Central Bark: A Guide Dogs for the Blind Podcast

You asked! This week, on Central Bark, we answer some of your frequently asked questions about Guide Dogs for the Blind and our guide dog programs. Join host Theresa Stern and GDB Outreach Specialist, Jake Koch as they sit down to answer listener and follower questions.

This week on Central Bark, Theresa sits down with first time guide dog handler, Brooke Coelho. Brooke shares her experience training with her guide dog, what it was like to bring him home to a house full of kids and pet dogs, and how their partnership has opened up new opportunities for her, like going back to school.

We're talking all things guide dog travel with GDB client, Kate Hano! Kate has made a career of accessible and inclusive travel, and she's sharing some of her favorite tips and advise on how to make the most of traveling with a guide dog.

Meet Paul Castle, a visual artist, digital influencer, and new guide dog handler! Theresa sits down to talk with Paul about his career, life with his husband and new guide dog, and his collaboration with GDB on our limited edition Guide with Pride designs. Links to the Guide with Pride line, show notes, and transcripts are available now at guidedogs.com/podcast.

In this episode, Theresa is joined by GDB client and Alumni Board member, Melba Vélez-Ortiz. Melba talks about growing up in Puerto Rico, her passion for her career as a professor, and the transformative process of overcoming her fear of dogs and learning to communicate in new ways.

Part two of our special two-part episode! Jenna Bullis, the manager of GDB's world-renowned guide dog breeding program, tells us more about how client preferences impact breeding decisions and GDB's collaboration efforts with guide dog schools in the US and abroad. For show notes and transcripts, visit guidedogs.com/podcast

Each year, approximately 800 puppies are welcomed into the world at Guide Dogs for the Blind. In this special two-part episode, Theresa sits down with Jenna Bullis, the manager of GDB's world-renowned guide dog breeding program. Learn all about what makes a guide dog at the DNA level and the intricacies of managing the breeding population of dogs. Show notes and transcripts are available at guided...

Have you ever wondered what goes into finding the perfect dog for our clients? Or how we train dogs to work in such varied and unique environments? This week, Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Joey Foat, sits down with Theresa to talk about the science and the art of the matching process and customized training opportunities for GDB clients. Show notes and transcripts are available at guide...

April is National Volunteer Month and here at Guide Dogs for the Blind, we could not do what we do without the support and the dedication of our amazing volunteers. In the last 80 years, volunteers have given more than 1,000,000 hours of their time to support our life-changing mission. This week, Theresa interviews our Volunteer Engagement Manager, Jen Bernstein about the community of volunteers t...

This week we're turning the microphone over to two members of the GDB community who have carved out a niche for themselves as advocates and educators on the social media platform, Tik Tok. Hear from Gabriella Drago and Ava Basso about what it's like to have a forum to change how the world sees people who are blind or visually impaired and how their guide dogs have been part of the journey. To lear...

Our dogs and puppies receive top-notch care from a team of full-time veterinarians and technicians, supported by outside specialists and volunteers. Our veterinary staff is there for the dogs throughout their lives, and are available by phone 24 hours a day for emergencies. From the time they are puppies receiving vaccinations, until they are working guide dogs in the field, our veterinarians ensu...

Learn all about the amazing GDB Puppy Raising program on this episode of Central Bark. Our guests, Alex Gregory and Mary Clarke, will answer all of the most common questions that we hear about raising a puppy for GDB. To learn more about becoming a puppy raising volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit guidedogs.com/puppy today. Transcripts and show notes are available at guidedogs.com/podca...

Theresa sits down with GDB grad and board member Amit Ahuja to discuss the transformative process of working with a guide dog. They also discuss the connection between his field of research and GDB's vision of creating a more inclusive world. For more information about our programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, visit guidedogs.com today. Transcripts and show notes are available at...

We are so excited to have GDB President and CEO, Christine Benninger, on the podcast. Chris and Theresa talk about GDB's 80th Anniversary, the "secret sauce" of our organization, puppies, and all things GDB. For more information on the history of our organization and how you can support the future of our mission, visit guidedogs.com. Transcripts and show notes are available at guidedogs.com/podcas...

Today we welcome GDB Youth Outreach Specialist, Jane Flower, onto the podcast to talk about our virtual youth programs, Camp GDB and our amazing K9 Buddy program. For more information on our FREE programs for youth who are blind or visually impaired, visit guidedogs.com. Transcripts and show notes are available at guidedogs.com/podcast.

Meet our host, Theresa Stern, as she shares the stories and conversations that make Guide Dogs for the Blind's life-changing mission so unique. Tune in every other week for new stories and amazing guests. We’ll make sure that whether you’re listening during your morning walk with the dog, in your car, or at your desk, there will be something for everyone.