MANAGING YOUR LOW VISION - South African Guide Dog Web viewAll of our trainers become quite adept at using manual and power wheelchairs, ... Viking is a pioneer for all future Service

FRIEND IN HARNESSISSUE TWO 2015

Ed’s Note - A word from Laura Kapelari

Insight - Clicker Training for Guide Dogs

Head Office Report - Marketing

Training report-back - Service Dogs, Guide Dogs, Kennels and Puppy Raising

Health - Managing your low vision

Inspiration - Johannesburg Junior and Mini Councils

Info - The gift of identification

Meet the team - Nishane Raghunandan

GDA renovations - Pub time and bath time

Storyline - Service Dog Owner: Heinrich and Viking

Volunteers - Jean Salmon

Obituary - People and pets who have passed

Sponsorship - How you can help

Nursery news - Greetings from puppy block – ‘L’, ‘N’, ‘O’ litters

Graduates - Our latest graduates

Feature - The Collar and Tie Club has had a facelift

Meet the team - Willemien Kleijn

Storyline - Guide Dog owner: Heidi Lourens and Gulliver

Puppy Raiser - Christina Urbani

FAQs - Guide Dogs

COM report - Student update

KwaZulu-Natal Report Marketing news

Cape Town Report - Fundraising news

Cape Town Events - Gala Dinner and Golf Day

Celebration of service clubs - Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion

New ideas - Welcome to our new additions

Editor’s NoteSeeing the world with new eyes

Laura Kapelari

While I’ve worked for non-profit organisations before, GDA has been a new experience for me. No longer confined to a desk, I have been attending countless promotions, expos, and functions from the word go. While it took a few deep breaths to adjust to this pace, I feel very comfortable in my new role at GDA.

This position combines both my love for animals and my passion for making a difference in the lives of others. While I don’t currently have dogs of my own, I do have two massive Maine Coon cats who certainly believe they are of the canine persuasion.

During my orientation, I gained some understanding of what it means to be visually impaired. Having to navigate stairs or even prepare my morning cup of coffee under blindfold was an unsettling experience. Relying on someone else to find your way can also be a disorientating experience, especially because it requires some degree of trust.

Though I cannot hope to know the full extent of the challenges a visually impaired person faces each day, I am confident in the knowledge that my being here contributes to making the world an easier, safer, and friendlier place to navigate.

In this issue, I’d like to encourage everyone to re-evaluate, as I have, the way they look at the world. Not just with their eyes, but with their minds and hearts.

Appeal for Books

Are you a bookworm suffering from a lack of space for those sought after new additions? Fear not! GDA is currently collecting books for our next book sale. Kindly drop pre-loved books at our Johannesburg Office, in office hours. We would appreciate it if Capetonians pre-arrange a time for drop-offs at our Cape Town Office, as the small Cape Town team is not always in the office. You can reach them at (021) 674 7395. All book sale proceeds go toward ensuring the gift of independence, mobility, and companionship.

Dates to Diarise

Cape Town

Karoo to Coast race in Knysna on 20 September 2015 World Animal Day March, 3 October 2015World Sight Gala Dinner at Kelvin Grove on 8 October 2015Dragonboat Race at the V&A Waterfront on 6 December 2015Durbanville Golf Day on 13 December 2015Love Your Guide Dog Mediterranean Evening on 26 February 2016Annual Royal Cape Golf Day on 28 February 2016

GautengHigh Tea in partnership with Melrose Arch African Pride Hotel on 17 October 2015Team Guide-Dogs in the Momentum 947 Cycle Challenge on 15 November 20152015 Car raffle competition draw on 25 November 2015

Guide Dogs Graduation on 27 September 2015Charity Golf Day at Ebotse Golf and Country Estate in Benoni on 13 November 2015KwaZulu-NatalGarden Show 24-27 September 2015S A Guide-Dogs Annual Golf Day at Umdoni Park Club in Pennington on 23 October 2015Annual Street Collection 28 November 2015

Further information can be obtained by contacting GDA’s Johannesburg Office on 011 705 3512 or [email protected]

InsightClicker Training for Guide Dogs

Gail Glover

An exciting development at S A Guide-Dogs Association (GDA) has been the investigation of Clicker Training for Guide Dogs. Until now, all Guide Dogs at GDA have been trained with traditional training methods. This would involve operant conditioning. In the early stages, the dog is shown exactly what to do. As the dog gains experience, the instructor allows the dog to take more and more initiative. In the final stages, the dog is experienced enough to do the guiding work without the input of the instructor. At this stage, the instructor will wear a blindfold and test the accuracy of the dog’s work. This allows the instructor to determine whether the dog is ready to be placed with a visually impaired person, and it also is a useful step in the matching process. It takes about six months for a dog to undergo Guide Dog training. Once the dog is fully trained, the new owner will be trained together with the dog for a further month.

Clicker training is well known in the training of dolphins and other wild animals. A small hand held device makes a “click” when pushed. This “click” becomes a marker for desired behaviour. Clicker training is based on the principles of positive reinforcement; this often translates to a food reward in the early stages of training.

Some Guide Dog Training Organisations have successfully introduced clicker training into their Guide Dog Training programmes. One of these organisations is Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) - San Rafael California and Portland Oregon. Guide Dogs for the Blind began introducing clicker training into their programme in 2006. They have seen positive results, although they do caution that the transition does take time. Some experienced staff has to learn how to adapt their valuable experience into a totally new training approach. The change will be incremental due to the fact the instructors will still be servicing the needs of existing clients while they learn the new system.

Guide Dogs for the Blind offers a week long clicker training course, which is available to qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructors to attend. Cheryl Robertson, Mandlenkosi Nxumalo, and Permit Mncube represented GDA at the June 2015 clicker course. Our three instructors have stayed an additional three weeks to observe clicker training in practice. Cheryl, Mandlenkosi, and Permit are all very experienced Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. We are very excited to welcome them back, and look forward to harnessing their new-found knowledge. It is our goal to constantly improve the quality of dog that we train, and to train dogs using the most humane methods possible. I’m sure that clicker training will assist us in reaching this goal.

Marketing Report-BackPieter van Niekerk

Winter Fun Festival

The Winter Fun Festival was held at the Gladys Evans Training Centre on 28 June 2015. A total of 40 flea market stalls, ranging from food, coffee, ice-cream, and sweets, to jewellery, bags, shoes, clothing, mosaics and arts and crafts, exhibited on the day.

Dog races kicked off at 10h15am in the arena. The Father’s Day challenge, in which three fathers were paired with their sons or daughters in a blindfolded tyre rolling challenge proved to be a highlight.

The College of Orientation and Mobility (COM) hosted a fun arena event to demonstrate just how difficult it is to do everyday tasks while under blindfold.

The audience was also treated to a spectacular Doggy Dancing Show, thanks to Karen Opie and her Dog Dancing team. Puppy Raisers enjoyed the Puppy Fancy Dress competition. Labradors transformed into “Frozen” ice cubes, reindeer, and snowmen.

The Guide and Service Dog demonstration allowed the public to get a glimpse of how our special dogs are trained. Visitors could also participate in Kennel tours for a behind-the-scenes look at the accommodation provided to our dogs in training.

Thank you so much to all our sponsors, who contributed to making our event a success, as well as our stallholders for their continued support.

Annual Golf Day

On Friday, 22 May, South African Guide-Dogs Association (GDA) hosted its 27th Annual Golf Day at Kyalami Country Club.

144 golfers teed off at 11h00 sharp, with passion for the game and GDA in their hearts. Each of the 36 fourballs received a prize, ranging from appliances and restaurant vouchers, to home décor.

Golfers had an array of fun activities planned for them as they moved from one tee to the next. One such highlight was the blindfold hole. Players were given a chance to experience what it’s like to be visually impaired as they took a shot under blindfold.

Team Waco, from Waco Africa, scooped up the number one spot and claimed the trophy.

After battling it out on the course all afternoon, the day outside was followed by an evening programme comprising a great dinner, as well as a raffle draw and auction of items kindly donated by local companies and individuals.

This year’s Golf Day was a great success! Thanks to our generous sponsors, the organizing team (led by Glenda Rae), Urs and Etienne from Panorama Media Corp, GDA staff, and everybody else who helped make it happen.

Car Raffle Competition

Lastly, don’t forget about our car competition, which still runs until 16 October 2015. The draw for the lucky winner of this brand new Suzuki Alto takes place on 25 November 2015.

High Tea

We will also be hosting a High Tea in partnership with African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel on 17 October 2015. For more information please contact [email protected].

Training Report-Back: Service Dogs

Maxine Geddie

A wheelchair is as necessary a part of service dog training equipment as a lead is. All of our trainers become quite adept at using manual and power wheelchairs, but this is not an overnight learning.

I have personally knocked a chunk of plaster off of a corner of a wall and broken a glass door by mistakenly thinking that my scooter was in reverse. Thereafter I spent a fair amount of time at my chiropractor with sore shoulders.

The dogs all need to be trained to walk on a loose lead next to the chair. Initially, we will wheel around in a room with the dog off lead so that they can approach and move away at will. The next stage moves outdoors, with the trainer pushing the wheelchair and the dog walking next to the trainer. From there, the trainer will sit in the chair and propel themselves. All of this is done using a manual wheelchair. Once the dog is completely used to the manual wheelchair we will introduce the dog to the power wheelchair.

Power chairs are generally a lot larger than manual wheelchairs and as a result the dog’s retrieval of articles may have to be adapted. For example, it may be necessary for the dog to put its front feet on the person’s lap for them to be able to take the article.

Training dogs whilst in a wheelchair in public places has caused gasps of amazement when the trainer stands up at the end of the training session. My own limited use of a wheelchair has taught me great respect for all wheelchair users.

Working with our amazing clients is both a privilege and an inspiration.

Training Report BackHow a Guide Dog Works

Gail Glover

Since the last edition, we have had feedback from members who would like to understand how a Guide Dog Owner is able to negotiate their daily routes. The Guide Dog and owner work together as a team. Each member of the team must do their part. The Guide Dog is responsible for walking in a straight line, avoiding obstacles and returning to the original line of travel. This is called straight line concept, and it is one of the first subjects in the syllabus for all learner Guide Dogs. For the dog to grasp this concept, the instructor will work the dog in many different environments that have a well-defined straight line. Over time, the dog will anticipate walking straight out and then turning 180 degrees to return to their starting point. Gradually, turns to the left and right will be included, and also areas with a less well-defined straight line. By this stage, the dog understands that it follows a straight line of travel unless directed to do a turn by the instructor.

The next subject that the dog learns is kerb work. This means that the dog will stop whenever it reaches a step down (from the pavement to the road). We refer to the step down into the road as a downkerb, and the step up onto the pavement as an upkerb. Each downkerb and upkerb will become an orientation point for a visually impaired person, whose routes will be made up of a series

of straight lines. Each visually impaired person will be directing their dog from one orientation point to another. At each orientation point, the visually impaired person will need to know where they are on their route, and what instruction they need to give the dog to get to the next orientation point. If a visually impaired person gives you directions to their local shop, from home, the route might sound like this:

“I come out of my house and turn left, so that I’m walking with the road parallel to me on the left hand side, and the houses are on my right. I cross four roads, and then turn left on the upkerb of the fourth road. The shop will be on my right hand side after about 20 meters.”

At each point, the owner is directing the dog, supervising the work of the dog, and praising the dog for reaching each orientation point. People who are visually impaired use landmarks and clues in the environment to check whether they are still on track, and that they have not deviated from their desired route. The direction of the sun, traffic flows, gradients in the environment, surface changes, auditory clues (such as air conditioners, water features, etc.), and olfactory clues can all help a person who is visually impaired know where they are on their route.

Dogs also have the ability to learn destinations/routes that are frequently used, and they anticipate following known routes. This is an added benefit to their owners. As the dog gets more experience, it will need less supervision on known routes.

In the next edition, we will discuss how the Guide Dog and owner learn to negotiate obstacles in the environment.

Training Report-Back: Kennels and Puppy Raising Report 2015Weekend Homing Programme

Caroline Human

Over the past year, we have started an extensive “Weekend Homing” programme.

Prior to this, we ran a small-scale, pilot Weekend Homing programme, which included only our adult donation dogs. Most of these dogs come to us having had very little, if any exposure, to life inside a home and as part of a family. Working dogs will spend a lot of time indoors with their owner, and will sleep inside at night. A dog that is not used to the sights, sounds and smells common inside a home may be startled by something as mundane as a toilet flushing, and will not have been taught good household manners, such as not sleeping on (or eating) the furniture, not stealing food off tables and counters or jumping up on Aunty Mabel when she pops in for a cup of tea. We cannot place a working dog who has never lived in or learnt how to behave in a home into that of their differently abled owners, and expect them to know how to behave and what all the sights, sounds and smells mean, without causing stress to both the dog and the owner. This Weekend Homing programme for adult donation dogs proved to be invaluable in providing these dogs with household socialising and conditioning.

Later, we began including dogs in training who were displaying signs of kennel stress. Kennel stress, and the alleviation and elimination thereof, are vitally important in any kennel situation. In a working kennel, it is all the more important, as a dog that is stressed is less likely to be able to focus and concentrate, which can negatively impact the training process. The breeds that we use are very sociable and people orientated, so spending periods of time without sufficient one-on-one human attention contributes to their stress levels. While kennels are adequately staffed over the weekends, in terms of caring for the dog’s needs, we do work on a skeleton staff basis, leaving little time for individual attention for each dog, apart from a short walk. The trainers do not work over the

weekends, so the dogs do not have the daily weekday stimulation of two training sessions a day, and boredom results, increasing stress levels. We were seeing the behavioural manifestations of kennel stress to varying degrees, particularly on Monday mornings, when the full staff contingent returned to work. The levels of excitability would be very high and the noise levels (barking) increased dramatically. The dogs that were going home for weekends showed a reduction in the behavioural manifestations of kennel stress: they were calmer, happier, and easier to work with.

During the course of 2014, it was decided to try to roll out an inclusive Weekend Homing programme, for all the dogs in training. This would allow all these dogs to relax over the weekends, in turn enjoying the stimulation that being in a home with people allows. A letter was sent out to our Puppy Raisers and Breed Stock Holders, who were asked to redistribute it to anyone that they knew of who may be interested. We had a good response from both Puppy Raisers and members of the public, and we rolled out the programme mid-2014.

Many Puppy Raisers are taking the puppies that they have raised for GDA home as weekend boarders, and many have said that doing so really helps with the process of letting go emotionally, as there is not that final break when the pup comes into kennels for its advanced training at one year old. They are now able to slowly acclimatise themselves to not having the pup home during the week, before they say a final goodbye when it qualifies and goes home with its new owner.

The Weekend Homing programme also suits members of the public who work full time and don’t have dogs of their own due to the fact that they are not home enough during the week. This programme allows them to enjoy the company of a dog on the weekends when they are at home. It has also attracted people who have recently lost their own beloved dogs, who are not yet ready to commit to getting another companion dog of their own.

The programme involves sending each dog in training out of kennels and into homes for each weekend. Very much like weekly boarders at a school, the dogs are collected from the training centre on a Friday afternoon, and are returned on Monday mornings to begin a new week of work and learning. As such, the programme is best suited to people who live or work close to the training centre, but we do have a number of dedicated Weekend Homers who travel from far and wide to participate in the programme. Most Weekend Homers take a regular dog home each weekend, while others can’t commit to having a dog every weekend, and opt to be standby Weekend Homers, filling in when other people are away for a weekend.

A huge thank you to all our Weekend Homers – you are making a huge difference in the lives of our dogs in training!

Please check our website – www.guidedog.org.za – for an exhaustive list of all the people Kennels would like to thank. We are so grateful for your support!

MANAGING YOUR LOW VISIONHazel Sachar

Persons with low vision are often faced with challenges relating to everyday activities, such as such as reading, writing, television viewing or computer viewing, to name but a few. By learning new

techniques and making various adaptations, persons with low vision can be helped to make the most of their remaining areas of vision. Ordinary spectacle correction generally does not correct the vision beyond a certain level due to the eye condition, and thus adaptations need to be made to enable the

use of the remaining areas of vision. There are three basic options that can be used either individually – but more often in combination with each other – to improve visual functioning of the

remaining areas of vision: learning new eye movement skills, using alternative non-optical assistive devices, and using optical devices.

One such skill is that of eccentric viewing, commonly used by persons with central vision loss when they have eye conditions such as macular degeneration, optic atrophy or diabetic retinopathy. The person is taught to look to one side of an object or letter, rather than directly at it, and thus move the “non-seeing” area out of the centre of the field of view. The picture below demonstrates how the “non-seeing” area moves from the centre of the remote control to the television monitor in order to see the remote more clearly.

Alternative techniques, such as using better lighting systems (or in some cases reduced lighting), high contrast objects, enlarged print, and even auditory or tactile techniques, can also be used to improve visual performance of various tasks, such as reading. Other options that can be introduced to improve visual functioning are the use of large index playing cards, enlarged printed books, large screen television or computer monitors, iPads and tablet readers, to name but a few. Options will vary depending on the individual choices and needs of the person.

Special low vision optical magnifying (or minifying in special cases) devices are a further option to consider. They make use of the concept of magnification out of the “non-seeing” areas of the eye into the “seeing” areas of the eye. The options available vary from hand held magnifiers to stand magnifiers, spectacle magnification systems, and illuminated and electronic magnification systems. Some devices are relatively simple to use and inexpensive, while others are more sophisticated. These devices are available from optometrists providing comprehensive low vision services.

InspirationJohannesburg Junior and Mini Councils

Avril Rebeck

“Through our unity we give back to the community”

The Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC) was established in Johannesburg, in 1928, making it one of the first in South Africa. It was formally associated with the Johannesburg City Council, and is now a registered NGO, completely self-sufficient and run by the youth of Johannesburg. The JJC is at present comprised of 74 Junior Councillors, all of whom are Grade 11 students, and nominated by 40 participating secondary schools in the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan area. The Johannesburg Mini Council (JMC), which is the only council of its kind, was established in Johannesburg in 1972. It consists of 80 Mini Councillors (Grade 7 students), nominated from a selection of 40 primary schools.

Both aspire to develop youth leadership and potential, and focus on the betterment of the community, with a vision toward mobilising the youth through involvement and tangible change. The change we make inspires others to better their lives, and the lives of those around them. The JJC is committed to developing future leaders and upstanding citizens of this country, whilst at the same time making our city a better place to live. We encourage the councillors to get involved with charities from all walks of life. The Junior and Mini Councillors are known for their generosity through, amongst others, the collection of goods, raising funds, and cleaning parks. There are no criteria for a school to join the JJC – the only requirement is the desire to participate.

We, the Johannesburg Junior and Mini Councils, have been associated with South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind for many years. To date, we have sponsored seven Guide Dogs. Last year, we brought the Junior and Mini councillors to visit the S A Guide-Dogs Association. They fell in

love with the puppies, and the idea of helping the visually impaired took hold. Soon thereafter, Pieter van Niekerk, GDA’s Head of Marketing, came to address the Juniors and Minis and he handed out collection tins. The funds collected far exceeded our expectations. The Councils have raised in excess of R48 000, which has been put toward sponsoring the ‘O’ litter puppies via five bronze sponsorships and two puppy sponsorships. We are very excited to be part of this project, which, overall, supports 25 people and their new Guide Dogs.

GDA wishes to thank both the Mini and Junior Councils, including the Governing Body, for their continued support as well as the dedication and passion they have shown for our cause.

The Gift of IdentificationBruce Finnemore (Identipet)

When I was a small boy in the dusty town of Welkom in the Free State, too many years ago to remember, the dog with the patch over the eye belonged to Mrs. de Bruin. Everyone knew that, and the canine wanderer who was such a familiar sight in the street was never in danger of getting lost. He would chase the goats that ate the grass on the verges of the road, follow little barefoot children to the local school, and generally was a happy carefree pooch, who always found his way home at night. He had no collar, no microchip or any form of identification. He just went by the name of “Spyker”.

But those idyllic Robinson Crusoe days could not last forever, and the small town grew, the dusty streets were tarred, the traffic increased, walls went up around properties, dogs became contained and eventually when they strayed from their urban cells, they became nameless, confused and helpless.

Thankfully, in 2015 we have all kinds of “fixes” for the problems which stem from societal advancement! Not least of these are implantable microchips for the permanent identification of dogs, cats, and indeed all creatures that benefit from having a permanent, unalterable, identification which shows that are owned, loved and cared for.

Identipet introduced animal microchips into Southern Africa in 1989. It was a marketplace with a desperate need which microchip identification filled. The National Council of SPCAs immediately recognised the tangible advantages, and conferred on Identipet their endorsement, which still to this day, is their only endorsement, for this or any other product.

Identipet’s market and reputation grew and grew, opening up opportunities for microchipping animals in all levels of the social community strata. Today, in 2015 Identipet occupies the enviable position as providing free scanners and database support for 145 SPCAs, Animal Welfare Organisations, rescue clubs, endangered animal organisations, etc. etc. This is apart from the countless veterinarians, farmers, breeders etc. who place the identification of the animals in the safe, reliable and ethical hands of Identipet.

In addition to all of this, and amongst the jewels in the Identipet crown is the enviable relationship with the S A Guide Dogs Association. Since 1997, Identipet has proudly sponsored all the S A Guide Dogs with Identipet microchip identification, database support, and free lifetime membership.

It is a proud feeling that I have every time I see a Guide Dog at work with its human charge. “Yes” I almost shout aloud, “there is another one of our dogs in action”, showing the world the partnership that is possible, when man and animal work in such enviable harmony. And then I quietly add to myself, “and permanently microchip protected by Identipet”.

Did you know that Identipet identifies, and rehomes an estimated 30 – 40 lost, stolen or strayed animals per day. Animals whose owners saw fit, and loved them enough to give them permanent microchip identification.

After 26 years, we know that Identipet is still the premier microchip identification company in Southern Africa with the widest range of products, services and managed database backup, supplying only the finest US and German micro-engineering.

Its about time you asked yourself, “Is my best friend, Identipetted?”If not. Why not?It’s so easy. Just ask your Vet, but insist on Identipet microchips by name.

Meet the Team: Nishane Raghunandan

1. How long have you been working for the Guide-Dogs Association?Five years

2. What do you do for the Association?I am the Finance Administrator, taking care of all the Association’s expenses.

3. Do you have a Guide Dog of your own?No, I don’t, but I do have a little Jack Russell called Gizmo.

4. Do you have a favourite Guide Dog at the centre, and if so, what is its name?You can’t help but love Khan and Ruby, from the Admin and Finance Department.

5. What initially prompted you to get involved with the Guide-Dogs Association?I watched a demonstration and was keen to learn more about the work GDA does.

6. Which GDA event held during the year do you most look forward to?Carols by Candlelight – it has such a warm atmosphere.

7. If you could implement a new law, what would it be?I would make the justice system more efficient. The current crime rate is very high, and I think the system in place is not an effective means to deal with most of the crimes committed.

8. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?The year 2014, only so I could spend a little more time with my mum before her passing.

9. Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?India, my land of heritage, so that I could learn more about my culture and see where my grandparents grew up.

10. Describe a vivid memory from your childhood that has influenced the person you are today.Most of my early childhood days were spent in Phoenix, Durban, an area marked by violence, drugs, and poverty, and that alone will motivate any human being to get out and work harder to be the best that they can.

11. Which song is guaranteed to put you in a great mood for the rest of the day? Any RnB hit that gets me dancing to the tune.

12. What movie or novel character do you most identify with? “Muriel’s Wedding”. I would say I was Muriel, “The Dancing Queen”, in my younger days.

13. What does your ideal weekend look like?Relaxing with friends and family.

14. What’s your favourite food? Anything to do with seafood.

15. Are you a collector of anything? Clothing and shoes.

16. Do you have any hidden talents?

Dancing.17. If you could have a superpower, which would you choose?

The ability to read minds.18. What’s your favourite day of the year, and why?

The 4th of April – it’s my birthday so everyone is extra nice to me.

GDA Renovations

Pub TimeGail Glover

Pub time is a way to relax and unwind for many Guide and Service Dog Owners who attend a residential training class at the Association. At the end of a long day of dog training and lectures, it’s great to spend some social time together enjoying an ice cold drink. Ken Lord built the pub and served as the friendly barman for many years. The pub served as a popular watering hole for about a quarter of a century, and it was ready for a facelift.

Philip Kuhn (GDA board member), John Dammermann (Marketing Director of easylife kitchens), Jurie Spykerman (Sales Manager of PG Bison) and Malissa Barnard (Ceasarstone) joined forces to create the newly designed pub. This non-traditional pub is at regular counter height so that people who are visually impaired and people who are wheelchair users can socialise comfortably together.

We were thrilled with the generosity of easylife kitchens, PG Bison and Ceasarstone, who completed the work free of charge. Thank you so much to John, Jurie and Malissa for giving your time, expertise and quality products to create a state of the art pub that will be used by our working dog owners for the next quarter of a century. Cheers!

Bath timeGail Glover

Thank you to Lynne and Brian Mausenbaum, of Linea Brigio Design, for the donation of baths, basins, and toilets for two bathrooms at our training residence that were looking a little bit tired and in need of a revamp. Thanks Lynne and Brian, the bathrooms look amazing!

Service Dog OwnerHeinrich and VikingHeinrich Williams

Shortly after I became disabled, I was browsing the internet for disability-related services available in South Africa. I then stumbled upon the S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind website. Only then did I realise that GDA also trains Service Dogs.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend training at GDA. At the time, I was a full-time student at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), in Port Elizabeth. Leon (Viking’s trainer), brought Viking down to me and stayed for three weeks to assist in the training and bonding process. I was very nervous during the first few weeks – it was like being a parent for the first time and not knowing if I am doing the right thing – but with Leon’s expert help Viking and I soon became inseparable.

If I had to pick one word to describe Viking, it would be loveable. Everybody adores him. A big treat for him are his carrot sticks in the morning. He will lie and wait until I tell him to go and fetch them from the kitchen counter. When we are at home and he is off duty, he will fetch his lead and bring it to me when he is itching to go for a walk. On weekends after he has woken us up, by pulling off all

the blankets, we go for long walks along the beach. At first, he was scared of the smallest wave, but now he can hardly wait to dive into the water. The waiters at the beachfront coffee shops know him by now and make sure that they stand ready with his ice cubes when he comes padding along.

As I have mentioned before, I was a full-time Ndip – Industrial Engineering student when I first received Viking. He attended all the classes with me (we will be graduating April 2016). Viking is a pioneer for all future Service Dogs in the Eastern Cape, as he was the first to be allowed at NMMU. He was also the first dog to ever be allowed onsite at the Ford Engine plant where I did a project. At the moment, I am studying towards a Bachelor of Technology part-time while I work at Benteler Automotive, where Viking is once again the first dog to be allowed in the plant.

Viking loves to work. He will pick up anything I ask him to, such as paper clips, books, a laptop bag, keys, or the TV remote. He opens and closes doors, calls my wife if I need assistance by nudging her on the leg or barking at her. When I ask him to “get the alarm”, he runs and activates the panic button. It is great fun for him if I send him to fetch something from my wife which he then needs to bring to me.

He is so focused on my needs, he knows instinctively when I am about to go to bed. He will sometimes lie fast asleep and even without me calling him, he will get up to help me undress.

I do not see Viking as a Service Dog, but rather as an extension of myself – my arms and legs. He has most certainly given me confidence to do things on my own. He is such a joy to be around, and just seeing his happy face and wagging tail in the mornings makes me positive about the day that lies ahead.

A while ago, we moved into a new complex. The very first morning that I took him out for a walk, I fell out of my wheelchair. My cell phone was lying out of reach and I told Viking to get the phone. He immediately brought it to me and sat next to me until help arrived. While at the hospital, Viking was all over me and did not want to leave me. The staff allowed him to stay with me throughout my stay. We created quite a stir, and soon the hospital staff and patients popped in to meet Viking. At one stage, I had to remind the nurses that I am actually the one that needs the attention.

Viking is a great blessing! I am extremely grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to receive him.

VolunteersJean Salmon

Laura Kapelari

Jean is part of the original set of South African Guide-Dogs volunteers and has been a fixture in the Monday Group for almost 22 years. Jean recently celebrated her 90 th birthday (though she certainly does not look it!) and has an impressive entourage of 18 great-grandchildren.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jean met her husband Paul while still at college studying Physical Education. The pair married once the Second World War came to an end (her husband had served in the army) and settled in Manchester, where they had two boys.

Later on, the family immigrated to Rhodesia, where Jean worked as a Sports Teacher at several schools in the capital, Salisbury (now Harare). After retiring, they decided to relocate to South Africa in May 1992, where they happily remained.

Jean’s involvement with GDA began when she and husband Paul began attending the Collar & Tie draws each month without fail. Soon thereafter, Jean wanted to get more involved. She and Paul were among the first to join Volunteer Programme once the Gladys Evans Training Centre was established. Jean recalls how Ken would greet the Vollies each morning, have a chat and crack a joke or two with them.

As an affectionately termed “Vollie”, Jean and the ladies in the Monday Volunteer Group assist with various administrative tasks assigned to them by the programme’s current head, Florence. According to Florence, Jean is not only a very dedicated volunteer; she also has a wonderful sense of humor.

While Jean has previously owned two female dogs (to balance out the male majority in her family), the retirement village Jean now calls home is unfortunately too small to have a dog. Jean is also no longer that keen on walking – she prefers swimming, a hobby which she says she doesn’t want to share with a canine companion.

Asked about what drives her volunteerism, Jean notes that GDA is one of her big charities. “The Girls” (the affectionate term for the women who volunteer alongside her) are a further motivating factor. According to Jean, they are not only delightful company, but make for a great Monday treat given the assorted cakes and biscuits that accompany them through the door each week.

In terms of her longevity, Jean says there’s nothing to it really – she simply has and continues to lead a wonderful life. Having been a very energetic and adventurous child, this zest for life has never left Jean, and she is sure to continue her volunteerism for many years to come.

Thank you Jean for your long-lasting dedication to GDA and our Volunteer Programme, and for being such a breath of fresh air. If, like Jean, you would like to become a volunteer, please contact Florence at the S A Guide-Dogs Association for more information.

Obituary

People and Pets who have passed

We remember with fondness our beloved friends who have passed on.

Guide Dogs

Polo 20/08/2007-30/01/2015

Vinny 06/01/2014-05/03/2015

Joey 20/12/2001-10/02/2015

Oban 08/11/2002-16/06/2015

Perry 07/10/2002-9/05/2015

Brodie 16/11/2003-15/07/2015

Admiral 13/06/2002-20/07/2015

Service Dogs

Denver 22/10/2004-9/04/2015

Guide Dog Owners

Deon du Plessis 09/02/2015. His Guide Dog, Gedda, was re-homed.

Puppy Raisers

Mike McLarty 14/07/2015. GDA supporter, Puppy Raiser, and stud dog owner.

The song is ended, but the melody lingers on...

- Irving Berlin

Nursery NewsGreetings from Puppy Block!

Monica Steen

Puppy block has been more quiet than usual since November 2014, but the puppies we do have, have kept us very busy!

November 2014 Pups

First time mom, Anushka, had her litter to Parsons on 26 November 2014. They had the ‘L’ litter, which was another successful Artificial Insemination (AI). The pups are ¾ Labrador, ¼ Golden Retriever, with seven pups in total.

Lewis – Ian & Trina Mckinley (Puppy Raisers)Lorenzo – Hilda Longster & Family (Puppy Raisers)Ludo – Natalie Owen (Puppy Raiser)Liebe – Renske Spies (Puppy Raiser)Lucia – Christine Voigt (Puppy Raiser)Lego – Tracy Loos & Family (Puppy Raisers)Landy – Gratzia Masselli & Family (Puppy Raisers)

December 2014 Pups

Sadly, our brood bitch VB had one full-term stillborn puppy. This was VB’s fourth litter for us – she has produced at total of 18 pups for GDA over the years. VB is now enjoying life as a retired brood bitch with her family.

The ‘N’ litter has two pups, who are ½ Labrador and ½ Golden Retriever. This was another AI litter and the proud parents are Lyla and Fisher. This is Lyla’s last litter for us – she is and has been a very good mom throughout all her litters. Lyla produced big litters for us, and in total she has had 32 pups during her time as a brood bitch. She will now retire and have time to swim and relax in the sun.

Nimble – Angel & Neels Conradie (Puppy Raisers)Nutella – Eileen Sinnet, Mike Sinnet & Family (Puppy Raisers)

May 2015 Litter

Our ‘O’ litter, 7/8 Labrador and 1/8 Golden Retriever, are Nell (first time mom) and Parsons’ puppies (another successful AI litter). With a total of nine pups, Nell handled the whelping well and was calm throughout the birthing process. Though Nell seemed unsure about what to do with the pups when she first saw them, she soon grew used to her new role, looking after her pups very well until they were weaned.

Below are the families that have welcomed the pups into their homes – some of which are struggling to match a name to a personality, so none of the pups have been named as yet.

Yellow male – Joanne Jacobs (Puppy Raiser)Black male – Celeste Kusel & Family (Puppy Raisers)Black male – Sue & Jim Mackenzie (Puppy Raisers)Yellow female – Heide Bergson, Darrell Bergson & family (Puppy Raisers)Black female – Denise Baisley, Mark Baisley & Family (Puppy Raisers)Black female – Ceila Welsh, Stephen Welsh & Family (Puppy Raisers)Black female – Cornelia van der Bank, Francois van der Bank & Family (Puppy Raisers)

The other two black males are going to be puppy raised in Cape Town by Fiona Quartermain and Des and Estelle van Biljon. These special puppies already have names because they are being sponsored by Lions International – Lions District 410A. The Van Biljons are raising Leo, and Fiona is raising Melvin.

We currently have four girls undergoing the AI process and hope to see their little fluff balls soon. We look forward to a bumper year!

Graduates

Introduction

Every working dog that qualifies becomes a tail wagging ambassador for the Association. I have confidence that each of these working dogs will enhance the lives of their owners. Graduation day is a true celebration of the human animal bond, and I believe this bond will continue to grow stronger with each day that the team works together. I would like to welcome every new working dog owner into the Guide-Dogs family. Thank you to Puppy Raisers, Guide-Dogs’ staff, and volunteers, who have contributed to the success of these teams.

GUIDE DOG CLASSES

May 2015, Johannesburg Instructors: Permit Mncube with Karen Opie & Moses Ntaupane

Graduate Guide Dog Puppy RaiserDenise Bell Tia Mera Bill DuffusMark Cussons Takoa Peter & Shirley KruisPaul Dixon Stella Trina & Ian McKinleyKamelen Kleinsmith Tiffany Colleen SprongDeidre Roderiques Trip Mr & Mrs Joanne JacobsLizette Smith Guinness Bonnie EspieChantelle Trollip Tenille Suzanne & Andrew BakerJacob Kruger (Domicilary) Nasser Nico & Alice Kleyn

June 2015, Johannesburg Instructor: Joel van Stavel

Graduate Guide Dog Puppy RaiserJo-Lize Bronkhorst Velvet Eileen & Mike SinnettGavin Harding Ulundi Hilda LongsterAnna Jordaan Venice Gratzia & Francesco Masselli

SERVICE DOG CLASSES

March 2015, Johannesburg Instructor: Maxine Geddie

Graduate Service Dog Puppy RaiserLauren Singer Sheba (Sally Carrera) Antje Herzog

June 2015, Johannesburg Instructor: Leon Bunguza

Graduate Service Dog Puppy RaiserIsrael Vurden Vuka Janine & Richard Wright

AUTISM SUPPORT DOG CLASSES

August 2015, Johannesburg Instructor: Maxine Geddie

Graduate Autism Support Dog Puppy RaiserZane Conroy Rolo Ruanda MouraMaster Aidon Gilmore Wasabi Sandra Small

Book ReviewLaura Kapelari

“How smart is your dog?” – David AldertonPublisher: QuercusDistributor: Jonathan Ball PublishersPublication date: August 2015

“Practical pooch power” is the dominant theme of this read. This compact little book is not just another guide about teaching your dog tricks. Instead, it focuses on re-framing traditional tricks in a more practical setting. No longer just party tricks, the “give paw” and “come” commands become tools to make it easier to bandage a hurt pad or a way to avoid imminent danger. “How smart is your dog” is not about control. Rather, it shows you how to train (or condition) your pet to exhibit desirable behaviour. Hence it’s not only about pleasing you, the owner, through a repertoire of exciting tricks, but putting the dog’s health and safety first.

Another promising feature is that the dog is put first. When training goes wrong, it is usually due to the owner rushing a learning exercise or failing to understand their dog’s abilities. As such, “How smart is your dog” makes it clear that taking your time (focusing on short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes) and practising patience are key to training your canine companion successfully. This is

complemented by cause and effect explanations for why your dog may be acting out and how to address these behaviours appropriately, while avoiding more traditional reprimands.

The layout is interactive, with crisp photos showing the canine spectrum as well as scientific and behavioural facts present throughout the book, making it all the more captivating to read. These facts are in turn accompanied by an appreciation of the different traits each breed of dog brings with it. Some dogs are better suited to different tricks, for example, Labradors have an instinct to fetch. The integrated three-star assessment system is an additional feature. Each star marks behaviour the owner should be looking out for in order to gauge their pooch’s progress, and can be found for each learnt behaviour.

In line with its comprehensive approach to dog companionship, this book addresses the multiplicity of sports a canine companion can become an expert in, such as soccer, sledding, doggy dancing, and even dog surfing. It also covers dogs trained to provide medical and social assistance to people, such as Guide, Hearing or Epilepsy Alert Dogs. This serves to underline the multifaceted nature of the human-animal bond and allows readers to explore and expand on the relationship that they have with their own pet.

“How smart is your dog” is a comprehensive read on the life shared between canine and human, and shows the true complexity at work in this relationship. It is a worthwhile read and a practical addition to any dog-lovers library.

The Collar and Tie Club has had a facelift…

Monique Boucher

The CTC has been around for a number of years, but since 2015 there have been some changes to this club. We are registered with the National Lotteries Board (NLB) and subsequently we need to comply with their rules.

The Collar & Tie membership runs for the calendar year, i.e. January to December. The closing date to join this club will be 30 June each year. You may only join via debit order in January, and you will have to continue the debit order for 12 months to December.

The entry fee is R600 per year, or R50 per month (joining in January), and this entitles entry into 12 draws. Once-off members, who join after January, will still be entered into 12 draws, but the extra draw opportunities will go into the December draw. This means if you join in June, you will be entered once into the July to November draws, and six times into the December draw.

Membership to this club has been restricted to only 1 200 members, and membership works on a first come first serve basis. So to ensure your membership, join as early as possible in January 2016, otherwise you might miss out on the opportunity to stand a chance of winning our amazing cash prizes. The membership form will be posted on our website, and it will be mailed out with the second edition of the Friend in Harness.

The prize money you stand to win each month is as follows:

1st Prize R10 000

2nd Prize R5 000

3rd Prize R1 000

Bumper Draws in June and December R25 000

This club is open to all our supporters, volunteers, and Puppy Raisers who would like to join. Only staff members and their families, and Board Members, are excluded from joining the club. Draw results will be announced on our website, via our newsletter, and on Facebook.

News on some of our lucky winners

Mr J Goatcher (Donor 238444) won twice in 2015, one of these being the bumper draw in December. He has been a member for three years, and his total prize money has exceeded his membership fees.

Miss M Malherbe (Donor 63334) has been a member since 2000, and in 2015 she won R10 000.

There has been some beginners luck as well in the past financial year. Mrs M Ingram (Donor 293123) joined in September 2014, and in the September draw she won R1 000.

Mr J Ralph (Donor 66521) has been a debit order member of the club since 2010, and won in February 2010 and August 2010. Then in 2014, after a quiet spell, he was one of the winners in August. This shows that his ongoing membership of the club paid off in the end.

So not only has it been a good year for our long term supporters, but the newer members also struck it lucky.

Some of winners had the following to say once they were notified that they had won:

“Wow that’s great, now I can visit my daughter in Australia, I have not seen her for 5 years.”

“I am thrilled, I have just moved house and need lots of new things.”

“Yippee you have just made my day.”

“I have been a member for a long time and now I am a winner, hurrah!”

Often, our generous winners donate either part or all of their winnings back to the Association.

Hopefully all our current members and all future members understand the new rules of the Collar & Tie Club. To guarantee that you do not miss out on obtaining a place in this club, join in January 2016.

Meet the Team: Willemien Kleijn

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

Almost five years.

2. What do you do for the Association?

I train Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Practitioners who in turn empower people with visual impairments with the skills they need to lead independent lives.

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

I used to work at the SA National Council for the Blind (SANCB). During that time I observed the huge impact that orientation and mobility training can have on the life of a person with a visual impairment. After leaving SANCB, I worked with older persons for a few years and became increasingly aware of the importance of being able to speak the language of your client and my own inadequacy in that regard, having never learned any African languages. When I saw an advertisement of a vacancy at S A Guide-Dogs College of Orientation and Mobility (COM), I knew this was what I wanted to do. At the College I am able to share my knowledge and skills with people who can in turn train people with visual impairments in their own languages.

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

At the moment, there is a huge shortage of O&M Practitioners throughout the country. If you consider that there are merely 52, whereas there are an estimated 1.76 million people with visual impairments. Training more practitioners isn't enough though, because there is also a shortage of posts. For many people with visual impairments, the challenge is therefore simply getting around without having been taught how to use a cane. Some of them have even been given wheelchairs and now struggle to walk because they have become stiff from the lack of exercise. Others have been give canes, but have never been taught how to use them. Still others sit locked up in their houses and are totally dependent on their family to do everything for them.

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

South Africa actually has some excellent legislation. For example, we have the Education White Paper 6: Special Education, which speaks to creating an inclusive education system where there will be specialists such as O&M Practitioners available for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, the reality is that most special schools for children with visual impairments don't even have O&M Practitioners, let alone any at inclusive or full-service schools.

6. Name a childhood experience that has influenced the person you are today.

As child I grew up in three different continents – Europe, Australia & South Africa. This has given me a love for exploring different cultures and people.

Guide Dog OwnerHeidi Lourens

A Guide Dog means Freedom

Two years ago, I met you. I have come to know and love your gentle spirit, your naughty curiosity, your unconditional love, and your velvety ears. I know they’d hate to admit it, but even the cats love you; I can tell by the way they snuggle up against you. It’s been a year, and I cannot imagine my life without you. Love you my Gulliver boy.

On the afternoon of Friday, 19 July 2013, I received a phone call that Cheryl had a Guide Dog for me. I cannot describe how excited I felt. But perhaps this will illustrate it: I was set to leave for Austria that Sunday, but I was not nearly as excited about this as I was about the fact that I was going to get a Guide Dog!

I met Gulliver on 18 August, 2013. For me, it was love at first sight. I can honestly say that he is the most gentle and patient dog (and perhaps soul) I’ve ever met.

Gulliver, for me, meant freedom. Before getting him, I hadn’t ventured out of the house for some time. I always had to wait for others to take me places, but with Gulliver, I could walk independently.

Gulliver adores children. I am a psychologist, and during sessions with clients, Gulliver usually wants to lie on their feet. But when children entered my office, he jumps up and wags his tail. I remember once walking to my office, when a child ran up to Gulliver. They immediately connected, so much so that I just heard the child’s mother saying, “No, you can’t share your bottle with the dog.” Currently, I am not doing therapy, but I am considering joining “Pets as Therapy”, because Gulliver was clearly born to make others happy.

I mentioned previously that he is very patient. I have four cats, and one of my kitties thinks that Gulliver is his mother. He will therefore try to suckle Gulliver. Gulliver would never bite or snap at the cat; instead, he sighs deeply, stands up and turns around.

My husband wasn’t too keen on having a dog in the house. Well, Gulliver changed his mind. They are, to put it mildly, best buddies. Gulliver often sleeps in Hanro’s arms.

I cannot thank S A Guide-Dogs enough to the tremendous contribution they’ve made to my freedom and for enriching my life with the sweetest, angel of a dog.

Puppy Raiser Christina Urbani

Muddy paws, dog hair everywhere, but oh, what a journey!

I joined the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (GDA) in January 2007, when I went to collect my first pup, Feather, a cute copper-coloured Labrador. I have always been fascinated by these amazing dogs, so one day just phoned the S A Guide-Dogs Association to find out more and asked how I could help. Canine companionship also seems to run in the family – my brother is an instructor in the K9 Police Unit.

Going in, my husband Franz and I were completely clueless, but what a lot of fun it turned out to be!

Our next dog was Saffron, a Golden Retriever with the sweetest, gentlest of natures. By now we had gotten the hang of Puppy Raising. Juniper, a quiet and reserved Black Labrador, was our third puppy. She graduated as a Guide Dog and went on to become the companion of a lovely young man, whom she absolutely adores.

Our fourth and final girl was a Golden Retriever named Fiesta, another ‘F’ litter dog. Oh boy was she a bundle of energy! This spritely young creature made us completely re-evaluate our Puppy Raising skills. Not only that, she also took a toll on our garden: shrubs were pruned (regardless of the season), the lawn was dug up (apparently there were moles…), and she chewed everything she could lay her paws on!

Then, one December, she went in for her first season. My husband Franz came home that day and said that the Guide-Dogs Association was not going to use her as a guide dog. At the time, I still thought that maybe this meant she would go the service dog route, but this wasn’t to be. Shortly thereafter, Kennel Supervisor Caroline phoned us and explained that they were going to use Fiesta for breeding. This struck us both as particularly odd, given the destruction she had wrought on our home. This creature, a Mom!?

Nevertheless, after a romantic interlude with Rocky, another succession of beautiful ‘F’ litter puppies was born. Fiesta was truly amazing at being a Mom – she had found her life’s calling. Her next litter

(U/V) was also with Rocky, and they are currently in training and doing great. Fiesta’s third litter was via Artificial Insemination (AI) and fathered by a massive black Labrador from America called Jay. The puppies are all yellow and black Labrador crosses.

More generally, Franz and I both love helping out at expos. Franz goes with to hold our jumping bean, Fiesta, while I chat with passers-by to promote GDA. The open days and carnivals are such fun! We get a chance to see and chat to all the Puppy Raisers we know and love as well as catch up with the trainers and the other staff, especially Caroline and Monica, who are probably driven nuts by how I fret about Fiesta when she is in for breeding purposes.

When Franz’s aunt in Italy passed away, she had originally left the Semoni Estate to a list of specific charities. While we wanted to make sure that her money went to the charities she had listed, some of these unfortunately no longer existed. Our next step was to approach the bank dealing with the bequest directly in order to see whether an alternative charity could become the beneficiary. This way, the funds could still be used for their original purpose: making a difference. After being told that this was indeed a possibility, we selected the S A Guide-Dogs Association as the bequest’s recipient without hesitating.

GDA is like our extended family, and what better way to support such a good cause than to help fund the wonderful work they do! Watching a graduated dog leading its new owner, a service dog picking up keys or an autistic child cuddling their dog – that’s why I love the work S A Guide-Dogs does and why I am so proud to be a part of it all.

Though Franz and I no longer raise puppies, our home is still being run by dogs: our first two career-changed girls, Feather and Saffron, and now also Fiesta. Our house is covered in dog hair and muddy footprints, but joining Guide-Dogs has been a brilliant journey and has enriched our lives for years to come.

Thank you Christina and Franz for all of the work that you do to assist the Association. We are very grateful for your intervention that led to the bequest from the Simoni Estate. Thank you!- S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind

Frequently Asked Questions

Gail Glover

Q: What makes Labradors and Golden Retrievers the ideal breeds to use as Guide Dogs/Service Dogs?

A: Labradors/Golden Retrievers were bred as working dogs. Working dogs were bred to have a good level of concentration. They are a good size as a working dog and they have a coat that is easily cared for. Generally these breeds are easy going and get on with other dogs and children. As a breed, they are adaptable and cope well with the changes that a working dog will face. The diversity in the breed means that there are Labradors/Golden Retrievers that suit high energy owners who have many different routes and a high work load, and also lower energy owners who have fewer shorter routes. The fact that dogs are selected for their owner once they are mature allows us to match the owner and the dog to optimise the success of the team. The instinct for retrieving is especially important for the work of a Service Dog.

Q: How is a working dog matched to its new owner?

A: Every prospective working dog owner is interviewed in their own home. During this interview we learn as much as we can about the person’s needs, home/work environments, lifestyle, dog handling

skills, and preferences. Right from puppyhood, we gather information about the dog’s strengths, weaknesses, and temperament. This will include the dog’s natural walking speed, energy levels, and the type of work that best suits the dog. The instructors will discuss their dogs and possible matches with each other and with their manager. The more we know about each dog and prospective owner, the easier it is to find the right match.

Q: How old is a working dog when it retires?

A: Most working dogs retire at around 10 years old. The retirement age is very dependent on the dog’s health. Dogs are a lot like people: the average retirement age is 65, but some people retire early, and some people continue to work long after their “official” retirement date. A dog needs to retire if he is no longer enjoying his work. If he gets tired quickly or if he is walking too slowly for his owner, then he is ready to retire. Some dogs begin to lose concentration as they age. This is a sure sign that they would prefer to be sun tanning or relaxing rather than working.

Q: What happens when a working dog retires?

A: The owner will be allowed to keep the dog as a pet. If the owner can’t keep the working dog, then the owner can re-home the dog to a home in which the dog will have the same quality of life. The retired working dog has to remain an indoor dog, and should only be homed with families where they can have human companionship for most of the day. Families adopting older dogs need to be aware that older dogs often do require medication or special diets. If the owner does not know anyone who is able to give their retired working dog a good home, then the dog is retired to the S A Guide-Dogs Association, and will be re-homed by us. We do have some special owners who have spoilt our retired dogs during their golden years.

Q: Does the Guide Dog know that its owner is blind?

A: During the Guide Dog’s training I don’t believe that the dog has any knowledge of why it is being trained to stop at kerbs and go around obstacles, etc. Once the Guide Dog has been living with the owner for a period of time, I believe that it begins to understand that its owner is blind. Dogs are very good at reading body language, and over time the dog will observe its owner very closely. Many sighted people will step over or around the dog, but the owner will trip over the dog if the dog lies in the path of the owner. The dog will also notice how the owner occasionally bumps into obstacles, and has to “search” for dropped items.

Q: How does the Guide Dog learn to “read” the traffic light?

A: This is a myth. The Guide Dog does not make the decision to cross a road. The decision to cross the road is made by the Guide Dog Owner. At a simple traffic light intersection there are two main flows of traffic. The parallel traffic gets a change to move, and then the perpendicular traffic gets their chance to move. To cross a traffic light intersection safely, you need to begin crossing the road as soon as the parallel traffic begins to move. By doing this, you know that you have enough time to reach the other side before the perpendicular traffic has their turn. The traffic flows are not always easy to hear, but if you practice listening to the traffic it becomes easier to tell the difference. Some cycles are easier to hear than others. If there is very light traffic or very quiet vehicles, then it is more difficult. Visually impaired people are advised to wait until they are sure that the traffic flow is in their favour before crossing.

Q: Are all Labradors/Golden Retrievers suitable to become working dogs?

A: No, some Labradors/Golden Retrievers are not suitable to be a working dog for either health or temperament reasons.

Q: What happens to the dogs that are not suitable to become working dogs?

A: All of the puppies that are bred by S A Guide-Dogs are placed with Puppy Raising families where they will spend the first year of their lives. These Puppy Raisers provide an invaluable service, as they socialise the puppy and ensure that it has a happy puppyhood. If the dog is not suitable, the Puppy Raiser will have the first option of adopting the dog. If they do not want to adopt the dog, then the Association will re-home the dog to an approved home. The dog is matched to the new home (we do not re-home our dogs according to a chronological waiting list). All dogs have their own temperament, and they need to be placed in a home environment that is suitable to their needs and the new owner’s preferences.

COM ReportPractical Community Placement of the COM Learners

Rosemary Alexander

Our learners are back at the College of Orientation and Mobility (COM), having completed a three-month practical community placement in various communities. While on placement, they put into practice what they had learnt in the first three months of their two-year diploma course. They were teaching visually impaired clients how to carry out simple, everyday tasks like making a sandwich, making a hot drink, and identifying money. They also taught sighted guide skills, so that the person who is visually impaired could coach a sighted friend on how to guide them in a safe, controlled manner. Pre-cane skills were taught so that the person with the visual impairment can move safely and independently around their own home and immediate area to hang out washing, travel safely to and from the toilet, and undertake gardening skills.

Meggie Banda worked in Tembisa, and during her placement, she stayed at home with her mother and 13-year-old brother (“who is so annoying!”). Meggie found it challenging living at home while working, because in addition to doing her daily work, she was also expected to do her share of domestic chores.

“The first two weeks were hectic!” says Meggie. During this time, she was required to source clients in the Tembisa area, and she did this with the help of a COM supervisor, who visited her on a daily basis. Meggie worked with clients of all ages, and developed a unique relationship with each one of them. She found them to be free-spirited, welcoming and accepting, and she realised that despite being visually impaired, her clients did everything that everyone else does.

Itireleng Care Facility for the Disabled in Ga-rankuwa was Florence Mampuru’s home for three months. This centre cares for those with a visual impairment and with other disabilities. Here, clients with a visual impairment are taught skills like how to operate a switchboard, how to operate a computer, and how to read Braille. They also participate in recreational activities, such as blind cricket and Goal ball.

Florence has a genuine love of people with disabilities, and interacted with a large number of clients, teaching skills of daily living (SDL) like ironing, sighted guide, pre-cane skills, and many routes – like that from a client’s bedroom to the Braille classroom.

Florence says that before she got there, clients would travel from one area of the Facility property to another by linking arms and walking in a “chain”. Now they can each safely and independently follow a route alone.

Her mother has noticed a distinct maturity in Florence, and by her own admission, she has grown enormously and her placement experience has had a huge impact on her.

Phumzile has a one-year-old baby boy at home in Mpumalanga, so it was a real treat for her to be back. Her family is very supportive of the work that Phumzile is doing, so she had lots of help from them.

She was assigned to the Mpumalanga Department of Health, based at the Themba Hospital in White River, and she assisted seven clients: four in their own homes, and three at the Tenteleni Centre for the Disabled.

One of her most challenging assignments was to assist the 33-year-old mother of two children, both of whom are blind. Phumzile has had no formal training as yet with regard to how to teach children with a visual impairment, but using her knowledge of assisting adults, and with the help of an occupational therapist, she was able to make a difference in the life of this young mother.

Earning the trust of one particular client – a woman steeped in traditional beliefs – was extremely difficult. This client has not always been treated well by sighted people, so found it very difficult to allow Phumzile to help her in even the simplest of ways, like offering her a glass of water. Another client, by comparison, was a fast learner who absorbed everything taught to her with great enthusiasm and gratitude.

Phumzile believes that she has returned to the College a far more tolerant person, and one who is better equipped to handle a number of different and difficult situations.

“Eish! The field changes you!” exclaims Godfrey. He was stationed at Kwamhlanga Hospital in Mpumalanga, and shared a house with a speech and hearing therapist for the duration of his placement. One of his clients was a hospital patient, while the others were people living independently.

Some of his clients had had previous Orientation & Mobility training. Godfrey found it more difficult to correct previously learnt techniques – that were being wrongly applied – than to teach techniques to those who had never received training before. One of his clients was a man who walked while wielding a broomstick, and it took much patience on Godfrey’s part to persuade the man to use pre-cane skills (like upper and lower body protection), rather than the broomstick to protect himself.

Godfrey taught routes to clients and assisted one of them with operating an ATM. Many of his clients had low vision, and because this subject had not yet been fully covered in the course, he had to adapt his existing knowledge in order to help them. Despite some unwilling clients, Godfrey found the experience rewarding and enriching.

“Mobility Man” is how Isaac is known to his family in Tembisa. Once Isaac settled into the rhythm of working, he loved every minute of it. “When I saw how my clients were following exactly what I was teaching them, my confidence grew.” He sourced his clients by visiting clinics and speaking to CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation) workers.

One client ran her own business selling steel wool before she lost her sight. When she met Isaac, her sole priority was to learn how to use her cell phone and how to identify money again. With Isaac’s training, she was able to resume her trading business.

Another client, who after losing his sight spent most days just sitting in a chair, needed a great deal of counselling from Isaac before he was prepared to try and revive his vegetable garden. Isaac designed a simple watering can from materials that he found on a rubbish dump, and he taught this client the route from inside his house to the area for the vegetable garden, as well as how to plant

and nurture the seedlings. This support from Isaac has helped re-establish the client’s self-esteem, dignity, and sense of purpose.

One of Isaac’s clients would recognise him by the knock on the door alone. She was very eager to learn, even though she initially expressed disbelief at Isaac’s ability to teach her how to pour liquids and identify money. Once she had mastered these techniques, she claimed that Isaac had performed a miracle!

A client was taught how to pour hot liquids using a wine bottle cork to gauge the level, which he would scrupulously clean and store away after each use. His friends were convinced that the cork had magical powers, which enabled him to perform this daily task, and that this was why he took such care with it.

Sadly, both Isaac and Sindisiwe experienced working with clients who strongly believed that their sight would one day be restored. Those who are visually impaired are sometimes unable to accept their condition as being permanent, and in these instances, empathetic counselling has to be conducted by the learner.

Sindisiwe was based at the Ermelo Hospital, where she was accommodated in the nurses’ home.

One of her clients has been completely blind for the past five years, however, he still has the lingering hope that he will one day be able to see again. Despite being very independent, he has, up until now, relied on his grandchildren to collect his disability grant, and has always had the suspicion that they were not giving him the full amount collected. He therefore enthusiastically embraced Sindisiwe’s money identification lessons.

Imagine his delight when he was able to collect his grant himself, identify and count the money, and place it securely in his shoe, safe from the clutches of his grandchildren!

Now, it’s back to the books and lectures for the learners, who will be busy with their Mobility block for the rest of the year.

KwaZulu Natal ReportMARKETING NEWS

Di Turner

I recently returned from the Royal Show, our annual 10 day Pietermaritzburg event, and once again I would like to thank the Maritzburgers for their amazing support! It is lovely to hear that they look for us every year, and that they can’t possibly go home without their annual car ticket. We had a new stall position this year due to the massive Dinosaur exhibit, and it definitely wasn’t as successful as our regular one. We did however still manage to raise R25 200 in ticket sales, and over R11 000 in donations! Well done to all the hard working helpers, and especially to the Girl Guides, who helped us sell the most books in one day ever!

The other Maritzburg event is of course the Garden Show on the weekend of 24-27 September, and we will be there in our usual river bank stall, so please visit us there and support us. It’s also coming to the end of the car raffle, so it will be your last chance to get a few tickets.

We are looking forward to the Annual Golf Day on 23 October, again held at Umdoni Park Club in Pennington. It is lauded as one of the most fun and scenic courses in South Africa, so please think of joining us. Once again all and any help will be welcome, as well as donations of prizes, and of course the most important people – the golfers!

The other biggie is the Annual Street Collection. This is booked for 28 November, and will cover all of Durban, including Hillcrest. If you are prepared to hold a tin for us on that day, please contact me and I’ll put you on my famous list.

Unfortunately, the collaborative event with the SPCA (announced in the previous issue), which involved fun arena events for people and their dogs, is on hold for the moment. However, we might just cook something up for when the holiday makers are down in December 2015.

I will also be appearing at some Malls selling tickets, so please look out for me and support the raffle.

Cape Town ReportFundraising NewsTeagan Schwerin

We started the year off on a positive and confident note. It is definitely proving to be a year of building strong relations with stakeholders and the awareness in Cape Town is on the rise.

The New Year also brought some fun sporting events, which we were privileged to be a part of.

Cape Peninsula MarathonWe were nominated as one of the beneficiaries of the marathon, which took place in February 2015. We were up at 4am setting up a water stand, with the assistance of Rondebosch Boys High School, and ready for the thousands of runners that would be coming past grabbing sachets of water. It was great fun, and we were very lucky to be part of a well-organised event. Thank you to the organisers for giving us the opportunity.

Cape Town Cycle TourIt was great to be back at the Cape Town Cycle Tour expo after not having had a presence for two years. The cyclists were very happy to see us, and the support that we received is truly appreciated and well noted. We are looking forward to the possibility of having a team represent GDA in the 2016 race.

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon We had a team of 20 runners represent the Association at the historic marathon in April 2015, and were also fortunate to be part of the accompanying expo. Thank you for the tremendous support received from our team, expo goers and the organisers.

Annual Charity Golf DayThe Annual Golf Day took place at the prestigious Royal Cape Golf Club in March 2015, and we had a phenomenal day, going above and beyond by raising the funds for a Platinum Guide Dog Sponsorship (R 80 000). Thank you to Sotheby’s Realty, who was the headline sponsor of the event, and all the sponsors and players that contributed to making the event a huge success.

We also have the support and dedication of our working dog owners, donors and volunteers, who host third party fundraising events.

Love Your Guide Dog Picnic Service Dog Owner Janice Salthouse hosted an evening picnic in Fish Hoek, in celebration of the month of love. Guide Dog Owner Michelle Botha entertained the guests with her amazing voice and quirky lyrics. Cape Town Society for the Blind added to the evening by allowing us to use their beautiful picnic baskets. Thank you to everyone who was involved: food sponsors, sponsors,

volunteers as well as Dawn Pilatowicz for managing the bookings so well. A special thank you goes out to Janice for all that you do for us.

Marina Da Gama CarnivalService Dog Owner Dawn Pilatowicz, who is well known is Cape Town for her outstanding record of selling raffle tickets, hosted another Carnival in aid of GDA, in which Marina Da Gama and surrounding communities are invited as stallholders – all in support of the Association. Thank you Dawn for the immense contribution that you make to S A Guide-Dogs.

Dancers Love Dogs it was yet another proud moment seeing our loyal dogs, Guide and Service Dog Owners, Puppy Raisers and mobility instructors on stage at the Artscape for the most amazing show, Dancers Love Dogs. Puppy raiser Lorraine Moore did an outstanding job of choreographing a dance depicting the “Ode of a Service Dog”. Thank you to Lorraine and the dancers of the Lorraine Moore School of Ballet for a beautiful portrayal. Also thanks to Brigitte Reeve-Taylor, no words can describe the immense gratitude that we have for giving GDA the opportunity to shine on stage again in your truly magnificent show.

Books, books and more booksWith all the book donations that we have received over the past year, we converted our storeroom into a second hand book shop and it has been well supported. The book shop opens every last Saturday of the month and is well managed on a weekly basis by volunteers who are very passionate about books and the Association. Thank you for the support received at the Somerset Mall and Cavendish Square Book Sale, where charities are given the opportunity to sell books. A special word of thanks to Alton Van Biljon, Erich Baum, Val Cotmore, Sheena Hurworth, and Janice Forge.

Schools & Scouts GroupsThank you to the following schools, leaners and teachers for the ongoing support and assisting GDA with educating and raising awareness with our youth:

Elkanah House, Sweet Valley Primary, Micklefield Primary , Camps Bay Primary, Herzlia, Dominican Grimley School in Hout Bay, Edgemead Scouts, and Goodwood Scouts.

Upcoming EventsWe will still be keeping very busy and hope that you will support us at the following future events:

Karoo to CoastCycle Race from Uniondale to Knysna, hosted by Knysna and Uniondale Lions Club on 20 September 2015.

World Sight Gala DinnerIn celebration of World Sight Day, Cape Town is launching the very first World Sight Gala Dinner at the prestigious Kelvin Grove on 8 October 2015. Lions International – Lions District 410A are the headline sponsor for the event. Môreson is the wine sponsor, Oakvalley is supplying all the flowers, and Okasie will be beautifying the ballroom for the event.

Golf DayWe will be launching another Golf Day at Durbanville Golf Club on 25 October 2015.

Dragonboat Race

GDA will be hosting a Dragonboat Regatta at the V&A Waterfront on 6 December 2015, which promises to be heaps of fun, especially as a year-end teambuilding activity.

Thank YouMost importantly, thank you to everyone who continues to support our cause and believes in the service that we provide to our community. Thank you to all the schools, service clubs, social clubs, corporate companies, and individuals for your donations and sponsorships of Guide Dogs and puppies.

Thank you to the Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and senior clubs for supporting GDA.

Thank you to our volunteers and Puppy Raisers, without whom it would be impossible to do what we do. We are blessed to have you as part of the Guide Dogs family. A special thank you to our designer, Bianca Schwerin of Bee Photography and Design.

Thank you, Thank you to all…

Celebration of our Service Clubs (Part 1)Where There's A Need There's A Lion

Pieter van Niekerk

“Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better. That's because we help where help is needed – in our own communities and around the world – with

unmatched integrity and energy.”

Through the initiative of Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, The Association of Lions Clubs was established in 1917, and became an international organisation within three years. Approximately 46 000 clubs with more than 1.4 million members make Lions Clubs International one of the world's largest service club organisations. Members do whatever is needed to help their local communities. Wherever Lions work, they make friends. Lions assist children who need eyeglasses, seniors who don’t have enough to eat, and other needy people, who they may never meet.

In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Clubs International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA, and challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness". Since then, Lions have worked tirelessly to aid the blind and visually impaired.

Lions are restoring sight and preventing blindness on a global scale through their SightFirst campaign (established in 1990). SightFirst targets the major causes of blindness (cataracts, trachoma, river blindness, congenital eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma).

Motivated by Gladys Evans, founder of S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind, the support of the Association by Lions Clubs has been phenomenal. For more than 40 years, numerous persons with visual and physical impairment were given the gift of independence, mobility, and companionship through their very own Guide or Service Dog – a priceless gift made possible by our many supporting clubs.

Much-needed funds have been raised by Lions Clubs International in S A through various club initiatives, such as collections, fundraisers, art sales, cycle rides, Christmas cake sales, and many more. Lions Clubs in S A will leave no stone unturned when they set their aim on improving the lives of people who are in need. We are thrilled that Lions District 410A is the headline sponsor for our World Sight Gala Dinner in Cape Town. As part of this sponsorship agreement, Lions District 410A

has sponsored two potential Guide Dogs, Leo and Melvin. Both puppies will be attending the World Sight Gala Dinner on 10 October 2015 at Kelvin Grove.

The words of Helen Keller describe the love and care expressed by our Lions in South Africa and across the globe: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart!”

To all our Lions supporters, we salute you!

In our next edition, we will be focusing on the good work done by Rotary Clubs.

GDA Team

New Additions

Grace Maposa – COM Admin Assistant

“My passion is administration, and joining GDA in the COM Department as the Office Administrator is a dream come true for me. My desire is to assist in the running of a smooth skills development and training programme that will continue to produce highly qualified O&M Practitioners that can make a difference in the lives of people with a visual impairment.”

Susan van Niekerk – House Mother

“I became a (compulsory) GDA volunteer when I met and married Pieter, our Head of Marketing. At that stage, I was still working for the Government, but felt that there was more to life. I resigned, and found a job at a private company, but it did not take me long to realise that this was also not my dream job. My dream was and is, to work at GDA. I’m now part of an excellent team that strives to make life better for our deserving clients.”

Christopher Tennant - Cape Town Office Groundsman

“I had always wanted an occupation where I could be of help to others. S A Guide Dogs does a great deal to improve the lives of people who are less fortunate.”

Tukelo Nare – Groundsman

“I like my job at GDA. It’s a two way street. By working at GDA I benefit by being able to support myself and my family, but at the same time, I also support a good cause.”

Pule Motaung – Groundsman

“I like working her because I am part of something meaningful. GDA helps visually impaired people by providing them with Guide Dogs so they can lead an easier life.”