NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

Hearthstone News

March 2008


LOCAL RESIDENT GRADUATES FROM GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
AND BEGINS POWERFUL LIFETIME PARTNERSHIP

Mr. Paul Phillips of Houston (Hearthstone) graduated recently with a Yellow Labrador Retriever Guide Dog named Claudius at his side. The duo completed a month of intensive training at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, Calif. Graduation took place on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at the 11-acre campus, located 20 miles north of San Francisco.


Graduates of Guide Dogs harness the incredible power of the human-animal bond. These remarkable canines offer warm companionship, safe mobility and foster confidence and independence. During the course of training, skilled Guide Dogs and their new partners learn to negotiate stairways, elevators, overhead obstacles, crowded sidewalks and busy streets. The dogs are trained to avoid distractions and disobey commands to cross a street if traffic is approaching.


Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization supported entirely by private, charitable donations and the time and talents of dedicated staff members, puppy raisers and other volunteers working together toward a common mission. For more information, contact Guide Dogs for the Blind via the internet at www.guidedogs.com and/or toll-free at 800-295-4050.





Paper: Houston Chronicle
Date: Thu 02/21/2008
Section: ThisWeek


Resident, guide dog complete training


Cy-Fair resident Paul Phillips and a guide dog named Claudius participated in a recent graduation ceremony after completing a month of intensive training at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, Calif., 20 miles north of San Francisco.


During the training, skilled guide dogs and their new partners learn to negotiate stairways, elevators, overhead obstacles, crowded sidewalks and busy streets. The dogs are trained to avoid distractions and disobey commands to cross a street if traffic is approaching.


Guide Dogs for the Blind has built its program around both the functional and personal aspects of a guide dog partnership. The school, which aims to match each person with the right dog, develops a personalized training program and provides post-graduation support services. The school has produced more than 10,000 trained guides for graduates across the United States and Canada since 1942.


Students are offered air transportation, room and board, training, equipment, financial assistance for veterinary care and support services free of charge. They also are invited to return for training with a new guide dog when their current guide dog retires.


Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization supported by private, charitable donations and the time and efforts of its staff members, puppy raisers and other volunteers. For more information: www.guidedogs.com or 1-800-295-4050.