FW: Submit your requests for The GDUI Blessing

[pres...@guidedogusersinc.org]

Please read for more information on submitting names for the 2026 Blessing orchestrated by the generous Audrey Gunter and Laurel Jean Walden of South Carolina!

 

 

It was a cool, crisp autumn evening at the intersection of Empathy and Understanding, in the state of Happiness and Nostalgia. An occasional crunch could be heard as they sleepily gnawed on one of those tasty elk antlers. Suddenly, a sharp "Ring, ring, ring ... " of that infamous NylaPhone caused their ears to perk up; their heads to rise and all four feet began to run towards the sound.

 

“Hello, Rounder, Bernie here, all the way from sunny South Carolina, 'cept it's not so very sunny and it's kinda cool, but it's still South Carolina. I'm calling' to tell you about the next Blessing that Mom and Aunt Laurel are planning."

 

"Hey, Bernie! Good to hear from you, old boy! How's your tail been waggin'? A blessing, you say? That sounds great to me! I remember the last Blessing, but it seems like a long, long time ago, especially in doggy years. That's just what we need, considering all of the news the world's been gettin' lately from those talking heads in that funny box. Tell me more about it."

 

"Well, before we get started, let's add the girls, Wren and Yara, to this call. Let's include Quilla, too! She's another blond beauty in training and will be matched soon!"

 

After a brief pause, three gleeful yips could be heard joining in on the canine conversation. Thundering tail-thumps grew louder as the five furries lovingly put their super guide dog brains together to plan another memorable event to recognize their canine cohorts who proudly wear the title of "Guide Dog."

 

"Well," retorted Rounder. "we know we're gonna ask for the names of the newest guides and their handlers too, of course, who were matched, oh say, within the last couple of years."

 

"And don't forget those playful pups," Quilla giggled. "In training to be future guides, and their puppy raisers, of course."

 

"We love puppy raisers!" The other four furries woofed in affirmation.

 

"But wait," sniffed Yara. "What about those special Guides in Glory who have crossed over Rainbow Bridge. You know, even though it was so very sad at the time, my heart swells with pride as I remember my furry friends and the paw prints that they left on the hearts and lives of their humans."

 

"Yes," Wren chimed in. "The tissues were everywhere, especially when that beautiful bell tolled as each name was called."

 

"Tissues? Did somebody say tissues? I love to shred tissues, when Mom's not listening, of course!" Bernie remembered.

 

"Oh, Bernie," Quilla scolded. "You're such a goofball! You know you're not supposed to shred things until you're retired."

 

"Retired?" resounded Rounder. "Hey! That's right. We have to include the retired guides, too, especially those who recently hung up their harnesses within the last couple of years."

 

"Yeah, what he said," Bernie continued, still licking his lips at the thought of shredding tissues. "And there will be a general blessing for all of us seasoned guides who put our paws to the pavement every day, skillfully and safely guiding our human handlers."

 

"But wait," Wren spoke up. "On the subject of humans, we need to spotlight some of our blind leaders like Mr. Paul, who have worked so hard to make a difference in all of our lives."

 

"Hey, gang," Quilla began to ask. "Can we remember Josiah and Laverne, those two feline friends I played chase with when I was just a pup? My puppy mom says they're in Heaven now, too."

 

"Mom and Aunt Laurel would never deny anybody a blessing, even if that somebody happens to be a cat," Bernie responded.

 

"So," Rounder recanted. "It's settled. The blessing has been planned."

 

"That's right," Bernie agreed. "All we need now are names. In fact, that's where you readers come in. If you want your special friends, furry or not, to be recognized in our next blessing, please include the following:"

 

                •             Guides' names and categories (i.e., Current, Future, Retired or Guides In Glory).

                •             Names of puppy raisers.

                •             Names of any other fallen leaders within the blind community.

 

Remember, The Blessing is scheduled to be aired on Sunday, February 15, 2026, so please email all names to retire...@msn.com by Saturday, January 31, 2026. We look forward to hearing from y'all soon. Meanwhile, remember that God loves you and we love you, too.