OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting
Saturday, March 23, 2024
The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, was called to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, by President Alan Holst. Alan introduced Linda Becker who gave an effusive thank you to outgoing Treasurer Cynthia Thacker. Linda presented Cynthia an Appreciation Award in the form of a plaque for her past volunteer work as treasurer. We wish Cynthia the best as she begins a new chapter in Nevada.
Vice President Paul Brennan welcomed everyone and thanked volunteers Kathy Kendall, Marcella Boccasile, Doreen Weaver, Belinda Sanders and Geetha Rajagopol. Alan reported that we do not have a zoom connection yet but may have a hybrid meeting in the future. Our goal is still to support, inform and promote the use of guide dogs.
Alan presented Geetha Rajagopol with the book Forward Together, a comprehensive reference book on what happens to prospective guide dog puppies after they have left their raisers. Alan plans to give each puppy raising club this book. He also recommended another book entitled A Pet’s Farewell for us to consider.
Alan introduced our speaker, Dr. Leah Feldman, a local vet who specializes in hospice and palliative care for dogs and other pets in their final stages. Dr. Feldman grew up in Huntington Beach with a myriad of pets and rode horses for a time. She graduated from Cal Poly SLO, then went onto Western University for vet school, graduating in 2010, then continued with her Masters in Public Health from Minnesota State College. She currently lives in Irvine. Linda Becker spoke highly about her experience with Dr. Feldman when Anchorage was at the end of his life.
Dr. Feldman originally wanted to work with horses. She had a regular practice for some time and then started making house calls. She then segued into end-of-life calls to fill a need in her community. She explained that hospice is end of life care and palliative care is more treatment. She has resources for grief management, and stated that the greatest act of kindness to our beloved pet is a peaceful passing. Both Paul Brennan and Mark Resor shared their stories of their dogs’ end-of-life care. It was and is an extremely difficult decision to make. Dr. Feldman recommended for older dogs to have an ultrasound of the spleen. This can catch a very common type of hemangiomata type of cancer. She stressed that we should consider the quality of life of your pet and has a questionnaire to help make the decision.
Guide dogs are a little different than pets. GDB legally owns these dogs. If the owner dies first, GDB has legal purview over these dogs. GDB pays for the euthanasia. We will put Dr. Feldman’s information on our website.
Immediate Past President Mindy Wulff reported on Labs Live, a fundraiser held on May 18 at Andrei’s restaurant. Tickets are $150, but any amount is an acceptable donation. Text Mindy at 949-751-8411 if you have any questions. Linda also encouraged people to attend Labs Live if they can. Dr. Jason Doorish from GDB will be the speaker. It is always a fun event.
Our next meeting will be Saturday, May 25, with a variety of topics. Issues with Access were brought up, such as 80% of drivers being let go for licensing problems. Look at the Department of Aging on their website for rides, also Agewell. Access is reported to be hiring 50 new drivers to start in May. Also try Abrazar for non-emergency medical transportation and senior mobility programs.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs