Welcome to Central Bark
A podcast by Guide Dogs for the Blind
Central Bark shares the stories and conversations that bring our mission to life. Join host, Theresa Stern, and special guests as they discuss how lives are changed every day through the special partnerships created between people, dogs and communities at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about our pups (from guide dog DNA to training techniques) and our amazing people in the GDB community including clients, staff, volunteers and supporters.
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April is National Volunteer Month and here at Guide Dogs for the Blind, we could not do what we do without the support and the dedication of our amazing volunteers. In the last 80 years, volunteers have given more than 1,000,000 hours of their time to support our life-changing mission.
This week, Theresa interviews our Volunteer Engagement Manager, Jen Bernstein about the community of volunteers that make our work possible.
Find full transcripts of this episode and show notes under the drop down for each episode below. For questions, or if you need any assistance accessing our podcast, email [email protected]
All Episodes

Meet our host, Theresa Stern, as she shares the stories and conversations that make Guide Dogs for the Blind's life-changing mission so unique.
Tune in every other week for new stories and amazing guests. We’ll make sure that whether you’re listening during your morning walk with the dog, in your car, or at your desk, there will be something for everyone.
To learn more about Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit guidedogs.com
Download a transcript of the trailer episode (rtf)
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Download a transcript of the trailer episode (PDF)

We are so excited to have GDB President and CEO, Christine Benninger, on the podcast. Chris and Theresa talk about GDB's 80th Anniversary, the "secret sauce" of our organization, puppies, and all things GDB.
Download a transcript of Episode 1 (rtf)
Download a transcript of Episode 1 (Word)
Download a transcript of Episode 1 (PDF)

Today we welcome GDB Youth Outreach Specialist, Jane Flower, onto the podcast to talk about our virtual youth programs, Camp GDB and our amazing K9 Buddy program.
For more information on our FREE programs for youth who are blind or visually impaired, visit our Youth Programs page.
Register for our Ready, Set, Forward! virtual programs
Apply for Camp GDB today!
Download a transcript of Episode 2 (rtf)
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Download a transcript of Episode 2 (Word)

Theresa sits down with GDB grad and board member Amit Ahuja to discuss the transformative nature of working with a guide dog. They also discuss the connection between his field of research and GDB's vision of creating a more inclusive world.
Lear more about our free programs for people who are blind or visually impaired today.
Download a transcript of Episode 3 (rtf)
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Download a transcript of Episode 3 (Word)

Learn all about the amazing GDB Puppy Raising program on this episode of Central Bark. Our guests, Alex Gregory and Mary Clarke, will answer all of the most common questions that we hear about raising a puppy for GDB.
Download a transcript of Episode 4 (rtf)
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Download a transcript of Episode 4 (Word)

Our dogs and puppies receive top-notch care from a team of full-time veterinarians and technicians, supported by outside specialists and volunteers. Our veterinary staff is there for the dogs throughout their lives, and are available by phone 24 hours a day for emergencies. From the time they are puppies receiving vaccinations, until they are working guide dogs in the field, our veterinarians ensure their continued health.
Theresa sits down with Dr. Alex Philippine to talk about our industry-leading veterinary programs, our Veterinary Financial Assistance Program and what it's like to be a veterinarian to working guide dogs.
Learn more about our veterinary programs, how you can join our veterinary team and support our programs.
Download a rtf transcript of Episode 5
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We're turning the microphone over to two members of the GDB community who have carved out a niche for themselves as advocates and educators on the social media platform, TikTok.
Hear from Gabriella Drago and Ava Basso about what it's like to have a forum to change how the world sees people who are blind or visually impaired and how their guide dogs have been part of the journey.
Download a transcript of Episode 6 (Word)
Download a transcript of Episode 6 (PDF)