperature of concrete, asphalt and other surfaces while working with your guide dog or pet! The method I use, if you can’t keep your fingers or the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds, then the pavement is too hot for paws.
Wishing you all the best and enjoy traveling with your guide dog, or reflecting on the beautiful memories with past partnerships.
Kind regards,
Sarah Calhoun, GDUI President
Active guide Wren and Retired Lakota
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POOPLESS PUPS!!!!!
Greetings,
This year GDUI is holding a drawing for 3 plush pups fitted out with handmade harnesses thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Hava.
The GDUI pup house is filled with nervous excitement. On July 9 our plush pups will learn about their “forever homes”. You could be holding a winning ticket allowing you to welcome one of these plush guide dogs into your very own family!
Tickets for individual pups are 3 for $5.00 or 7 for $10.00. You may purchase tickets via PayPal (does not require a PayPal account) via the following link:
GDUI 2025 Drawing for 3 Plush Pups in Harness - Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI)
or you may contact GDUI’s Office Manager, Lynn Merrill, by phone: 1-866-799-8436 in the U.S.
These pups get along so well with one another and have even developed some “special friendships”. Feel free to purchase tickets on more than one.
Let me introduce them to you.
- Dallas, a boxer in a seated position measuring 12” to top of ears. She is the youngest and loves to play. However, when she is in harness, she is laser-focused on her job. She looks up to the other guides and is eager to please. She is very cute with the sweetest, soulful expression.
- Willie, a chocolate Lab from F. A. O. Schwartz. He is lying down and measures 23” from nose to tail. He is very mellow (like his namesake Mr. Nelson) and his kisses leave a sugar high.
- Ranger, a black and tan German shepherd from Prima Classics. He is in a seated position and measures 15” to top of ears. Able to multi-task. While working, playing, or even at rest, he is vigilant and taking care of his “pack”. Very loyal and loving.
Ticket sales will end at 10:00 AM central time on Wednesday, July 9 and winners will be announced during the 1:00 PM GDUI wrap-up and awards session.
***
GDUI 2025 Convention Program-
Thursday, June 26: (Zoom)
11:00 AM Eastern Time
10:00 AM Central Time
9:00 AM Mountain Time
8:00 AM Pacific Time
5:00 AM Hawaii Time
Guide Dog School Update: This is a double session lasting two and a half hours with no break between sessions. Thirteen U.S. schools and three Canadian schools will participate and a rep from IGDF will kick off the program.
Friday, June 27, (Zoom)
3:30 PM Eastern Time
2:30 PM Central Time
1:30 PM Mountain Time
12:30 PM Pacific Time
9:30 AM Hawaii Time
Prison Puppies Programs: (co-facilitated with Paul Mimms, President, BVA) Vijay Joshi, Puppy Development Manager of Host and Raiser Experience, Leader Dogs for the Blind and Paula Giardinella, Prison Program Manager, GDF/America’s VetDogs will share information about these two prison pups programs.
Monday, July 7, (hybrid)
2:00 PM Eastern Time
1:00 PM Central Time
12:00 PM Mountain Time
11:00 AM Pacific Time
8:00 AM Hawaii Time
Accessibility and Safety Within the Airplane Cabin: Leana McDougal, Disability Department of American Airlines, and three members of the American Airlines Inflight Team (Julie Rockaway, Rylee Romanko and Genesis Shinall) will do a hands-on presentation.
Tuesday, July 8, (hybrid)
6:30 PM Eastern Time
5:30 PM Central Time
4:30 PM Mountain Time
3:30 PM Pacific Time
12:30 PM Hawaii Time
Emergency Preparedness: An educator from the Dallas Fire-Rescue Division of the Dallas Fire Department will do this presentation.
Wednesday, July 9, (hybrid)
2:00 PM Eastern Time
1:00 PM Central Time
12:00 PM Mountain Time
11:00 AM Pacific Time
8:00 AM Hawaii Time
GDUI Wrap up and Awards: Tammy Robbins will speak about GDUI’s Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP). GDUI Award winners will be announced. Three plush pups in harness will find out about their forever homes. (sale of drawing tickets closes at 10:00 AM Central Time.)
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Article- Preparing to travel to a conference with your cane or guide dog
By: Kirsten French
(GDB Alumni News 2025, Volume 33: Issue Number 2- https://communications.guidedogs.com/webmail/896181/1688145862/c8d17b9349873c8e50fefa7ccba4d23d2d186d25667ecebbf1943076198c617a)
Preparing to travel to a conference with your cane or guide dog begins well before you leave home. A bit of extra planning can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your guide. Here are some helpful tips and tricks!
Packing
Food
Measure out your food using the same measuring cup you will be using during travel
It can be helpful to pack a bit extra in case there are any unexpected delays or other unforeseen events
Some people like to pack individual Ziploc bags of food for each day or meal so they won't have to measure food while traveling.
If you are traveling for an extended period of time, check with the hotel or wherever you are staying to see if you can order food online to have it delivered.
Medications
If your guide is on any medication, including flea/tick/heartworm if you will be traveling at the beginning of the month, make sure you bring these!
Pack a small first-aid kit including any as-needed medications. You never know what might happen and it is best to be prepared!
In your first-aid kit, include a list of medications your guide is on, emergency contacts, and the information for a local emergency vet where you will be traveling
Save this information on your phone as well for easy access
It can be helpful to have your guide's health information saved in a file on your phone as well just in case!
Equipment
When traveling to a new space, especially a conference during the summer, you may need to use equipment with your guide that you don't normally use in your home environment including booties or gentle leader. Make sure you have these packed just in case.
It can be helpful to incorporate this into your working routine a few times before traveling to reorient yourself and your guide in case you need to pull it out during travel or at your destination.
Make sure your cane is packed and ready to use if needed!
Travel
If flying, contact your airline ahead of time to let them know what accommodations you might need, if you will be traveling with your guide, and ask any questions you might have. Each airline has different requirements or paperwork to complete in advance.
Carry a paper copy of completed documents and have these in an easily accessed location
Keep electronic copies available on your phone
Some airlines will move you to bulkhead or other seating with additional space if available. Call the airlines directly to ask about options
On the day of travel, you may need to change your guide's eating and relieving schedule depending on length of travel, relieving opportunities, and individual circumstances. If you have any questions, reach out to the support center for help!
Bringing a small mat for your guide to lay on in the plane can help them settle in a new environment. A small bath mat is great because it is easy to pack, rolls up well, fits in the footwell space on a plane, and you can throw it right in the laundry when needed!
Bring a bone for your guide to chew on, this can help get some excited energy out when traveling
Keep a small clean-up kit in your back, accidents happen! A small absorbent pad, a few wet wipes, and a bag help if the unexpected happens!
Keep in mind that travel can be a bit stressful for both you and your guide. Remember to breathe, give yourself and your guide grace, and take it one step at a time! Everything can be figured out, turning each challenge into an adventure!
Happy conference season!
***
Article- Pup’s Conference Perspective
Conference Season Ahead: Juno how to work it?
By Betty Nobel & Maia Scott
(GDB Alumni News 2025, Volume 33: Issue Number 2- https://communications.guidedogs.com/webmail/896181/1688145862/c8d17b9349873c8e50fefa7ccba4d23d2d186d25667ecebbf1943076198c617a)
It has been a long day at the conference and I am ready to relax. After giving me cookies for targeting our odd smelling sleepy place, my person taps her plastic rectangle on the door with a beep and a click. Both of us enter with a sigh and she smells like caffeine, french-fries and relief. Ahead, the open swishers reveal the daytime light now the size of a tennis ball balanced atop the rolling hills. Sadly, the thing will roll down the other side where I can't see it for another eight hours or so. But that means I can turn around three times, tuck my nose under my tail and not worry about dodging smartphone zombies, white click sticks and other ambling bipeds for the length of a good night's sleep.
As both sets of eyelids grow heavy listening to my person calling the keen-eyes for help making the growly air puffer box play nice, I recall some fond memories of the day when I felt safe, relaxed and connected with my partner despite the loud conference energy. It’s not easy to lie down for so long without a break to play or get some attention. I don’t pay much attention to what’s going on because my eye is on the cookie sack that occasionally wobbles and yields a tender hand with yummies and a soft pet, but my person smells like she enjoys the meetings and sessions.
The one thing about a conference that stresses me is the long slow visit to the exhibit hall. We stop and start so many times! My person talks to a lot of people, but when I try to socialize with another dog, she doesn’t like it. That hardly seems fair, but I guess it is part of my job to focus on my partner.
Just as my human needs breaks during her work day, I do too. In fact, conferences are a lot of work for both of us. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to change pace and refresh throughout the din and humdrum of conference activity:
DIY quiet spot: Many hotels offer quiet spots where visitors can sit and relax out of the line of traffic. My human has brought me to quieter spots such as a cluster of chairs in the lounge, a bench in a back hallway, a bit of floor in the corner of a conference room and, when we are staying at the conference hotel, up to our room. The latter is my favorite, giving both of us a chance to unload and hydrate.
Harness off, Game on: For the best release of energy, I love a chance to get my uniform off, play tug and beat up a favorite squeaky toy. I get to have my human’s full attention as both of us destress and take ourselves way less seriously. Sometimes, when time is short, I enjoy getting undressed and flipping upside down to have a good back scratch with all my feet in the air. I love how this makes others give off happy vibes as well.
Cookies a-plenty: Well, hay. If my human orders comfort food for yummies and collects treats from selling-things tables (which, incidentally, I am not allowed to do), I should have access to extra de-stressing tasties as well. The best way to keep me focused in all the noise and clearly let me know that I am being a good dog doing my job well is ample array of kibble and high reward cookies. While I want to suggest dumping the whole cookie sack out in front of me when I want it and repacking it several times, I don’t think your average well-trained human will believe me. Just communicate with cookies. I find an empty seat in the many chairs room, cookie. I stay nicely waiting through five minutes of human mumble, cookie. I find the door to the selling-things room even though I’d like to pretend it’s not there, big special cookie jackpot.
A little bodywork: Remember learning all the special ways to pet a dog? I’m thinking of one that involves making little one and a quarter circle along my shoulders and sides, drawing gentle fingers down my ears and making slow passes from the tip of my sniffer to the tip of my wagger. The repetitive motion is meditative and helps both of us center back in our bodies. Even if the fancy petting isn’t your thing, just pet me and pay attention to me. That works as well.
Scheduled Business Meetings: One of my favorite parts of the day is the walk to find the relieving area. Sometimes I might need a bit of extra time or an opportunity to sniff and go in areas clear of other doggy business smells. The fresh air smells great and there are so many interesting odors outside. Yeah, I like my business meetings better than my human’s. In fact, I might need extra ones because of all the extra smells and activity.
Cane and Canine: Seriously, I am not offended if my human chooses to break out the white click stick and use it to help us navigate the conference chaos. So long as I don’t regularly get whacked with it, I am happy to share the workload or heel at my human’s side. Sometimes the crowds get so thick, the up and down thing bays get so impacted and waiting queues wind eternally leaving me over stimulated and feeling like I cannot keep my human safe. When nosing my human’s carry-things pack, I am happy to find a click stick ready for when we need it.
As the air puffer box settles into a big cat's deep purr, my muzzle sinks deep into my rest pad and my human drops onto her bouncy block amidst an excess of packaged clouds under her head. She reaches down to stroke my velvety ears and smooth her gentle finger down my back to my twirly-thumper. My last thought as we both drift off is, "We've got this.", knowing both of us will be fresh and ready when the sun pops up to rise again in full force, ready for the next day, just like we will be.
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Announcement from GDB to Alumni attending convention in person
Dear GDB Alumni,
This coming Summer, the ACB National convention will be held in Dallas TX July 4-11 and the NFB National Convention will be held in New Orleans LA July 8-13.
Do you plan on attending either convention? If so, here is a wonderful volunteer opportunity to help GDB.
Our Outreach Department would like to extend an invitation to Alumni to assist GDB staff in the Exhibit Hall. Help us “Meet and Greet” convention participants as they visit our booths. A GDB staff member will be present at the GDB booths at all times however, we are looking for GDB Alumni who would like to share with participants about their personal experiences living and working with a guide dog and the wonderful programs and services provided by GDB.
Each volunteer shift is 2 hours. Below are the dates and times for each shift. If you are interested please respond to Amy Salger asa...@guidedogs.com with your time preferences as well as any times that would not work for you. A schedule will be set based on this information.
ACB National Convention
Sunday, July 6: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm
Monday, July 7: 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm
Tuesday, July 8: 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm
Wednesday, July 9: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm
NFB National Convention
Wednesday, July 9: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm
Thursday, July 10: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm
Friday, July 11: 12pm-1:45pm, 5pm-7pm, 7pm-9pm
Important notes to consider
*GDB will not provide reimbursement for travel, hotel accommodations, or any other expenses for Alumni to participate in this volunteer opportunity.
*It is also possible that you may not be selected, depending on the level of response of individuals interested, changes in GDB schedule and needs, or any other unexpected factors.
If selected, you will be contacted by the GDB Outreach staff member who will also be your point of contact during the convention.
Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to having the opportunity to share this experience with you!
Sincerely,
Amy Salger, Alumni Engagement Manager
*****
ACB Convention Sneak Preview
On Sunday morning, July 6th, ACB will host four hybrid sessions. We are pleased to host a variety of sessions on various topics. Here’s a sneak preview of the Sunday hybrid sessions.
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: BVA is Celebrating 80 Years
Explore the 80-year history and mission of the Blinded Veterans Association, where blinded veterans support one another. Engage with our Board of Directors and staff to learn about our diverse membership, including blind and low vision veterans. Discover eligibility criteria and how we help members access the benefits they've earned. Gain insights into our advocacy efforts for the rights of blind and low vision veterans. Join us to understand the impactful work of BVA and how you can be part of our empowering community by joining the BVA Auxiliary, a group of friends and family who support BVA.
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Update on Legislation
Join ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Claire Stanley, as she provides a look at 2025 federal legislation of concern to people with vision loss. She will cover not only those items in which ACB has been involved, but other legislative issues of concern to people with vision loss. Also, we urge attendees who are working on current legislation in their states to report on their progress.
Presenter: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA.
Facilitator: Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Steering Committee, Sacramento, CA.
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM: The Color of Resilience: A Talk and Painting Demonstration with John
Join internationally acclaimed blind artist John Bramblitt for an inspiring session, where he will share the remarkable story of his career. Hear how he overcame the loss of his sight to become a celebrated muralist, speaker, and author. Through heartfelt storytelling and personal insights, he’ll explore themes of creativity, resilience, and inclusion. The session will also feature a live painting demonstration, offering a unique look into John’s innovative techniques. Don’t miss the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A at the end.
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Audio Description People's Choice Awards Final Voting Kickoff
The nominations have been counted, and it's time to vote for the best audio description of the last year. Come experience clips of each nominated film and series, and then cast your vote during the convention or when you get home for the two you like most. Learn more about the awards at https://adawardsgala.org/.
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Order Some Community Swag
It’s time to order yourself some Community swag!
The Community Support Committee has teamed up with Blind Girl Designs to bring us an array of clothing to wear and share our beautiful Community with others.
The Design: This print is 9” by 12”. The outside of the white tactile print is a heart made of two hands touching each other to form the outline of the heart. The center of the heart is three different fonts that read: “Community is Framily.” Beneath the writing, the words are spelled out in tactile braille.
All garments come in the following colors: pink, royal blue, purple, or navy blue, and in the following styles: T-shirt, crewneck sweatshirt, hoodie, and zip hoodie. The print is on the front of each, except for the zip hoodie, where it is on the back.
On the left sleeve of the sweatshirts is a 3” x 9” white tactile print, which says “we are framily” in the same fonts as the front of the print and in braille underneath.
Black, navy, or royal tote: This tote is a 15” by 20”, full zip canvas bag with a folder bottom so it can sit upright. It has a zip pocket on the inside, and a good-sized shoulder strap.
To get some Community swag of your own, and support ACB in the process, visit https://blindgirldesigns.com/collections/community-of-framily, or call (862) 448-1011.
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Attached and pasted below is the 2025 exhibit hall guide listing all exhibitors with their booth numbers. Also listed are the Marketplace tables.
ACB Exhibit Hall
Landmark Ballroom
Dallas, Texas
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Saturday, July 5th: Vendor Set-up 12 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 6th: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, July 7th: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8th: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9th: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24)
- Genentech
- Dream Vision Group LLC
- East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
- EMVI.AI
- Guide Dogs for the Blind
- ViewPlus Technologies
- Vispero
- Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs
- Dot, Inc.
- Maggie Vision
- AGIGA, Inc.
- National Industries for the Blind
- Blazie Technologies LLS
- Palmer Vision
- Spectrum
- National Braille Press
- AI for the Blind
- AIRA
- Envision
- NuEyes Technologies Inc
- Wisdom 4 The Blind
- Islam By Touch
- JPMorgan Chase
- Guiding Eyes for the Blind
- National Library Service
- Dan’s Woodworking
- JBI Library
- US1 Supply
- Accessibility Officer
- ACB Mini Mall
- ACB of Texas
- Blind Information Technology Specialist
- Leader Dogs for the Blind
- Achilles International
- Oregon State University
- Hadley
- American Printing House
- HumanWare
- Meta
- En-Vision America
- eSight By Gentex
- iBUG Today
- Midnight Storm LLC
- Case For Vision
- Guide Dogs of America
- Irie-AT
- New Vision Concepts
- The Seeing Eye
- Biped.ai
- VisualEyes Access
- Blind Travel Foundation
- Virtual Blind Lion’s Club
- Orbit Research
- Computers for the Blind
- JW.org
- WeWalk
- Blind Girl Design
- Blind Professionals Network
- Penny Forward
- Q & G Premium Products
- See Sea Trips
- Solar Grove Solutions
- MORF
- Selvas BLV
- Polara
- Patriot Vision
- Charles Brady & Kevin LeRose ITAs
- Glidance
- US Blind Tennis
- OrCam
- The Dented Puck Foundation
Marketplace Monday July 7 – Thursday 10, 7:30 – 10:30
Monday July 7
Keri Bishop – Crafts
Carolyn Covington – Insightful Visionaries
ACBDA
Nickie Coby – Blind Essentials
Sara Freeman-Smith – You Are Gem’s
Tuesday July 8
Keri Bishop – Crafts
Wilma Chestnut – Messin in the Kitchen
Wes Brown – Author
Custom Cards & Medallions
ACB MMS
Wednesday July 9
Carolyn Covington – Innovative Visionaries
ACBDA
Custom Cards & Medallions
Colette Arvidson –Hellen Keller Challenge
ACB MMS
Thursday July 10
Wilma Chestnut – Messin in the Kitchen
Haley Agers – Blind Essentials
Keri Bishop – Crafts
Deborah E Joyce – Author & Public Speaker
***
Convention Survival Tips
(compiled by ACB’s membership committee )
-All registrants will receive convention related announcements. Virtual registrants will receive ones pertaining to virtual only participants. In person attendees will receive additional announcements related to details such as restaurant menus, stores in the local area, transportation, medical information, hotel description, etc.
- All registrants will receive daily Zoom links for all virtual and hybrid events.
- Pay attention to notifications of ACB business in your in box. All members will receive their voting code in email or snail mail.
- The hotel is cashless, so any purchases at the hotel must be made with a credit or debit card. Tap to pay is available in all outlets within the hotel, including any bars in meeting rooms. Cash tip for hotel staff is accepted.
- The Coffee’s Post is cheaper and faster than hotel restaurants.
- Convention Information desk services include: accepting announcements to be read on the convention floor; collecting lost and found; providing restaurant guides, hotel descriptions, daily convention Newspapers in alternate format and flash drive; keeping changes in program and event schedules and giving banquet table numbers. Phone: (888) 777-6730
- Volunteer desk services: gives directions and has limited volunteers to take people to activities, no personal volunteers. Will only take to elevator not room; volunteers and hotel staff are not able to be wheelchair pushers.
- Exhibits are Sunday through Wednesday and include the ACB Mini Mall. Lists of exhibitors are available in exhibit hall. There are limited volunteers to assist to tables.
- Check your Calendar of events right away to schedule your preferred activities. There are many special interest affiliates which have many events and free programs.
- ACB Registration desk is for buying or selling tickets for any convention event or activity and accepting donations.
- Tips for taking tours: Be on time with ticket in hand at the prescribed pick-up point for Tours- they won’t wait. Volunteers assist small groups so you need to be able to follow directions; volunteers are not wheelchair pushers. If you need more assistance, you must bring your own guide.
- Religious services are available – check program for dates and times
- Use the prescribed Guide dog areas and if you have any accident, stay there until you get assistance. Call or text Scoop Masters (661)714-0049.
- Tipping: You should tip 15 percent at restaurants. You should tip bellmen and housekeeping.
- Remember that there are fun things to do at convention: many evening events such as CCLVI dance, sing-along, RSVA comedian, RSVA Karaoke, Durward K McDaniel event, and ACB banquet. All events except food functions will sell tickets at the door
- Some ACB Membership Committee members can be called for questions during the week. See numbers below:
Ardis Bazyn 818-209-8684
Peggy Garrett: 832-242-4941
Allison Smitherman (601) 331-8084
Janet Dickelman (651) 428-5059
For questions relating to virtual only sessions, Danette Dixon: (425) 238-4560
***
Hotel details
If you have not made your reservations the hotel cannot guarantee the convention rate since the cut-off date was June 9th. If you have difficulty making a reservation, please let Janet Dickelman (651-428-5059) know. Also, if you find you cannot use an existing reservation, please reach out to Janet, do not cancel the reservation with the hotel.
Room rates at the Hyatt are $99.00 per night (single or double occupancy), $124.00 (triple occupancy) and $149.00 (quadruple occupancy)
plus, tax, which is currently 17.3%
To make reservations online go to
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/DFWRD/G-AMCB
If you prefer to make reservations by phone call 800-233-1234, and use group code G-AMCB. If asked the Hyatt is located at 300 Reunion Blvd.
*****
Announcement- Save your Pups from the Popo!
[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users- PTDGU- Monthly News Update: March2025]
Did you know that guide dogs are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements? They're also subject to the same licensing rules that are applied to all other dogs. However, in Maine, and in many other states, the licensing fee is waived for service animals. Check to see if your state provides an exemption- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-assistance-animal-laws
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IMPORTANT Editor’s note-Content for GDUI News You Can Use is culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies said contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.
Sincerely,
Sarah Calhoun, President
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
Andrea Giudice, Editor
Paws for GDUI News You Can Use
Visit our website: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/
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