by Ginger Bennett
New!! Don't Miss out on this Special Limited Anniversary Offer!
Show your guide how much you really care by outfitting him or her with a GDUI commemorative dog scarf! When you help celebrate GDUI's 30th anniversary by donating the generous gift of $30 or more, you will receive a beautifully designed teal scarf with GDUI embroidered in gold lettering for all to see. As an added bonus, any guide dog proudly sporting GDUI's attractive attire at the 30th anniversary celebration in Houston will be eligible to win one of many instant door prizes! Call the GDUI toll-free number, (888) 858-1008 today! Orders must be received no later than May 31, 2002 to ensure delivery before the 2002 convention.
New!! GDUI Round Table Discussions!
This new feature of the GDUI convention is your chance to talk in a facilitated yet relaxed atmosphere. Each discussion will focus on a particular issue of interest to our members. Round table discussions will take place on Monday and Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
New!! Leader Dogs for the Blind Sponsors Convention Door Prizes!
GDUI is pleased to report that Leader Dogs for the Blind has once again generously donated to our national convention! This year, funds will be used to purchase GDUI products from our catalog to be given away as door prizes at the Houston festivities!! Canine Comfort
As part of GDUI's ongoing efforts to help our members reduce and counteract the stress placed on guide dog teams at convention, we have arranged a variety of informal activities for the 2002 convention.
New!! Canine Massage!
Certified professional canine/equine massage therapist and member of the International Massage Association, Carla Campbell will be offering relaxing, full-body massages for your dog at the 2002 Houston convention! Like us, our dogs suffer from built-up physical and emotional tension. As well as causing pain and discomfort, a build-up of muscle tension impacts a dog's ability to concentrate causing many dogs to become anxious, hesitant, distractable or to tire quickly. Massage can provide the extra boost some dogs need to help them stay comfortable, relaxed and focused in the fast-paced, chaotic convention environment. Time out for a massage can be calming, release muscle tension, prevent injury and help our dogs work and feel their best.
Sessions will last approximately 15 minutes and cost $15. Longer sessions for older dogs, dogs with chronic joint problems or arthritis or dogs that simply need a little extra TLC may be arranged by appointment. Carla will be available each day, Sunday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. until noon in the GDUI suite. Why not give your dog a special treat that you will both appreciate! Ten percent of all profits will go to GDUI.
New! Explore Nearby Houston!
GDUI will offer a new and exciting orientation with guide dog school instructors on Sunday, June 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Explore fabulous nearby restaurants such as Mission Burritos Inc., The Great Caruso Dinner Theater, Rio Ranch Restaurant, and Tortugia Coastal Cantina! Scout out the perfect route for a brisk morning walk or wind down with an evening stroll in the balmy summer climate. GDUI encourages all to slow down, relax and enjoy your visit to Houston!
Give Yourself a Treat!
GDUI empathizers will be available to "lend an ear" during the 2002 celebration! GDUI's caring volunteer empathizers will be available for peer support to meet with anyone needing to take time out from his or her busy schedule. A braille or large print list of empathizers attending the convention will be available at the GDUI suite.
Individuals who wish to speak with an empathizer outside the prescribed time may use this list to contact an empathizer privately. Please visit the GDUI suite for more details.
Canine Health in Houston
Back by Popular Demand, the Canine First Aid and Safety Booth! For the first time in GDUI history, guide dog handlers enjoyed the helpful advice and guidance of certified veterinary technicians right on site at the 2001 national convention. GDUI will once again attempt to arrange a first aid and safety booth for the 2002 Texas gathering! Please check the GDUI suite for more details.
Vet Care
Tanglewilde Veterinary Clinic, Cory E. Stiles, DVM, 2717 Rockyridge Dr., Houston, Texas; phone (713) 783-4044
The clinic is located one mile from the hotel. Office hours include Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be closed each day from noon - 1:30 p.m. and holidays. The clinic accepts all major credit cards but will not accept out-of-state checks. The fee for a regular office visit is $28.
Emergency Vet Care
Animal Emergency Clinic, 1111 West Loop South, Suite 200, Houston, TX; phone (713) 693-1100
The hospital is open Monday-Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. The cost of an emergency visit is $75 plus diagnostic and treatment. The hospital accepts out-of-state checks and all major credit cards.
Dog Food
Dog food should be ordered no later than Friday, June 28, 2002, and prepaid with MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express. Call Petsmart at (713) 973-7667 and ask for Eddie. When placing an order, explain that you are with the Guide Dog Users, Inc. annual convention. Petsmart will deliver the food to the GDUI suite on Saturday, June 29, and will be available for pick- up from 1 to 4 p.m. Foods available for ordering are: Eukanuba, Iams, Science Diet, Nutro, Pro-Plan, Bil-Jac, Waltham, and Nature's Recipe.