The Leader Dog Newsletter - The UPDATE Volume 2, Issue 13 April 1992 NEW KENNEL CONSTRUCTION AT LEADER DOG Leader Dogs for the Blind is getting a face lift. A $4,000,000 kennel is under construction and on schedule to open this summer. "The new kennel will allow us to provide a less stressful and healthier living environment for our dogs in training, puppies, breeding stock and career change dogs," comments Mickey Loeser, Director of Training. The new construction has the most modern air exchange system available, recirculating the air at least three times each hour. "This will help to decrease the instances of airborne contaminates", adds Mickey. The kennel also offers a great amount of storage space and maintenance area where vehicles and implements will be parked. The new kennel should bring Leader Dog an expected lower percentage of dogs lost to academic failure, which will allow Leader Dog to continue to serve as the largest dog guide training facility in the country. 1992 LEADER DOG CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 12 - Class 92-11 Begins May 10 - Class 92-12 Begins June 7 - Class 92-13 Begins June 10 - Board of Trustees Meeting July 5 - Class 93-01 Begins July 18/19 - Lions Summer Visits August 2 - Class 93-02 Begins August 15/16 - Lions Summer Visits August 30 - Class 93-03 Begins September 9 - Annual Board Meeting September 12 - 5th Annual Puppy Day September 21 - Lions Districts 11-A1 & A2 Open House September 27 - Class 93-04 Begins October 20 - Big "D" Open House - Lions Dist. 11-D1/D2 October 25 - Class 93-05 Begins November 22 - Class 93-06 Begins December 2 - Board of Trustees Meeting December 2 - 42nd Annual Kick-Off Luncheon December 26 - Class 93-07 Begins LEADER DOG AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY Rod Haneline, a Leader Dog instructor for 12 years, has earned his Masters Degree in Orientation and Mobility from Western Michigan University. Rod now works with other Leader Dog instructors, staff and students in Orientation and Mobility techniques. In May, Leader Dogs for the Blind will host a two day seminar at the training facility in Rochester. Orientation and Mobility students from Western Michigan University have been invited to attend. "The seminar will allow us as dog guide instructors to introduce our training techniques to the Western Michigan students. A visually impaired person is more likely to encounter an Orientation and Mobility professional then they are to meet a dog guide instructor." explains Rod. Leader Dog, Orientation and Mobility specialists, and the visually impaired community will only benefit from this continued shared knowledge. DID YOU KNOW... Leader Dog has over 2,000 active graduates in 48 states and 11 countries. The Leader Dog veterinary clinic runs over 2,000 blood, urine and fecal samples each year to ensure the health of the dogs in training. Each class the Leader Dog kitchen cooks 120 dozen eggs, 300 lbs. of potatoes and uses 70 loaves of white bread. No student leaves their table hungry. Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs that contribute $250 or more in one fiscal year receive a special patch for their banner, along with a chevron marking the year; plus a yearly chevron for every year after that in which Leader Dog receives $250 from that club. To make the 600 leashes and 400 harnesses needed each year, Leader Dog needs 45 leather backs. (15-20 sq. feet in each back) There are over 260 puppies being raised in host homes as part of the Leader Dog Puppy Raising Program. There is even a Future Leader Dog in Hawaii. Leader Dog feeds 140,000 pounds of dog food each year to dogs in training. NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM AT LEADER DOG We have installed a new telephone system that will help to better serve the large number of phone calls we receive each day. You may still reach Leader Dog by calling (313) 651-9011. During regular business hours (8:30-4:30) Monday - Friday, our receptionist is available to help you, after hours there will be a recorded message. We want to emphasize that when you dial 651-9011 during our normal hours, you will always talk to a person, not to a computer. Each department has individual extensions and the departments listed below also have direct dial lines. Because these extensions are to individuals, they may not always be available. In that event, our "voice mail" system will allow you to leave a message or you may be connected to our receptionist who will assist you. General Calls - (313) 651-9011 Admissions/Applicants - (313) 650-7111 Graduate Services - (313) 650-7112 Breeding Department - (313) 650-7113 Puppy Raising Coordinator - (313) 650-7114 Adult Dog Donations/Adoptions - (313) 650-7115 Leader Dog Computer Bulletin Board - (313) 651-4009 Leader Dog FAX - (313) 651-5812 THE LEADING EDGE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE by Dr. David Smith The information and technological explosion has occurred in the veterinary arena as well as other professions. Maintaining current knowledge, technical and surgical skills requires constant review of professional periodicals, attendance at veterinary seminars and interaction with specialists within the field. The most current treatment options, drugs and surgical techniques are then at hand to ensure the most efficient treatment, care, and early return to health. Computer data banks are now available to the veterinary profession to access information on any topic quickly and easily. Through computer, fax and telephones transmission, EKG's, radiographic images, lab data and specialist consultation can occur to provide timely treatment of even the most difficult cases. Computers are also used by the veterinary profession for gait analysis, measurement and production of artificial joints and establishing nutrient and fluid therapy needs. Technological advances have also been noted in breeding management. Artificial insemination has been used for many years with excellent results. Now there is the technology to use frozen stored semen, or cooled semen, which might be shipped across the country to use when transport of the breeding pair is undesirable. Ovulation timing via hormonal blood levels, is now routinely done to determine optimal breeding times. Technological innovation, continued caring attitudes, and the willingness to apply advances in modern veterinary medicine will continue to keep Leader Dogs for the Blind on the leading edge of veterinary medicine. GRADUATE CORNER Maryan Louise Harrison of Missouri, is enjoying her seventh Leader Dog, "Falcon". The following is from her recent letter to the student department. My reason for writing this letter is to celebrate an anniversary. Forty-five years ago I received my very first Leader Dog. On the afternoon of February 25, 1947 Edward Upthegrove brought me a German Shepherd named "Carl". I can't think of this anniversary without being aware of how different things are now. When my first dog came to me I was a single girl; then I had a 29 year marriage and finally, several years of widowhood. Through all of this, my dogs have been my companions. It is very special to think of the 28 feet that have walked beside me; the 14 ears that have listened for my commands and the 14 eyes that have seen me safely along the paths we have traveled. I cannot leave out those seven tails that wagged with delight. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude to Leader Dogs for the Blind for the training I have received and for the good dogs I have been given. Thank you! Thank you! ATTENTION GRADUATES We love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to drop us a quick note, like Maryan did. Send your letters (and photographs) to the Student Department. We'll share your news with other grads in the UPDATE. We look forward to your contact. Graduate, Brenda Picraux won a trip to hawaii through a radio contest! Too bad her Leader Dog "BABE" can't go and enjoy the sun and fun with her. Graduate, Nancy Lepkowski has taken up playing the bagpipes. Nancy enjoys playing in parades. She says her Leader Dog "FRISCO" isn't too thrilled with the music, but is learning to put up with it. Graduate, Duncan Holmes became a father on February 12th. Hannah Elizabeth is doing well. Congratulations Dad!!! VOLUNTEER LEADER DOG WALKERS Not rain, sleet, wind nor snow will keep them from their rounds...no they're not mail carriers, these dedicated volunteers are Leader Dog dog walkers. Carol Hansen and Chuck Wingard have worn the treads on their tennis shoes and have gotten more exercise then either probably planned on the last few months. "It has become an obsession", Carole says referring to her walking partners. She began in early October 1991 and has spent over 400 hours helping out. Carole's latest obsession are the puppies. She spent seven weeks recently with seven Future Leader Dogs. "I looked forward to seeing my babies every day because they changed so quickly." Carole has been recently renamed "Kennel Mom" by the dog care department. Chuck, a St. Clair Shores Lions Club member volunteers his time about three times each week. With leash in hand, and a smile on his face, Chuck arrives ready to walk and love his pals. "I'd say my favorite so far has been a Shepherd Cross named "Clancy", but "Buck" here isn't too bad either", joked Chuck as he pet the fuzzy Golden Retriever. Chuck hopes his time spent with the dogs will ultimately help the instructors. The volunteer dog walking program will expand once the new kennel is completed, but until then, Carole and Chuck will register more miles regardless of the weather. INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG DAY is APRIL 29, 1992 LEADER DOG GRADUATES CLASS 92-07 Team Captain/Instructor Larry Heflin Instructor Randy Horn Apprentice Trainer Dawn Palmer Apprentice Trainer Phil Griffin Craig Dunlop of Montana & "Duffy" John Collins of Canada & "Sheena" Vickie Leggs of Missouri & "Keeva" Matt Olalya of Illinois & "Krystee" Judy Williams of Pennsylvania & "Brittany" Brenda Picraux of Michigan & "Babe" Marie Caron of Canada & "Lily" Richard Bush of Wisconsin & "Duke" Jerry Holder of Canada & "Shade" Richard Goddeau of New York & "Duggan" Amy Keen of Ohio & "Bear" Terrance Cook of Michigan & "Moe" Richard Benham of Virginia & "Alex" Vickey Polley of Michigan & "Penny" Davis Cross of Indiana & "Rocky" Jerry Miller of Illinois & "Coty" Tim Kilburn of Canada & "J.J." Melba Fitts of South Carolina & "Dusty" Paul Mimms of Missouri & "Jasper" Leeham Williams of Indiana & "Calvin" CLASS 92-08 Team Captain/Instructor Dan McDonald Instructor Tom Hill Instructor Keith McGregor Apprentice Trainer Jim Gardner Marie Landry of Louisiana & "Buffy" Trudy Kolodzieski of Pennsylvania & "Tally" Billy Shepherd of Oregon & "Jake" Deborah McCahon of Tennessee & "Black Jack" Vernon Mitchell of Missouri & "Shadrack" George Gray of Texas & "Bugs" Rosita Vasquez of Texas & "Jack" Freddie Vasquez of Texas & "Buddy" Al Blackburn of Illinois & "Rowdy" Debra Chilton of Texas & "Piper" Carol Stewart of Texas & "Duke" JoAnne Wright of Indiana & "Sam" Lottie Bernas of New York & "Sparty" Lisa Kozlik of Wisconsin & "Sugar" Noreen Hetznecker of Pennsylvania & "Leo" Arda Perkins of Michigan & "Heika" Cleo WEeaver of Indiana & "Stan" Steve Kuga of Indiana & "Glen" Curt Ochodnicky of Michigan & "B.J." Rhonda Clifton of Texas & "Zeuss" CLASS 92-09 Team Captain/Instructor Judy Campbell Instructor Gary Jakubos Apprentice Trainer Dave Hagemann Apprentice Trainer Rob Richardson Robert Jarvis of Ohio & "Bandit" Frank Hospodin of Missouri & "Lex" Dennis Wigner of Michigan & "Buster" Dorothy Clark of Canada & "Dreyfuss" Fred Paglisotti of Pennsylvania & "Voskie" John Busky of Pennsylvania & "Jake" Diane Diffy of Missouri & "Ashley" Frank Rose of Maryland & "Murdock" Rhonda Fickling of Georgia & "Snuggles" Nancy Clark of Wisconsin & "Shasha" Robert Tyndall of Pennsylvania & "Nathan" Gary Glosenger of Pennsylvania & "Alex" Steve Girten of Indiana & "Jessie" Leah Heldreth of Alabama & "Toots" James Ryan of Texas & "Molly" Lis Geoghegan of Arkansas & "Indy" Chris Trudell of Canada & "Monique" Bruce Crothers of Michigan & "Lancer" Russell Cygan of Wisconsin & "Sandy" Congratulations and best wishes to our recent Leader Dog Graduates! PUPPY DEPARTMENT TRAVELING WITH YOUR PUPPY Socialization of Leader Dog puppies involves taking the puppy to as many new places as possible for new experiences. Hand in hand with this is getting the puppy used to riding in a car comfortably. Leader dog puppies must ride where they will not be at risk of injury to themselves or to passengers. In most cars this means on the floor, sitting or preferably in the down position. Always remember to double and triple check to make sure no paws or tails are in the path of the door before closing. Under no circumstances should a dog be allowed to hang his head out the window. Windblown debris may cause serious injury to your dog's eyes. If your puppy tends to get carsick try starting out just getting into and out of the car in the driveway. Progress to short trips around the block and eventually to longer trips. Make it a fun experience for the dog. If the only time he gets to ride in the car is to something he doesn't like (to the vet for vaccines for example) it is natural for him to be reluctant. Your pup will ride easier if he is not fed heavily shortly before the trip. If you have any puppy questions or suggestions that you would like to see addressed in this column, please send them to "Leader Dog Update", c/o Mike Walrath. REMEMBER... The Leader Dog Update is available to Graduates in the following formats: Braille, Cassette Tape, Large Print & Regular Print. Please contact Graduate Services at (313) 650-7112 if you would like to receive the newsletter in one of these formats.