Fih 21

Independence

Mobility

Companionship

R14.95

issue one 2 0 1 4

Proudly sponsored by

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good reasons to donate

How to be a puppy raiser

Time, love, effort and patience

Goodbye Malcolm Hello Gail Our new Executive Director

see braille alphabet inside

Official Publication of the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind

You can make a difference Here’s another way you can support Guide Dogs – subscribe to Animaltalk or any other Panorama magazine on

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Mags .com

For every subscription received in June, Panorama Publications will donate R30 to GDA.

DONATION VOUCHER This voucher entitles you to a ‘meaningful’ subscription on any magazines for a 12 or 24 month period. Just go to www.coolmags.co.za, choose your magazine, and at the checkout fill in the code GDAsub. The R30 donation will be flagged and sent to GDA directly. Then sit back and relax, your favourite magazine is on its way to you.

VOUCHER VALID UNTIL 30 JUNE 2014

R30 for G DA

CONTENTS 4 Ed’s note

A word from Arleen Lord

5 Puppy raiser

Liz Falconer shares her experiences

6 Head Office Report

Marketing and fundraising departments

8 Spirocerca lupi The silent killer

9 Donate

Reasons why you should

12 Reviews

Audio and tape aids

14 What’s happening?

Fundraising events to look out for

16 Goodbye Malcolm

We say farewell to Malcolm Driver and hello to Gail Glover

18 Meet the team

Interview with Mandla Nxumalo

19 Did you know?

Etiquette

20 Volunteer

Meet Dot McKenna

21 Tribute

26 Timeline

The process of training a guide dog

28 Pets

The importance of socialising

29 Thank you

To our loyal sponsors

30 Pets

The Labrador

32 Meet the team Interview with Di Turner

33 Donate

Sponsor a kennel

34 Sit, Ubu, sit Story of a guide dog

36 Dog diary

Shana and her mom head to Cape Town, again

39 Retired guide dogs

Aggie and Gandalf enjoying their golden years

42 COM Report

The College of Mobility

In loving memory of members and loyal friends

44 Bequests

22 Kennels and Puppy Raising Report

46 Reports

Puppies born this year

Publisher: Panorama Publications / Animaltalk Editor: Arleen Lord ˚ Assistant Editor: Claudia Sherrin Managing Editor: Deanne Dudley Studio Manager: Paul Kotze ˚ Designers: Cronjé du Toit, Perpetua Chigumira Senior Sub-editor: Vanessa Koekemoer ˚ Sub-editors: Nicolette Els, Noleen Fourie ˚ Advertising: 011 468 2090, advertising@panorama.co.za Cover picture: Mike Pawley

In memory of Iain Nicol KZN and CT

South African Guide-Dogs Association Head Office and Training Centre: 126 Wroxham Road, Rietfontein, 2IR, Sandton, PO Box 67585, Bryanston, 2021 Tel: 011 705 3512 Fax: 086 506 3364 Email:PieterV@guidedog.org.za SA Guide-Dogs @SAGuide_Dogs Cape Town Office: PO Box 2674, Clareinch, 7740 Tel: 021 674 7395 Fax: 021 674 7397 ˚ Durban Office: PO Box 1267, Umkomaas, 4170 Tel: 039 973 0387 Fax: 086 580 3785 ˚ Website: www.guidedog.org.za College of Orientation and Mobility: 011 705 3512

Friend in Harness is produced and sponsored by

Ed’s Note

MAY 2014 EDITORIAL Calling all my school card holders

DATES TO DIARISE

Please consider making Guide-Dogs Association a beneficiary.

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Our Diamond Jubilee year The Diamond Jubilee year has drawn to a close and we have many wonderful memories.

It was a year celebrated in recognising the people who have been an integral part of the history of the Guide-Dogs Association, be it staff, puppy raisers, volunteers or supporters.

We pay tribute to each and every one of you.

2013 also saw changes within the Association. Malcolm Driver retired as the executive director after 32 years of service, the last nine years as executive director.

Stepping into his place is Gail Glover who joined the Guide-Dogs Association in 1989.

Further on in this issue of Friend in Harness you can read more about these two amazing people.

Also retiring after 36 years with the GuideDogs Association is Sinah Maluleke. Sinah joined us at the training centre in Parkmore in 1978, having worked with me in caring for

blind and disabled clients. We wish Sinah all the very best for her well-earned retirement.

We certainly have longevity here, with many staff also celebrating long service. When you have a passion for what you do the years seem to fly past and we are fortunate to have this loyalty. I am proud of you all! We have celebrated quite a few special birthdays with the volunteers who are all so special to us.

Thank you for all that you do for us.

We hope you enjoy the ‘new look’ of Friend in Harness. It’s been an exciting change with lots of new concepts. We are wishing all our readers a wonderful, healthy year ahead. Keep the articles and letters rolling in, it is always a treat to hear from you.

Arleen Lord

• KwaZulu Natal Cars in the Park on 18 May 2014 • KwaZulu Natal Royal Show on 23 May – 1 June 2014 • Gauteng Annual Golf Day on 20 June 2014 • Gauteng Graduation Ceremony on 6 July 2014 • Gauteng Graduation Ceremony on 23 August 2014 • Gauteng Gala Concert on 24 August 2014• Gauteng Fly Fishing on 30 August 2014 • Gauteng Spring Ball on 13 September 2014 • KwaZulu Natal Garden Show on 19 September 2014 • Karoo to Coast Cycle Challenge Uniondale to Knysna on 21 September 2014 • KwaZulu Natal Golf Day in October 2014 • Gauteng Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge on 16 November 2014

Further information can be obtained by contacting GDA’s Johannesburg Office on 011 705 3512 or Pieter on PieterV@guidedog.org.za frie n d

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Insight

THE LIFE OF A PUPPY RAISER Liz Falconer shares her puppy raising experiences with us

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came to dogs late in life, almost nine years ago now, and by accident. My children had to complete community service, as required by their school, which they did at S A Guide-Dogs. I would stop off for a chat with Rose Chamberlain, puppy supervisor at the time, and a cuddle with the puppies.

Although I had never owned a dog before, Rose assured me that raising a dog was just like raising children: “Feed one end and smack the other,” she jested. I reckoned that I could manage that and so I became a puppy raiser.

So far I’ve raised seven puppies. Nevis, my current charge, is puppy number eight, a beautiful black boy, quarter Retriever and three quarters Labrador. He has a long coat, even longer limbs and races around the park with all the carefree languidness of adolescence. Nevis, in motion, is a view of great beauty. Of course, bringing up a puppy also involves a lot of hard work, discipline and poop-scooping. It is a lot like having a baby, except in the end, you get to keep the baby.

It is difficult to pick which puppy has been my favourite. Like parents, you feel that it isn’t quite right to prefer one over the other and they all have their own little idiosyncrasies. If pushed, I would have to select Cracker. He was my fourth puppy and, by that time, I was beginning to think that I’d got the hang of this puppy raising thing.

Cracker was quickly to disavow me of my hubris.

He was the smartest, naughtiest dog of all, less a breath of fresh air and more a blast of cathartic fire. A consumer of sprinkler heads, hosepipes, a 2014

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plastic toilet seat, a Persian carpet, a duvet cover, three Kongs, the back door and my son’s maths books. Cracker is the original dog who ate the homework. An escape artist with Houdini-like skills, I miss him still.

“How do you let them go?” is the question that everyone asks. Make no mistake, this is a Faustian pact that you enter into when Guide-Dogs give you a puppy because when this dog is 12 months old, and has wormed his way into your family and into your heart, you will have to give him back.

The training he receives over the next six months will define his future.

Your reward is when you see your erstwhile hooligan puppy, trained in full harness, working with his new owner. The confidence and independence that a guide dog gives to a blind person is life changing. This canine companion allows them freedom. Cracker’s owner Jacques is a musician. He has written a song called Yellow Dog Blues which is a tribute to his dog.

Liz Falconer

“‘Cause in his heart he holds the seeing/ In his eyes he holds the light/ Any way you look he’s paid his dues.”

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Head Office Report

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN JHB? Marketing report back 1

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he Johannesburg marketing office is happy to report on the many successful marketing drives that the Association has hosted in this first edition of Friend in Harness for the year.

2 1 The Kyalami Country Club SA GuideDogs Golf Day 2 Carols by Candlelight at the Gladys Evans Training Centre 3 2014 first GuideDogs event, the Fun Festival

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On 7 June 2013 the 25th annual charity GuideDogs Golf Day was held at the Kyalami Country Club and the event broke all previous Golf Day fundraising records! The field was fully booked and teams were thoroughly entertained and spoilt as they made their way through the course.

More than 30 four-ball teams battled it out for the much coveted title under perfect sunny skies.

In November, S A Guide-Dogs hosted a wonderful Carols by Candlelight at the Gladys Evans Training Centre. This entertaining event was hosted not only to celebrate the season but also to thank our loyal supporters for their devotion to the Association throughout 2013.

We kicked off our events for 2014 with a very successful Fun Festival at the Johannesburg training centre. Families enjoyed the day out and were entertained with guide and service dog demonstrations, puppy races and many other fun activities. The various market stalls catered for the entire family and not even a quick thunderstorm could dampen our spirits. Thank you to everyone who attended the Fun Festival and made sure we started off our 2014 events calendar with such a successful day!

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Training report back

Guide dogs “The Johannesburg training department had a successful year in 2013. We trained 25 guide dogs with their owners. Twenty of these teams were trained with their owners on a residential course. During a residential training course the visually impaired client comes to stay at the training centre for three weeks while training with their new four-legged friend. The other five clients received domiciliary training. This is a form of training which is conducted from the client’s home.�

This year Mandla Nxumalo was promoted to the head of the Department of Training. Karen Opie and Moses Ntaupane joined the guide dog training team as learner guide dog mobility instructors. This increases the number of guide dog instructors to six in Johannesburg. The increased number of instructors will aid the Association in providing the best service possible to current and future guide dog owners.

Service dogs 2013 was a successful year for the Service Dog Department.

Maxine Geddie had the good fortune of spending five weeks in the UK learning more about the training of service dogs. She spent three weeks at Canine Companions and two weeks between Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs and Medical Support Dogs. Maxine has returned with an incredible amount of information and motivation to share with her colleagues.

Nine dogs and their new owners were trained in the last financial year, of which seven are service dogs and two autistic support dogs.

Learner service dog trainer Vincent Seaba joined the service dog training team in February 2014, so the number of service dogs trained will soon receive a boost. Interest in service dogs has increased tremendously during the past year and many new applications were received. Maxime Geddie was promoted to Service Dog Manager.

GDA is looking forward to an exciting and productive year and to being of service to our new and existing clients.

Mandla Nxumalo Maxine Geddie 2014

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Health

SPIROCERCA LUPI ‘The silent killer…’

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pirocerca lupi is a worm, but not one of the intestinal parasites with which we are more familiar.

Dogs are the definitive host for these parasites. These worms, once ingested by the dog as larvae, burrow through the stomach wall and into the blood vessels around the stomach.

They travel through the blood vessels to the aorta, rummaging into the wall of the aorta, and remaining there for several months until the larvae have matured into young worms. The wall of the aorta is left damaged and weakened in the process. This can result in the occurrence of an aneurysm and the sudden death of the dog, until that point, it is asymptomatic, hence the term ‘the silent killer’.

Spirocerca lupi lifecycle The adult Spirocerca lupi worm, which is embedded in the oesophagus, sheds eggs which pass into the environment in the dog’s stools. These eggs are ingested by the intermediate host, the copraphagic (eating of faeces) dung beetles.

Copraphagic dung beetles can be as small as 6mm (not to be confused with the dung-rolling varieties of the dung beetle that you may be more familiar with).

Once the egg has been ingested by the intermediate host, the dung beetle, or a transport host (such as birds, reptiles, small mammals or amphibians which may

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have eaten an infected dung beetle), it will mature to the larval stage of its lifecycle. The larvae will remain as such until the intermediate or transport host is eaten by a dog. The dog is the definitive host in the lifecycle of the Spirocerca lupi worm. Only then can the worm continue its lifecycle, which is considered to be about six months.

Diagnosis Diagnosis of infestation can be made through x-rays, an oesophagoscopy, or faecal flotation.

Oesophagoscopy is considered to be the most reliable diagnostic tool.

Symptoms The young Spirocerca lupi worm migrates into the oesophagus of the dog where it forms nodules along the oesophageal wall. These nodules can become so large that they cause a partial obstruction. These obstructive nodules make it difficult for the dog to swallow food.

This causes retching, vomiting and ultimately loss of weight. They can also make breathing difficult and cause coughing. Over time the nodules may become cancerous. Some of the Spirocerca lupi worms unintentionally migrate into other areas such as the spinal column where they can cause pain, lameness and neurological disorders.

Treatment There are reliable preventative measures and treatment options which can be taken. You need to speak to your vet if you are concerned that your dog may be displaying symptoms of infestation, or if you know that you live in an area where cases of infestation have occurred.

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Donate

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GOOD REASONS TO DONATE TO GUIDE-DOGS

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t takes a lot of time and expertise to run the S A Guide-Dogs Association from day to day, and without your generous donations the task would be impossible. We make every effort to keep our running costs to a minimum, here are some interesting costs and elements of the operation that your donations fund.

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The Johannesburg head office (The Gladys Evans Training Centre), is situated on 11 acres of land that requires daily upkeep to keep it in perfect condition.

On these premises there are 42 kennels where guide and service dogs reside. We have boarding kennels for our pups on the puppy raising scheme. We employ 8 full time kennel assistants to ensure that the dogs are fed, groomed, health checked and given daily exercise and attention. We disinfect the kennels on a daily basis to ensure a high level of hygiene.

We have a specialised hospital block, which can accommodate 6 dogs. These dogs are monitored 24 hours a day, by CCTV cameras, generously donated by Camsecure.

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During the day the dogs enjoy classical music, and are provided with chew toys and treat balls to keep them occupied. They also have the companionship of the kennel supervisor.

Guide-Dogs breed their own dogs and make use of seven special whelping rooms and puppy kennels.

Brood bitches are monitored constantly via CCTV as their due date approaches. This ensures that a staff member is present and can assist with the birth of their puppies.

Guide-Dogs offers both residential and domiciliary training to our guide dog owners and service dogs owners. Guide dog and service dog owners who stay at the training centre during their 3 week training, pay R105* . All our dog owners receive aftercare training in their home and work environment to ensure a safe and efficient partnership.

Guide-Dogs have a fleet of vehicles that need to be in safe running condition to get their staff and dogs around to vets, training areas and clients. In 2013 the fleet travelled 236,629km.

All the dogs and puppies go to the vet for regular checkups, vaccina-

tions and medical attention if necessary. Bryanston Veterinary Hospital provides outstanding medical attention at a reduced price. All dogs are sterilised apart from chosen brood bitches and stud dogs.

Guide-Dogs has a solar-heated swimming pool that we use for physiotherapy for dogs that have undergone orthopaedic operations.

A Veterinary physiotherapist undertakes the initial treatments, and we continue the therapy sessions on site.

Service dog training requires specialised equipment, to condition the dog to their future role. We have power wheelchairs, a scooter, and manual wheelchairs, that all need to be maintained. All dogs that are trained are also conditioned to travel on public transport. We have a seating area that simulates the cabin of an aeroplane so that clients and their dogs are prepared for air travel.

The College of Orientation and Mobility is currently undertaking direct training of people who are visually impaired. People are trained in their home or work environments, at no charge. * R100 for their board and lodging, and R5 for their dog

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Donate

DIFFERENT WAYS THAT YOU CAN DONATE

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ver the past 61 years, many initiatives to support the South African Guide-Dogs Association (GDA) have been developed. The following ways of supporting the Association are currently very successful.

Did you know?

In 2013 G ordered uide-Dogs 9 adult do ,894kg of 11,437.5 g food and kg of pu ppy dog foo d.

Volunteer your time and expertise • Become a puppy raiser by fostering a puppy for one year and assist in laying the foundation for the first stage of his exciting career as a guide or service dog (see article on page 5).

• Volunteer your services with administrative tasks (see article on page 20).

• Become a volunteer in your relevant field of expertise.

Make a financial contribution • Become a member of the Association at R150 per annum or sign up for the life membership for R2,000.

• Sign up to the mailing list to receive and support specific appeals, including the Paws and Tails newsletter.

• Consider a monthly donation via debit order. (This saves us considerable administration fees).

• Send a R10 sms to our dedicated SMS line at 38051. R10 will be deducted off your available funds and donated to the GuideDogs Association.

• Sponsor the care and training of a guide or service dog from R5,000 for a one-year puppy sponsorship to R80,000 for the full training of a guide or service dog. It is a priceless gift of independence, mobility,

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companionship and dignity to one of our visually or physically impaired clients.

Consider the Guide-Dogs Association as a corporate social responsibility beneficiary for your company’s donations portfolio.

The Association is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation with the South African Receiver of Revenue with tax benefits to donors.

Consider supporting our College of Orientation and Mobility, where we train practitioners in the skills of daily living as well as long cane training as an alternative form of independence.

Enrol the Guide-Dogs Association onto your company’s Give-As-You-Earn programme or any other relevant programmes that might be available within your company.

Join our Collar and Tie Club at R50 per month for a minimum of 12 months, or R600 per annum as a once-off fee, and stand a chance of winning monthly cash prizes of R1,000, R5,000 and R10,000. A bonus sixmonthly R25,000 bonanza prize is also part of the winnings.

Take a chance by entering the annual GuideDogs Car Competition at R20 per ticket to win a Honda Brio 1.2. The closing date is 17 October 2014. Books of 20 tickets can be collected from the Johannesburg office to sell to your friends and colleagues.

Participate in the GuideDogs Association’s annual fundraising events • Enter a four-ball or sponsor a hole at the annual charity Golf Day. The 2014 Golf Day will be held at the Kyalami Country Club on 20 June 2014.

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• Attend our Gala Concert, a variety show to be held at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square on 24 August 2014.

• Enter the prestigious annual Fly Fishing Competition for a wonderful weekend experience in the picturesque town of Dullstroom. The date for this year’s event is 30 August 2014, a maximum of 35 entrants will be allowed.

• Purchase a table at the glamorous Spring Ball which will be held in the Montecasino Ball Room on 13 September 2014. This is an ideal opportunity to entertain your key clients.

• Join us at our annual Carols by Candlelight. A wonderful way to wrap up 2014.

Other ways of supporting the Guide-Dogs Association • Make the GDA one of the beneficiaries of your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet rewards programme. Remember, even if you are already signed up or donating to another charity, you can split your current beneficiaries to include the GDA by way of your rewards card.

• Host a collection tin for the Association in your shop. These tins are only available in the greater Johannesburg/Pretoria, KZN South Coast and Cape Town regions.

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©photo: Jean-Pierre Uys

• Adopt the Guide-Dogs Association for your school’s fundraising drives for the term or year.

• Organise a corporate charity event such as a golf or sports day, cycle race or a teambuilding workshop with GDA as the beneficiary or part beneficiary thereof.

• Consider nominating GDA as the beneficiary of a donation in lieu of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one.

• Consider leaving a portion of your

will to the Association – a wonderful way of supporting a very worthy cause.

The Guide-Dogs Association is indeed very appreciative of the support received from the loyal donors over many years. This has made the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind a very successful, dynamic and unique organisation. Thank you most sincerely for your continued support. f r i e n d

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Inspiration

YOUNG ROLE MODELS RAISING FUNDS FOR GUIDE-DOGS They managed to raise a whopping R2,400!

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he WeCan group consists of four Grade 5 entrepreneurs from Redhill School. They are eager to involve themselves with fundraising. WeCan began in December 2013 during their Christmas holidays in Plettenberg Bay. When they were back at school in January 2014 they set about starting with their first fundraising initiative for the South African GuideDogs Association.

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Sunlight Cafe emerged after many school lunch breaks, emails and telephone conversations. To their absolute delight their first sale of homemade sausage rolls, lemonade, summertime punch, peppermints, ice-cream and donuts culminated in a R800 donation to Guide-Dogs.

It was an exciting afternoon when they could go to the Guide-Dogs Association’s head office and personally donate the money they had raised. They were privileged to see the new puppies on their kennel tour.

Through this exciting initiative they earned a stand at the annual Guide-Dogs Fun Festival. Sunlight Cafe merged into Bakers Delight and again their young minds kicked into overdrive. They designed leaflets for their school and presented to their school peers in assembly. Thomas was also given a golden ticket to speak on Radio 702 to help cement their fundraising initiative.

Cupcakes, cake pops, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate brownies were sold on the day. Through generous donations they raised a whopping R2,400!

Thomas Hele, Emily Beyers, Elijah Sherman and Lizzie Mason are certainly on the move with their WeCan group. While we wait for them to put their minds to planning their next initiative they are proud that their money is going to help the South African Guide-Dogs Association to continue to do their valuable work.

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Info

TAPE AIDS FOR THE BLIND Helping the visually impaired throughout South Africa Did you know?

• Tape Aids Avid Readers’ Audio Library has over 50,000 talking books and provides monthly audio magazines. This opens a whole new world for persons who have difficulty reading. Blind, visionimpaired or print-disabled people may become members of this free national audio library service and enjoy the companionship of listening to a book or studying via the spoken word.

• The library has over 600 volunteer narrators and proofreaders who transform the silent page to the spoken word. They record the books and educational literature at their various branches throughout South Africa.

• Tape Aids dispatches approximately 2,000 audio books per day to their members nationwide.

Members receive up to six audio books at a time, delivered and returned postage-free.

• Tape Aids is busy migrating from their namesake cassette tape to digital formats which include CD and USB flash drive. Members can also download audio books from a dedicated website — tapeaids.DSTV.com.

• The Pay-It-Forward-For-The-Blind Campaign empowers Tape Aids’ members to take their place in society alongside their sighted peers, by et To g tion leveraging and sharing orma orm f in e f r the infrastructure o m ation of the pplic er a and resources that b n or a mem eaders’ a e Tape Aids has built com vid R hone to be e Aids A up over the past se p r@ Tap plea ecto free rary, 56 years. Their ib il dir L a ir io m e e d h t , it Au members are able to 5 22 or vis a 33 5 . z .

0 m g 0 08 make a difference in .or s.co aids eaid tape , tap the lives of their ablee it s web bodied fellow citizens and so help create informed societies.

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Events

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR

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he S A Guide-Dogs 2014 calendar is already full of exciting events. Here are just some of the events you can look forward to during the year:

Fly fishing in Dullstroom Every year Guide-Dogs hosts a thrilling fly fishing competition and fundraising auction in the picturesque town of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga. 2014 will be no different.

The event will take place on 30 August and promises to be just as successful as last year.

The participant who catches the longest trout will win an international fishing trip.

The glamorous annual Spring Ball The annual GDA Spring Ball is regarded as one of the premier fundraising events on the South African social calendar. The ball is organised by Edith Venter in association with Montecasino, who generously sponsors the venue for the event. The 2014 Spring Ball takes place on 13 September and tickets are available from the GDA offices at R12,000 per table or R1,000 per seat. This year’s theme is ‘Red Carpet Affair’.

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Guide-Dogs car competition During 2014 GDA is once again running the annual car raffle competition. For only R20, members of the public can buy raffle tickets to stand in line to win a brand new Honda Brio. Raffle tickets are available at most GDA events as well as third-party events that we attend, see website and our social media pages for updates.

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.guidedog.org.za. We look forward to seeing all our loyal supporters at our fundraising events in 2014!

Sandra Kruger winner of the Honda Brio – 2013 Car Competition

To advertise please contact: Proud sponsor of microchips for all South African Guide-Dogs since 1997

Judd Sherrin judd@panorama.co.za 082 568 7525 2014

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Meet the Team

GOODBYE MALCOLM Malcolm Driver shares his memories of his days with S A Guide-Dogs and the impact everyone has made on him “I soon realised that the purpose of a guide dog organisation was far broader than just training dogs�

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uring the five months since my retirement I have had time to reflect on my experiences with the Guide Dogs movement over the past 43 years.

My love of dogs led me to join the RAF police dog unit. From there I completed an apprenticeship with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) in the UK. I soon realised that the purpose of a guide dog organisation is far broader than just training dogs. It is about providing mobility services to the visually impaired, giving them independence, mobility and companionship. The dog helps to break the barriers that the visually impaired face in dealing with the world beyond their familiar environment. There must also be a bond of companionship. The challenge was far greater and more rewarding than just training a dog to obey commands or perform a task.

After 10 years at GDBA in the UK, I was offered the head trainer position in South Africa. At that time, there were 10 full-time

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and four part-time staff who trained about 17 teams per year on average. Gladys Evans, the founder of the Association, who herself was a guide dog owner, set a high standard that emphasised transparency and accountability in all interactions with the visually impaired.

Gladys made a huge impression on me and helped to inspire me to continue her vision into the future.

As the demand for guide dogs grew, former executive director Ken Lord set up a new, larger facility, and staffing increased accordingly. When I took over as executive director 10 years ago, the role presented the challenge of funding and administering a growing organisation dependent on the generosity of members of the wider community. To have the opportunity to meet such people, as a representative of such a worthy cause, was very rewarding and inspiring.

It has been a privilege to work with the board, staff, volunteers, puppy raisers, donors, sponsors and the thousands of individuals who believe in Guide-Dogs. These people have contributed to make it what it is today: an organisation that we can be very proud of.

My time at Guide-Dogs was not just a job but my passion. It was a difficult decision and not an easy transition to retire. But I felt it was the right time to step aside and have quality time with my family and pursue my hobbies. I am delighted with the appointment of Gail Glover as the new executive director, who I believe will continue to build the Association and serve the visually impaired people in South Africa.

Thank you to you all for walking this journey with me and the support I was given over the many years.

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HELLO GAIL Gail Glover tells us all about her love for Guide-Dogs and what her new role as executive director means to her

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joined the Guide-Dogs Association in 1989 as a young woman having just qualified as a veterinary nurse. In the past 25 years I have been privileged to be part of such a wonderful organisation and to have worked with and met so many remarkable people. It was an honour to have met and worked with Gladys Evans, our founder. The thing that I remember most about Gladys was her ability to motivate people to give their time, energy and support to the Association.

I have also been fortunate to work with our previous executive directors, Ken Lord and Malcolm Driver. I have benefited from their experience and wisdom. Ken and Malcolm have always stressed the importance of remaining focused on the end goal of providing the best possible dog to people who are disabled. In the past nine years I have worked very closely with Malcolm and I am very grateful for all the guidance and support that he has given me.

During the years that I worked as a guide dog mobility instructor I met many exceptional guide dog and service dog owners. Observing the difference that the dog can make in their lives has been very rewarding for me and has enriched my life. As a dog lover, I’m inspired by the special bond that a guide/service dog owner has with their dog and the dog’s understanding and enjoyment for the work that it performs. I am very grateful to have a career that has given me so much job satisfaction and allowed me to meet so many people who are making a difference to society.

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“In the past nine years I have worked very closely with Malcolm and I am very grateful for all the guidance and support that he has given me”

I look forward to the challenges of my new role and I’m very grateful for the support that I’ve received thus far from the board, staff, guide/service dog owners, puppy raisers, volunteers and other supporters. I hope to carry on the legacy that Gladys Evans created.

Braille Alphabet a b c d e f g h i j k l m

            

  n o p q r s t u v w x y z

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

             f r i e n d

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         

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Meet the Team

GETTING TO KNOW MANDLA NXUMALO Training Head of Department

How long have you been working for the Guide-Dogs Association?

For 11 years and seven months.

What do you do for the organisation?

Training HOD. Do you have a Labrador or a guide dog of your own?

I have a pet Africanis and a Dachshund.

What initially prompted you to get involved with the GuideDogs Association?

My love for dogs and people.

What would you say is the biggest challenge facing visually impaired people in South Africa?

Equal employment opportunities.

If you could implement a new

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law, what would it be?

The provision of security to ordinary citizens, being equal to that as given to presidents.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Matching a guide dog to a client, not the other way round.

What is your least favourite part?

Withdrawing a dog who is not suitable for guide dog work.

Do you have a favourite guide dog at the centre, and if so, what is his name?

It is difficult to choose one, they are all my favourites.

What is your favourite food?

Kingklip fillets.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Mozambique (Kubatana Camp).

Are you married?

Yes, to Phindi.

Do you have children?

I have been blessed with three children, two boys and a girl – Xolani, Musawenkosi and Abigail.

What is your favourite GuideDog Association event that is held during the year?

Open day. It gives our supporters a chance to learn about our organisation.

If you could change something about the world, what would it be?

I wish that everyone would be an advocate against poverty, war, injustice, sexism, racism and corruption in the world.

Do you have a role model? If so, who is it?

Dr Nelson Mandela.

What music do you enjoy listening to?

Gospel music.

Do you have a favourite movie?

Men of Honor Do you have a favourite colleague who you work with?

All of them are my favourites.

What is your favourite day of the year and why?

I like Saturday as it is a day I worship the Lord and a day to be with my family.

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Etiquette

DID YOU KNOW?

©photo: Joe Dreyer

Interacting with people who are visually impaired • It is important to first ask the person who is visually impaired if they need help.

• Always introduce yourself. People who are visually impaired do not like guessing games.

• Avoid the tendency to shout, as the majority of people who are visually impaired have normal hearing.

• If it is necessary to get the visually impaired person’s attention, a light touch to the forearm or shoulder will do the trick.

• Talk directly to the person who is visually impaired and not through a third party. People who are visually impaired are quite capable of interacting with others and of making their own decisions.

• If you are leaving a person who is visually impaired on their own, make sure that you leave them in 2014

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contact with a table, chair, wall or something similar rather than in the middle of an open space.

• If you are unsure of how best to assist a person who is visually impaired, ask them. No two people have the same needs.

• When assisting partially sighted people, they may prefer to walk beside you rather than holding your arm. You will still need to check with the person whether they require warning of changes in gradients, such as stairs.

• Some partially sighted people can cope well in bright light but do not see at night, while others will experience difficulty in bright sunlight but can cope well in dimly lit areas or at night. Be sensitive to the individual’s needs.

• Do not be afraid to use phrases that we commonly use such as

‘look’ and ‘see’. They are part of everyday language. People who are visually impaired do have a sense of humour.

• Phrases such as ‘over there’, ‘this side’ or ‘here’ are very frustrating for the person who is visually impaired as they cannot see where you are pointing.

• Explain to a person who is visually impaired what you are doing or what is happening around them.

• Always inform a person who is visually impaired if you are leaving them. They may continue to talk to you long after you have gone. This is embarrassing for them.

• As a rule of thumb you should ignore the guide dog. You should not call, pat or feed the guide dog. If the dog is not on duty then you can ask permission from the guide dog owner to interact with the dog. f r i e n d

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Volunteers

DOT McKENNA, VOLUNTEER AND MEMBER A tribute to a loyal volunteer

D

ot McKenna is one of our longest serving volunteers.

Dot has been helping out at the Guide-Dogs Association on a Wednesday morning for over 20 years. She has assisted with many administration tasks during this time. This is one way that the Association can do all the work required but keep costs down, allowing more money to be spent on providing dogs to disabled people and reaching the visually impaired through the College of Orientation and Mobility.

Dot used to live in the UK, in a village called Ashton-Under-Lyne. Her husband Peter and two sons Jonathan and Jeremy then

emigrated to South Africa in 1969. They also brought along their beloved Golden Retriever Rusty when they came to South Africa by ship.

Peter was an engineer and Dot was a stay-at-home mom and a part-time teacher.

Sadly Peter passed away a few years ago, and he is missed by his family and friends. Dot is very proud of her three granddaughters Sinead, Keira and Bianca. Dot says she chose to be a volunteer at the Guide-Dogs Association because she and her family are avid dog lovers. She has rehomed two of our retired guide dogs: Nandi the Labrador and Vanity the Golden Retriever.

For many years Dot used her beautiful calligraphy skills on the Collar and Tie certificates. She will be 86 years old in December and we hope that she will be a member of the Guide-Dogs family for many years to come.

If, like Dot, you wish to become a member or a volunteer, please contact Florence at the Guide-Dogs Association.

THE 5 MOST COMMON VETERINARY ISSUES IN SA Animaltalk asked a number of vets to give us a list of the veterinary issues they mostly deal with on a day-to-day basis: 1 Skin problems 2. Tick-borne diseases 3. Diarrhoea (gastro-enteritis) and vomiting 4. Lameness/arthritis 5. Issues with fleas and other parasites such as mites

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Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed.

Gone but never forgotten

A Letter from Heaven

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see.

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today.

While thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.

And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

In loving memory • B ob Roding – Foster dad to many puppies as well as Hetta, our brood bitch.

• Mixael de Kok – A remarkable man and an active philanthropist.

• John Chandler – Guide dog owner, lover of life and everyone in it.

• Zaria Witthoft – Dog owner, well known and highly respected.

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• Yolanda Deyzel – Guide dog owner who faced her many challenges bravely.

• Pierre van Greunen – Guide dog owner and true gentleman.

Not forgetting these loyal friends • Sambucca (Guide dog) • Sabieli aka Sambucca 2 (Guide dog) • Yasmin (Guide dog) • Talya (GDA PRO dog and loving pet) f r i e n d

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Puppy Raising Report

A YEAR OF PUPPIES The 2013 financial year saw eight litters and 57 puppies born in Puppy Block

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Jelly and Manny The year began with the birth of eight ‘L’ litter pups to Jelly and Manny. Jelly, who lives with Carol and Rob DavisHannibal, has a taste for Kreepy Krauly pipes and has had three litters of pups.

Manny is privately owned by Di and Mike Holman, and this was his first litter of pups for GDA. This was a perfectly balanced litter gender-wise, with four girls and four boys.

The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Lucy – Sean Stephenson on the Cape Town puppy scheme London – Sandra Small Lennox – Angel and Neels Conradie Libby – Maria Bounds Lenny – Elizabeth van der Merwe Lola – Sally Richardson Legend – Nicola Kostlin Lotus – Des and Estelle van Biljon on the Cape Town puppy scheme

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Liberty and Addie In June seven ‘N’ pups were born to Liberty and Addie. Liberty is cared for

by Helen Paizes, and Addie lives with Linda Viljoen. The four boys and three girls in the ‘N’ litter make up Liberty’s third litter of pups and Addie’s fourth.

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The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Nixon – Stuart Spence Newton – Annabelle Northrop Nasser – Nico and Alice Kleyn Nevis – Liz Falconer Nala – Denise Baisley Nell – Ania Finnemore Nandi – Sharyn Fransman

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Did you know?

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Basheera and Nougar The following month saw the birth of just two female ‘O’ pups to Basheera and Nougar. Basheera has had three litters of pups to date, and lives with Judy da Silva and her family. Judy walked her first puppy when she was at school, and now has children of her own. Nougar is privately owned by Chris and Brendan Charlton, and this was his first litter of pups. Caroline and Glen (puppy raisers) work with Chris and Brendan, so Nougar and Orla have regular contact at work.

The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Oldiva – Mary Ann Donohue Orla – Caroline da Silva and Glen Davidson

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The Lab rado breed w r Retriever recognis as first ed Kennel by the C (UK) in 1 lub 903

VB and Nougar Just a week later, also in July, VB gave birth to her third litter of puppies, seven ‘QR’ girls. As Q is not a particularly easy letter to find names for, we always combine it with R to make life a little easier for our puppy raisers. They never cease to amaze with the array of name choices they manage to find. VB lives with Norma and Andy Johnson. May was a busy month for Nougar, as he sired both the O and QR litters.

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The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Quilla – Jacqui Webb Rudy – Louise Hamilton Qiana – Frikkie and Theresa Loots Razz – Sue MacKenzie Quest – Somna Goswani Rihana – Christine Rabie Quelita – Jayne Nicolle

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Report

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Luna and Manny September saw the arrival of six ‘S’ puppies born to Liberty’s sister Luna and Manny. Luna, who has had three litters of pups, is cared for by Charlotte Heyman. The ‘S’ litter is another perfectly balanced litter in terms of gender, with three girls and three boys.

Two of these were chocolate pups, which always produces much excitement as we don’t get them often. We have no particular preference for dogs in terms of gender as both work equally well. But having a good balance does always help when it comes to matching dogs and owners later on.

The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Sidney – Cornelia van der Bank Sally – Antje Herzog Stella – Ian and Trina McKinley Sachi – Morag Cardoso Shoko – Christine Voigt Stryder – Steve and Debbie Grant

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Did you know?

A dog w advance ill start his training d guide dog at th approxim e age of 12 to 14 ately months

Lyla and Nougar October greeted the arrival of seven ‘T’ puppies, four girls and three boys. This was Lyla’s fourth litter of pups and a third for the busy Nougar. Lyla lives with Nicky Kelly.

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The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Tiffany – Colleen Sprong Takoa – Shirley Kruis Tenille – Suzanne Baker Tia Mera – Bill Duffus Tigger – Lynne Kinsman Trip – Joanne Jacobs Tommy – Jan de Waal

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Fiesta and Rocky U is another of those letters of the alphabet that can provide a challenge in terms of name selection. We thus combine it with V, admittedly also not an easy letter, but combined they do provide more scope for our puppy raisers. Fiesta produced her second litter of puppies in January of 2014, six boys and three girls. Fiesta lives with very proud Breed Stock Holders, Christine and Frans Urbani. Rocky, the litter’s sire, has sired two litters of puppies for GDA, both with Fiesta, and is privately owned

by Di and Chris Begby.

The puppies’ names and their puppy raisers are as follows: Ulundi – Hilda Longster Vinny – Mirjam Seymour Vincent – Tracy Loos Uno – Natalie Owen Vuka – Janine Wright Valiant – Catherine Gibson Venice – Grazia Masselli Vici – Vee Pinker Velvet – Eileen Sinnett

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Angie and Manny Finally the ‘W’ litter was born during March to Angie, who lives with Sheila and Tom Borquin and has given GDA four litters of puppies. Manny sired the ‘W’ litter, his third for GDA. Angie and Manny outdid themselves with 11 fat little pups in this litter. The ‘W’ pups will be going out to their puppy raising families, many of whom are already eagerly awaiting their arrival and sending in their name selections for approval, in around one month’s time.

We look forward to another busy year in Puppy Block during 2014.

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Training a Guide Dog/ Service Dog

THE TIMELINE OF GUIDE/ SERVICE DOGS 1

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1-2 Puppy classes 3 Young puppy receiving love at puppy classes

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The process begins with the careful selection of Labrador and Golden Retriever breeding stock.

• 59–63 days after mating: puppies are born.

• 21– 25 days after birth: weaning of the puppies begins.

• 6 weeks: the puppies have their first trip to the vet to have their inoculations.

• 7 weeks: puppies will go to live with the puppy raisers (puppy raisers are very special volunteers who take a puppy into their lives for one year. It is their role to socialise the puppy and to expose the puppy to as many different environments and situations as possible).

• 8 weeks: the puppy attends the first of 13 weekly puppy socialising classes at the GDA training centre and is microchipped.

• 12 and 16 weeks: puppies receive booster inoculations.

• 5 months: The puppies are visited by Guide-Dogs Puppy Raising Supervisors at home where various walks take place in different environments such as malls, schools and busier areas.

• 6 months: male puppies are castrated.

• 6–12 months: puppies are visited once a month by Puppy Raising Supervisors.

• 1 year: the dogs live at the Guide-Dogs kennels and begin their formal training. The dogs are assessed and will either be trained as guide or service dogs. Each trainer is responsible for 6 dogs.

• The first 2 weeks of the dog’s training is spent bonding with its new trainer.

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Did you know?

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Dogs animals are social – th the com ey enjoy p other an any of im and peo als ple

Service dogs (for people who are physically disabled) The training begins with basic obedience. The majority of a service dog’s work is within the home and at work. These dogs are trained to retrieve a variety of articles. They are taught to pull and push. This command is used to open or close doors, cupboards, fridges and washing machine doors to name a few. The dog’s training is adapted to suit the needs of his future owner. The training of a service dog takes between six and eight months.

Guide dogs (for people who are visually impaired) As with service dogs, the training begins with basic obedience. The dogs are taught to walk in a guiding position and to follow directional commands. They are taught how to negotiate obstacles and safely deal with ground level changes such as kerbs or steps. The dogs learn how to use an escalator safely.

Guide dogs are also taught to locate objects (such as a bus stop) and to respond to different traffic situations. Guide dog training takes six months on average.

Training of the guide/ service dog owner Once the guide/service dog is fully trained, the training begins with the new owner. Guide/service dog 2014

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4 Kelby de Villiers and Khan with Ester Bedeker and Yanky 5 Guide dog owner Teverina Davite and Whistler

owners are taught how to train the dogs to work for them, on average the training takes four weeks.

The new owners send monthly progress reports to the Association.

The guide/service dog and owner are visited yearly by an instructor.

The Training Department is always available to give advice and assistance to the working team.

Working dogs retire between the ages of 10 and 12 years. On retirement most of the dogs stay with their owner. If the person is not in a position to keep their dog, the Association will ensure that all of their dogs have a good home and retirement.

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Pets

SOCIAL BREEDS AND SOCIALISING The importance of socialising your puppy What is socialisation?

Dr Sonntag explains more about socialisation: “There are two concepts here. Socialisation in the developmental sense, or that sensitive period referred to as the ‘socialisation period’. It implies a specific age period in which a particular species is most receptive to developing social skills through social interaction with others (their own species, other species and humans).” She explains that the second concept is the practice of exposing young puppies to social experiences like those advocated at puppy schools, but is not limited to this.

“I believe that puppy school is about much more than simply creating opportunities for socialising,” explains Dr Quixi. “This is also the time during which the puppy must learn other skills, like self-control. That is why puppy school changed from being ‘puppy playschool’ in the early nineties to ‘puppy pre-school’ and now has a strong training component as well.”

Socialising your dog The importance of early socialisation has been well documented. Karin Pienaar (Landsberg), COAPE Animal Behaviour Practitioner and founding partner of ThinkingPets COAPE SA, says it’s essential to teach a puppy how to be a successful pet. “By taking your puppy for early socialisation and habituation training, you will decrease the chances of a developmental behaviour problem emerging later in life,” she explains. Puppies learn many skills in puppy classes, from bite inhibition and frustration tolerance to learning to cope on their own.

It’s also important that your pet is exposed to situations he’ll need to handle outside of his

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home at a later stage. There are various options: • Socialisation starts at home.

• Starting class/puppy school.

Moving on Karin cautions owners not to see puppy school as the ‘be-all and end-all’. “Rather think of it as laying a sound foundation for your dog’s behavioural development – a foundation which should be built upon until the dog reaches adulthood successfully,” she explains. “We encourage all pet owners to continue with training for as long as possible. Adolescent dogs can lose the social skills they learnt during puppy class if they are not continually exposed to other dogs and people. There is a reason why shelters are full of adolescent dogs looking for homes. This is usually the time when owners cannot cope with the emerging problems and feel rehoming is an easier option. This can be avoided if problems are dealt with correctly from the beginning, which means ongoing training is a definite must.”

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Sponsors

A SPECIAL THANK YOU!

Did you know?

The S Guide-D outh African o for the b gs Association lind over 1,4 has trained 76 dogs to guide date

SA Guide-Dogs would like to express their gratitude to those who help with a special mention of their main sponsors

©photo: Mike Pawley

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he SA Guide-Dogs Association would like to thank all our sponsors and donors who so selflessly contribute to the cause.

Each and every donation is important to us. This makes it possible to provide the visually and physically impaired community with independence, mobility and companionship. We would like to make special mention of donations to the Association in excess of R100,000 in this issue of Friend in Harness.

These donations were made in the financial year ending in March 2014.

Thank you to the following companies: Bob Martin, Panorama Publications, Bryanston Country Club, Johannesburg Theatre (SOC) Ltd, Estée Lauder, MJ Event Gear, Montecasino, Camsecure, Concord Trust, Uniondale Lions Club and Germano Cardoso.

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We would also like to make a special mention of the contribution of the following companies and individuals who sponsored their services for our 2013 advertising campaign. Without your expertise this successful funding drive would never have been possible: The Refinery, Universal Music Publishing, Outdoor Network, Ster Kinekor, Cinemark, Primedia Radio Sales, Highveld 94.7, Talk 702, This Company, Continental Outdoor, RADMARK, Mediamark, Jacaranda 94.2, Heart 104.9, City Press, Primedia Outdoor, Media 24 – Advantage magazine, Flight Centre, Ad Reach, Panorama Publications, Active PC, Ads 24, Clive Morris Productions, Sony Music, EMI Music Publishing, The Daily Sun, The Sun, Derek Watts, e.tv, CNBC Africa, Gautrain, Prismaflex, AVUSA Consumer Magazines, Sunday Times, Popcorn, Nu Metro Theatres, The Camera Platform, Thursdays Cat, Dolby Laboratories UK, Sawubona, David Farr Productions, Barry Mason Public Relations, Peer Music, Oasis Outdoor Media, DSTV Media Sales, Hirt & Carter, Wag the Dog Publishers, The Media, Provantage, Makro, Printkraft, Alive Advertising, Brand Engineering, Tone Digital and Integrat.

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Pets

RIP QUANDO, MY DARLING BOY Morag Cardoso shares the experiences her dog Quando went through with Spirocerca, and urges you to please do your homework as this does not have to be fatal

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here is one reason why I wanted to write this article. As a dog owner I want to tell as many people as possible about this ‘silent killer’ and more importantly that it can be prevented.

My ‘Q’ puppie, a yellow Labrador, did not make it as a guide dog as he had particularly bad hips. Quando became a permanent addition to my family. He was reassigned to be a fourlegged assistant puppy raiser, which he did with great affection and care for many years.

Quando would keep all of the Guide-Dogs Association puppies in check while teaching them the ropes. I must add at this point that I know Labs like their food, and Quando on a scale of one to 10 was right up there on the scale at 10, a prime scavenger. Anything that could be was down his throat in a flash. Sadly this made him an even higher risk for Spirocerca.

Close to Christmas in December 2012, Quando, aged eight years, started to cough. It was more of a choke than a cough. As I had realised that it was not kennel cough, I rushed him to the vet. After a scope of the gullet they told me he had Spirocerca worms, which were imbedded in his gullet. They informed me that they could treat him over the next six to eight weeks. I was also told that I was lucky as it’s called the silent killer because some dogs show

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no symptoms. So I was immensely relieved, as I knew very little about the dreaded worm, except that I did know that it could be fatal. I was assured he would be fine.

Two weeks later I came home from gym and my darling boy was there wagging that tail waiting for his mid-morning treat. Gobbling as he went he followed me to the study. I noticed straight away something was not right as he was very unsteady on his legs. Suddenly he collapsed. In my panic and distress I thought he was choking on his rawhide chew. I frantically got on the floor and tried to prise open his mouth, which had locked shut. Unbeknown to me, he was bleeding out internally. What had actually happened was that the Spiro worm had dislodged and gone into the artery close to the heart. It had ruptured. He was dead in three minutes.

I will never forget that look of confusion in his eyes as he looked at me for the last time. I am so remorseful, even after this amount of time, that I just didn’t hold him and love him in his last minutes, instead of frantically trying to open his mouth. I was just being human and trying to save him.

Please educate yourself about this terrible worm and also ask your vet questions. I must point out that there are a lot of vets who don’t know enough about Spirocerca and will dismiss you with a “we don’t see it much so don’t worry about it.” That is not true, please 2 0 1 4

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worry about it and educate yourself.

Now thankfully there is a dewormer on the market called Advocate that prevents this worm from killing your dog. Please note that a dog can ingest these beetles in your garden even if they are the size of a postage stamp.

RIP my darling boy!

Morag Cardoso

S A GUIDE-DOGS 2014 CAR RAFFLE COMPETITION HONDA BRIO 1.2

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TICKETS FOR SALE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GDA OFFICE

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BANK DETAILS: NEDBANK, NICOLWAY, BRANCH CODE: 198765, ACCOUNT NO: 1522034498 @SAGuide_Dogs

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SA Guide-Dogs

www.guidedog.org.za

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Meet the Team

GETTING TO KNOW DI TURNER PR and Fundraising Coordinator for KZN

How long have you been working for the Guide-Dogs Association?

Thirteen years.

Do you have a Labrador or a guide dog of your own?

I am owned by the infamous Dougal PRO dog, a Golden Retriever.

What initially prompted you to get involved with the Guide-Dogs Association?

I have always trained dogs for competition work and always had a soft spot for guide dogs.

What would you say is the biggest challenge facing visually impaired people in South Africa?

Access to various places. Whether it

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is getting permission to take a guide dog in or ramps for wheelchairs. Or simply, very uneven pavements.

If you could implement a new law, what would it be?

I would give all animals full-on rights.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Dealing with blind people and their dogs. They are all so inspirational.

What is your least favourite part?

Having to go with an owner to send their dog to the rainbow bridge.

Do you have a favourite guide dog at the centre, and if so, what is his name?

Guess not, all the ones I have met have been amazing.

What is your favourite food?

Fillet steak.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Has to be Durban!

Are you married?

No Do you have children?

Yes, one amazing doggy-sitting daughter.

What is your favourite Guide-Dogs Association event that is held during the year?

I guess it has to be the Golf Day as all the golfers are so supportive and are out to have fun.

If you could change something about the world, what would it be?

Boring, but more rights for animals.

Do you have a role model? If so, who is it?

Ken Lord, he was truly inspirational.

What music do you enjoy listening to?

I am a wrinkly rocker so it has to be Bob Dylan and Van Morrison.

Do you have a favourite movie?

Actually, no.

Do you have a favourite colleague who you work with?

Uummmm does my dog Dougal count? If not, it has to be volunteer guide dog owner Jenny Puffett. She’s a star!

What is your favourite day of the year and why?

Christmas day because I get to eat all that lovely food and pudding!

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Donate

SPONSOR A KENNEL FOR A YEAR Did you know?

Labrad guide d ors make good ogs are ada because they p friendly table, willing, and re easy to latively train

Sponsorship can also be made for one of our boarding kennels. This will house our brood bitches while in season, stud dogs who are visiting to perform their duties, or puppies on the puppy raising programme. They are all required to spend time in the kennels from time to time. You can also sponsor one of our service block kennels, which is home to our service and social dogs in training.

Guide-Dogs trainer Hayley Cumming sitting in front of one of the kennels with Becky and Bounty

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ou can donate to the Association in many different ways. One of these is a oneyear sponsorship of one of our 42 kennels. The main kennel block is home to our special guide dogs for the duration of their training.

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Sponsoring a kennel will cost you R5,000 per year. This sum will cover the general upkeep and maintenance costs of a kennel. When you sponsor a kennel, your donation will be recognised by a plaque reflecting your name and/ or company logo. This is visible to the public and visitors to our training centre. Sponsors will receive a ‘Kennel for a Year’ certificate, together with a photo of the dog housed in your sponsored kennel. Sponsors will also receive bi-annual updates on their tenant dogs and how they are progressing.

Please consider making this special contribution to the Association. Visit our website for more information or contact Pieter van Niekerk pieterv@guidedog.org.za f r i e n d

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Puppy Raiser

THE STORY OF UBU Sit, Ubu, sit

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here was great excitement back in September 2005 when the first ‘Rainbow Nation’ litter was born at GuideDogs. It was the ‘U/V’ litter of nine Labrador puppies containing all three colours of black, yellow and chocolate.

On my return from running the New York Marathon as a guide to blind Krugersdorp physiotherapist Derek Carter and to raise funds for this kaleidoscope litter, I heard that I was the privileged puppy raiser to be given the male chocolate pup. And so, Ubu entered my life.

I am often asked where the name comes from. His name is from Ubu Productions Inc, a production company founded in 1982 by television producer Gary Goldberg. The production house’s mascot is Goldberg’s dog Ubu Roi, a black Labrador Retriever who he had in college and with whom he travelled the world. The closing tag for Ubu Productions is a photograph of Ubu Roi with a frisbee in his mouth taken in the Tuileries Garden near the Louvre Museum in Paris. Along with the picture is Goldberg’s voice saying, “Sit, Ubu, sit! Good dog!” followed by the sound of a bark.

My Ubu too has travelled. Before he was eight weeks old, Ubu and his siblings were flown on a private charter to Cape Town for a fundraising function. As a young puppy, Ubu was fat and blubbery, loved food and like Goldberg’s Ubu, his strong toy drive

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saw him being able to cram a minimum of four tennis balls into his mouth at one go.

He would never make a successful poker player. Ubu wore his emotions on his harness. The emotion of joy was evident by the wild whipping of his whole rear end and helicopter whirring of his tail. And when having done something naughty, he was unable to mask his guilt as he’d slink inside, refusing to make eye contact. Ubu went on to qualify and become a guide dog to aptly named Ronel de Bruyn.

Ronel phoned to tell me that Ubu was terrified of hadedas. Really? It turned out that every time the noisy birds flew over Ronel’s apartment, Ubu would run and jump on the bed, giving him a vantage point to see out the window. First-time dog owner Ronel interpreted this action as him running away from the noise. Solution?

Lots of love and treats!

In 2010, on the event of Ronel’s reconfirmation at her Worcester church, she was encouraged to invite someone very special and close to her to accompany her to the altar for the blessing. She chose Ubu. Dressed in white for the occasion, Ubu, her constant companion, stood by her side.

And now, after years of faithful service and with silver whiskers on his soft muzzle, Ubu has earned his retirement. It is time for him to chase the hadedas and to lie in the sun.

“Snooze, Ubu, snooze! Good dog!”

Bonnie Espie, puppy raiser 2 0 1 4

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Ubu wore his emotions on his harness.

The emotion of joy was evident by the wild whipping of his whole rear end and helicopter whirring of his tail.

Jayne Nicolle, Bonnie Espie, Nadine Harber

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Pets

THE DOG DIARIES Me. Mom. Cape Town. Again (and again and again)

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suppose I should be grateful, as we just go to Sea Point.

Given half the chance, Mom would probably haul the two of us off for a stroll through the Grand Canyon. Or we could even be sitting with the local fishermen on some Mediterranean beach slugging back the ouzo. So yes, I am grateful but I would still like an ice cream, even if it’s just a little one.

Since last writing to you we’ve been to the Winchester Mansions in Sea Point, three times!

The first was in September last year. One perishing morning, for reasons best known only to Mom, we went to Camps Bay. Let me tell you, that place and winter mornings are not for dogs! My feet stuck to the pavement and my whiskers stood straight out. It was absolutely freezing.

Back at the hotel the weather was even worse, so Mom spent much time in the grooming parlour. Humans are very strange creatures.

When I go to the parlour, Peter baths, dries and brushes me, clips my nails and then takes me home. At the human parlour Mom spent hours sitting in a reclining chair and with a towel wrapped round her face. Why? I didn’t even see anyone bathing her. Did you know that when it’s cold, humans drink litres of

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Lookou t point o n top of with my Table M mom, A ountain nna

hot chocolate? Mom says the Sea Point hot chocolate has healthy additives such as Baileys Cream or Kahlua and therefore it’s much better for her than the stuff she can buy at home. Is that true?

Our second trip was four days over Christmas. Everyone is always so good and kind to us and we spent many happy hours with them all. On Christmas Day we were invited to lunch by friends who live in Constantia. Wow, what a feast… for some. Ask me what I was given for my Christmas lunch, ask me. No, you’re wrong. I was handed one crummy Beeno. She says everything and anything else gives me ‘the trots’.

We were scheduled to come home on the 27th but on the afternoon of the 26th, unbeknown to Mom, I found a wondrous little snack on the pavement. So bearing my deprivation of a Christmas lunch in mind, I ate it. I don’t know what it was but it was truly 2 0 1 4

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delicious. Then that night, oh dear, by all the bones in heaven, was I ill. Mom was crying.

The hotel staff were wringing their hands.

Fortunately, Mrs Wainford knew the local doctor so she very kindly took us to the consulting rooms. I liked the vet a lot until she gave me a couple of really painful shots and told Mom she would be on standby should my condition deteriorate.

To the vet, I am so sorry I was too sick to remember your name but please accept my grateful thanks for everything you did for us.

Mom would like to take you out for lunch next time we’re in Sea Point. By sunrise I was much better but not strong enough to travel. We had to stay for an extra day but Mom said that was okay because I’m worth it. That pavement treat was nearly the death of me so maybe in future I better just shut up and eat the boring Beenos and Marie biscuits.

We returned home from our last trip on 13 2014

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in Cape

Town

February. It was a glorious, decadent, friendsand fun-filled holiday. What a wonderful time we had. We went to the top of Table Mountain in the cable car which I’m not so crazy about, being suspended by just a bit of wire miles up in the sky. To play in the mist at the top of the mountain though made up for being a little nervous. I really enjoyed our trip in the double-decker, open-top tourist bus going around Cape Town. We saw lots of dogs and their humans playing on the beach but I was the only guide dog on the bus. The tour guide said it was because I’m special.

It’s funny that the magnificent staff of the Winchester and the extremely pleasant flight crew of Mango say the same thing about me. A girl can get used to being told she’s beautiful, or clever, or special or all three together. I like Cape Town and the getting there and the getting home!

Until next time, take care. Lots of love, Shana. f r i e n d

Did you know?

Guide d trained ogs are to footwell sit in the vehicle of a motor and no the seat t on

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Q&A

Why does my puppy enjoy digging up my garden?

Certain dog breeds are more prone to digging than others due to their breed history.

Sledding dogs may also dig in our hot South African climate to find a place to rest in the cool soil. There are a number of other reasons why your puppy would be encouraged to dig.

• Your puppy sees you digging in the garden and he will copy you.

• You add compost or bone meal to the soil and this smells terrific to your puppy. He digs to find the awesome smell.

• If you have cats in your household or in the complex, they might be using your garden as a litter tray. Your curious puppy may dig to find the smell.

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• Your puppy could also be frustrated if you are at work all day and he can hear activities beyond his boundary walls, like children playing. He may try to dig his way out.

• Your puppy may also enjoy the negative attention he receives when you get home to find that he has dug a huge hole. To him your actions are attention – he doesn’t perceive this as negative.

• Intact dogs may dig their way out to find an in-season bitch. To solve this problem, spay or neuter your pet.

Alexandra King, L5 qualified ThinkingPets instructor 2 0 1 4

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Retired Did you know?

The firs t guide d official og world w in the as a German She Dog callepherd d Buddy

WHEN A GUIDE DOG RETIRES Gandalf (aka Gandi) will be 10 in August this year. Leon van Wyk talks about his experiences with him

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andalf retired about 18 months ago and I am extremely grateful that he didn’t have to work until he was too old to really make the most of his golden years. I have been able to keep all of my retired dogs, except for the very first one, because I was then living alone in a flat and had to go to work every day.

Leaving the old dog at home and going to work with the new one simply doesn’t bear thinking about.

That fortunately all changed when I started working from home many years ago. I was then able to keep all my retired dogs and didn’t have to go through the trauma of giving them to someone else. It’s obviously also very traumatic for the dog. Even though they settle in quickly in a new home, I can’t imagine what it must be like for them to suddenly be taken to a strange place, with all the familiar things just snatched away in an instant.

Giving your old dog to someone else is a very hard thing to do, but being there at the 2014

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end is no doubt a lot harder. I have had to do it a couple of times already. No, it doesn’t get easier with repetition. Bongi died nearly four years ago, but that day will be forever etched in my memory and remains with me as a very vivid experience. You try not to think about it too often, but there will always be something to remind you, and then it’s still very difficult to hold back the tears, even after such a long time.

What does a retired guide dog do? In Gandi’s case, he goes for endless walks with my friend and neighbour on the mountainside or on the beach. He spends each morning in my local deli where he gets lots of biscuits and biltong, until he returns home after a couple of hours of working very hard at the office! This gives me time to go for a walk with Spencer without Gandi watching me leave. This is something that retired dogs find very hard to do. If you pick up the harness, they are at your side in a flash and waiting for it to be put on.

Dogs get old so gracefully. They seem to have a kind of wistful acceptance of things they can no longer do. When they trip at the kerb and fall, they look so surprised as if to say, how on earth did I manage to do that?

Gandi is approaching that time now, and even though I know what’s waiting for us, I feel very privileged that I will hopefully be there near the end to stroke him and comfort him when he needs it most. Old dogs really are the best dogs. f r i e n d

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Retired

WHEN A GUIDE DOG RETIRES Aggie, our beloved retired guide dog

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nfortunately, not every guide dog owner can keep their guide dog when he retires.

Hanlie’s retired guide dog Aggie was re-homed with Julia. Hanlie and Julia share their story with us on the re-homing of Aggie Hanlie “I would like to thank Julia Evans who has re-homed Aggie in her retirement. Not anybody can take on a retired guide dog. Julia opened her warm and loving home to Aggie.

Most blind people who are re-homing their dogs have to settle for homes that are far away from where they live. I am blessed to have Julia in my life, even though I feel jealous at times that Aggie is with her all of the time.

Julia has always been very kind to me and Aggie. She allows me to visit Aggie or take her out for a weekend when I have transport.

Julia has also gone out of her way to bring Aggie for a beach walk when Aggie feels up to it. Aggie’s name means black precious stone which is taken from the word ‘aggit.’ She was the best guide dog that any guide dog owner could wish for. She was an excellent worker and well socialised with other animals.

One of my most precious memories I can share with you happened on 1 September 2013. Aggie was the ring bearer at my wedding, even though she could no longer guide me as a working dog. She had her own wedding bouquet, wedding cake and she carried our rings in a little organza bag on her back. And so it happened, a lifelong dream. A dream, that Aggie would make it

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to my wedding and be part of my big day, came true.”

Julia “When it was time for Aggie to retire, Hanlie interviewed a number of families to find the right new home for her beloved guide dog Aggie. Hanlie chose my family.

I was working at the animal welfare on the weekend when Hanlie brought Aggie to hand her over to me.

I cannot truly describe the anguish and heartache that was pouring from Hanlie or describe her desperate attempt to be brave and not cry. But when the critical moment was there and it was time to let go, she clung to Aggie sobbing. The seconds dragged by without her being able to release. Aggie could sense the desperation and was confused. My heart was breaking at this sad goodbye. Not knowing Hanlie as a person, I didn’t know what to say or how to make it easier. Alwin, Hanlie’s fiancé, was super and managed to get everyone to go their own ways when the moment was right.

I must at this stage say that Ags arrived with two fully loaded suitcases, with excess bedding and cushions. I think she owned more in this world than I did! I was rather taken aback at what a life of luxury she’d been living and was seriously worried that she would be downgrading into a world of animals and madness with me.

Aggie’s first night in our home found her sleeping next to my bed. She was uneasy and remained restless for several days. However, her somewhat famous appetite never suffered 2 0 1 4

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throughout her ordeal!

As the days, then weeks, then months went by, Aggie became part of my everyday routine.

She travelled to work with me and generally went wherever I did. She became a part of my educational talks at schools and wherever I went, someone always recognised her.

Something that amused me to no end with this exceptionally brilliant animal was watching her learn to be a ‘real’ dog. At first she would not leave my side, wouldn’t bark, or cross a road without stopping first. It didn’t take her long to figure out that she could come and go as she pleases.

Watching her discover her independence brought lots of laughter, like her discovering that she could play with my other mutts and beat them at their own games was wonderful.

We watched as, at the age of 11 years, she was digging huge holes in the garden and barking at the worms and other little creatures she uncovered. Hearing her bark for the first time – wow! It took months before she barked.

Now she never shuts up and voices her opinion every time the wind changes direction.

I never expected her to live for another four years, but she has. Hanlie has continued to be a part of our lives. However, Aggie has slowed down a lot and I very much doubt that we’ll 2014

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see Christmas together this year. Aggie no longer comes with me to work although she did do a little school visit earlier this month.

Her bones are sore and her body tired and she just wants to sleep and eat, sleep and eat.

So I let her be.

I’ll end by saying that this dog has shown me humbleness, gentleness, and love. She has provided me with laughter and many beautiful moments of absolute gladness. She has allowed children to pull on her ears and tail, to squeeze her too hard, to pat her too much. She’s allowed rescue rats and birds and bunnies to crawl all over her. Aggie has just been such a blessing to us and I can say with honesty that it has been a privilege to have her in our home.” f r i e n d

u If yo at you o th ble t e k n thi ld be a g hom g, n wou e a lovi uide do A id eS dg prova retire tact th ciation for ase con s Asso d. ple e-Dog e Blin d Gui for th i n

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COM Report

THE

COLLEGE OF ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY

Enabling southern African people with visual impairments to access independence in their own homes, schools, workplaces and communities

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he College of Orientation and Mobility is a division of the S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind. It was established in 1974.

The Association realised that guide dogs, while the ultimate solution for some South Africans, were not a viable solution for many thousands of others. The College was established to train practitioners from all over South Africa who would, in turn, train people with visual impairments.

Since 2004, the College of Orientation and Mobility has been accredited with the ETDP SETA and training is based on a SAQA registered qualification. Approximately 170 Orientation and Mobility practitioners have been trained over the years. These people have gone into the community and have made a real difference in the lives of people with visual impairments.

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Feel free to contact us: Phone: +27 11 705 3512 Fax: 086 531 4364 org.za Email: o&madmin@guidedog. re Cent ing Train s Evan ys Glad The 126 Wroxham Road Rietfontein, 2191 P O Box 67585 Bryanston, 2021

Other services In addition to the National Diploma, the College also runs short courses for students and professionals in other disciplines, such as nurses, doctors and teachers. Not forgetting the caregivers, employers and colleagues. The College also provides direct services to people with visual impairments by sending out staff to train them in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

Corporate teambuilding events are also on offer. At these events college staff present a variety of fun activities under blindfold aimed at promoting teamwork and simultaneously increasing awareness of the needs of people with visual impairments.

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Bequests

IN MEMORY OF… Elke Zellmer explains how sponsoring a guide dog in memory of her late husband’s passing allows Iain’s love for people and animals to live through a guide dog

The late Iain Nicol, husband to Elke Zellmer

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he sudden death of my husband Iain Nicol on 24 August 2012 caused big shockwaves, but didn’t erase all creative thought. A work colleague of Iain’s came forward with the suggestion of a ‘living memorial’ for

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Iain. Something that would be more dynamic and meaningful than a plaque on a park bench, let’s say.

After listening to some suggestions and mulling things over for a while, I eventually settled on the idea of sponsoring a guide dog.

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Askii has an additional talent as a hearing dog he brings love and happiness to his new friend and master

Iain had donated to Guide-Dogs for many years, and had a soft spot for Labradors.

There were also some shared characteristics that would make this memorial extra fitting. I had decided on an easy-going nature, helpfulness towards the less fortunate, loyalty, and generosity of spirit. There was another family connection to Guide-Dogs, in that Iain’s sister Hazel had been a puppy raiser a number of times. She provided a loving home for Herbie and Larry when they couldn’t progress to training.

I’m grateful to Guide-Dogs for enabling Iain’s family and friends to turn the idea into reality. I asked Pieter van Niekerk whether it might be possible to find a dog who would be similar to the yellow Labrador Iain once had.

He was called Bailey and Iain adored him.

Askii turned out to be the right candidate!

Except that he’s much slimmer and more hardworking than Bailey was!

Pieter very kindly arranged for us to meet Askii while he was still in training, and presented me with a photo of Askii at a recent graduation ceremony. I believe that Askii and his new friend and master experienced love at first sight. Askii has an additional talent as a hearing dog. Life without Iain is hard, but I’m pleased that the love he had for people and animals and life in general can live on in some way through a guide dog.

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KZN Report

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN KZN AND CT? A message from Di Turner

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e are well into the new year and things are beginning to happen. As usual the locals go into hibernation in January and February and my, it has been a hot season! That is weather-wise, not guide dog-wise! As usual there are a few things to report, some sad, some happy and some just amazing.

This really is how life at Guide-Dogs goes.

Sad is the news from Jenny Puffett. She finally had no choice but to send her beloved Sheena to the rainbow bridge at the age of 16 years.

Sheena was Jen’s first guide dog. About a year after she got her, I was appointed PRO and found that Jen lived close by. So began

Di Turner

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a 13-year association with a wonderful dog and owner. Jen and I have been all over with my Gemini and her Sheena. There have been many adventures, talks and trips to strange places raising funds for Guide-Dogs. RIP Sheena, you will not be forgotten!

Happy news is that we have a new service dog owner in the area. Welcome to Kyle Boss and Rhodie. We wish you many happy years together. A little bird told me that Rhodie was being entertained in style with Kyle at the Oyster Box last week. Talk about landing with your tail in the butter Rhodie!

Wiseman and I attended the Makabongwe Pre-Primary School to do a talk last month.

I have been going there with various guide dog owners for the last umpteen years. I have watched it grow from a shed near the notorious Warrick Triangle in Durban, to a shed and classrooms with a kitchen for feeding the kids. The pupils are the children of the street vendors and other inner city kids. Because they all spoke very little English I started taking Wiseman to converse with them in Zulu.

Most of them have nothing to do with dogs and are very scared of them.

This year was a triumph! Not only did the school raise R784.40 for Guide-Dogs, but most of the older kids who had seen us in previous years were brave enough to touch Tosca. Who, by the way, could not resist the kids’ toy box and helped himself. Tosca received a few balls as a gesture of appreciation from the kids. Wiseman and I were very touched by this gift of so much money from those who have so little, for those who are disabled and would welcome a guide dog.

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Cape Town Report Did you know?

You sho call, fee uld never d a guide or distract dog he is on when duty

Message from the Cape Town team (Cheryl Robertson, Vivian Cook, Charne Maujean and Teagan Schwerin)

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he Guide-Dogs Association would like to thank all the puppy raisers, and the temporary, weekend and holiday homes for all your hard work. Without these special people GDA would not be so successful.

The puppies can be very good gardeners and redecorators and no one complains. They come back to do it all again once their dogs have left for their new lives.

The training dogs have also been spoilt with lovely blankets, beds and toys. Thank you so much to everyone who has bought, made and given the dogs so many nice things. When the dogs are happy, the Guide-Dogs Association is happy. Thanks to Bob Martin for keeping the dogs’ tummies full as well as Novartis and Merial for keeping the puppies, dogs in training and guide dogs flea-free.

Marketing The marketing and fundraising team has been kept very busy over the last few months with fundraising events all around Cape Town. They were given the opportunity to exhibit at the Boat Show at the CTICC, which is always great to be a part of. The Outdoor Expo took place in Stellenbosch with great facilities. The 2014

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organiser allowed the three participating charities to take part in a fun dog walk around the farm in efforts to raise additional money for each charity. It was a great day and the team did well.

The most recent event was the Charity Golf Day that took place at the Royal Cape Golf Course in March this year. With the help of Elizabeth Haldane, the Golf Club was secured as the venue. After a lot of hard work and good planning it was a very successful day. There was great support from sponsors and without them it would not have been the same.

Thank you to everyone involved.

On another note, the office is going through a bit of a revamp and we are looking forward to the end result.

The roofs are being replaced, carpets pulled up and floors are being tiled, as well as a lick of paint to ensure that the office stays looking smart. Thank you to Colin and his team at Moisture Tech who have generously agreed to be the sponsor of all of the office’s general maintenance.

Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, puppy raisers and supporters who help the Cape Town office whenever help is needed.

Congratulations to Cheryl Robertson on her appointment as Manager of the Cape Town branch.

Training It has been a busy year, having lots of help from all of the volunteers who are involved, such as Teagan and Vivian who always look after the dogs, teaching them office manners.

There were three classes through the year and all of GDA’s clients are happy and working confidently with their new dogs.

Thanks to those who help out with talks and at the expos.

There are a total of 11 puppies on the Cape Puppy Raising Scheme ranging in ages from the oldest at 13 months to the youngest at 16 weeks. They are all thriving.

The Golf Day

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