By Lisa Batist
I used to think of myself as a real go-getter until I got Clyde, my Guide Dog. Now I am really a real go-getter! Never did I dream that on March 15, 2010 my life would be forever changed. The joy, the unconditional love, the independence and the joyous one-on-one times I share with my boy could never have been given to me by any other.
I believe one of the true defining moments for Clyde and I was a situation where we were walking down a busy downtown street and a stranger followed us for a few blocks. He finally stopped and talked to me. He said, “Wow, when you walk together you both walk proudly and with such confidence. You look straight ahead. Your head is up and so is your dog’s!” The reason this was such a defining moment for me relates back to my training with Clyde. During training, I had a hard time looking up and forward. I had to learn to trust Clyde enough so that I could walk looking straight ahead. Not as easy as you all think! But when a stranger complimented me that day, I realized that Clyde and I were there. We are a team and a team that cannot be surpassed!
I could not have been matched more perfectly than I am with Clyde! I could never repay Guide Dogs of Texas for what they have given me. I will be eternally indebted to them for the unconditional love, independence and happiness that Clyde has brought to me and my family.
To help support more clients like Lisa who need a Guide Dog please consider donating to our non profit Guide Dogs of Texas.
Why Support Guide Dogs of Texas?
Guide Dogs of Texas is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is supported strictly by the generosity of foundations, corporations and individuals. Our mission is to provide quality guide dogs to Texans who are visually impaired to increase their freedom, mobility and independence. We receive no funding from local, state or national government or insurance claims.
The cost to breed, raise, train and match a dog with a client is approximately $50,000 but we charge our clients only $1. Your gift will help us fulfill our mission while providing you with the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping an individual gain their freedom, mobility and independence.
Thank you for considering a gift to Guide Dogs of Texas. We are a qualified not-for-profit organization (Tax ID # 74-2530268) and all donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Guide Dogs of Texas receives no government funding or insurance payments and survives solely from donations. Your donation will greatly support our mission of providing quality guide dogs to visually impaired Texans.
https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=253
Guide Dogs of Texas (GDTX) is a nonprofit organization which promotes freedom, mobility, and independence to visually impaired Texans by providing “the Best Dogs in Sight.”
Reasons to Give
My name is Lori Wadsworth, and I’m a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs of Texas. My puppy’s name is Electra, and she turned a year old on April 9, 2014. She was 8.5 weeks old when I brought her home. The “E” litter is super smart and caught on quickly from the very start. My goal in raising Electra is to do the very best that I can in obedience training, play sessions, free run sessions, and training walks in order for her to move up into Advanced Training. Even though it will be really hard to give her up, I am excited about her future career.
Date: July 23
Guide Dogs of Texas Participation GDTx is a nonprofit that raises and trains guide dogs for the blind, offering these dogs, as well as specialized training and lifetime support, to their clients for the cost of just one dollar. Although The Big Give is an online day of giving, GDTx understands that not all of their supporters have access to or understanding of this method of donation. This, as well as the desire to share more about their impact in the lives of blind and visually impaired Texans, is why they are holding an on-site “Big Give party” on May 6th from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at their 1503 Allena Drive location. Visitors will receive assistance with online giving, and the organization is accepting cash and checks as well. Each donor will also receive a raffle ticket, giving them the chance to win a GDTx gift basket in drawings held every hour. Guests will be able learn more about what GDTx offers its clients, discover volunteer opportunities, and meet graduated guide dog teams, as well as puppies in training. Light refreshments will be provided, and children’s activities are available.
Whether you play golf or not, you can support Guide Dogs of Texas AND buy some incredible gifts by participating on the tournament’s online auction process from May 1 through May 27 at 
Mom will need special veterinary care and lab work prior to delivery, and once the puppies arrive, the vet will be extra busy with initial vet visits to include thorough exams and shots. The puppies will be acclimating to all kinds of sights and sounds from the moment they are born. Toys are used to encourage exploration and to test curiosity. Every precaution is taken to help these puppies put their best paw forward for a life as the eyes for a visually impaired Texan. Can you help?
My own life has been deeply changed by my first guide dog, Willow, and now by my second guide dog, Cody. These two loving and caring animals have given me the gifts of freedom, independence and mobility. I count both of them among the greatest blessings in my life.
Small Brick $100