Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® Pet Foods is helping to support guide dogs through their work with Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc.

The mission of Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc., Inc. (GDTx) is to provide guide dogs for Texans, who are visually impaired, to improve their mobility and independence.

San Antonio based Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. compliments the fine services offered by national schools by providing a regional alternative. GDTx is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mobility and independence to Texans who are visually impaired. The school excels in providing high-quality, personal one-on-one training and ongoing support after graduation.

The key to a successful working team is the right match between dog and handler. Rather than training people on a first-come, first-serve basis, GDTx carefully assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each dog and client. Speed of walking, working environments, distances of routes, and dog and client
personalities are some of the many considerations used to make a match.

The small size of the organization allows a flexible and personal approach. Clients who cannot leave their job or family for a full four-week course can take advantage of partial or full training at their homes.

Classes are run by dedicated, energetic staff and are very small, with one or two clients training at a time. The small class size allows instructors the ability to address the individual needs and concerns of each client. The training program focuses on a unique philosophy of complete client care. Each team is advised, supported, and monitored not only during training but also throughout the lifetime of the dog. This on-going care promotes happy, relaxed, and confident teams.

In addition to working with the visually impaired, Guide Dogs of Texas has a program called Pawsitive Approach, which is a joint effort between the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (specifically, the Dominguez State Jail), the Windham School District and Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. Their goals include providing the opportunity for non-violent offenders to exercise responsibility, learn how to nurture, focus attention, problem solve and cooperate with others in order to achieve a common goal, foster pro-social behavior and to facilitate reintegration into society.

This approach originated when Puppy Program Manager, Yvette Rowland of Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. was developing this program at the same time Principal Owen Kelly at the Dominguez State Jail was wanting to developing an educational program for confinees that centered around the human/animal bond. They "share the same vision" - something that will last long after the confinee returns home.

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® Pet Foods provides food and support for Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc.

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods provides food and support for Guide Dogs of the Desert. Pick up a specially marked bag of Natural Balance dog food with this sticker in the Month of May (right), and you can help our guide dog program, too!

Contact Guide Dogs of Texas:
Phone: 210-366-4081 or
Toll Free: 800-831-9231

Click here to find out more about National Guide Dog Awareness Month