“The greatest compliment that was ever paid to me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Through peer support, our clients gain training, tools and resources to live more meaningful and productive lives, while building and strengthening friendships through shared interests.
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Guide Dogs 808
Guide dog teams residing in Hawaii get together once a month to share experiences, learn about various training centers and participate in planned group activities. All handlers value their partner and share many successes and challenges that only another guide dog handler can understand.
Our Guide Dogs 808’s Hero Pledge:
- Honor my guide dog and make sure that his welfare is a priority.
- Engage in on-going education and strive for continuous improvement in my working relationship with my guide dog.
- Refrain from criticism or mean-spirited discussion on the handling ability of others, or the quality of the dog.
- Observe the rules and training techniques to maintain full control of my guide dog to promote the general safety and well-being of my team and the public.
Young at heart Women’s Book conversations
Adult clients gather once a month to engage in book conversations about the books of the month. This monthly hour give our adult women a chance to take a break from obligations among women who share the same love of reading while building lasting friendships. If you are at least 18 years old and interested, here are some reasons why our women are a part of this group.
- You get the chance to talk about books the group read – sharing your feedback about the book is one of the most beneficial part of this group. You get to express your feelings, frustration and even un-satisfaction with someone who has read the same book along with you.
- You give yourself the break to read your books on deadline – Sometimes, obligations take priority and your love for reading gets pushed back. This group allows you to make book reading a priority – taking a break away from daily obligations for yourself.
- You may read books you would not otherwise read – Each month, the group is assigned a book to read, in addition to a group book choice. Your knowledge and interest is broadened by reading books you never would have selected.
- Meeting new friends – Because you have a passion for reading, you will meet new friends with the same passion.
- It’s can be emotional– Every group meeting is different. The conversations can lead to friendly debates, shared laughter and even sorrow. Being able to emotionally express yourself among women is always respected in this group.
Words From Our Clients
“I enjoy being part of the Guide Dogs 808 group because I gain new insight from other people’s experiences. We all share how we each care and maintain our guide dogs. I can also share my own personal experiences with others.”
– Jay K and Todd, graduates of Guide Dog Foundation, Long Island NY
“I really love being part of the Young @ Heart group. I always look forward to our meetings. All of the ladies are so easy going, and I think we learn a lot from each other. I enjoy being able to interact with each other, hearing others opinions on the books we read and working on our activities like the stuffed dog together.”
Wanda Takaesu – Client
“I am so grateful that to have found Guide Dogs of Hawaii. There was nothing like this available for me when I lived in New York, I wish I would’ve moved back home sooner. It’s so awesome to be a part of the Young @ Heart group. I love participating in the programs that you offer. Mahalo GDH. ”
Debra E. Joyce– Client