March 26
Well, it’s official. Nadine and I are now graduates of Guide Dogs for the Blind. We had our graduation ceremony today and it was a great experience.
First, I met with Kyra and Richard who were Nadine’s puppy raisers. They flew in from Colorado for the occasion. WE got to know one another, and they were able to spend time with Nadine. She was sooooo excited to see them. I thought she’d blow up.
During graduation, they have the student come up on stage from the right and the puppy raisers bring the dogs in from the left. They hand over the leash at that time to the student, and both have a minutes to share their feelings with the audience. Our group balled all the way through the ceremony. Of course, I didn’t weep, but I did get choked up when I thanked my instructor Michelle and my group.
Afterwards, Kyra and Richard took me out for desert for my birthday. I had a huge chocolate shake. Nadine was very good under the table. It was my first time alone with her as my dog.
Later, I went to dinner with my fantastic friend and was able to meet her husband and daughters. We were friends since pre-school, but lost track of each other for years. It was so great to spend time with her, and made my birthday special.
Nadine has hit the sack, and I’m all packed up to leave at 5:30 am. It’s going to be an adventure to travel for the first time with a guide dog. Please buckle your seat belts and return all seat backs and tray tables to their forward and locked positions.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Rest and Rap Up
March 25
Well, I’m still 39, but the hours are dwindling away. My cute group members brought me a bouquet of flowers and had the staff all sign a birthday card for me. Tonight, we are watching a movie and having snacks.
Today was pretty low stress. First, we went to a park to work on our handling of dog distractions. The problem was that it was raining and there were no dogs. So, we walked around a park in the rain and then got on the bus again. Wahoo! Such a great learning experience. Well, I did try a head collar on Nadine. It’s one you would use to have really good control of the dog’s head- like with dog distractions. It goes in a figure eight around the muzzle and head of the dog. I was all prepared to use it, but the only living animals around were geese. They didn’t bother Nadine much, but it was practice.
One funny thing happened in the park. I was nearing the end of the park path, and sang out loudly, “I can hear you!” to one of the class instructors approaching me; however, it wasn’t one of the instructors. It was just another poor soul out walking in the rain. She laughed, and kept on walking. Oops!
After the rainy park, we went to another mall to do some work. It was pretty uneventful. Nadine does love working inside, though. She books it and I constantly have to try to slow her down.
The rest of the day was spent going over our graduation for tomorrow, and talking through transitioning our dog team to our homes. It should be an adventure.
Oh, the kitchen staff made me a yummy chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Everyone has been very nice here. I can’t believe it’s over tomorrow. The things that can happen over 14 days…
Well, I’m still 39, but the hours are dwindling away. My cute group members brought me a bouquet of flowers and had the staff all sign a birthday card for me. Tonight, we are watching a movie and having snacks.
Today was pretty low stress. First, we went to a park to work on our handling of dog distractions. The problem was that it was raining and there were no dogs. So, we walked around a park in the rain and then got on the bus again. Wahoo! Such a great learning experience. Well, I did try a head collar on Nadine. It’s one you would use to have really good control of the dog’s head- like with dog distractions. It goes in a figure eight around the muzzle and head of the dog. I was all prepared to use it, but the only living animals around were geese. They didn’t bother Nadine much, but it was practice.
One funny thing happened in the park. I was nearing the end of the park path, and sang out loudly, “I can hear you!” to one of the class instructors approaching me; however, it wasn’t one of the instructors. It was just another poor soul out walking in the rain. She laughed, and kept on walking. Oops!
After the rainy park, we went to another mall to do some work. It was pretty uneventful. Nadine does love working inside, though. She books it and I constantly have to try to slow her down.
The rest of the day was spent going over our graduation for tomorrow, and talking through transitioning our dog team to our homes. It should be an adventure.
Oh, the kitchen staff made me a yummy chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Everyone has been very nice here. I can’t believe it’s over tomorrow. The things that can happen over 14 days…
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Is it time for a nap yet
March 24
I was totally discouraged this morning after my final route in Portland. It was a solo route without input from the trainer who was still behind watching, but not directing or correcting. I made a few mistakes, but thought I had done alright. However, after going over the route with my trainer, she said some things about some of my choices on the streets which hurt quite a lot. To tell the truth, I just wanted to go home and have a nap. She did say that she knew I had given 200% during our class these past 2 weeks, but was still concerned about some things. I didn’t know what I had left to offer since I really have been throwing my whole self into this learning.
After Portland, we drove to the airport to go through security as practice. We learned how to get through with our dogs. I think Nadine used to work for TSA because she seemed to know exactly where to go and weaved in and out of the crowds of people. She was definitely excited to be there.
Then, I came back and had an hour nap to recover- body and mind. That helped a ton. After dinner, we went on another night route which was optional. I really didn’t want to do it after my morning discouragement, but sucked it up and went anyway. I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me work well with Nadine and to have good instincts. I consecrated my fear, anxiety, and disappointment in myself to Father, and asked him to bless me with more strength than I had. That is exactly what he did. I was calm, and made Nadine go slowly so I felt as little stress as possible. Nadine took her turn having an off route, but I handled all the curves she threw at me.
My trainer said that I definitely had to work for that route, but that I had done a phenomenal job. Now, that was more like it! Isn’t it great how merciful Father is, even about a dog route in the dark? I am so grateful that he cares for me and helps me.
I was totally discouraged this morning after my final route in Portland. It was a solo route without input from the trainer who was still behind watching, but not directing or correcting. I made a few mistakes, but thought I had done alright. However, after going over the route with my trainer, she said some things about some of my choices on the streets which hurt quite a lot. To tell the truth, I just wanted to go home and have a nap. She did say that she knew I had given 200% during our class these past 2 weeks, but was still concerned about some things. I didn’t know what I had left to offer since I really have been throwing my whole self into this learning.
After Portland, we drove to the airport to go through security as practice. We learned how to get through with our dogs. I think Nadine used to work for TSA because she seemed to know exactly where to go and weaved in and out of the crowds of people. She was definitely excited to be there.
Then, I came back and had an hour nap to recover- body and mind. That helped a ton. After dinner, we went on another night route which was optional. I really didn’t want to do it after my morning discouragement, but sucked it up and went anyway. I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me work well with Nadine and to have good instincts. I consecrated my fear, anxiety, and disappointment in myself to Father, and asked him to bless me with more strength than I had. That is exactly what he did. I was calm, and made Nadine go slowly so I felt as little stress as possible. Nadine took her turn having an off route, but I handled all the curves she threw at me.
My trainer said that I definitely had to work for that route, but that I had done a phenomenal job. Now, that was more like it! Isn’t it great how merciful Father is, even about a dog route in the dark? I am so grateful that he cares for me and helps me.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Other Side of Portland
March 22
Boy, do I have one tired pooch. We’ve worked another full day of unknown situations. This morning, we worked on traffic encounters. This is watching how Nadine reacts to cars stopping in front of her, backing out of driveways, making it around parked cars, etc. Nadine guided me on the sidewalk around several blocks and an instructor let me know when the class supervisor was coming in a car and from what angle. Nadine did perfectly. She kept me safe and showed that she knew just what to do.
Unfortunately, she got nervous in the afternoon on our route in an area without sidewalks. She would stop at every parked car and didn’t want to go around them. She was keeping me safe by keeping her distance. The instructors said that the dogs would be effected after their traffic encounters that morning. It was my job to be a good leader and keep up my confidence and encouragement so she could work through it. Unless I move to NYC, we won’t have that many traffic encounters in one route again. She did great in the sidewalk less area despite shying away from the parked cars. I learned the techniques necessary to get around safely without a sidewalk, which will help in my area on some busy streets.
We also were tested on dog encounters. As Nadine and I made our way on a route, my supervisor stood off to our left with his big dog. Nadine didn’t give him the time of day. She just cruised on by just like she was supposed to. My trainer was so proud.
We went to see the vet today, and got information on keeping them healthy as well as their health history. Nadine had pneumonia as a pup and a few other problems, but is completely healthy now. There is a dog run here with lots of grass that we can take the dogs to and let them run. Labs have this particular run that they call scooting. It’s where they tuck in their bum and race around like crazy. She loves to run in there, and it’s so good for her to work out her anxiety and to relax and just be a dog. We played tug of war with a rubber tug ring, and she’d pull it away and race around the dog run. Then, when I called for it, she’d bring it back and I’d give her food. She did great at this game until it was time to go and she would not bring it back. So, we had to leave it there and someone else brought it to me. She was a stinker, but had a blast. I hope our backyard grass can handle her racing.
Finally, I had a 40 minute massage by a therapist who comes in to work on the staff and students. It was heavenly! Of course, she barely got started when my time was up, but it did help a lot.
Now, I’ve put sleepy Nadine in her kennel and I’m headed for an early night’s sleep. Another day filled with learning and some fun too.
March 23
I just came in from our last dog relieving session of the night in the pouring down rain. Poor pooches. Who wants to do their private business in the rain? Furthermore, who wants to stand in the rain and encourage their poor poochie to do their business in the rain?
Today was spent working 2 routes in Portland. The first was to find the building my friend’s husband works in so that I could return the purse she left at my dorm Sunday. Nadine was gun shy on this route. She usually nails every curb, but today was hesitant about going up and down curbs. I’m sure it was left over trauma from yesterday’s traffic exercise. So, I really worked on keeping her confidence up. My class supervisor coached me on that route, and helped me with keeping a straight line on sidewalks. There is a certain position to maintain which allows the dog to drive forward, and I wasn’t consistent with that position. To tell you the truth, I am afraid sometimes if there is a lot going on along the sidewalk. I don’t want to bang into things, so I hang back. But, don’t worry. That has been corrected.
The afternoon route was a doubles route. That means that I and another girl –one that I don’t normally work with- traveled on the same route with only one instructor. Nadine did much better on the curbs, but tried to keep up with the other dog team instead of listen to me. So, that took work too.
We worked to a famous doughnut shop here in Portland that happens to be in a more run down part of town. We went past some strip clubs and had a dog encounter with a homeless woman’s rat terrier. Nadine wanted to eat her, I think- the dog, I mean. There were lots of street musicians and some pan handlers, but no one seems to need money from the blind ladies. Hmm. I guess there are some perks.
We met with the graduate services lady today, and learned all about the support we receive when we go back home. We had periodic home visits and such to ensure both student and dog are safe and working well together. GDB really does so much to make sure we have a successful experience.
It was nice to have a few hours off this evening. The nurse took me and another student to the store, and I bought a back pack. It’s not that I want to be like Dora; Nadine just gets a bit testy when my purse falls off my shoulder and hits her. So, I’ve now made the switch to a pack for a while. There seems to be so much to juggle all the time while working the dog. Hopefully, this will help.
Gotta go switch my laundry. Thanks again for all your comments and support. It sure helps. I’m on the countdown to graduation and home coming.
Boy, do I have one tired pooch. We’ve worked another full day of unknown situations. This morning, we worked on traffic encounters. This is watching how Nadine reacts to cars stopping in front of her, backing out of driveways, making it around parked cars, etc. Nadine guided me on the sidewalk around several blocks and an instructor let me know when the class supervisor was coming in a car and from what angle. Nadine did perfectly. She kept me safe and showed that she knew just what to do.
Unfortunately, she got nervous in the afternoon on our route in an area without sidewalks. She would stop at every parked car and didn’t want to go around them. She was keeping me safe by keeping her distance. The instructors said that the dogs would be effected after their traffic encounters that morning. It was my job to be a good leader and keep up my confidence and encouragement so she could work through it. Unless I move to NYC, we won’t have that many traffic encounters in one route again. She did great in the sidewalk less area despite shying away from the parked cars. I learned the techniques necessary to get around safely without a sidewalk, which will help in my area on some busy streets.
We also were tested on dog encounters. As Nadine and I made our way on a route, my supervisor stood off to our left with his big dog. Nadine didn’t give him the time of day. She just cruised on by just like she was supposed to. My trainer was so proud.
We went to see the vet today, and got information on keeping them healthy as well as their health history. Nadine had pneumonia as a pup and a few other problems, but is completely healthy now. There is a dog run here with lots of grass that we can take the dogs to and let them run. Labs have this particular run that they call scooting. It’s where they tuck in their bum and race around like crazy. She loves to run in there, and it’s so good for her to work out her anxiety and to relax and just be a dog. We played tug of war with a rubber tug ring, and she’d pull it away and race around the dog run. Then, when I called for it, she’d bring it back and I’d give her food. She did great at this game until it was time to go and she would not bring it back. So, we had to leave it there and someone else brought it to me. She was a stinker, but had a blast. I hope our backyard grass can handle her racing.
Finally, I had a 40 minute massage by a therapist who comes in to work on the staff and students. It was heavenly! Of course, she barely got started when my time was up, but it did help a lot.
Now, I’ve put sleepy Nadine in her kennel and I’m headed for an early night’s sleep. Another day filled with learning and some fun too.
March 23
I just came in from our last dog relieving session of the night in the pouring down rain. Poor pooches. Who wants to do their private business in the rain? Furthermore, who wants to stand in the rain and encourage their poor poochie to do their business in the rain?
Today was spent working 2 routes in Portland. The first was to find the building my friend’s husband works in so that I could return the purse she left at my dorm Sunday. Nadine was gun shy on this route. She usually nails every curb, but today was hesitant about going up and down curbs. I’m sure it was left over trauma from yesterday’s traffic exercise. So, I really worked on keeping her confidence up. My class supervisor coached me on that route, and helped me with keeping a straight line on sidewalks. There is a certain position to maintain which allows the dog to drive forward, and I wasn’t consistent with that position. To tell you the truth, I am afraid sometimes if there is a lot going on along the sidewalk. I don’t want to bang into things, so I hang back. But, don’t worry. That has been corrected.
The afternoon route was a doubles route. That means that I and another girl –one that I don’t normally work with- traveled on the same route with only one instructor. Nadine did much better on the curbs, but tried to keep up with the other dog team instead of listen to me. So, that took work too.
We worked to a famous doughnut shop here in Portland that happens to be in a more run down part of town. We went past some strip clubs and had a dog encounter with a homeless woman’s rat terrier. Nadine wanted to eat her, I think- the dog, I mean. There were lots of street musicians and some pan handlers, but no one seems to need money from the blind ladies. Hmm. I guess there are some perks.
We met with the graduate services lady today, and learned all about the support we receive when we go back home. We had periodic home visits and such to ensure both student and dog are safe and working well together. GDB really does so much to make sure we have a successful experience.
It was nice to have a few hours off this evening. The nurse took me and another student to the store, and I bought a back pack. It’s not that I want to be like Dora; Nadine just gets a bit testy when my purse falls off my shoulder and hits her. So, I’ve now made the switch to a pack for a while. There seems to be so much to juggle all the time while working the dog. Hopefully, this will help.
Gotta go switch my laundry. Thanks again for all your comments and support. It sure helps. I’m on the countdown to graduation and home coming.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
What's With All This Traffic
March 22
Boy, do I have one tired pooch. We’ve worked another full day of unknown situations. This morning, we worked on traffic encounters. This is watching how Nadine reacts to cars stopping in front of her, backing out of driveways, making it around parked cars, etc. Nadine guided me on the sidewalk around several blocks and an instructor let me know when the class supervisor was coming in a car and from what angle. Nadine did perfectly. She kept me safe and showed that she knew just what to do.
Unfortunately, she got nervous in the afternoon on our route in an area without sidewalks. She would stop at every parked car and didn’t want to go around them. She was keeping me safe by keeping her distance. The instructors said that the dogs would be effected after their traffic encounters that morning. It was my job to be a good leader and keep up my confidence and encouragement so she could work through it. Unless I move to NYC, we won’t have that many traffic encounters in one route again. She did great in the sidewalk less area despite shying away from the parked cars. I learned the techniques necessary to get around safely without a sidewalk, which will help in my area on some busy streets.
We also were tested on dog encounters. As Nadine and I made our way on a route, my supervisor stood off to our left with his big dog. Nadine didn’t give him the time of day. She just cruised on by just like she was supposed to. My trainer was so proud.
We went to see the vet today, and got information on keeping them healthy as well as their health history. Nadine had pneumonia as a pup and a few other problems, but is completely healthy now. There is a dog run here with lots of grass that we can take the dogs to and let them run. Labs have this particular run that they call scooting. It’s where they tuck in their bum and race around like crazy. She loves to run in there, and it’s so good for her to work out her anxiety and to relax and just be a dog. We played tug of war with a rubber tug ring, and she’d pull it away and race around the dog run. Then, when I called for it, she’d bring it back and I’d give her food. She did great at this game until it was time to go and she would not bring it back. So, we had to leave it there and someone else brought it to me. She was a stinker, but had a blast. I hope our backyard grass can handle her racing.
Finally, I had a 40 minute massage by a therapist who comes in to work on the staff and students. It was heavenly! Of course, she barely got started when my time was up, but it did help a lot.
Now, I’ve put sleepy Nadine in her kennel and I’m headed for an early night’s sleep. Another day filled with learning and some fun too.
Boy, do I have one tired pooch. We’ve worked another full day of unknown situations. This morning, we worked on traffic encounters. This is watching how Nadine reacts to cars stopping in front of her, backing out of driveways, making it around parked cars, etc. Nadine guided me on the sidewalk around several blocks and an instructor let me know when the class supervisor was coming in a car and from what angle. Nadine did perfectly. She kept me safe and showed that she knew just what to do.
Unfortunately, she got nervous in the afternoon on our route in an area without sidewalks. She would stop at every parked car and didn’t want to go around them. She was keeping me safe by keeping her distance. The instructors said that the dogs would be effected after their traffic encounters that morning. It was my job to be a good leader and keep up my confidence and encouragement so she could work through it. Unless I move to NYC, we won’t have that many traffic encounters in one route again. She did great in the sidewalk less area despite shying away from the parked cars. I learned the techniques necessary to get around safely without a sidewalk, which will help in my area on some busy streets.
We also were tested on dog encounters. As Nadine and I made our way on a route, my supervisor stood off to our left with his big dog. Nadine didn’t give him the time of day. She just cruised on by just like she was supposed to. My trainer was so proud.
We went to see the vet today, and got information on keeping them healthy as well as their health history. Nadine had pneumonia as a pup and a few other problems, but is completely healthy now. There is a dog run here with lots of grass that we can take the dogs to and let them run. Labs have this particular run that they call scooting. It’s where they tuck in their bum and race around like crazy. She loves to run in there, and it’s so good for her to work out her anxiety and to relax and just be a dog. We played tug of war with a rubber tug ring, and she’d pull it away and race around the dog run. Then, when I called for it, she’d bring it back and I’d give her food. She did great at this game until it was time to go and she would not bring it back. So, we had to leave it there and someone else brought it to me. She was a stinker, but had a blast. I hope our backyard grass can handle her racing.
Finally, I had a 40 minute massage by a therapist who comes in to work on the staff and students. It was heavenly! Of course, she barely got started when my time was up, but it did help a lot.
Now, I’ve put sleepy Nadine in her kennel and I’m headed for an early night’s sleep. Another day filled with learning and some fun too.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
March 21
Well, let’s see. Today’s 3 routes were filled with working Nadine on, through, in, and around escalators, elevators, trains, buses, vans, cats, food courts with tons of people, crowded street corners with a pan handling guy in a wheel chair who solicited everyone but the girl with the dog, and walking unknown streets in the dark. But, it’s all in a days work.
The night route went fine, but I had to slow dearest Nadine down. She was so excited to work at night. My trainer wasn’t working tonight, so I was accompanied and coached by the class supervisor who I had a bit of trouble with the other night. You’ll be please, as I was, to know that he was totally kind, encouraging, and helpful. He did almost knock a bicycler off the sidewalk coming straight for me, and I can’t repeat the expressions he used because this is a family show. I enjoyed our time together and he gave me some good dog handling tips, although he did eat my piece of chocolate cream pie at dinner.
We also worked on airplane travel. They have a few rows of plane seats set up, and I learned how to get Nadine to lie down on the floor between my feet with her bum under the seat in front of me. She was a bit hesitant at first, but then began to enjoy herself. What a funny dog.
So, all in all, even though it was so hard to get up this morning, it was a successful day in dogland. Nadine is working very hard for me and keeping me safe. Thanks for all your prayers, blog comments and emails. It’s nice to know there is still a world out there where people care for me. This group here is great, but it’s helpful to receive your encouragement. I can’t believe I have only had Nadine one week, and have learned so much.
Well, let’s see. Today’s 3 routes were filled with working Nadine on, through, in, and around escalators, elevators, trains, buses, vans, cats, food courts with tons of people, crowded street corners with a pan handling guy in a wheel chair who solicited everyone but the girl with the dog, and walking unknown streets in the dark. But, it’s all in a days work.
The night route went fine, but I had to slow dearest Nadine down. She was so excited to work at night. My trainer wasn’t working tonight, so I was accompanied and coached by the class supervisor who I had a bit of trouble with the other night. You’ll be please, as I was, to know that he was totally kind, encouraging, and helpful. He did almost knock a bicycler off the sidewalk coming straight for me, and I can’t repeat the expressions he used because this is a family show. I enjoyed our time together and he gave me some good dog handling tips, although he did eat my piece of chocolate cream pie at dinner.
We also worked on airplane travel. They have a few rows of plane seats set up, and I learned how to get Nadine to lie down on the floor between my feet with her bum under the seat in front of me. She was a bit hesitant at first, but then began to enjoy herself. What a funny dog.
So, all in all, even though it was so hard to get up this morning, it was a successful day in dogland. Nadine is working very hard for me and keeping me safe. Thanks for all your prayers, blog comments and emails. It’s nice to know there is still a world out there where people care for me. This group here is great, but it’s helpful to receive your encouragement. I can’t believe I have only had Nadine one week, and have learned so much.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A much needed break
March 20
It’s been a great day of rest today. I busted out of this joint! This afternoon and evening I spent with a room mate from BYU and her darling family. The time flew by so quickly, unfortunately. But, I guess that’s what happens when you sit around talking and laughing together.
Because I have not graduated yet, I was not allowed to take Nadine along on my outing, and she remained in the dorm with a staff member. When I returned, Nadine went absolutely nutso. She definitely missed me. I’m sure she needed rest today just as I did.
Tomorrow, it’s back to the streets of Portland. Then, we have a night route to go on. You may be asking, “Why a night route? Aren’t you blind? Doesn’t everything look black anyway?” Well, I am blind, but Nadine isn’t. I need to know how she works at night when things look different. Also, things sound different- fewer people in some areas, changes in the amount of traffic, etc. So, that is a test for me as well.
I’m sure there’ll be stories to share coming soon. I have a dog with half of her body on my lap now, so I’ll have to pay some attention to Nadine. Man, she’s a lot to hold, but she’s dang cute.
It’s been a great day of rest today. I busted out of this joint! This afternoon and evening I spent with a room mate from BYU and her darling family. The time flew by so quickly, unfortunately. But, I guess that’s what happens when you sit around talking and laughing together.
Because I have not graduated yet, I was not allowed to take Nadine along on my outing, and she remained in the dorm with a staff member. When I returned, Nadine went absolutely nutso. She definitely missed me. I’m sure she needed rest today just as I did.
Tomorrow, it’s back to the streets of Portland. Then, we have a night route to go on. You may be asking, “Why a night route? Aren’t you blind? Doesn’t everything look black anyway?” Well, I am blind, but Nadine isn’t. I need to know how she works at night when things look different. Also, things sound different- fewer people in some areas, changes in the amount of traffic, etc. So, that is a test for me as well.
I’m sure there’ll be stories to share coming soon. I have a dog with half of her body on my lap now, so I’ll have to pay some attention to Nadine. Man, she’s a lot to hold, but she’s dang cute.
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