The Atlas Newsletter - November 2024

VISION GUIDE DOGS

NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2024

[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."]

Birthdays & Blessings

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Starry is in a sit-stay position next to a basket filled with autumn-colored flowers and a sign that reads, "Welcome to our home."]

We're paws-itively grateful! This November 1st marks an exciting milestone—our 2nd birthday! As we celebrate this special day, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on our incredible journey so far and the unwavering support we've received from you. In the spirit of the season of giving, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all our supporters, donors, and volunteers. Your generosity continues to make an enormous impact on the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, providing them with independence and companionship through the gift of a guide dog. Thanks for LEAF-ing a positive mark on the world 🍁🦮💖

Puppy Pics

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Joy is in a sit-stay position in front of a fall display at Bass Pro Shops featuring hay bales, colorful leaves, pumpkins, and scarecrows.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Starry is in a down-stay position in the parking lot of Warren High School at their Trunk or Treat event. There is a car with its trunk open decorated to appear like a giant dog with a table next to it that has a bowl of Halloween candy.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Elroy is in a down-stay position in front of a display of Halloween decor at a store.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Joy is in a sit-stay position on a sidewalk. There is a shrub with bright yellow colored flowers behind her.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Starry is in a sit-stay position in front of a sign that reads, "Aquí Vote Here."]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Buddy is in a sit-stay position in front of a store entrance waiting for his puppy raiser, Jon Reynolds, to open the door.]

Upcoming Events

[Image: Digital flyer that reads, "The More the Merrier. You're Invited. Join us for an event with Kendra Scott." The background is forest green and there is a red ribbon on the left side.]

SAVE THE DATE: Kendra Scott Gives Back

Join us Thursday, December 12 for some fabulous holiday gift shopping benefiting VGD's mission. More details to follow in our December newsletter!

[Image: Guide dog Zola is in a sit-stay position next to Santa Claus. They are in front of a holiday display.]

SAVE THE DATE: Vibrant Works Breakfast with Santa

We will be participating in this festive event on Saturday, December 14. Stay tuned for more details in our December newsletter!

Lend a Helping Hand

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Starry is in a down-stay position in front of VGD's booth at San Antonio Parks Foundation's Fest of Tails event.]

Tournament Volunteers Needed:

We're in a pickle! Do any of these adjectives describe you: enthusiastic, organized, creative, resourceful, or collaborative? If so, you are just who we're looking for to join our tournament planning committee! VGD's 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament will take place on Sunday, February 9. With your help, we know this event will be a big success!

If you're interested in joining our tournament planning committee or would like to donate an item for our tournament raffle or pickleball winner prizes, please email us by clicking on the button below.

Expressions

[Image: Camera film strip with a photo of a busy crosswalk in a large city with many skyscrapers in the background. Cars are stopped at the traffic light while pedestrians and cyclists cross the street.]

Street Life, an original poem by Jeana Orman:

PANIC

I’m in the middle of the street

and yet I stand stone still

fight or flight but I do neither

not just any street

but one that’s famous

for its traffic.

cars speed by

I nearly lose my mind

Oh God I’m surely going to die.

And then an angel

stops his truck

and helps me cross

I tell him thanks

and say I love you (to myself)

home once more

I vow to never cross alone

for more than 20 years

I keep my promise.

calling friends to “take me for a walk”

we laugh but it’s no joke

And then a miracle

a new companion

always by my side,

to keep me safe and sane and loved

another angel sent to give me back my life

and with some time she does

My guide dog, Ella, always in my heart.

A volunteer for Vision Guide Dogs and newcomer to poetry, Jeana Orman writes about relationships. Street Life depicts her visually impaired friend’s harrowing experience crossing San Antonio's Austin Highway and shines a light on the guide dog who would truly transform her life.

Just For Fun

[Image: A corgi is lying down on a blanket next to a few pumpkins.]

Pumpkin Dog Treats:

Pumpkin spice, wagging tails, and everything nice! While our furry family members can't partake of all the fall treats we humans can, they can enjoy some made with pumpkin puree (unsweetened, no spices). Click on the button below for some bark-tacular pumpkin dog treat recipes from the American Kennel Club (AKC).

RECIPES

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's important to be aware of the foods that our beloved pups can and can not enjoy. For the AKC's list of holiday foods that are safe (and unsafe) for your dogs, Click here.

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