Pine Tree Guide Dog Users PTGDU

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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.

06/03/2026

📢 News Flash! PTGDU’s Monthly News Update is Now Available! 🦮

Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the guide dog community in this month’s edition of PTGDU’s News Update.

Inside you'll find a special tribute to Eric Loori, founder of Freedom Guide Dogs and a true champion for people who are blind; helpful tips from experienced guide dog handlers; a delicious sandwich recipe courtesy of Leader Dogs for the Blind; news about The Seeing Eye’s nationwide access report; and more.

Read the full update here:

https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: Founders Eric and Sharon Loori standing beside the Freedom Guide Dogs sign posted on the organization’s campus grounds. The photo was taken during the school’s 30th anniversary event.

05/25/2026

Take me out to the ball game! A huge thank you to all of the incredible puppy raisers for the time, patience, and love they pour into socializing future guide dogs! 🐾 From ball games to other sporting events, every new experience helps these puppies grow in confidence and prepare for their next chapter in life. 💛

Photo Description: Polly, a yellow Labrador/Golden cross puppy is being held in her puppy raiser’s lap at Phillies stadium during an evening game. Polly fills the right side of the photo, with her soft golden fur and floppy ear sharply in focus as she looks out over the crowd and the field with a calm, curious expression.

In the background, rows of fans sit in dark blue stadium seats facing the bright green baseball field. A giant scoreboard and video screen glow above the outfield, showing a player in a blue shirt. The sky is dramatic and cloudy, with sunlight breaking through near the horizon.

05/21/2026

🐶🌿 Tick Trick for Outdoor Adventures 🌿🐶

After spending time in the woods or tall grass, use a sticky pet hair roller on your dog — and even yourself — before heading inside. It can help remove ticks that may have climbed on during your outing before they have a chance to attach. 🐾

Photo Description: A triangular warning sign attached to a tree trunk in a forest. The sign has a prominent black tick illustration inside a red-bordered white triangle. Below the tick image, the text reads "BEWARE OF TICKS!"

05/13/2026

We’re excited to share that Maine ranked #12 in the nation in The Seeing Eye’s very first State-by-State Service Dog Access Report Card! 🐾💙

This new report looks at how well states protect the rights of people who use service dogs and how accessible communities are for service dog teams. While there’s always more work to do, it’s wonderful to see Maine recognized as one of the stronger states in the country for service dog access and support.

A huge thank you to the advocates, businesses, organizations, and community members helping make Maine more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

You can read about the full report here:

https://seeingeye.org/press-release/the-seeing-eye-releases-first-ever-state-by-state-service-dog-access-report-card/

Photo Description: a man and a woman with guide dogs standing near a wooden fence with a chain-link fence beyond it at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. A large moose is resting on the ground in the forested enclosure.

05/04/2026

Get the scoop! PTGDU’s May Monthly News Update is here. Stay up to date on what’s happening, including a special tribute to John Byfield, who was a true legend in the guide dog movement. https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/

Photo Description: Vintage photo of John Byfield wearing a white dress shirt with a dark tie and pants from Freedom Guide Dogs where a link to contribute to the John Byfield Freedom Fund is now available.

04/29/2026

Today is International Guide Dog Day! A day to recognize the extraordinary partnership between guide dogs and their handlers—the trust, independence, and quiet teamwork that makes navigating the world possible in ways many people never see. It’s a partnership like no other, and we’re deeply grateful to our dogs, and to all those who help make it happen. Happy International Guide Dog Day to all!

Photo Description: Close-up of a human hand gently holding the paw of a black Lab guide dog. The dog’s paw is extended and resting across the palm of the woman’s hand. A light-colored wooden surface with a subtle grain pattern is visible in the background.

04/22/2026

We're rooting for independent travel, no matter how you go about it! 👏

04/16/2026

Guide dogs aren’t always on duty!

Photo Description: Close-up of two off-duty light-colored Labrador retriever guide dogs playing on a blue rug. One dog is standing over the other, who is lying on its back. The standing dog is gently biting the ear of the lying dog, while the dog on the floor looks relaxed and is happily biting the leg of the standing dog.

04/01/2026

News alert! Get the latest tips and tricks from seasoned guide dog handlers and so much more in the latest issue of the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users
Monthly News Update. https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/monthly-news-updates/
Photo Description: PTGDU member Angi sitting with a yellow Lab Golden cross Leader dog. The dog is resting at her feet while looking directly at the camera. Angi is smiling and wearing a black skirt with a shawl and her hospital volunteer badge.

03/25/2026

Do dogs know they’re dogs? 🐶🤔
Sniff out the answer on the Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids, where canine cognition expert Alexandra Horowitz helps unravel this paws-itively puzzling question!

You’ll also dig into fun topics like:

Do dogs dream? 💭
Do they have their own “languages”? 🐾
And so much more!
Give it a listen and let your curiosity run wild:
https://omny.fm/shows/brains-on-science-podcast-for-kids/do-dogs-know-that-theyre-dogs

Photo Description: An off-duty guide dog with a shiny black coat laying outdoors with harness and wearing a natural crown of moss and leaves. A partial view of a person wearing blue is visible .

Address

P. O. Box 6157
Falmouth, ME
04105

Website

http://PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org/

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