Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU

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Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU

Mission & Membership
PTGDU is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life.

Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity
Pine tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization serving blind and low vision residents of Maine and beyond who are partnered with specially trained guide dogs. In pursuit of this mission, PTGDU members engage in a wide variety of opportunities and activities that take place year-round throughout the state. The majority of PTGDU members are current and former guide dog handlers. They may be students, teachers, attorneys, homemakers, state employees, entrepreneurs, volunteers, or retirees. But no matter their backgrounds, they all share a culture of acceptance, inclusion, peer support, diversity, equality, respect, and direct action. History
In 1997, the founders of PTGDU requested and received affiliate status in Guide Dog Users, Inc., a nationwide nonprofit organization that strives to promote civil rights and enhance the quality of life for working guide dog teams. During its formation, key funding was received from The American Council of the Blind of Maine and other generous supporters. Later in 2017, PTGDU was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in the state of Maine and received federal 501(c)(3) designation.

03/19/2026

In a busy store aisle, it’s easy to rely on a quick glance or eye contact to signal “can I get by?”—but if someone is blind, those silent cues don’t work. In these moments, people often turn to a sighted companion instead, hoping they’ll step in or pass along the message. Even when it’s unintentional, this can leave the blind person feeling left out of an interaction that directly involves them.

A simple shift makes a big difference: just speak directly to the blind person. Saying something like, “Excuse me, can I get by on your left?” is clear, respectful, and gives the person the chance to respond for themselves—no eye contact needed.

Small changes like this help support independence and make everyday moments—like navigating a store aisle—more inclusive for everyone.

Curious to learn more about who we are and what we do? Visit Pine Tree Guide Dog Users:
http://www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org

Photo Description: A black Lab guide dog looking up at the camera while standing in the aisle of a store. Near the dog, the handler’s light brown boots and jeans are visible.

03/05/2026

That’s No Ordinary Pup . . . and Your Pet Dog Knows It! Pet dogs read the world primarily through body language — and guide dogs don’t always look or move like typical dogs. Those differences can feel confusing or even threatening to another dog, especially in close quarters. Explore our Pet Owner’s Guide to learn how to support safe, respectful interactions when your dog encounters a working guide dog team. Read the complete guide here: https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/pet-owners-guide/

Photo Description: A woman sitting with her golden retriever guide dog at an outdoor café. A young man with a large black dog is seated a safe distance away on a bench.

03/04/2026

The sky’s the limit! we’ve got lots to share in PTGDU’s Monthly News Update for March! Check it out at https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: A sable German Shepherd guide dog puppy’s head resting on the floor just beneath the armrest of an airline seat. Passengers' lower legs and feet, and glimpses of fur and paw from two other puppies are visible in the seats further ahead.

02/23/2026

It’s not just you! Every day, well-meaning people pet, talk to, or distract our guide dogs while they’re working. While it may seem harmless, repeated interactions like this can weaken a dog’s training and make it harder for them to stay focused and do their job safely. Please help set our dogs up for success—when you see a guide dog in harness, ignore the dog and direct your attention to the handler instead. Thank you!

Photo Description: A black Lab Leader Dog jauntily guiding his handler across a parking lot near the wharf in Portland, Maine’s waterfront community. The man is wearing a brown jacket, black gloves, sunglasses, a dark flat cap and colorful plaid scarf wrapped around his neck. Several boats, buildings, and various maritime structures including pilings along the Four River Estuary are visible.

02/18/2026

Myth: Saying “Guess who?” or “Do you know who this is?” is a fun and playful way to greet a friend or acquaintance who is blind.

Fact: Most people — sighted or blind — can’t recognize a voice from just a few words. It’s like answering the phone without caller ID and being asked to “guess who.” It creates unnecessary pressure and shifts focus away from the conversation.

A blind person doesn’t have visual cues to help identify you, so if you don’t say your name, they may be forced to guess, ask, or pretend to know. None of those feel natural. A simple “Hi, it’s Sadie” removes the awkwardness, keeps the interaction smooth, and shows respect. 😀😀

Photo Description: Two career-change German Shepherd guide dogs lying on a blue bench in an outdoor park setting. The bench has colorful heart decorations painted on the backrest. One dog is mostly tan with black fur, and the other is mostly black with some tan markings. The bench sits on a concrete slab with some scattered leaves. On the slab, looking closely are the words kindness rocks made out of different colored stones.

02/12/2026

Winter paw protection. Road salt, de-icers, and ice are hazards to your dog’s feet. Guide Dogs for the Blind recommends checking your dog’s paws and pads every day for cuts, cracks, blisters, and bleeding. Trimming the fur on the bottom of the paws helps prevent the snow and ice from accumulating, which can be painful for your dog. Paw balms such as Musher’s Secret Paw Wax can be used daily to keep paws moisturized and healthy. They also provide a barrier to salt and ice when applied before your dog goes outside.

If traveling, baby wipes are a great way to wipe the salt and other de-icing products off of paws. Once home, you can wipe your dog’s feet, legs, and belly with a damp towel to remove these irritating (and toxic) products.

Booties make the winter so much better. There are many great options out there (e.g. Ruffwear and Paws Disposable Booties). Make sure they are comfortable, flexible, and not too tight. Wearing a boot liner or a baby sock can provide extra warmth, absorb moisture, and prevent chaffing. A great way to deal with winter walks is to use Musher’s Secret Paw Wax combined with lightweight protective booties such as Pawz Disposable Booties.

Photo description: A woman and her yellow Lab Golden Cross guide dog walk along a snow-covered road on a sunny day. The dog is wearing Ruffwear booties and a bright blue snowsuit while the woman is bundled up in a long, dark-colored down coat, colorful mittens, and a black scarf. Snowbanks line the path, and bare trees and a white house are visible in the background.

Alt text: A Lab golden cross dog in black boots guiding her partner along a snowy country road.

02/02/2026

“Sharing my life with my guide dogs is all inclusive. It doesn’t begin when the harness goes on and it doesn’t end when the harness comes off.” Read about PTGDU member Sue Martin’s cross-country skiing adventures with her Seeing Eye dog and more in our February Monthly News Update at

https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates

Photo Description: PTGDU member Sue Martin with her German Shepherd Seeing Eye dog Kasey on a snowy trail in Northern Michigan. Sue is crouching down, gently cupping her dog’s muzzle in her hands while Kasey happily gazes into Sue’s face.

01/09/2026

Winter wonderland. Know your dog's limits. Cold tolerance varies by size, fur type, age, and overall health. Watch for signs of distress such as shivering, slowing down, whining, or lifting one or more paws. Get more cold weather safety tips from Guide Dogs for the Blind at https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/cold-weather-safety-tips-from-gdb

Photo Description: two off-duty guide dogs playing in a snow-covered yard. Yellow Lab Easton is bending down with his front legs and snout close to the snow while playing with a chunk of ice. A smaller Lab golden cross Emma stands nearby closely watching Easton. In the background, there are leafless trees, a fence, and a partially frozen body of water.

01/02/2026

🌟 We’re kicking off 2026 with our January edition of the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Monthly News Update — and it’s packed with community highlights, practical resources, advocacy tips, and even a delicious winter recipe from one of our Facebook fans. https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: a three-year old, light yellow off-duty Lab Golden Cross guide dog standing in a snowy fenced-in yard. In her mouth, she’s holding a deep reddish-purple colored plush octopus with multiple tentacles covered in snow. Blurry trees and bushes are visible in the background.

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Pine Tree Guide Dog Users! May the warmth and joy of the season fill your hearts and homes with love, peace, joy, and lots of tail wags!

Photo Description: a woman cross-country skiing with her off-duty guide dog on the snow-covered trails of Maine's Acadia National Park. She is smiling and wearing a red cable sweater while her leashed German Shepherd trots along with her in the snow.

12/17/2025

Protect your pups from hidden holiday hazards! Check out these safety tips from the experts at Guide Dogs for the Blind.

1. Skip the Table Scraps

As tempting as it is to share the holiday feast, your dog’s digestive system doesn’t see it as a treat. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, and common ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, onions, grapes, and raisins can be toxic. Keep leftovers sealed, trash secured, and drinks out of reach.

2. Choose Pet-Safe Plants

Some festive plants, such as amaryllis, holly, poinsettia, and mistletoe, can cause illness if ingested. Opt for pet-safe alternatives or faux greenery to brighten your space without the risk.

3. Practice Candle Safety

Candles add warmth and glow to the holidays, but wagging tails and open flames don’t mix. Always keep candles out of reach and never leave your dog unsupervised around burning candles.

4. Keep Ornaments Out of Reach

Decorations look beautiful, but they can be dangerous if broken or swallowed. Avoid hanging fragile or food-based ornaments (like salt dough or popcorn garlands) within your dog’s reach, and steer clear of tinsel, which can be especially harmful if ingested.

5. Watch for Potpourri and Essential Oils

Holiday scents are lovely for people, but not for dogs. Potpourri and essential oils can cause irritation or poisoning if touched or ingested. Keep these items well out of your dog’s environment.

6. Secure Toys and Batteries

Small toys and batteries from new gadgets can look like chew toys to a curious pup. Swallowing a battery can cause chemical burns and serious harm, so keep play areas tidy and clean up promptly after unwrapping gifts.

7. Create a Quiet Retreat

Even the most social dogs sometimes need a break. Give your dog a calm, comfortable space away from guests, music, or fireworks (especially during New Year’s celebrations). A little peace and quiet can make a big difference in their well-being.

Photo Description: a Guide Dogs for the Blind black Lab looking directly at the camera while sitting on a snowy wet sidewalk. Snowflakes are gently falling and some have landed on the dog’s fur, harness, and the ground around it. The background is slightly blurred with some snow accumulation visible.

12/10/2025

📸 Snap the perfect holiday pic of your pup with these expert step-by-step tips! https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/general/how-to-take-picture-perfect-holiday-photos

Photo Description: A tan and black off duty German Shepherd guide dog with a red bandanna sitting beside a festively decorated Christmas tree and wrapped presents. Next to the dog and presents is a snowman figure on top wearing a red hat and white scarf. The side wall has a backdrop of a fireplace scene with a flickering fire and red stockings hanging above.

Address

P. O. Box 6157
Falmouth, ME
04105

Website

http://PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org/

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