White GDB logo, Tales Unleashed newsletter title with a graphical image of a guide dog and handler on a blue background

February 2026

 
A woman and a GDB dog stand in the aisle of an empty plane

Ready for Takeoff: Puppies on Board

One of the ways our guide dog puppies build confidence is through puppy outings that introduce them to brand-new experiences. Recently, members of GDB’s Southern California puppy clubs took that learning to new heights at Van Nuys Airport, where puppies had the chance to board and explore an airplane during a special outing hosted by RetrievAir. The unforgettable outing was featured on KTTV Los Angeles.

WATCH THE MEDIA CLIP
 
GDB Red Walk for PAWSitive Impact logo with footprints and pawprints

Sign Up, Lace Up, and Walk for PAWSitive Impact!

Registration is open for our second annual Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) Walk for PAWSitive Impact in support of GDB’s life-changing mission!

It’s simple to get involved. Create a fundraiser on our Walk for PAWSitive Impact site, share your story, and invite others to support you and GDB’s programs to help transform lives.

Then, on April 25-26, it’s time to walk your way — anytime, anywhere! Take a private stroll with your pup or gather with others for a community walk.

You can even earn collectible Walk for PAWSitive Impact merchandise!

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP
 
Three people stand in a hotel lobby with a black Lab guide dog and guide dog puppy.

More than a Match: How One Guide Dog Created a Family

Graduation marks the start of a new partnership, but not the end of a bond. For GDB client and employee Amy Salger, her guide dog Pacidy, and Pacidy’s puppy raisers, the connection they share is lasting, powerful, and deeply personal.

READ THEIR STORY
 
A woman with a black Lab guide dog and a woman with a yellow Lab guide dog smile at the camera in two separate photos compiled into one.

Conversations with Chris: Insights on Access and Advocacy 

If you missed the Conversations with Chris event last month, we’ve got you covered. Along with her Annual Update and 2026 forecast, Chris spoke with Kirsten French, GDB’s Manager of Community Education and Advocacy.

Kirsten shared insights from GDB’s recent survey of guide dog handlers, highlighting how policies, practices, and attitudes can create barriers to access—and how intentional education and advocacy can promote equity for people who are blind or visually impaired.

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT
 
A profile photo of a yellow Lab wearing a green puppy training vest, a Golden Retriever in harness and a black Lab in harness.

Central Bark Podcast: How Leadership and Collaboration are Shaping the Future of Guide Dogs

This episode of Central Bark features David Maynard, Executive Director of the International Guide Dog Federation, and Susan Armstrong GDB’s Vice President of Client Programs in a thoughtful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and what’s ahead for the guide dog field.

LISTEN TO CENTRAL BARK