May Brings SO Much Beautiful!

Logo used with permission of and linked back to Guide Dogs of America

See Beautiful is thrilled to name (drum roll, please!) Guide Dogs of America as our May Sponsored Non-profit of the month!

When it comes to seeing beautiful, one of the most wonderful parts of what we get to do is raise awareness for, and donate to, wonderful non-profit organizations. May's featured project of the month, Guide Dogs of America, leaves us completely inspired. We are honored and humbled to sponsor such an important non-profit organization who has impacted the lives of thousands people and dogs and share some information about the wonderful work with which they are engaged. We have no doubt their work will leave you moved as well!

Guide Dogs of America "provides guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired individuals in the United States and Canada" (Guide Dogs of America, 2012).  A special thanks to Becky, our See Beautiful woman of the Month, who unbeknownst to her inspired us to seek out such a wonderful organization to support!

Why Guide Dogs of America?
Since 1948 Guide Dogs of America has worked to provide guide dogs to their human partners. The founder, Joseph Jones, was denied a guide dog from other operating organizations at the time because he exceeded the age limit. At age 57, Jones worked to fight age discrimination and develop an organization who would see people as human beyond an age and dogs as guides beyond a companion. Because of the skilled training and expertise of the wonderful individuals at Guide Dogs of America, they make the lives of thousands better on a daily basis. As puppies graduate from their trainings and individuals are matched with their guide dog, lives are changed. Confidence is, in some cases, restored or provided to a state never felt. Their work is beautiful. They help us all see more beautiful in the world.

How does Guide Dogs of America (GDA) see & spread beautiful?
There are so many ways we're inspired by Guide Dogs of America and the myriad ways they see beautiful. Here are just a few:

• GDA provides guide dogs and their instruction in their use completely free of charge to visually impaired and blind individuals in the United States and Canada;
• GDA is expert at understanding and appreciating the individual uniqueness of each guide dog and owner to make the perfect match; 
• GDA staff are expert dog people! The public is invited to tour their facilities and public education is provided to the community free of charge! Come on, does it get any more beautiful than that?

How will See Beautiful support Guide Dogs of America?
See Beautiful™ donates a portion of every product sale to Guide Dogs of America throughout the month of May.

Connect with Guide Dogs of America in the following ways:

• Visit GDA on the web HERE.
• Like GDA on Facebook HERE.
• Tweet with GDA on Twitter HERE.

Below are some of Guide Dogs of America's newest puppies and graduates. Yeah,  I know, you're seeing beautiful!

Photo shared with permission by GDA.

Photo shared with permission by GDA.

Photo shared with permission by GDA.

We have communicated with Guide Dogs of America and requested that our May donation by made in memory of the only See Beautiful's Pet of the Month we've ever had, Sullivan. Sullivan passed away recently and we hope that in a small way this can honor the memory of the sweet dog who touched the lives of thousands. Always one ear up and one ear down, my friend. Seeing beautiful doesn't ever have to be the norm, it has to be you. Sullivan lived that and reminded children and adults alike to do the same. We're honored to celebrate his life through Guide Dogs of America.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you looking for a tangible reminder to see beautiful, or know someone who needs one? Check out our See Beautiful™ products (and feel good knowing a portion of proceeds from every purchase is donated to charity. This month a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Guide Dogs of America. Click HERE.