OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting Minutes, January 25, 2025
The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs was called to order on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. by President Alan.
Alan thanked Member at Large Elissa for writing a summary of each meeting for those who could not attend. Mark has taken over outreach coordinator for schools, clubs, or organizations that want presentations on guide dog use. Mark’s upcoming presentation is scheduled for February 10 at an Abilities Day at Arroyo Vista School. They will make a donation to OC Guide Dogs, but Mark is unsure of the amount. He thanked all of us who provided him with phone numbers of volunteers.
Alan reported that Labs Live will be held in May 2025. We will not sponsor a table this year but may be able to subsidize a ticket if someone wants to attend. Board elections are coming up in May. We are looking for a larger venue for meetings and the Braille Institute in Anaheim has worked out something for us. We will be in partnership with GDB and The Braille Institute, which means that anyone who is attending the Braille Institute will be able to attend our meetings, as well as anyone who is on campus the day of the meeting. The venue is easier to access, larger, and more dog friendly. Documents still need to be signed, and we hope to have our March meeting there.
Tim reported on the Meta Glasses. He is scheduled to take an online class on January 28 through The Braille Institute to learn what more they can do. The class is either online or on the phone. You need to register for the class by phone. There is another class on April 10. The glasses have a camera and can take video, as well as do video calls. But there are limitations and there is a learning curve. The biggest benefit is that they are truly handsfree which really helps a guide dog user. You can buy the glasses at Costco for a cheaper price, but the Ray Ban department at Macy’s will have better customer service. Look for sales and call ahead to say you are visually impaired. Paul announced that the DMC may have funding to subsidize the glasses if you qualify. Watch for confusing names on Amazon – they will have Meta glasses but may not be the appropriate Ray Ban Meta glasses. It was mentioned that Scott with the Lions Club may also have funding for these glasses. Tim paid $300 for his. You have to have iPhone 10 or later to pair.
Linda introduced our speaker, Sandy. Sandy is an evaluator at Pet Partners, an organization that provides therapy animals for hospitals or schools or anywhere a therapy animal is needed. Sandy has been with Pet Partners since 1999. Nine different species of animals are registered with them to be therapy animals (not just dogs). She became an evaluator and instructor to teach people how to manage therapy dogs. They look at the handler to make sure the handler knows what to do to be a good team. Sandy was involved in the Sylmar shooting. She gathered dogs at a nearby park so the school kids could come visit. One of her goals is to stop the use of fake service animals because the fake ones make it hard for the real ones. Her friend and co-worker, Charlie, told a few stories about life with his therapy parrot, Glory. Charlie invited everyone outside at the end of the meeting to meet Glory. If you have any questions about Pet Partners, Sandy invited you to call or text her at 661-312-0173.
For our March meeting, Alan is looking into having a speaker report on the Meta glasses, possibly in conjunction with an audiologist.
The video on Uber is on hold for now. We continue to try to do our role in educating about the relationship between Uber and guide dogs.
Paul mentioned that he would like our members and the puppy raising clubs to have better relationships. Paul suggested that maybe a member would like to go to one of their meetings or attend an outing. Carla offered to contact each club to find out when their meetings are, and provide that information in an email.
Paul announced he has publicity waivers for all to sign, which needs to be done yearly.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs
