[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
organization whose dedication and contributions to the Southern 
California community are exceptional. For the past 40 years, Guide Dogs 
of the Desert have tirelessly committed themselves to the service of 
the legally blind community. We have all heard the age-old adage, ``a 
dog is a man's best friend,'' but a guide dog is so much more than a 
best friend. Guide dogs are essential to the legally blind in ways that 
are simple, such as crossing the street to go grocery shopping, and 
ways that can be more complex, like airplane travel. These dogs 
dedicate their lives so that the blind may see, and in light of all 
they have done for the community, I would like to recognize these 
faithful and dutiful animals as well as their equally devoted trainers 
and volunteers at Guide Dogs of the Desert.
  Founded in 1972, Guide Dogs of the Desert was built on the premise 
that every legally blind person should have the opportunity to adopt a 
guide dog, regardless of the depths of their hardship. This dream could 
only be made into a reality because of the amazing volunteers that give 
their time and effort to this organization's mission. These volunteers 
selflessly provide love, food, shelter, discipline and socialization to 
puppies that are just beginning on their journey toward guide dog 
graduation. The fingerprints of these individuals are found at every 
juncture of this organization. Among many other responsibilities, these 
volunteers take in 12 week-old puppies, assist with student interaction 
to increase awareness in the community, and complete the basic office 
tasks that allow Guide Dogs of the Desert to run smoothly. These 
individuals go above and beyond the call of duty to help those visually 
impaired come one step closer to independence and today they deserve 
commendation.
  While many of us know the pleasure of canine companionship and 
loyalty from our family pet, we cannot appreciate the complexity of the 
relationship that develops between a visually impaired person and their 
guide dog. These dogs help these individuals in such a wide variety of 
ways, and their service enriches these lives powerfully, improving 
their daily quality of life. With over 1,000 dogs trained, many of 
these success stories may be found scattered throughout the Nation.
  The organization's tireless passion for service has contributed 
immensely to the betterment of the visually impaired community. 
Although there are many schools, Guide Dogs of the Desert is one of the 
most exceptional. As one guide dog recipient stated, ``Frankly, all of 
the schools do an adequate job in developing extraordinary animals, but 
only Guide Dogs of the Desert adapts the training according to the very 
special needs of the people with multiple disabilities, veterans and 
even difficult cases like mine.'' I am certain that many more 
individuals and families are grateful for the guide dogs, the 
volunteers, and the organization itself for all of their services and I 
salute their efforts moving forward into their fourth decade of 
dedicated assistance.

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