OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING CORONAVIRUS
By: Russell Gittlen
The safety of our Guide Dogs of America family has, and always will be, our top priority. Our administration is closely monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is taking action to limit the public’s access to campus. We ask that anyone who is feeling “under the weather” stay home.
All campus tours are suspended until further notice.
Puppy Raiser Orientation – March 14
Will proceed as scheduled.
Guide Dog Graduation- March 21
Will no longer be open to the public. Graduating guide dog teams will meet privately with their puppy raisers to celebrate the joyous occasion.
In For Training – March 21
The recognition luncheon is postponed. However, dogs will still be turned in for training. Raisers with dogs due to begin training will be asked to deliver them to the kennel between 10 a.m. and Noon on Saturday, March 21. Raisers will be formally recognized at a later date.
March Monthly Meetings:
We are asking area groups who have not yet held their March meeting to kindly cancel.
Puppy Classes:
All in-session puppy classes will continue as scheduled but limited to the puppy raiser family only- no guests.
Kennel Visits/Boarding:
In an effort to limit the public’s access to campus, we will not be accepting any additional, unnecessary kennel reservations for March. If you’ve booked a kennel visit to meet the program requirement, you are welcome to cancel. If you booked a kennel reservation due to scheduled travel or other personal necessity, please keep the reservation. However, if you aren’t feeling well, kindly arrange for someone else to deliver or pick up the puppy. Females in season are still required to board at GDA during their heat.
Scheduled Puppy Evaluations with Canine Development:
All currently scheduled evaluations will continue as planned, provided raisers are asymptomatic and able to get the dog to/from GDA for boarding.
We realize many of the changes will create disappointment, but we ask for your support. The changes are only being enacted to exercise an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of our Guide Dogs of America family. Any raisers with questions should contact the puppy department to stop the spread of misinformation.
As it’s likely the situation will remain somewhat fluid in the coming weeks, we will continue to keep you updated! Thank you for your support as we all work together to minimize the impact the above changes will have on our community.
