The most critical thing for today’s newsletter is Labs Live. Our chapter is sponsoring a table so if you want to invite a friend or someone who you know has an interest in the mission of GDB, this might be a terrific opportunity to put them in touch with the organization. Our chapter has three slots available for handlers who bring a paid for friend. The tickets are $150 a piece. So invite a friend and our chapter will pay for your ticket. I will share the mechanics of how to do that below.
On Friday the 15th (thats a week from this Friday) we will have a GDB TGIF party at BJs in the Tustin Marketplace. We will start at 1pm and go until whenever. The address is: 13130 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
We will have our bi-monthly general meeting on March 23. Our speaker will be Dr. Leah Feldman. She is a local veterinarian who provides home hospice care for dogs when necessary. She, of course, also works with aging dogs. There is a marvelous book on Bard which you may want to read in preparation for this meeting. It is called Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable ( https://nlsbard.loc.gov/nlsbardprod/download/detail/srch/DB110240). I am currently reading this book and finding it quite informative.
We will also provide an opportunity to have a picture taken of you and your dog at the March meeting. This is specifically being done for people who would like a good picture for Lyft or Uber. The Lyft and Uber drivers get a picture of their client when they accept a ride. Having a clear picture of a guide dog provides that driver with an opportunity to bail out if they so choose. The benefit however is that if they come they know the rider has a guide dog. I’m hoping to have a discussion about Lyft and Uber next year. The idea of self disclosure is controversial, I think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. From a legal standpoint, it may not be the best idea, but from a social or human standpoint it sets expectations and avoids unpleasant surprises.
We have more good news: the board approved Dr. Cindy Barekman as our new treasurer at our last board meeting. Dr. Barekman was a practicing veterinarian for 30 years until vision challenges caused her early retirement. You will recall she spoke to our chapter last fall. We will have an opportunity to thank Cynthia Thacker for her 10 years of service at the March meeting.
And speaking of Cynthia, she has generously provided an opportunity for any members who want to attend the Walk Your Way with SLDC on April 7, 2024. Spots are limited. Some details: 1 mile walk through Knotts Berry Farm, all are welcome to begin the day at the Walk Your Way Resource Fair located in the Lagoon Picnic Area, as part of the course. Enjoy crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and snacks while learning about the variety of resources and services that your community has to offer. After the walk ends, at 9am, don’t forget to return to the fair for performances, the announcement of the Family Fun Raffle, and a free slice of Knott’s Famous Boysenberry pie!
Now here are all the details for Labs Live. Of course, you can give me a call at 714-330-7539 if you have any questions or concerns. If you want to pay for a guest, the tickets are $150. The check should be made out to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Naturally, the tax deductibility is not affected if we send the check in or if you send it in yourself, but our table might be so please send it to us rather than the mothership.
The address for sending in checks is:
DMC c/o Paul Brennan
501 N. Brookhurst St.
Suite. 102
Anaheim, CA 92801
You can also bring a check to the March meeting. If you wish to pay with a credit card, call me and I’ll explain the details of that procedure. When you send in your payment please let us know whether you and your guest would like the vegetarian or the chicken meal. We promise, the vegetarian wont even have animal crackers.