Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU

Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU Mission & Membership
PTGDU is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to promote complete acceptance of guide dog teams in all aspects of life.

Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity
Pine tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization serving blind and low vision residents of Maine and beyond who are partnered with specially trained guide dogs. In pursuit of this mission, PTGDU members engage in a wide variety of opportunities and activities that take place year-round throughout the state. The majorit

y of PTGDU members are current and former guide dog handlers. They may be students, teachers, attorneys, homemakers, state employees, entrepreneurs, volunteers, or retirees. But no matter their backgrounds, they all share a culture of acceptance, inclusion, peer support, diversity, equality, respect, and direct action. History
In 1997, the founders of PTGDU requested and received affiliate status in Guide Dog Users, Inc., a nationwide nonprofit organization that strives to promote civil rights and enhance the quality of life for working guide dog teams. During its formation, key funding was received from The American Council of the Blind of Maine and other generous supporters. Later in 2017, PTGDU was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in the state of Maine and received federal 501(c)(3) designation.

🐾 The September Monthly News Update is hot off the press and ready to fetch!Read practical advice for welcoming a new gu...
09/01/2026

🐾 The September Monthly News Update is hot off the press and ready to fetch!

Read practical advice for welcoming a new guide dog while keeping a beloved retired guide, learn how AI can complement guide dog travel, explore the benefits of playtime, try a favorite banana muffin recipe from Guiding Eyes, and more!

Read it here: https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: A smiling woman wearing a dark gray T-shirt with white lettering and light-colored pants sits comfortably on the kitchen floor between two German Shepherds. She affectionately pets one dog sitting beside her while the other lies stretched out on a rug, resting its head near the cabinets.

Sounds like playtime may be more than just fun and games! 🐾
08/27/2026

Sounds like playtime may be more than just fun and games! 🐾

August 11, 2026 — Could a game of fetch help protect your dog's brain? New research suggests that regular play and activity throughout life may support cognitive health in senior dogs.

🐾📰 The August 2026 PTGDU Monthly News Update is here!Catch up on the latest from the guide dog community, including reco...
08/03/2026

🐾📰 The August 2026 PTGDU Monthly News Update is here!

Catch up on the latest from the guide dog community, including recognition of leaders making a difference, advocacy updates, helpful resources, and a delicious summer recipe from Guide Dogs for the Blind — Grilled Chicken & Peach Salad! 🍑🥗

Take a few minutes to read what’s new and stay connected with PTGDU.

Read it here: www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org/monthly-news-updates

Photo Description: a married couple sitting closely together with their guide dogs on a large flat rock at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park in Bristol, Maine. One of the dogs, a yellow Lab Golden Cross is sitting close beside the woman on the rock looking off to the left. The other dog, a yellow Lab, is lying on the ground in front of the man. The background includes several trees with a mix of greenery and a blue sky with some clouds. Behind the couple, there are picnic tables and a few parked cars visible in the distance,

🐾 Puppy math = a whole lot of wagging tails! 🐾Last year, International Guide Dog Federation member schools welcomed 7,92...
07/30/2026

🐾 Puppy math = a whole lot of wagging tails! 🐾

Last year, International Guide Dog Federation member schools welcomed 7,923 future guide dogs into the world! ❤️

Here's the puppy lineup:
🐶 4,723 Labrador Retrievers
🐾 1,727 Labrador–Golden Retriever crosses
✨ 572 Golden Retrievers
🐕 282 German Shepherds
🤍 146 Standard Poodles

Here's to the puppies—and everyone helping them along the way! 🐾💛

Photo Description: Two guide dog puppies posing together on a low brick ledge outside a modern apartment building. On the left sits Danny, a sable German shepherd puppy with tan and black fur, oversized ears standing upright, and a thoughtful, slightly serious expression. On the right lies Nutella, a black Labrador puppy stretched out comfortably with her front paws forward, looking relaxed and friendly with her mouth slightly open. Danny is wearing his green bandana and Nutella has her Green vest on that identifies them as part of The Seeing Eye puppy raising program. An urban courtyard scene with reddish-brown brick walls, windows, trimmed bushes, and small flower beds are visible in the background.

Lasting love. Ever had a love song written just for you? Maine’s guide Dog handler Izzy Bailey has! Her husband, folk-co...
07/21/2026

Lasting love. Ever had a love song written just for you? Maine’s guide Dog handler Izzy Bailey has! Her husband, folk-country singer-songwriter Skip Bailey, wrote and dedicated his latest song, Wildflower Bouquet, especially for her. Give it a listen on your favorite streaming service or YouTube at https://tinyurl.com/yms9hztx

Photo Description: Skip and Izzy stand together on a grassy lawn with her black Labrador guide dog Bright. On the left, Skip wears a red and black jacket, a dark baseball cap, and dark pants. On the right, Izzy has long blonde hair and wears sunglasses, a dark patterned top, a black skirt, and brown boots. Both are holding drinks. The background features a residential neighborhood with green grass, scattered autumn leaves, leafy trees, and houses in the distance.

🐾 What happens when a guide dog team enters a restaurant, steps into a rideshare, or checks into a hotel? Find out what ...
07/15/2026

🐾 What happens when a guide dog team enters a restaurant, steps into a rideshare, or checks into a hotel? Find out what kind of nonsense they encounter in Guide Dogs for the Blind's new Access PSA!

This satirical public service announcement (PSA) by Guide Dogs for ...

July’s Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Monthly News Update is here! From Churro’s legendary pup cup detour to summer snacking ...
07/01/2026

July’s Pine Tree Guide Dog Users Monthly News Update is here! From Churro’s legendary pup cup detour to summer snacking science (yes, grass munching is a thing), this month is full of community highlights and guide dog powered adventures. And if you’re craving something sweet, we’ve got a light, fluffy, and dangerously delicious recipe from Guiding Eyes for the Blind just for you. Catch all the July highlights here: https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: A close-up of an off-duty golden retriever guide dog inside a vehicle. She is happily licking a Pup Cup treat. The small, clear plastic cup is being held by her handler who has red-painted nails. A little dab of cream is around the dog's mouth.

One question we hear often as guide dog handlers is: "Where does a guide dog sit on an airplane?"The answer surprises a ...
06/24/2026

One question we hear often as guide dog handlers is: "Where does a guide dog sit on an airplane?"

The answer surprises a lot of people—they don't get their own seat! Most guide dogs travel curled up at their handler's feet, tucked into the floor space beneath the seat.

It may not look like much room, but guide dogs are trained to settle comfortably and quietly in tight spaces, helping ensure a safe and smooth flight for everyone.

When you see a guide dog snoozing through takeoff, turbulence, and landing, you're seeing years of preparation in action. Long before they become our partners, dedicated puppy raisers help them build the confidence, patience, and adaptability that make travel possible.

So the next time you spot a guide dog peacefully resting on a plane, remember there's a whole team behind that moment—puppy raisers, trainers, and handlers working together to help a dog succeed. ❤️🐕✈️

Photo Description: Inside an airplane cockpit, two Seeing Eye dog puppies are lying side by side on the floor just behind the pilots’ seats.
On the left is Nutella, a black Labrador puppy with an attentive expression, looking directly toward the camera. On the right is Danny, a sable German shepherd puppy with tan-and-black fur, one ear standing up and the other slightly tilted. Nutella is wearing her Seeing Eye vest and Danny is wearing his green Seeing Eye puppy-raising bandana.
Behind them, the cockpit is visible with pilot seats, control panels, and switches. A pilot is seated to the right, partly visible, holding one of the dogs’ leashes.

🌊🐾 Summer’s heating up, and so are our water loving pups! Whether your dog loves the beach, a backyard pool, or a day at...
06/18/2026

🌊🐾 Summer’s heating up, and so are our water loving pups! Whether your dog loves the beach, a backyard pool, or a day at the lake, a little preparation can go a long way. A recent Guide Dogs for the Blind blog entry highlights common water hazards and simple ways to keep your canine companion safe and sound. Dive into the tips here:

https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/water-safety-for-dogs

Photo Description: Seeing Eye puppies Nutella and Polly sitting together on a sandy beach near the ocean. Black Lab pup Nutella rests in the foreground wearing a silver martingale collar with a green leash. Behind and slightly to the right sits Polly, a yellow Labrador/Golden cross wearing a light-colored collar with dangling ID tags. Blurred pale blue waves and foam rolling onto the shore are visible in the background.

06/09/2026

"No Pets" does not mean "No Service Dogs."

As this guide dog team enjoys a walk along Michigan’s Glen Haven Beach, it's a great reminder that service animals are not pets. Trained service dogs are generally allowed in public places where pets may not be, including many beaches with "No Pets" rules.

Guide dogs provide essential assistance that helps people who are blind travel safely and independently. Their presence is part of making public spaces accessible to everyone.

There are a few exceptions in especially sensitive wildlife areas, where even service animals may be restricted to help protect nesting birds or other vulnerable species. But in most public spaces, people with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their service animals.

Guide dogs help open the door to independence, adventure, and equal access to the outdoors.

Video Description
A woman is being guided along the water’s edge of Lake Michigan by her German shepherd guide dog. The woman wears a white shirt, jeans, and hiking boots. The water of the lake gently laps the sandy shore on a calm sunny day.

Address

P. O. Box 6157
Falmouth, ME
04105

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share