GDB Client Mary Flanagan Celebrates 34 Years of Guide Dog Partnerships
For Mary Flanagan of Wake Forest, North Carolina, stepping onto the stage at her fifth Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) graduation ceremony was a moment of triumph—and gratitude. Recently paired with Rupert, a sweet-natured yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross, Mary reflected on the incredible journey she’s had over the past 34 years with guide dogs by her side.
GDB Weighs in on Department of Justice Vs. Uber Lawsuit
The U.S. Justice Department is suing Uber saying some of the company’s drivers have refused rides to people with service dogs or those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids — a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Kirsten French, GDB’s Community Education and Advocacy Manager, who’s had rides canceled because of her guide dog — joined Lynn Dubinsky, Vice President of Client Engagement and Impact, to talk with Oregon Public Radio’s Dave Miller about the lawsuit.
Full Circle: How a Puppy Raiser Found Support in the GDB Community
For years, Dr. Cindy Barekman helped shape the futures of dogs who would go on to change lives. As a GDB puppy raiser, she watched each pup grow into a symbol of confidence and connection. But when her own sight began to waver, it was the very community she had devoted herself to — and the dogs she’d helped raise — that illuminated her path forward.
As the largest guide dog school in North America, GDB knows firsthand the pervasive problem that fraudulent service dogs provide to guide dog handlers. And the situation has only gotten worse with the rise in emotional support animals and inconsistent enforcement of federal laws. The state of Wisconsin has a bill that seeks to regulate emotional support animals in housing, and GDB weighs in.
We love receiving questions from our listeners, so for this episode, we asked GDB staff experts to answer some of the most common questions that you've sent us. Hear from our Canine Welfare Neonatal Team about puppy socialization and activities in our Puppy Center, our HR team about some of the most unique jobs at GDB and the perks of working here, as well as our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors!
