Conversation with the President

🎙️🐾 Get Ready for an Exciting NewEpisode of NAGDU Unleashed! 🐾🎙️We're turning up the excitement on NAGDU Unleashed, the officialpodcast of the National Association of Guide Dog Users! Have you ever wanted to learn more about Dogs Inc. and the incredible workthey do? Well, we've got an exciting episode coming your way!It all started when Lydia Baxter reached out to Steve Cook,host and producer of NAGDU Unleashed, about having Dogs Inc.featured on an upcoming episode of the podcast. We were thrilled to receive theinvitation and even more excited when two wonderful volunteers stepped forwardto join us!Please help us welcome Marisa Gerlach and Christie Henry,representing Dogs Inc., as they join NAGDU Unleashed to shareinformation about the organization, its mission, and the important work it doesin the guide dog community. We'll have an opportunity to learn more about Dogs Inc., hear about theservices and opportunities they provide, and discover what makes thisorganization special. This is a fantastic opportunity for guide dog users,future guide dog handlers, and anyone interested in learning more about theguide dog world! A huge thank-you to Lydia Baxter for reaching out and helping make thisepisode possible, and to Marisa Gerlach and Christie Henry for volunteeringtheir time to share their knowledge and experiences with our listeners! So, get those headphones ready, spread the word, and stay tuned!NAGDU Unleashed is bringing you another exciting conversation, anotheropportunity to learn, and another reason to celebrate the guide dog community!🎧 NAGDU Unleashed – Real People, Real Experiences,and Real Conversations About Life With Guide Dogs! Below is a direct link tothis months podcast!!  

🚢🐾 ALL ABOARD! NAGDU UNLEASHED ISSETTING SAIL! 🐾🚢Ahoy, guide dog users! Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure onthe high seas with your four-legged first mate? 🌊⚓ Get ready to cast off,explore new horizons, and discover what it takes to cruise the open waters withyour guide dog! Welcome aboard a brand-new episode of NAGDU Unleashed, the officialpodcast of the National Association of Guide Dog Users! This time, we'retrading the sidewalks for the gangway and taking you on an adventure into theworld of cruising with your guide dog! A huge wave of thanks goes out to our fantastic guests, MelissaBartley, Donna Permar, and Stacie Gallegos, for joining us toshare their experiences, practical advice, and helpful tips for navigatingcruise ship life with a guide dog. From preparing for departure to enjoyinglife aboard the ship and exploring exciting destinations, we're diving into thedetails that can help make your next cruise smooth sailing for you and yourcanine companion! Whether you're a seasoned sailor, planning your very first cruise, ordreaming about your next getaway, this episode is packed with insights to helpyou and your guide dog travel with confidence.So, leash up your four-legged first mate, grab your life jacket, and getready to set sail with NAGDU Unleashed! 🚢🐕‍🦺 🎧 Tune in, turn up the volume, and join us for anadventure on the high seas! Have questions or suggestions for future episodes? Send us an email at [email protected]'t forget to like, share, and spread the word about NAGDU Unleashed.Let's keep the conversation going and help more guide dog teams discover newadventures! NAGDU Unleashed — Empowering guide dog users, one conversation at atime! ⚓🐾

🎙️🐾 NAGDU Unleashed: Paws with aPurpose! 🦮🔥Were you at the 2026 NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas?If so, you know that NAGDU brought the energy, the advocacy, and plenty offour-legged enthusiasm to the convention!If you missed the 2026 NAGDU Annual Seminar, “Paws with a Purpose,”don’t worry—you can still experience it!🎧 NAGDU Unleashed is bringing the seminar to you forthis months NAGDU Unleashed episode! This year’s seminar featured informative presentations, engagingdiscussions, advocacy updates, and important information for guide dog usersand the entire blindness community. From the latest issues affecting guide dogusers to stories, experiences, and conversations about living and travelingwith our canine partners, there was something for everyone. 🐕‍🦺 What makes a great guide dogpartnership?🦮Whatissues are guide dog users facing today?🎤Whatdid our presenters and panelists have to say?💪Howis NAGDU continuing to advocate for our rights and independence? There’s only one way to find out—LISTEN!Turn up the volume, grab your headphones, and join NAGDU Unleashed as werevisit the 2026 NAGDU Annual Seminar! Whether you are a longtime guide dog user, thinking about getting your firstguide dog, an owner trainer, a guide dog professional, or simply interested inlearning more about the guide dog community, this is an episode you won't wantto miss! 🎧 Listen to the seminar recording and hear “Paws witha Purpose” in action!🐾 NAGDU Unleashed — Where guide dog users speak up,speak out, and unleash their voices! 📧 Questions or comments? Contact us at [email protected]. So, what are you waiting for? Put on those headphones, press play, andlet’s get unleashed! 🎙️🐾🔥

🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed – August 2026Episode Now Available! Have you ever wondered what it's really like to attend theNational Federation of the Blind National Convention with a guide dog? Then youwon't want to miss this month's episode of NAGDU Unleashed! "Conventioning With Your Guide Dog!" takes listeners inside the 2026 NFB National Convention inAustin, Texas, through the experiences of guide dog handlers who were there.Host Steve Cook is joined by special guests ShannonBritt and Angie Castro as they share their firsthand experiencesnavigating one of the largest gatherings of blind people in the world withtheir guide dogs. Together, they discuss the joys, challenges, and valuablelessons learned while traveling, staying in the convention hotel, attendingsessions, navigating crowded hallways, and ensuring their guide dogs remainedhealthy, comfortable, and ready to work throughout the week.Whether you're preparing to attend your first nationalconvention with a guide dog, are a seasoned convention attendee, or are simplyinterested in learning more about guide dog travel, this episode offerspractical tips, personal stories, and helpful advice that every guide dog usercan appreciate.Tune in today and hear how Shannon and Angie made the mostof their convention experience while partnering with their guide dogs everystep of the way.Thank you for listening to NAGDU Unleashed, theofficial podcast of the National Association of Guide Dog Users, where guidedog users come together to share information, experiences, and resources thatempower our community.Happy listening! 

🐾🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed – Getting YourFirst Guide Dog! 🦮Have you ever wondered what it's really like to get your first guide dog?What inspired someone to apply, and how did partnering with a guide dog changetheir life?Join us for a brand-new episode of NAGDU Unleashed as we sit down withtwo guide dog handlers who will share their personal journeys of receivingtheir very first guide dog. They'll discuss why they chose to pursue a guidedog, training process was like, the challenges they faced, and the incrediblefreedom and independence their guide dogs have brought to their lives.🎤 Appreciate Lindsay Kerr and MorganA. Estes volunteering to take time out of there schedules to volunteer forNAGDU Unleashed!Whether you're considering applying for a guide dog, are currently on thewaiting list, recently received your first guide dog, or are simply curiousabout the experience, this episode is for you!We can't wait to have you with us on NAGDU Unleashed! 

🎙️🐾 NAGDU Unleashed PodcastAnnouncement 🐾🎙️Are you preparing to attend the National Federation of the Blind NationalConvention with your guide dog? Then you won't want to miss this specialepisode of NAGDU Unleashed!Join us as we welcome a panel of experienced convention attendees and guide doghandlers who will share their best tips, tricks, and practical advice fornavigating one of the largest gatherings of blind people in the world with aservice dog by your side.🐕‍🦺 Featured Guests:✨Al Elia✨Stacie Gallegos✨Elizabeth CampbellIn this informative discussion, our guests will cover topics such as:🏨 Navigating hotels and convention facilities🚶Managing crowded hallways and exhibit halls🍽️Dining with your service dog during convention💧Locating relief areas and maintaining routines🎒Packing essentials for your service dog🤝Handling public interactions and distractions🎉Balancing convention activities while ensuring your dog's needs are metWhether this is your first National Convention or you're a seasoned attendeelooking for fresh ideas, this episode is packed with valuable insights to helpmake your convention experience successful and enjoyable. 🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed – Your source for guide doginformation, advocacy, and community.🐾 Empowering guide dog users through sharedexperiences and practical knowledge.

We’re excited to announce this month’s episode of the NAGDU UnleashedPodcast, featuring a discussion on exercising with your guide dog!A special thank you to Donna Permar and Jackie Schiemann for volunteering tojoin us for this episode. They share valuable insights, personal experiences,and practical tips for staying active with your guide dog. While their exerciseroutines may look different from yours, we hope you’ll discover ideas andstrategies that can support you and your guide dog in your own fitness journey.Looking ahead, our June NAGDU Unleashed Podcast will focus on attending theNational Convention with your guide dog. We’ll feature a panel discussiondesigned to help you prepare for convention and ease some of the stress thatcan come with the planning process. Stay tuned for more details!

🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed Podcast: Toys & Games with ServiceDogs 🐾The National Association of Guide Dog Users is excited tobring you another engaging episode of NAGDU Unleashed! This time, we’refocusing on a fun and meaningful topic—toys and games for service dogs.Our guide and service dogs work incredibly hard, butplaytime is just as important for their overall well-being. In this episode,we’ll explore a variety of toys, favorite games, and creative ways handlerskeep their dogs happy, active, and mentally enriched while off duty.We’re proud to feature a wonderful panel of experiencedguide dog users: Our panelists will share their personal experiences,favorite activities, and helpful tips to make playtime both fun and rewarding.Whether you’re a guide dog user, service dog handler, orsimply interested in learning more, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

🎙️ Exciting Guest on NAGDU Unleashed!We are thrilled to welcome Stacie Gallegos as a guest speakeron the latest episode of the NAGDU Unleashed podcast! Staciewill share her insights, experiences, and stories, giving listeners a uniqueperspective on guide dog partnerships and the adventures that come with them.Tune in to hear Stacie’s inspiring journey and learn more about theincredible work happening in the guide dog community. Don’t miss this engagingand informative conversation!📧 Have questions or comments for Stacie? Sendthem to [email protected].🎧Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Listen to President Raul as he discusses different situations about guide dogs