Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU

07/23/2025

Blindness isn’t just about losing sight; it’s about discovering a world where other senses are more meaningful. For instance, consider a trip to the airport...

HEARING: 👂

The sound of luggage rolling across a metal plate for a few seconds indicates the entrance to a nearby escalator.

TOUCH: 🖐

The feel of an escalator handrail as it starts to level out signals the appropriate time to begin exiting the moving stairway.

SMELL: 👃🏽

The distinct smell of sanitizing agents wafting across the airport corridor reveals the nearby location of public restrooms.

Photo Description: Close-up of the head and face of Seeing Eye German shepherd Morty resting his head on his handler’s leg in an airplane seat. His ears are perked up and his handler is wearing jeans and a blue jacket. In the background, the back of an airplane seat is visible, featuring a fold down tray and a sign relating to onboard services.

07/18/2025

Lessons in love. Puppy raisers give guide dog puppies abundant affection, teach basic obedience, and expose the dog to many social situations and environments. Their labor of love is crucial to the overall success of every guide dog team.

Photo Description: Female Black Lab Guiding Eyes puppy O'Hara sitting on an orange flat shopping cart in the parking lot of a "big box" home improvement store. She’s wearing a blue and white guide dog school bandana. She is looking directly at the camera and her eyes glint and her black fur shines in the late day sun.

07/09/2025

Maine’s iconic seafood and coastal landmarks draw millions of visitors each year.
But tucked between picture-perfect postcard views are fun adventures with Maine’s guide dog puppies and their raisers!

Ahoy there matey!! Beautiful big boy and mellow yellow lab Eclipse is perched on a cushy seat in the stern of a motor boat. He’s sailing across a lake with the wind in his fur, his ears flapping in the breeze, and his nose working on a delectable scent in the air. What could be better but this bluebird day in Maine with such a handsome boy?

07/07/2025

The heat is on! Sweltering summer days can leave you wondering how to help your dog safely enjoy the season. Try these 10 heat safety tips!

https://tinyurl.com/bp77xj6j

Photo Description: PTGDU member Izzy and her black Lab guide dog sitting on a bright yellow and red paddleboard. Izzy’s legs are pulled up and her back is slightly turned as she looks over her shoulder towards the camera. She’s wearing a purple sleeveless top and denim shorts, with tattoos visible on her arm. Bright is also looking back at the camera while seated on the paddleboard. The lake is calm with a boat in the far distance.

07/02/2025

Holiday overload! For some dogs, the 4th of July is just another day. But for others, the exploding lights, blasts, pops, whizzes, and thunderous crashes can be way too much. Find out how to prepare your pup for a stress-free holiday from our friends at Dogs, Inc. https://dogsinc.org/blog/ask-the-trainer/4th-of-july/

Photo Description: Off-duty German Shepherd guide dog Vegas lying on grass in a fenced-in backyard. The dog has a tan and black coat with its tongue out, looking content. In front of the dog, there is a colorful ball, predominantly yellow and blue. Trees and a wooden fence are visible in the background.

07/01/2025

The Magic of Discovery. Read about PTGDU member Sue Martin’s inspiring account of an unexpected trip to Michigan with her new Seeing Eye dog Kasey and more in our July Monthly News Update at https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: Sue and Kasey standing on a high sandy dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In the background, Lake Michigan is visible, stretching out to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.

06/26/2025

Ouch! Sizzling hot pavements can scorch your pup’s paws in a matter of minutes. Press the back of your hand on the hot surface for seven seconds. If it's uncomfortable for you, it's too hot for your dog! Get more summer safety tips from @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I1NCqeDpDM&t=865s
Photo Description: A Guiding Eyes yellow Lab with a black harness and yellow leash sitting on a dock with metallic railings. The dog is happily looking towards the camera. In the background, several boats are visible with a distant tree line under a cloudy sky.

06/18/2025

Hot Biggity Dog! Ten year old retired guide dog Renton after enjoying a dig in a muddy-bottomed stream while hiking the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest with his puppy raising family.

Photo Description: Close-up of a light-colored yellow Lab’s face partially covered in dark mud. The dog is looking up with its mouth slightly open, showing its teeth and a bit of mud around the lips. His eyes are wide open, giving an expressive and curious look. Small plants and grass are visible in the background.

06/14/2025

Ever wonder how to help guide someone who is blind or visually impaired? It’s easier than you think and it can make a big difference!

If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone who is blind could use a hand navigating, here’s what to do:

1. Ask first! Say something like, “Would you like some help?” Don’t just grab them—they’ll appreciate the respect and the choice.

2. Offer your arm, don’t take theirs. Let them take your elbow, and walk a step ahead of them. This is called human guide technique. It gives them the ability to feel your movements and follow your lead naturally.

3. Communicate. Let them know about any changes in the environment—curbs, stairs, doorways, or narrow spaces. A simple “step up,” “door on your right,” or “we’re going through a tight space” goes a long way.

4. Keep it natural. There’s no need to be awkward or overly cautious. Just be yourself, and think of it as walking together as a team.

5. Ask how they prefer to be guided. Everyone is different—some might prefer a shoulder instead of an elbow, or need a little more space.

Taking the time to guide someone properly shows respect, dignity, and inclusion. Let’s all keep learning how to create a more accessible world one step at a time.

06/12/2025

Maine’s rocky coastlines and deep woods may stir your soul, but if you want to feel the true heartbeat of love in our state, get involved with the people and pups from the Guiding Eyes Maine Puppy Raising Region!

Photo Description: Close-up of Quest, a Guiding Eyes black Lab puppy with slightly perked up ears and a short, glossy coat sitting in front of a lighthouse. The pup is wearing a red collar with a shiny, bone-shaped tag. In the background, Portland Head Light stands tall against a blue sky with wispy clouds.

06/06/2025

Beware of ticks! Find out how to limit your dog’s exposure to potential tick-borne infections, reduce tick habitats in your yard, and other helpful strategies to protect your dog against these tiny little terrors. Visit the Tick Lab at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension website at https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/management/pet-protection/

Photo Description: a triangular warning sign attached to a tree in a forest. The sign features a black silhouette of a tick inside a red border, with the text "BEWARE OF TICKS!" beneath the tick illustration. The background is densely wooded with fallen leaves covering the ground.

06/05/2025

News flash. Our June monthly news update is now available. Find out how to care for aging dogs, get tips for transitioning your guide dog into retirement, try out a delightful summer salad, and more at https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: a young woman kneeling on a grassy area in a mountainous landscape at Alberta Peak. She's wearing sunglasses and a light blue shirt, with a backpack. She is smiling and has her arms around Renton, a large yellow Lab that she raised as a pup. Renton is a retired guide dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind, now living back with his puppy raising family. In the background, there are rocky peaks, open skies with clouds, and a mix of green and dry vegetation.