Guide Dogs for the Blind Welcomes Alaska Airlines!

Alaska Airlines team member interacts with Guide Dog in training

by Sierra Fish

Last week Guide Dogs for the Blind had the honor of hosting Alaska Airlines at our campus headquarters in San Rafael. About 30 members of the regional management operations team arrived for an afternoon of educational awareness, beginning with a panel presentation by GDB staff members in which various departments and programs were highlighted. Alaska Airlines team members were able to interact with GDB Canine Welfare Technicians and dogs in training, as well as take a tour of the campus. One of the highlights of the day was for each of them to experience walking with a Guide Dog in its final stages of training while accompanied by our instructors. “Our folks were truly enlightened and inspired,” said Michele Harris, Alaska Airlines Customer Service Supervisor.

Alaska Airlines has been a wonderful supporter of GDB and has demonstrated outstanding customer service when flying our staff members and dogs. We look forward to continuing our relationship and having the opportunity to encourage best practices at airports for those traveling who are blind and visually impaired. “I believe it opened many eyes for the management team at Alaska Airlines and allowed for an understanding on a deeper level,” said Bill Essick, Alaska Airlines Passenger Sales and Community Marketing Manager.


Karen Schierholtz, Alaska Airlines Regional Sales Manager and Guide Dog in training



Alaska Airlines team member has a Guide Dog experience with Darren Walsh, Master Instructor

Michele Harris, Alaska Airlines Customer Service Supervisor has a Guide Dog experience with Gayle Olmstead, Master Instructor



Alaska Airlines team member has a Guide Dog experience with Paolo Pompanin, Master Instructor

Thank you, Alaska Airlines for visiting and supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind!