Since I have been posting some writings I wrote a while back, I thought I would explain a little.
What is a guide dog? Simply put, it is a dog trained to lead a blind person. They are trained to guide us around obstacles and travel from point A to B safely.
Hughes was my first guide dog, a 75 pound, pure black Labrador from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael California. I received him in my last year of high school, and he really changed my life. Hughes was just not a dog to me, he was a friend, companion, and confidant. As he guided me safely around, he made me feel more confident when walking and I felt so free, not having to worry about obstacles, people, etc.
He was with me for my high school graduation, first years of college, and as I moved from home to home once grandma died.
I have had 3 other dogs since him. Hughes retired in 2012. I took a break for a while between dogs, just because I was moving around so much.
In 2014 after I have been living in a stable place for a while, I applied to The Seeing Eye in Morristown New Jersey. I was accepted and in April of 2014, I went to class and received Ilene, a black golden Labrador cross. She was a wile thing and even though we went through class with no issues. Once we came home it was a nightmare and after only 6 months I had to send her back to school.
I was on the waiting list again and in 2015, I went back to the Seeing Eye and received Ruby, a yellow golden cross in July. She was so lovable and sweet, a great guide and fun to play with. She lasted a little longer. Once I became pregnant though, her guiding became dangerous and so right before my oldest was born in 2017, I had to send her back to the school.
Again, on the waiting list for another dog from the same school. June 2019 I went back and received a beautiful tan and black shepherd named Pria. She was the best worker, so confident and focused, except around other dogs. Once we came home, she became so distracted that it became dangerous for her to guide me and unacceptable to have her in public. Unfortunately, I had to retire Pria in June 2020, I decided to give her to a friend.
After a few years I was unsure if I wanted to get another dog. However, back in 2022, I really did and now I am enjoying (not) the waiting game.
The Dappled Odysseys 