VISION GUIDE DOGS

NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 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."]

It's a Girl!

[Image: VGD's newest guide dog-in-training, Starry (aka "Star"), is in a sit-stay position gazing up, sitting on a walkway next to a shrub with green leaves and pink flowers. Starry is a black Labrador retriever and was named by VGD supporter, Alyssa Almon.]

Did someone say puppy? We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest guide dog-in-training! She is pint-sized, adorable, has a shiny black coat, and goes by the name of Starry (nickname "Star"). Being a Labrador retriever, we know that Star won't remain small for long. Over this next year, she will grow by leaps and bounds, learning important skills along the way. It's amazing to think about how much potential this cute pup has. We are optimistic that one day she will make a difference in the life of someone who is blind or visually impaired. We are excited to share her journey towards that goal with you! If you're not already a VGD follower, click on the icons below to follow Starry's, and the rest of our furry trainees', adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook  Instagram

Photo Album

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Buddy attends an event at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. He is in a sit-stay position with the stage visible in the background.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Joy practices boarding a Via bus with her puppy raiser, Annette Hennesey.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Elroy encounters some green, leafy plants at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Joy is in a sit-stay position on a paved walkway next to a pond.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Joy is in a sit-stay position in front of a table placed in the center of Makers Studio art gallery. Paintings hang on the walls in the background, most created by Texas artists.]

[Image: Puppy raiser Jon Reynolds is kneeling down on the floor with guide dog-in-training Buddy in a sit-stay position in front of him. They are in front of the VGD booth at a recent DoSeum event.]

Note of Appreciation

[Image: A digital notecard with colorful flower borders along the top and bottom and a message in the center that reads, "Thank You Gretchen Lilly."]

Thanks a million to...VGD volunteer and Board Treasurer, Gretchen Lilly. From planning and assisting with events to handling some of the less glamorous tasks involving numbers and spreadsheets, VGD can always count on you. While a lot of the work you do is behind the scenes and goes unnoticed by the public, the VGD team knows just how much you do to keep our operations running smoothly. We are so appreciative of the skills, expertise, and dedication you bring to our mission. You keep us moving forward and allow us to make a difference in the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This month, and so many others, you are the MVP!

Events & Information

[Image: The DoSeum logo, set against an olive green background, reads, "The DoSeum: Minds At Play."]

Dogs! A Science Tail at The DoSeum

Members Only Event (there's still time to join):


Attention DoSeum Members! Join us for a fun evening celebrating our favorite four-legged friends. You'll have the opportunity to explore the world through a dog's eye view as well as learn about some of the incredible ways dogs serve their communities. Members, be on the lookout for a DoSeum email regarding event registration. Not a member yet? There's still time to become a DoSeum member so you can attend this exciting event!


We hope you'll stop by the VGD table to say hello!


Date: Monday, August 26, 2024

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Info: Open to individuals and families with a DoSeum membership

Admission Fee: Free to members (register in advance)

Location:

The DoSeum

2800 Broadway

San Antonio, TX 78209

EXHIBIT INFO
MEMBERSHIP

[Image: A digital flyer with a few chocolate chip cookies, one has a bite taken out of it with crumbs left behind, and the words, "Cookies for Community" in the upper lefthand corner. The Tiff's Treats logo and a ribbon with the words "cookie delivery" above it are in the lower lefthand corner.]

Tiff's Treats Cookies for Community:


You had me at cookies! What if we told you that you could make a difference by eating cookies? Well, you can! If you place a Tiff's Treats online or mobile app order using a promotional code during our two-week campaign listed below, 20% of the proceeds will go directly towards supporting VGD's mission.


Date: September 1-15, 2024

Location: Online or the Tiff's Treats mobile app

Promotional Code: To be announced

[Image: 3D digital image of the state of Texas with the words, "The Big Give." There is an image of the Tower of the Americas in the background.]

The Big Give:


Ready to be a changemaker? Do you believe in our mission? If so, we invite you to sign up to be a VGD peer-to-peer fundraiser during the Big Give, San Antonio's day of giving. We'll help you create a team webpage and all you have to do is share the link with your friends and family via text, email, and social media. To inquire about becoming a peer-to-peer fundraiser, email us by clicking on the button below. Not able to be a peer-to-peer fundraiser? No problem. You can still help us by pledging an individual donation or by sharing VGD's Big Give webpage with your friends and family.


Date: September 18-19, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Location: Online (TBA soon)

CONTACT US

How You Can Help

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Buddy in a down-stay position in front of a poster of a cityscape with the words, "Wow. Boom. Bang." A Spiderman foil balloon is to Buddy's right.]

Volunteer Opportunities:


Anything is paw-sible when we work together! VGD needs your help to carry out our mission. From puppy-raising to helping out at events, there are volunteer opportunities for everyone! To learn more, click on the button below. Contact us with any questions:


Email: info@visionguidedogs.org

Phone: (830) 206-0626

VGD VOLUNTEER

That's Interesting

[Image: Two athletes who are on opposing teams, wearing eyeshades, compete to gain control of the soccer ball on the field during a blind football match.]

Paris 2024:


Going for Gold! The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a time to marvel at the tenacity and athleticism of competitors from around the world. This summer, some of those athletes will meet on the pitch to compete in blind football where the key to winning is in the art of listening. Sighted guides (the goalkeeper, central coach, and coach behind the goal) give information and cues to the outfield players who are visually impaired. Together, they work towards a common goal. It is important for spectators to remain silent in order for players on the field to communicate without background noise. The soccer ball is fitted with bells to help outfield players locate it. The team that can sort out the sound information the best will be victorious. To learn more about this fascinating sport, click on the button below.

BLIND FOOTBALL

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Contact Us

Vision Guide Dogs, Inc.

Website: www.visionguidedogs.org

Email: info@visionguidedogs.org

Phone: (830) 206-0626


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

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Visit our website at:

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

Federal Tax ID 92-0898185