VISION GUIDE DOGS

NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

[Image: The Vision Guide Dogs logo features a winding road with a guide dog standing in the center and "Vision Guide Dogs" printed in the upper-right corner. Next to the logo it reads "Navigate the World."]

Welcome to Texas, Zola and Zebo!

[Image: Guide dogs-in-training Zola and Zebo in a sit-stay position in front of a sculpture of a man who is seated, holding a young child, with his guide dog in a sit-stay position by his side. Zola and Zebo are yellow Labrador retrievers.]

We are beyond excited to welcome Zola and Zebo to Texas! They made the long journey from Pilot Dogs in Ohio to join the Vision Guide Dogs family. They are settled with their puppy raisers, waiting to begin advanced training. Zola and Zebo are already stealing hearts in their new communities. Their arrival and training is made possible because of the tremendous support we received during The Big Give and in countless other ways. In this past year, if you donated to our organization, shared a post, had a conversation with a friend about our mission, bought some merch, provided a service, attended one of our fundraising events, or volunteered in some way to assist our mission, you played a part in this dream becoming a reality. In the words of Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." We are grateful for this amazing community of supporters that you helped us build in the time span of just one year!

PHOTO ALBUM

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Zebo snuggling with his new housemate Marble, a white cat, on a bed.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Zola in a down-stay position next to the VGD informational booth at the Vibrant Works Resource Fair.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Zuke walking along a sidewalk while training with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) Mark Hartridge.]

NOTE OF APPRECIATION

[Image: Elizabeth Hepp standing behind the VGD informational booth during San Antonio's White Cane Awareness Day which took place in Hemisfair Park in October.]

How do we define "volunteer"? One "who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task." This doesn't seem sufficient to describe Elizabeth Hepp. As a Board member and volunteer, she possesses passion and commitment in spades. From raising guide dog-in-training Aurora to organizing fundraisers to transporting dogs across the country and more, she goes above and beyond in everything she does for VGD. I think we would all agree that she is the heart of our organization from which all else stems. Beth, we find ourselves in the incredibly lucky position to have you on our team. The mission of Vision Guide Dogs is better off with you in our corner. A million times thank you!

EVENTS & INFORMATION

[Image: Event announcement which reads, "Join us for...Sip & Paint Watercolor Painting Workshop with Paper Happy Studio, hosted by STVO, Nov. 16, 6 PM to 8 PM. Proceeds benefit Vision Guide Dogs." The flyer includes pictures of guide dogs-in-training Zuke, Zola, and Aurora.]

Sip & Paint Watercolor Painting Workshop:


We hope you can join us for a fun evening of watercolor painting led by Paper Happy Studio and hosted by South Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology (STVO)! The proceeds benefit our mission. Paint supplies, wine, appetizers, and dessert will be provided! There are only 24 spots available. Please click on the button below to register and secure your spot! Attendees must be 21 or older.


Date: November 16, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Cost: $100 (please register ahead of time)

Location

South Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology (STVO)

4522 De Zavala Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78249

REGISTER

[Image: Event announcement which reads, "Give Back Night. Chicken N Pickle, Dec. 26, 6 PM to 8 PM, benefiting Vision Guide Dogs. 10% of food & beverage purchases will be donated back."]

Chicken N Pickle Give Back Night:


As we head into an especially hectic time of year, it's important to find opportunities to take a break from the to-do lists and have some fun! Wonderful news...you can do that while also supporting a great cause! Chicken N Pickle is having a "Give Back Night" with 10% of the food and beverage purchases being donated to Vision Guide Dogs. Reserve those pickleball courts and come visit with us and some of our pups!


Date: December 26, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location

Chicken N Pickle

5215 UTSA Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78249

HOW YOU CAN HELP

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Aurora sitting in front of an event table covered in a table cloth with the Vision Guide Dogs logo. Aurora is wearing a Halloween-themed bandana around her neck.]

Volunteer:


Vision Guide Dogs is a volunteer led organization and we are able to do what we do because we have a community of committed, active, and engaged individuals willing to help. At the present time, we are greatly in need of volunteers who can assist us at community events and our sighted guide trainings, puppy sit when a puppy raiser is out of town, and board our advanced training dogs on the weekend. If you are interested in helping with the mission of Vision Guide Dogs, please go to our website to complete a volunteer application. For questions or assistance, you can email or call us:


Email: [email protected]

Phone: (830) 206-0626

Volunteer Application

THAT'S INTERESTING

David Steele, who calls himself The Blind Poet, connects with communities near and far through the written word. His poems are honest, moving, and insightful. We are honored to share one of his poems with you:


My Blind Secret by David Steele, The Blind Poet


I have a secret from the world, that most of you don't know.

Won't hear it in the way I talk and eyes no clue will show.

If you listen to my story, something new to learn you'll find.

For though I'm looking straight at you, I'm legally blind.

It's not a simple yes or no, I'm more a shade of grey.

I rarely venture out alone, as things get in the way.

For what I see affects my days, in much more ways than one and this for some continues, until little left has gone.

But still this pain's invisible, to those that pass us by.

There's some afraid to hold a cane, because of questions why.

Accused of making up our claim and made to feel a fraud.

Feel drained of all my confidence, feel trapped behind this door.

Now hardest thing to come to terms, that makes my days feel long.

It holds us back, knowledge they lack, for all who've got it wrong.

To hear they're judge and jury, even though their facts aren't straight.

Feel misdirected fury, wish opinions now could wait.

To take the time to get to know, the visions that we share.

Come join me in this tunnel, hold my hand and show you care.

To follow David Steele and enjoy more of his work:
Facebook, Instagram, theblindpoet.net

Vision Guide Dogs, Inc.

Website: www.visionguidedogs.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (830) 206-0626


Our mission is to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired navigate the world.

Send Us A Message

Stay Connected:

Facebook  Instagram


Visit our website at:

www.visionguidedogs.org
DONATE

Vision Guide Dogs is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Federal Tax ID 92-0898185