Dixie’s Doodles has donated Mason to The mission of Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc., Inc. (GDTx) is to provide guide dogs for Texans, who are visually impaired, to improve their mobility and independence. San Antonio based Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. compliments the fine services offered by national schools by providing a regional alternative. GDTx is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mobility and independence to Texans who are visually impaired. The school excels in providing high-quality, personal one-on- one training and ongoing support after graduation. Michelle Pelletier , Guide Dogs of Texas, assessed two pups and the special pup "Mason" was chosen. This pup was donated by Dixie's Doodles - http://dixiesdoodles.com

Tidbits from Mason's Tales:

Sunday, October 28, 2007 Halloween is a great time for exposing guide dog puppies to sights, sounds and smells. Mason was put to the test in all three of these areas recently when we went to the Pumpkin Patch in Garden Ridge. He saw pumpkins, scare crows and lots of children. He was quite attracted to the sounds of happy children. And he was distracted by the smells of pumpkins, hay and acorns. Saturday, November 17, 2007 Grand Opening Silvers Pet and Feed Supply, Cibolo Today we went to the grand opening of Silvers Pet and Feed Supply in Cibolo. They had a big celebration with a DJ, food, a Moonjump, petting zoo and much more. It was a fun time for us and a great time for exposing Mason to various stimuli. There were several dogs, a cat, goats, ducks, chickens, a tortoise, a pony, a horse, birds and lots of people. Tuesday, January 1, 2008 Mason enjoyed after Christmas shopping. He was especially interested in the wiggling Santas. Friday, March 14, 2008 Casino Night 2008 Guide Dogs of Texas had a very successful, well attended Casino Night last month. Lots of people, especially the GDTx staff, worked very hard to make it successful. Even Mason pitched in by visiting businesses and soliciting their support. Sarah Jane is a potential client who had to give up here first guide dog due to allergies. She has had time with Mason twice now and has had no reaction to him. Sandy Merrill and the training staff are happy with that result, a main reason for getting a labradoodle. There are several criteria for making a match, so it is still too early to know if Mason will guide Sarah Jane. If not, maybe Trixie, the second labradoodle, will work for her. Mason and Trixie enjoyed seeing each other. "Wow, someone who looks like me!" TRIXIE & MASON Trixie the Labradoodle pup was also donated by Dixie's Doodles Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Finds We combined our walks recently with working on "Finds." Mason knows Find the Seat, Door, Steps, Curb, Elevator, Button and Bus (vehicle). He is working on more finds like: Trash can Counter (in a store) Boys* (Mens room) Girls* (Ladies room) Stall (the handicap stall) Pot (urinal) Puppy Raising Guide Dogs of Texas relies on dedicated volunteers called Puppy Raisers to raise and socialize puppies until they are 14 to 16 months of age. At that time, the puppy is returned to Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. to enter the advanced training program. They are always accepting applications for new Puppy Raisers. If you live within the following Texas counties; Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Caldwell, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Travis, Wilson and you are home most of the day Please Apply! https://www.guidedogsoftexas.org/puppy-walker- program.htm Volunteering Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. depends on volunteers for various activities both dog-related and non dog related. These activities include: Guide Dog Boarders, Client Host/Hostess, Guide Dog Ambassadors, Office Assistant, Public Speaking, Puppy Sitters, Puppy Raiser, Seamstress, Special Event Staff, Kennel Assistant. https://www.guidedogsoftexas.org/Volunteer- program/volunteer-program.htm Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. 1503 Allena Drive San Antonio, TX 78213 Phone: 210-366-4081 or Toll Free: 800-831-9231 Fax: 210-366-4082 Website: GuideDogsofTexas.org