Figure 1 DGHA Logo

                 NEWSLETTER
								Summer 2020

Table of Contents
A Message from the Editor
Who are we?
What are the benefits of becoming a member of DGHA?
A Christmas Wish
A Christmas Poem: 'Twas the night before Christmas
DGHA Annual General Meeting
DGHA Conference 2021: Update
The Hot Weather: Cooling Dog Vest and Mats
Living through the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown with a Seeing Eye Dog in Melbourne
Dog Treats: Apple-topped peanut butter bites
Last Words
Disclaimer:

Figure 2 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

A Message from the Editor
Welcome to the Summer edition of the DGHA Newsletter. I hope you find the information in this newsletter helpful and enjoyable.
 Feedback is important, to ensure the newsletter is successful.
Contributions from members and those with an interest in Dog Guides is essential to ensure the newsletter can continue. Please send any stories, article or ideas to mewsletter@dgha.org.au . Let’s make the DGHA Newsletter great together.

Figure 3 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji;s

Who are we?
Dog Guide Handlers Australia (DGHA) is a national association which provides a voice for Australians who are blind or vision impaired, and who are dog guide handlers.
DGHA is an independent association of dog guide handlers, and is not affiliated with any dog guide school.
DGHA strives to foster, represent, promote, enhance and protect the interests of Australians who are blind or vision impaired, and who are dog guide handlers.
DGHA draws on the experiences and varied knowledge of its members, to provide peer support, systemic advocacy and information to dog guide users throughout Australia.

Figure 4 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

What are the benefits of becoming a member of DGHA?
Life time member one-off joining fee
Unite your voice with other dog guide users and have a say to service providers 
Share your experiences as a dog guide handler and learn from other handlers
Join in 3 monthly online meetings to chat and enjoy presentations from experts on topics all about dog guides 
Take part in the DGHA bi annual face-to-face conference over a 3 day weekend

Figure 5 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji;s

A Christmas Wish 
Wish our members and all those that support DGHA a safe and happy holiday Season

Figure 6A Cgristmas Image of 3 presents red, blue and gold above the words Seasons Greeting with a sprig of holly at each end

Figure 7 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji;s
A Christmas Poem: 'Twas the night before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, the kennels were still,
with most dogs asleep, having eaten their fill.
The labs were sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,
While visions of milk bones danced in their heads.
The Goldens and Labs were curled up on the floor,
some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.
The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,
in hopes that a trainer soon would be there.
Off by the window, a kennel cat lay,
surveying the lawn at the end of his day.
Something was different, that little cat knew -
something would happen, it had to be true.
That day as the workers had left to go home,
they'd wished "Merry Christmas" before starting to roam.
The dogs had all noticed that during their walks,
the trainers seemed happier and eager to talk.
In the mall where they worked amid people and stores,
there were decorations, music, distractions galore!
Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,
some balked at the man with those fake-looking deer.
The cat was near sleeping when he first heard the sound,
a whoosh through the air and a jingle abound.
The sound of a collar when an animal shook,
but the sound just kept growing - he'd better go look.
From the ceiling there came a kind of a thunk,
As the kennel cat climbed up on a pile of junk.
But the dogs were still quiet, all sleeping so sound,
as this man dressed in red made his way to the ground.
He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,
then made his way right to the old coffee pot.
A labrador sat up, not fully awake,
then a golden soon followed with a mighty loud shake.
That did it...the dogs filled the kennel with noise,
but in spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.
He filled the pot full and it started to brew,
then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.
Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,
he knew well their jobs, and the people they led.
Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,
while others continued their deafening howl.
Laying a finger in front of his lips,
the jolly old man soon silenced their yips.
He smiled, laughed, and took a short pause.
"You may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"
He filled up his mug with hot coffee and cream,
and said, "Meeting you all has been one of my dreams."
The cat jumped down to explore Santa's pack.
He said, "Sorry, kitty, I've emptied my sack."
Santa smiled, drank, looked in their eyes –
deep brown and gold, all wide with surprise.
Some of these dogs he'd seen just last year,
All in their homes - cute, full of good cheer.
He'd seen the effect of a pup on a tree,
but now they were here, just waiting to be.
"I didn't bring presents or bones to chew.
But I'll tell you what's better – and what you're to do.
You'll all worked hard and the trainers will share,
both praise and correction, gentle and fair.
You'll go lots of places and face scary things,
you'll ride buses, planes, and hear sirens ring.
Cars will drive at you, you'll know what to do,
Moving from danger, not moving into.
Then, when you think your trainer's the best,
the kindest, and funniest, just toss all the rest;
That trainer will leave you, and give you away,
handing your leash over despite your dismay.
The one who will feed you might see just a tad,
Or maybe it's just that their focus is bad.
So you little buggers will work as their eyes
To be a great team and discover the prize.
The prize isn't kibble, or even new toys,
It's leading your partner, you good girls and boys.
Santa sipped coffee, looked over the brood,
But what he said next seemed just a bit rude.
“Some may not make it and won't become guides.
But time here's not wasted, no casting aside.
Some will be drug dogs and some will find bombs,
some will be pets with new dads and moms.
When the last drop of coffee had gone from his cup
Santa turned, and smiled at each wide-eyed pup.
"The best gift of all is to give something back.
And that's why there's nothing for you in my pack.
Draining his mug, he went to each pen,
Petting and scratching each dog yet again.
"The following years, even more after that,
you'll all give great gifts wherever you're at.
You might lick a hand on a really bad day,
or notice a car and step out of its way.
You might catch a crook or discover some loot,
bring joy to a old man in a funny red suit.
Your master will love you and treat you with care,
knowing your training will always be there."
After the last had been petted and soothed,
He rinsed out the mug and made ready to move.
To the ladder he climbed for the door high above,
with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his glove.
All the dog's ears were pricked as he flew out of sight,
Saying, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Figure 8 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

DGHA Annual General Meeting
Our AGM is being held on Wednesday 16th December via Zoom at 7 pm Eastern Daylight Saving Time
At the AGM we will present the Annual Report and elect our committee members
If you want further information email dgha@dgha.org.au

Figure 9 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

DGHA Conference 2021: Update
Thanks to some federal government funding, and the Covid-19 pandemic now being under control, we are planning to have both a live face to face conference, with an online option for those who can’t make it in 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 Box 165metroBlobdhgt251658752fLayoutInCell1fAllowOverlap1fBehindDocument0fHidden0fLayoutInCell1Figure 10 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji;s

The Hot Weather: Cooling Dog Vest and Mats
As the days get warmer we need to remember that our dogs feel the heat just like we do if not more, so looking after your guide in the warm weather is important. 
How about some products to help cool your beautiful dog guide cool.
Cooling vests, an item you can put on your dog guide while working in the warming weather or a cooling mat which you can lay out at home or work for them the lay on.
Don’t forget to ensure your dog has access to plenty of cool water and remember you dog will always find the coolest spot to lay but there is nothing wrong in helping them with something to lay on or put on them
Zippy Paws Cooling Vest Fromm the Vet Shed
Price: Small from $21
Keep your dog cool as the weather heats up with the Zippy Paws Cooling Vest
•	high-visibility reflective vest designed for the active dog
•	Long-lasting cooling polymer crystals, which are sewn directly into the vest, absorb water and slowly evaporate to help keep dogs cool for up to 9 hours.
•	To activate cooling features, simply soak vest in water for 5 minutes before use. Squeeze out excess water. For maximum cooling, soak in ice water before use.
•	Lay flat to dry, do not wring
•	Comes in 3 sizes
•	Small:  (Girth Size: 41-61cm) (16 - 24" in girth)
Medium: 23 - 32" in girth
Large: 30 - 40" in girth
•	For correct sizing please measure your dog at the widest point of the rib cage (girth)
Website: www.thevetshed.com.au/buy/zippy-paws-cooling-dog-vest/PP_VEST?gclid=CjwKCAiA-_L9BRBQEiwA-bm5fjk1vr5Z49aiI0NeCxi9aT13nF79JAB2nfzxJvdkJIDan4yC-2r85RoCezcQAvD_BwE
Jet Stream Vest by Ruffwear From Canine Spirit
Price: $71.95
The Jet Stream Vest by Ruffwear is a lightweight vest that allows your dog to have fun in the sun while staying cool!   This vest covers the full chest by zipping up on one sie.
The 3-layer chest panel cools by dispersing heat away from your dog's core, using evaporative cooling.  As well, the lightweight spandex back panel provides shade and is UPF rated to 50+ to protect from sunburn on the back.
So how does evaporative cooling work?  When you step out of the ocean after swimming, you may notice a cooler feeling when your skin first hits the air.  This is evaporative cooling!
Ruffwear's cooling gear - including the Jet Stream, the Swamp Cooler and the Core Cooler - create this same effect by combing 3 layers:
1.	a wicking outer layer that facilitates evaporation
2.	a middle layer that holds water for evaporation, and
3.	a comfortable inner layer that keeps your dog dry and pulls surface heat away from your dog.
To activate the Jet stream, soak in water, wring it out, zip it on your dog and go!
Website: https://caninespirit.com.au/products/jet-stream-cooling-vest?_pos=1&_sid=1ba10c980&_ss=r&variant=31259650818188 
Ruff wear Swap Cooler From: Canine Spirit
Price: $109.95
Keep your dog cool in warm weather using natural evaporative cooling.  The Swamp Cooler by Ruffwear provides maximum cooling through evaporation and heat reflection.  Just soak the dog coat in cool water, wring out the excess and it is ready to put on your dog.   The Swamp Cooler will keep your dog cool for several hours - depending on how hot it is and the humidity.   It is easy to renew the evaporative cooling with water at any time.
There is also an integrated leash portal which allows you to put the Swamp Cooler over a Front Range or Web Master Harness.
Great for dogs that enjoy hiking, biking, running or walking in the heat, playing on the beach, boating or participating in agility trials or dog shows.  The vest has a UPF 50+ coverage.
Website: https://caninespirit.com.au/products/swamp-cooler-ruffwear?_pos=2&_sid=1ba10c980&_ss=r 
Another handy item to have for your dog guide can be a cooling mat which they can lay on, allowing your dog guide to choose when they need it. 
Cooling Pet Mat –Large From Kmart
Price $20
This cooling pet mat is sure to become your furry friend's new favourite spot. Containing cooling gel, this mat absorbs your pet's body heat and keeps them cool during the hot summer days.
•	Contains cooling gel. No water, freezing or electricity required
•	Cools by absorbing pet's body heat and dissipating into the environment
•	Material: Polyester (outer fabric), gel and sponge (filling)
•	Colour: Blue
•	Dimensions/Size:
o	Product dimensions: 100cm (L) x 0.5cm (H) x 60cm (W)
o	Box dimensions: 33.4cm (L) x 10.2cm (H) x 22.2cm (W)
•	Weight:
o	Product weight: 3.226kgs
Website: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/cooling-pet-mat---large/3102390 
Pillar Products 500 x 400mm Pet Cooling Mat From Bunnings
Price:$11.98
•	Provides relief from warmer temperatures
•	Engineered to absorb pet’s body heat
•	No refrigeration required
•	Non -Toxic Gel
•	Scratch Resistant Cover
Self-Cooling pet mat provides relief from warmer temperatures. Place directly onto floor surfaces or under existing blankets or bedding. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Website: https://www.bunnings.com.au/pillar-products-500-x-400mm-pet-cooling-mat_p3440289 

All For Paws Chill Out Dog Cool Mat\ Large  From Petbarn
Price: $69.95
Hate the baking-hot summer? Does your dog pant like they're about to take off?
Then the All For Paws Always Cool Dog Mat is what you need for your dog. Special cooling non-toxic gel inner lining keeps the mat surface cold even in hot summer. No refrigeration is necessary.  
How does it work? Inside the mat, draws non-toxic gel draws the heat away from your dog
Website: https://www.petbarn.com.au/all-for-paws-chill-out-dog-cool-mat 

Squirt Dog Cool Mat Maxi 70cm X 110cm (S3167) From Catch.com.au
Price: $40
Squirt Cool Mat Maxi 70cm X 110cm
The coolest way to escape the heat!
The mat contains a gel that is activated by pressure from body weight as the pet lies on the mat
The soft, smooth exterior of the mat is made from easy clean durable and scratch resistant materials
Once the gel inside the mat is activated, the mat remains cooler than the surrounding ambient temperature for up to 3 hours of constant use
The mat will automatically recharge after a shift in weight, change in pressure or a short period of not being used - with the 3 hours of cool starting again upon the pets return to the mat
Provides super convenient and cost effective cooling - no power source, electricity, batteries, water or refrigeration is required
The mat is easily transportable and folds for easy storage or fitting into the pets shelter, crate or pen
It is safe and cost effective cooling solution for pets - there are no dangerous wires or batteries that a pet can chew through and is made from non-toxic materials
Website: https://www.catch.com.au/product/squirt-dog-cool-mat-maxi-70cm-x-110cm-s3167-5092196/?offer_id=32239672&gclid=CjwKCAiA-_L9BRBQEiwA-bm5frbXgeoj-2BWPg5Eenj5pqK90UVA1XFu9Uc4gfUMEJe8ig90JzwtdhoClzsQAvD_BwE 

Figure 11 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

Living through the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown with a Seeing Eye Dog in Melbourne
I thought it would be of interest to readers to learn of some of the barriers and problems I encountered whilst working with my fully trained Seeing Eye Dog (Heidi) in Melbourne during the recent lockdowns which have taken place since March this year. I say lockdowns because we did have a period of time where we had restrictions and thought that the number of positive Covid-19 tests were brought under control. The impact of the first lockdown was troubling but because it was for a specified period and because it was not as strict as the second lockdown both Heidi (my Seeing Eye Dog) and I were still able to live daily life in a kind of normal or satisfactory way because I am heavily involved in voluntary crisis intervention and outreach work I spend large amounts of time each day out visiting people who are isolated in their home and are both lonely, depressed and often have mental health issues where they need someone for support and encouragement. As you can imagine, if I go to visit a person who is feeling distressed or unable to cope with some problems or losses in their life, it tends to give them some strength when I turn up and have a beautiful chocolate Labrador as a Seeing Eye Dog and I have noticed that on many very challenging call outs, Heidi has helped me create a much calmer environment for the person I am trying to provide support and reach out to because dogs do not judge others and I believe animal lovers can sense this no matter how upset they feel. We were able to continue the visits with permission from the health department during the first lockdown and although places like libraries and hospitality venues such as cafes and restaurants were at first severely restricted and then completely closed for anything other than take away coffee it made the days challenging, but not absolutely impossible. During the first lockdown, it was a real change to the way we were used to living and functioning on a daily basis because part of my need to train with a Seeing Eye Dog is that I would generally go out every day of the week and so Heidi is kept busy with a mixture of interesting places that we visit regularly and also new places where we have not been before and I can tell she keeps her enthusiasm up as we go about doing the things we need to each day and at the end of the day, she is not backward in coming forward and making it extremely clear to me that she has earned and expects her dinner quick smart. The biggest change for Heidi was that as part of my daily activities, we would regularly visit small traders and retailers in a Westfield shopping centre relatively near where I am living and part of my function with the Municipal Council is that I attempt to monitor and provide feedback to Westfield about issues, problems and things that are inaccessible in the shopping centre for people of various disabilities and as part of this, I visit small shops and merchants asking for their feedback on what is going well or what needs attention in the shopping centre or its management and sadly, during the first lockdown, the first clear sign we got was that Heidi would lead me to a shop and I found that many of them had been prevented from continuing to trade so the door was locked and the poor business owners were starting the struggle for survival depending on how long the lockdown or lockdowns would go. This reduced dramatically the amount of time Heidi and I would take to audit issues that had already been reported to Westfield to see if they had been corrected and also to visit what traders and merchants we could. Even after walking around for an hour or two trying to communicate with business owners, whereas Heidi and I would usually go and give some business to a small cafe or other business and I would sit for a short time and finished recording notes on the feedback I need to write up reports about and enjoy a cup of coffee, but this was the first time that even though there was not a full lockdown I was not allowed to sit and drink a cup of coffee at the same time and it is not as pleasant to simply buy a takeaway cup of coffee and have to stand around outside the shopping centre drinking it so that resulted in Heidi and I (like most other people) not bothering to purchase things at the cafes.
I found this second lockdown was extremely difficult for both Heidi and myself because as well as putting her regular work and training out of her routine she had no option but to suddenly change from working hard and every day, she enjoys that a great deal, and had to become used to sitting around at home for many hours at a time which also resulted in her getting much less exercise. On top of this because she was not out in the fresh air as much as normal her coat became much flatter in texture than normal and I was told it did not retain a shine that it usually does.
I had to keep in mind the diet for Heidi during the lockdown as well because I could not feed her the normal sized meals or she would have put on weight due to the reduction in the amount of exercise and walking she was doing. Naturally, being a chocolate covered Labrador she likes her food and she certainly did not appear very impressed when I would present her with meals of a smaller portion. 
I have noted that both the impact on Heidi my Seeing Eye Dog and I has been significant during this lockdown period and it has certainly affected the way that Heidi felt because she had a reduced amount of enthusiasm and interest and, as I say, her coat did suffer by losing its gloss. On top of this because dog grooming and washing services were not allowed to operate I was not able to get her ears, eyes and feet inspected for any build up but fortunately this is now allowed again and Heidi looks much happier as a result. I can only imagine the impact that will become obvious in time from these restrictions and lockdown on the kind of people that I normally provide outreach services to and that includes people with a mental illness, an intellectual disability and people on the autism spectrum who suffer greatly as a result of being alone
Heidi is now recovering extremely well and is wagging her tail as normal again with enthusiasm and excitement as we resume our normal daily activities (or as close as we have had them since March this year) and she gets to visit new places and old and she likes to advise all dogs where we go that she is superior to them just by the way she stands up tall on her toes. 
By John Hardie.

Figure 12 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji;s

Dog Treats: Apple-topped peanut butter bites
Ingredients:
•	1 cup of plain or Greek yoghurt
•	1 apple
•	2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Method:
1.	Mix your yogurt and peanut butter together in a mixing jug and add a splash of water if required.
2.	Slice your apple into bite-sized chunks and remove any seeds.
3.	Fill your ice cube trays almost to the top and place your apple chunk in the centre of each slot.
4.	Pop them in the freezer and serve when frozen.
 More recipes available at 
https://www.rover.com/blog/uk/10-diy-summer-treats-for-your-dog/

Figure 13 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

Last Words
Join DGHA
Membership of DGHA is in 2 categories. Full Membership: $20.00. Any Australian who is blind or vision impaired, and who is a Dog Guide Handler or Associate Membership: $10.00. Any other person who is sighted, blind or vision impaired, who supports the objectives of DGHA.
If you are not already a member of DGHA and would like to be, please visit our
Website and fill in the accessible form. We welcome full memberships for dog guide handlers and associate memberships from dog guide trainers, puppy raisers and friends and family of dog guide handlers.  The joining page on our website is here:  http://dgha.org.au/dgha/membership/

Sign up for this newsletter
If you know someone who might like to receive this newsletter, for example a new dog guide handler, a puppy raiser or your instructor, please send their email address to us (with their permission) by reply email or to dgha@dgha.org.au and we’ll add them to our list.  

Contribute to this newsletter
We welcome your input into this newsletter.  If you have a story, an idea, a review of a doggy product you love, please contact Bronwyn via the newsletter@dgha.org.au email address to discuss your contribution.  
Dog Guide Handlers Australia
Email dgha@dgha.org.au
Website www.dgha.org.au
Twitter: @DGHAustralia via https://twitter.com/dghaustralia?lang=en
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/DogGuideHandlersAustralia/

Figure 14 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji's

Disclaimer:

Figure 15 A Line of Dog Guide Emoji’s

Views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the editor, or DGHA, Any advice is general in nature and should be checked with relevant schools, your vet or other relevant authorities.