Spotlight on Assistance Dogs

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A monthly podcast touching on issues relating to assistance dogs such as canine health, nutrition, accessibility, and news from the various training programs. Hosted by Devon Wilkins.

Devon Wilkins


    • Oct 16, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 44 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Spotlight on Assistance Dogs

    Lawrence Gunther, Canada’s Only Blind Conservationist.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 29:24


    Canoeing and snowshoeing, fishing and ice fishing … Lawrence Gunther, Canada’s only blind conservationist, has done it and continues to do it with his guide dog.  He tells us about some of his adventures, and points us to podcasts videos, and blogs about how he and his guide dog continue to explore Canada.

    Tips on How to Massage Your Assistance Dogs.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2020 29:28


    The last presentation of this past summer’s first-ever virtual GDUI convention was given by Katie Maertens, a nationally certified pet massage therapist.  She devoted the last part of her presentation to answering questions about how to massage your assistance dogs.

    GDUC’s Annual General Meeting, and their new on-line merch store.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2020 29:52


    First, I chat with Sharon Morton from Gravenhurst, Ontario and Kim Marsden from Barrie Ontario about Guide Dog Users of Canada’s first-ever virtual annual general meeting.  On the same call, I also speak with Kim Bannatyne from Winnipeg, Manitoba about GDUC’s new on-line merchandise store, and the tea-shirts that she co-designed.

    Coalition of People Who Use Guide and Service Dogs in Canada and Museum About The Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 29:00


    We speak first with Heather Walkus, co-founder of The Coalition of People Who Use Guide and Service Dogs in Canada. Next, we hear an article about the re-opening of a museum about the dog.

    Articles, music and poetry about dogs and the festive season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2018 29:37


    As well as music and poetry about dogs and the festive season, we feature an article about how to discourage dogs from eating their feces.

    New CNIB training program and “Is My Dog Crazy?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2018 29:54


    Devon chats with Victoria Nolan from the new CNIB guide dog training program. We also hear an article called “Is Your Dog Crazy? 22 Strange Dog Behaviors Explained” by Marissa Leotaud.

    Emergency Veterinary Clinics

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2018 29:49


    Marcie Davis speaks with Dr. Cindy McCauley about emergency veterinary clinics. Originally aired on Pet Life Radio’s Working Like Dogs programme and rebroadcast with permission.

    Travelling Safely in Winter with Your Dog.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:50


    Michael Goehring, a guide dog mobility instructor with Guiding Eyes for The Blind may live in Arizona now, but he most definitely remembers what it’s like trying to get around in Winter conditions. This is the first part of a chat which focuses mainly on keeping your dog safe and warm.

    Blind Justice from March 11, 1951

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:52


    When technology doesn’t work for you the way you expected to, old-time radio will, especially when it relates to guide dogs. Here, from March 11, 1951 is an episode of Tales of The Texas Rangers from March 11, 1951 called Blind Justice.

    Thank You, Patriots, Part 1.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:54


    Prior to the pandemic, several affiliates of Guide Dog Users Inc—GDUI used to organize mid-Winter weekends called Top Dogs. The theme of the last weekend was Thank You. This session is called Thank You, Patriots. In Part 1, we hear how instrumental veterans from World War 2 were in the establishment of both The Seeing […]

    Pet Dental Health Awareness Month.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:43


    February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month. we're going to hear excerpts from a webinar, sponsored by the Animal Medical Centre of New York, presented by Dr. Jordan Ford, who will be talking to us about parodontal disease in pets. It's a subject that should be of particular interest to those of us with guide, […]

    Global Affairs.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:34


    Have you ever wondered how training is carried out at guide dog training centres around the world? During the July, 2021 convention of Guide Dog Users Inc., GDUI, attendees were treated to a panel discussion called Global Affairs. Panelists included Diane Bergeron from CNIB Guide Dogs in Canada, David Loughlin from Leader Dogs, and Luca […]

    Seasonal Songs, Stories, and Poetry About Our Beloved Pooches.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:50


    Welcome to a half-hour of seasonal songs, stories, and poetry about the guide, hearing, and service dogs we love.

    Spotlight on Assistance Dogs, November, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 28:20


    This month, we hear Part 2 of an address given by Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and Tellington Touch practitioner Jane Madigan from the Ottawa area. She was speaking to attendees of the most recent AGM and conference of Guide Dog Users of Canada. Hertopic was how to get rid of anxiety in your dog.

    Spotlight on Assistance Dogs, October, 2021.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:51


    In this month's edition, we hear part 1 of an address that Tellington Touch practitioner and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Jane Madigan gave to attendees of the virtual conference and Annual General Meeting of Guide Dog Users of Canada. Jane is originally from England. She worked with horses in New Zealand prior to moving to […]

    Commemoration and Celebration.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 28:01


    Shortly after the horrific events of September 11 of 2001, Michael Gaither wrote a song which described how a guide dog named Roselle led her handler, Michael Hingson and others who had been blinded by the choking smoke out of the World Trade Center.  We begin by pausing respectfully to hear that song. Next, we […]

    Six Signs Your Dog is Overheating; Update on The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners—IAADP.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:52


    In keeping with the extremely hot temperatures here in the northern hemisphere, we begin with an article listing six signs that your dog is overheating and what you can do to combat the potentially deadly effects of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Next, I chat with Megan Kennedy, treasurer of the International Association of Assistance […]

    Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week early.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:42


    International Assistance Dog Week is the first full week of August, but we're celebrating early this year by featuring an interview that Marcie Davis, founder of International Assistance Dog Week did with Laura Watamanuk, Executive Director of PADS—Pacific Assistance Dog Society in Burnaby, British Columbia.

    The Upcoming Convention of Guide Dog Users Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:43


    This month, I speak with Sarah Calhoun, president of Guide Dog Users Inc. about the group's second virtual convention which will take place in mid July.  And guess what.  You don't have to be a paid-up member to listen in. I also announce a new E-mail address for the show: spotlight@theglobalvoice.info

    Guide Dogs for The Blind Collaborate on Video for Airline Staff; Hats Off to International Guide Dogs Federation.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:59


    First, we listen to a portion of a press release about a training video put together by Guide Dogs for The Blind and The Seeing Eye for the benefit of employees of both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines.  Next, we listen to the audio described video itself.  Finally, we tip our hat to the International […]

    Guide Dog Users of Canada’s Upcoming Virtual AGM and New On-line Store Front

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:52


    This month, we hear all about Guide Dog Users of Canada’s upcoming virtual AGM from committee co-chairs Sharon Morton and Kim Marsden. Kim Bannatyne of Winnipeg Manitoba also tells us about GDUC’s new on-line store front, and the products being sold from there, which she co-designed

    International Assistance Dog Week, A Frankie Assessment of Service Dog Training, the Instant Pot, and a demonstration of the Google Home Mini.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 56:19


    First, Marcie Davis of Santa Fe, New Mexico tells Devon how we can celebrate International Assistance Dog Week, August 2 to 8, in spite of Covid-19. Next, we hear an article called A Frankie Assessment of Service Dog Training, written by Devon’s guide dog, Frankie. Third on the docket is Devon’s monthly chat with Kim […]

    International Assistance Dog Week, and Xylitol in many products

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:46


    We begin by asking Marcie Davis, founder and co-ordinator of International Assistance Dog Week, August 2 to 8, 2020 how we can celebrate the week with breaking social distancing rules. We also hear how a woman gave her dog an anti-allergenic capsule, totally unaware that it contained Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be fatal […]

    Dogs and Storms.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:59


    This time, we feature the first episode of a podcast from Southeastern Guide Dog School called Dogs and Storms. This is very timely, since June marks the beginning of Hurricane Season, which lasts until November.

    My First Christmas at Rainbow Bridge, Ophthalmo at Rainbow Bridge, and ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, Guide Dog Edition.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:41


    We begin this half-hour by listening to a poem called My First Christmas at Rainbow Bridge. Next, we listen to a short story by yours truly called Ophthalmo at The North Pole. Finally, we listen to ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, Guide Dog Edition.

    A Canine Covid Miracle.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:34


    This the story about how a Canadian lady managed to get an American-trained guide dog without crossing the border.

    Safe Winter Travelling, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:49


    Picking up from where we left off last month, Michael Goehring and I continue our discussion about travelling safely in Winter conditions. Mike, who is a guide dog mobility instructor with Guiding Eyes talks about protecting your dog’s ears from frostbite, and keeping your white cane in your back pack to be used as a […]

    Gallant Hearts Training Centre.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 29:45


    Gallant Hearts Training Centre is one of the newer guide dog schools. I chat with co-founder Becky Floyd about about her lifelong interest in guide dogs, and the interesting breeds that Gallant Heart specializes in.

    Guide Dog Users Inc. Goes Virtual, and CNIB Guide Dogs Conducts Virtual Pup Crawl

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 26:30


    Devon speaks first with Guide Dog Users Inc.’s outgoing president, Penny Reeder about this coming July’s convention that will be available to anybody and everybody who registers.  No membership required. Next, CNIB Guide Dogs newly appointed president Diane Bergeron speaks with Devon from her treadmill about a 5-km. Virtual Pup Crawl taking place during the […]

    Keeping Assistance Dogs Engaged, Safety Message re. Covid-19 and Your Dog, and Uber and Lift Are Being Taken Back to Court.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:38


    Today, we begin by chatting with Rob Cramer, a guide dog mobility instructor with Canada’s newest guide dog training program, CNIB guide dogs about how to keep your dog engaged during these times of social distancing. Next, we hear some tips from the medical director at Guide Dogs for The Blind about keeping your dog […]

    Lynn Merrill and her guide dog climb the highest mountain in Maine, and Covid-19 information from some guide dog training centres

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:45


    First, we hear from Lynn Merrill, treasurer of Guide Dog Users Inc., about how she and her guide dog successfully climbed the highest mountain in the state of Maine. Next, we share messages from three guide dog training centres about the care of your dog during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Brittni Williams and her Privately Trained Dual-Purpose Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 28:54


    When Brittni Williams from Angus, ON trained with a PTSD dog, she never dreamed that Xia would end up being both a service and a guide dog.

    Psychiatric Service Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:48


    This month we feature a presentation which was originally given last July at the convention of Guide Dog Users Incorporated. Veronica Morris talks about how her psychiatric service dog helps her to cope with her ongoing mental illnesses. We thought we would play this because January 31st is Bell Let’s Talk Day. We finish the […]

    Tips and Tricks for the Holidays, and Appropriate Toys.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 27:32


    First, we hear an article by guide dog handler and Labrador breeder Patti Ellis which contains a whole list of Yuletide reminders that dog owners should keep in mind.  Next, Wendy Campbell, a groomer at one of Peterborough, Ontario’s PetValu Store, talks to us about toys that are appropriate to various sizes and breeds of […]

    Minimizing risk for assistance dogs from household products

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:38


    This month, we hear a presentation from Dr. Nicole Constantine the owner of Charleston Veterinary House Calls. She offers suggestions on how to minimize risks to assistance dogs from household products.

    Guide Dog Training from South Africa to Canada.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:31


    This month’s feature guest is Msindisi Bunguza, who became a guide dog trainer in his native South Africa, and is currently working at Canadian Guide Dogs for The Blind near Ottawa, ON.

    New regulations for United States airlines, a mysterious disease, and Canadian Guide Dogs for The Blind.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:56


    We begin by hearing a couple of brief articles: the first regarding regulations aimed at airlines in the United States, and the other warning dog owners in Norway about a mysterious disease.  Next, we talk with Steve Doucette from Canadian Guide Dogs for The Blind about present and future plans for the training program.

    Mobility Dogs of New Zealand

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 28:51


    This month, we hear a conversation between Marcie Davis of Working Like Dogs and Gayle Harbott of Mobility Dogs of New Zealand.

    The 20th anniversary weekend of Guide Dog Users of Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:17


    This month, we hear a chat with Patti Ellis and Sue Neveu, organizers of Guide Dog Users of Canada’s AGM and conference.  The event is scheduled for September 19 to 22.  Weather permitting, many of the activities will take place in the great outdoors, because this 20th anniversary weekend will be held at the Canadian […]

    The Green Silk Scarf Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:57


    At the Top Dog conference in January of this year, the underlying theme was mutual understanding and respect among people who use guide, hearing, or service dogs. This month, we speak with Brad Morris from his home near Charleston, South Carolina, who has come up with a method for people to indicate that they agree […]

    Panel Discussion at Top Dog Weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:41


    This month, we hear Part 2 of a panel discussion on the need for equal recognition of all types of assistance dogs. We also get a reminder about the national fundraising walk for the Lion’s Foundation of Canada dog guide training centre in Oakville, Ontario.

    A Special Announcement, Top Dog Weekend and International Guide Dog Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 28:26


    This month, we begin with a time-sensitive announcement for those living in North America and Puerto Rico. We then turn to a presentation given at last January’s Top Dog weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.  Part 1 of the panel discussion entitled Thanks, Pups talks about those of us in the assistance dog field building an […]

    Guide dog camps and Leader Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 29:30


    We begin this edition with three very time-sensitive announcements about what are being called guide dog camps. Next, we hear an interview with Keith McGregor, director of the training program for Deafblind clients at Leader Dogs in Rochester, Michigan.

    Series of Conference Calls on Guide Dog Training Programs, and Another Incident About a Ridesharing Company

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 1969 27:51


    Heather Bird from the New York Association of Guide Dog Users talks to us about a series of conference calls outlining training programs. Next, we hear an article recounting yet another incident where a driver of ridesharing company refuses to take a woman and her guide dog.

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