GDUI
Carolina Paws - Guide Dog Users of North Carolina, Dixieland Guide Dog Users, Guide Dog Users of Florida are pleased to announce the third annual Southeast Regional Top Dog Workshop: January 18, 19, 20, 2008. This event will take place at the Holiday Inn – Brownstone 1707 Hillsborough St in Raleigh, NC. The Top Dog Workshop focuses on the issues faced by guide dog handlers and their dogs. Representatives from the guide dog schools and puppy raisers are also invited. The weekend’s activities begin with a reception Friday evening which includes entertainment and hors d'oeuvres. Saturday’s activities include a trip to the North Carolina State University – College of Veterinary Medicine; one of the country’s top vet schools. This includes a tour of the anatomy lab, plus information sessions on what we as guide dog handlers should be aware of concerning diseases and illnesses of dogs, and much more. Unfortunately, because of the threat of disease or illness to our guide dogs, the school has stipulated that we not bring our dogs. Please understand that this stipulation is not expressing discrimination but is out of concern for the potential exposure to disease or illness to the dogs. We will have plenty of sighted assistants for this tour. The chance to visit this wonderful school which educates the veterinarians who care so deeply for our beautiful dogs is really a very special opportunity. However, there will be an alternative opportunity to be announced.
There will also be a “meet the guide dog schools” session which will be open to the public. This will give the guide dog school representatives an opportunity to share highlights of their school. This will be followed by a chance to mix and mingle among the schools exhibits and visit with the puppy raisers, trainers and dog handlers. On Saturday evening we will have the traditional banquet featuring Barbara Sherman, animal behaviorist from the NC Vet School. We’ll wrap things up with a special and unique blessing of the guides on Sunday morning.
Carolina Paws is working hard to see to every detail of this exciting and informative weekend. So won’t you all come join us!
Registration is $60 if you register by December 1st; and $65 if you register after December 1st. The registration fee includes all meals, including the banquet on Saturday evening and continental breakfast on Sunday morning. Activities at the vet school and the alternative activity are free. There are plenty of accessible relief areas for the dogs.
There are two ways to make your reservations: you can call the hotel directly at 919.828.0811 or call 1.800.HOLIDAY. If you call 1.800.HOLIDAY be sure to give the name and address of the hotel, The Holiday Inn Brownstone at 1707 Hillsborough St, Raleigh NC. No matter which way you call to make your reservation be sure to mention that you are coming to the Top Dog Workshop, in order to assure the special rate of $65 per night (plus 12.75% sales tax). There are a few rooms available for Thursday evening, January 17th but registration for Top Dog will not be available until Friday. Ground service from Raleigh Durham International Airport can be provided by the hotel shuttle but it is NOT free. It will cost $25 for up to eight people. If you are planning to use the hotel shuttle, please let them know of your arrival and departure times no sooner than ONE WEEK before traveling. Call the hotel and ask for Dayna Nicely to request the shuttle service. You do not need to talk to Dayna in making your room reservation. You can also take a cab for about $28. Hopefully we will have some volunteer help available to pick up and drop off from the airport.
Make checks payable to Carolina Paws and send them to, 1013 Gardner St, Raleigh NC 27607. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Carolina Paws at 919.632.2952