As both Jamie and I have mentioned in a past post or two, my guide dog Keeta and I head out for a walk for an hour or so every morning. As a recently diagnosed diabetic, the exercise is great for me. Keeta loves it too, and to tell the honest truth I really enjoy walking.
Today, I happened upon a couple of other people who got me to thinking about different responses that can either help or hinder the individual who is being guided by a dog. In both cases, the folks who I encountered had the best of intentions, but one strategy succeeded, while the other didn't. Let me elaborate.
As Keeta and I walked along the sidewalk enjoying the weather, I noticed someone approaching. I really didn't give it much thought until, the person was passing in the opposite direction on my left. Just as she passed right next to me, the small dog, apparently held high in her arms chose that very second to inflate eager lungs and bellow forth directly into my ear. With no idea that the lady was even carrying a dog, I was instantly nearly airborn.
"Woof!" Keeta replied, not to be outdone. "Woo woo woof!"
The little guy who had just passed us from it's perch in the lady's arms apparently suddenly saw his position as unsafe. At least I assume that was the case as suddenly the lady shouted, "Ouch! You're hurting me! Bad bad bad little boy! Your wittle cwahzies are sharp and they hurt!"
She then mumbled something else that I won't print here as we run a family blog. And was it my imagination or did I feel Keeta's tail wag against my leg. Just a small wag and only one, but yes, I'm fairly sure that I'm right.
Keeta and I continued along on our walk, when we encountered yet another dog. How do I know? Well, the lady who was walking along nearby said, "I'm walking in the street with my dog." With those few words, I knew all that I needed to know. A few feet to my left was a person and a dog. I could then watch for any sign of Keeta's distraction and move along on my way.
The moral of the stories is a simple yet important one. If you're one of those wonderful people who treats your good dog to a good walk and you should happen to encounter a blind person with a dog, let them know that you and your dog are nearby. More often than not, the guide dog handler will thank you for it.
Contributed by Larry Naessens
Showing posts with label guide dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guide dog. Show all posts
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The Swedes Have Landed
This morning started very early, with the huge crash of thunder at about 6 a.m. Keeta isn't the biggest fan of thunder. She desparately tried to lobby her position that we should really check out what was happening out there. Maybe someone was trying to steal our garbage cans... or I don't know what. She was doing her working dog best to convince us to just do something!
A mumbled command or two later, "Keeta, go back to bed!!", she grudgingly lay back down, with another 15 minutes to go before the alarm.
But with the rain this morning, and the rain clouds not too far away, and the fact that it is the last day of May, I am in the mood to share some shiny happy Swedish music that I've found.
Now did you know that there is a Swedish Invasion in music out there? Who knew?! Today's music is brought to you by a Swedish group call The Charade. They have a happy blend of dark lyrics and Martha and the Vandellas doing Heat Wave (check out their myspace page at myspace.com/thecharadesweden for "The World Is Going Under" - I couldn't find that one to share with you).
However, I did find one song of theirs to share and I hope it will usher in a little late spring sunshine to scare away some of those unhappy grey clouds still hanging around after our morning thunderstorm. I'm sure Keeta will be grateful for that.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
A mumbled command or two later, "Keeta, go back to bed!!", she grudgingly lay back down, with another 15 minutes to go before the alarm.
But with the rain this morning, and the rain clouds not too far away, and the fact that it is the last day of May, I am in the mood to share some shiny happy Swedish music that I've found.
Now did you know that there is a Swedish Invasion in music out there? Who knew?! Today's music is brought to you by a Swedish group call The Charade. They have a happy blend of dark lyrics and Martha and the Vandellas doing Heat Wave (check out their myspace page at myspace.com/thecharadesweden for "The World Is Going Under" - I couldn't find that one to share with you).
However, I did find one song of theirs to share and I hope it will usher in a little late spring sunshine to scare away some of those unhappy grey clouds still hanging around after our morning thunderstorm. I'm sure Keeta will be grateful for that.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Monday, February 25, 2008
Slowly Moves the Snail They Call The Government
Progress moves slowly.
Let's talk about GPS units. They have GPS units for cars, trekkers and boaters. They find roads, trails, and fish. The ones for cars talk, turn by turn, and figure out alternative routes.
This technology is perfect for those who are blind. Whether getting around with a cane, or with the assistance of a Resident Guide Dog, how perfect would it be to know for sure that you are at a given corner, instead of thinking you are at that corner while your dog socializes at a local fire hydrant.
How perfect would it be to program in a "point of interest" - your new dentist, a favourite grocery store, or get off the bus at your bus stop, without worrying that you have miscounted, that the bus stopped one extra time, and didn't announce that you had arrived.
GPS devices are available to the sighted world, and even "talk", and respond to voice command, for under a grand. For the blind? We're talking a couple of those grands. That's serious money.
Sure, these devices would need to be more accurate than the average GPS device, and therefore more expensive. It is very important to get it right - you don't want to "drop in" at your next door neighbour's house, and make yourself at home, helping yourself to a snack from their fridge (although in our house, it might be better pickings anyway). However, I can imagine that your neighbour might be a little surprised.
My own GPS in the car tells me that I'm home when I'm still 5 houses away. But mine was only $200. I can appreciate an accurate one might cost more. And I'm okay with that. But 10 times more? Then I begin to wonder, isn't that a little excessive?
Just think how much mobility means. If a person is able to program in their destination, and then actually find the destination, first time out... it would mean that they could become more independent. Maybe one could easily get to a job previously inaccessible due to the complexity of finding it with a cane or a dog. Isn't that what it's about? Independence?
So far these talking GPS units for the blind are "under consideration" by the Canadian government as an approved "assistive device". It may take the better of 2 years to find out whether they are approved or not.
In the meantime, Larry can sit on his sorry butt, watching the approved "CATV" device that allows TV be more accessible. (Actually, we don't have one of those, but he could if he wanted one.) That device has been approved by the government long ago, and has been effectively replaced by stereo TVs and their SAP capability accessible through the menu. So entertainment trumps accessibility in the government's eyes.
So we need to decide - do we just bite it and buy one? Or do we wait for a couple of years to see if the Canadian government decides to approve it for coverage... one day.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Friday, February 22, 2008
Diary of an Escape Artist
Deb, our neighbour and good friend arrived at the door today with our Resident Guide Dog in tow. Thank goodness for Deb to save the day, once again!
We know Keeta is a runner. She loves a good run. But she's her own worst enemy. We used to go to the baseball diamond, which is enclosed by a fence, to let her run, but then she found a space about a half inch wide, squished through, and was well on her way to attend to some wildlife on the other side. So we don't go there anymore. She's also escaped numerous times from our yard too. And we thought we had that all fixed as well.
Now let me set the stage. Our yard is secure. At least, it would seem secure (apparently it's not). This is a 5 foot chain link gate. True, a good border collie lab cross could possibly get through, or over. But now this gate is reinforced akin to Fort Knox - with patio slabs, bent rebar driven into the ground, and wood planks (to prevent burrowing).
To add to the security, there is a tarp to make footing awkward. This tarp used to be strung up to form a kind of roof, but that had to come down because of all the snow. It is further blocked with some well-placed and substantial gardening tool crisscrossed across the space for added visual effect, to hopefully minimize scaling of said fence.
So Larry had to take her out to do her business for the rest of today, on leash. She refused to go. She was offended! Like I said, she's her own worst enemy. But you just can't have your Resident Guide Dog taking herself for an unescorted run.
Now our work is cut out for us this weekend. The question that faces us is, how to further reinforce this gate from said Resident Guide Dog.
We know Keeta is a runner. She loves a good run. But she's her own worst enemy. We used to go to the baseball diamond, which is enclosed by a fence, to let her run, but then she found a space about a half inch wide, squished through, and was well on her way to attend to some wildlife on the other side. So we don't go there anymore. She's also escaped numerous times from our yard too. And we thought we had that all fixed as well.
Now let me set the stage. Our yard is secure. At least, it would seem secure (apparently it's not). This is a 5 foot chain link gate. True, a good border collie lab cross could possibly get through, or over. But now this gate is reinforced akin to Fort Knox - with patio slabs, bent rebar driven into the ground, and wood planks (to prevent burrowing).
To add to the security, there is a tarp to make footing awkward. This tarp used to be strung up to form a kind of roof, but that had to come down because of all the snow. It is further blocked with some well-placed and substantial gardening tool crisscrossed across the space for added visual effect, to hopefully minimize scaling of said fence.
So Larry had to take her out to do her business for the rest of today, on leash. She refused to go. She was offended! Like I said, she's her own worst enemy. But you just can't have your Resident Guide Dog taking herself for an unescorted run.
Now our work is cut out for us this weekend. The question that faces us is, how to further reinforce this gate from said Resident Guide Dog.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Dogs With Jobs... and Attitude
I have a sick sense of humour.
Now that's been established, I stumbled on a couple of clips at YouTube, and just had to share.
Chapter 1 - "Guide Dog"
Applying for the Job
Chapter 2 - "Guide Dog"
Doing the Job
And to put my sick sense of humour into perspective, I think these videos are hilarious, and we've have a Resident Guide Dog right here in the house. A bonafide Resident Guide Dog With Attitude, no less.
If you know our Keeta, she's got attitude. She's got the attitude towards lots of things, especially Evil Cars that idle too long, cars that spew bad stuff into Her Air and make her sneeze every time.
And Keeta has got plenty to say to Dogs With Bad Manners. There are a few of those around, especially Jack and "Jerk" who live at the end of the street. Jack was the one who attacked one of our other guide dogs. And then there's Ivan and Igor who also live along Keeta's route, whose owner yells at them in his heavy Russian accent, "Ivan... Igor..." (I guess you just have to imagine the accent to make that work).
Now, she's never been responsible for squishing her owner like the guide dog in the video. In fact, on more than one occasion, she has been true to her Border Collie ways, and has herded Larry to safety, and blocked him from danger from cars with drivers who aren't looking. On one occasion, the save was so well done, that several people who witnessed the save, have come up to us some time later, just to tell us what a good dog she was.
Around here we love our Resident Guide Dog with Attitude. And if you don't already know Keeta, meet her right here.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Now that's been established, I stumbled on a couple of clips at YouTube, and just had to share.
Chapter 1 - "Guide Dog"
Applying for the Job
Chapter 2 - "Guide Dog"
Doing the Job
And to put my sick sense of humour into perspective, I think these videos are hilarious, and we've have a Resident Guide Dog right here in the house. A bonafide Resident Guide Dog With Attitude, no less.
If you know our Keeta, she's got attitude. She's got the attitude towards lots of things, especially Evil Cars that idle too long, cars that spew bad stuff into Her Air and make her sneeze every time.
And Keeta has got plenty to say to Dogs With Bad Manners. There are a few of those around, especially Jack and "Jerk" who live at the end of the street. Jack was the one who attacked one of our other guide dogs. And then there's Ivan and Igor who also live along Keeta's route, whose owner yells at them in his heavy Russian accent, "Ivan... Igor..." (I guess you just have to imagine the accent to make that work).
Now, she's never been responsible for squishing her owner like the guide dog in the video. In fact, on more than one occasion, she has been true to her Border Collie ways, and has herded Larry to safety, and blocked him from danger from cars with drivers who aren't looking. On one occasion, the save was so well done, that several people who witnessed the save, have come up to us some time later, just to tell us what a good dog she was.
Around here we love our Resident Guide Dog with Attitude. And if you don't already know Keeta, meet her right here.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Furballs in My Life - Part 1
The furballs - the namesakes for this blog - it's time to start introducing you to each of the furballs in my life.
Today meet Keeta...
Keeta - our guide dog. I say "our" because, even though I'm not blind, she is first just that - first and foremost - a guide dog in her work.
We picked her up from the SPCA. What a sweetheart! She was skinny, and black, and part border collie, part lab. We chose her her to be a companion to my husband's guide dog that he had at the time. But that guide dog ended up leaving the program, didn't work out - no fault of his - he just had better things to do than guide. So we got another guide dog, who was attacked by some ankle-biting rat dog from down the street, and couldn't continue working because he became afraid of just about everything.
So who stepped in? Keeta. We were waiting for a "real" guide dog from the school. A long time. Keeta stepped up to the plate. She came to us, not knowing how to walk on a leash, and today has become, according to Larry, my better half and husband, the Best Guide Dog Ever! She guides him around obstacles like cars parked over sidewalks, she knows that she needs to slow down over those icy parts, and the Border Collie in her herds him whenever she senses danger. Whenever there is some kind of danger - some piece of sidewalk that has been dug up, some trucks paving some piece of road - she just steps in his way, shoves him over, and for all intents and purposes, commands Larry to "Stay!"
When she comes home, her harness comes off, and she becomes her alter ego, the mom to our younger dog, who is now 2-years old - but in Keeta's eyes, a perpetual puppy - a baby to teach. Someone to teach, she "talks" to Penny, instructs her on the wisdom of doghood, and just tells her the way things are - in typical Border Collie style. It's my way. Period. No negotiations. Reminds me of my mom! God loves moms! Everyone loves Keeta.
Back to when we got her - we picked her up from the Humane Society. According to their story, she had been found by someone, apparently a runaway, and tied out in that person's yard. For months. Eventually they gave her up. When we got her, she was a skinny thing, with each vertibrae sticking out, and a large chemical burn on her side. It became obvious very quickly that she didn't even know how to walk on a leash. I walked her on a harness, just because she was too strong for me on a leash - a lot of pull in that 50 pound dog! She was pitch black. Now she has a patch of white where that burn was.
And now, even though she's only about 6 years old, she's greying ... there's a lot of responsibility when you have so many jobs! But she's got spunk! And we love her to bits.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Today meet Keeta...
Keeta - our guide dog. I say "our" because, even though I'm not blind, she is first just that - first and foremost - a guide dog in her work.
We picked her up from the SPCA. What a sweetheart! She was skinny, and black, and part border collie, part lab. We chose her her to be a companion to my husband's guide dog that he had at the time. But that guide dog ended up leaving the program, didn't work out - no fault of his - he just had better things to do than guide. So we got another guide dog, who was attacked by some ankle-biting rat dog from down the street, and couldn't continue working because he became afraid of just about everything.So who stepped in? Keeta. We were waiting for a "real" guide dog from the school. A long time. Keeta stepped up to the plate. She came to us, not knowing how to walk on a leash, and today has become, according to Larry, my better half and husband, the Best Guide Dog Ever! She guides him around obstacles like cars parked over sidewalks, she knows that she needs to slow down over those icy parts, and the Border Collie in her herds him whenever she senses danger. Whenever there is some kind of danger - some piece of sidewalk that has been dug up, some trucks paving some piece of road - she just steps in his way, shoves him over, and for all intents and purposes, commands Larry to "Stay!"
When she comes home, her harness comes off, and she becomes her alter ego, the mom to our younger dog, who is now 2-years old - but in Keeta's eyes, a perpetual puppy - a baby to teach. Someone to teach, she "talks" to Penny, instructs her on the wisdom of doghood, and just tells her the way things are - in typical Border Collie style. It's my way. Period. No negotiations. Reminds me of my mom! God loves moms! Everyone loves Keeta.
Back to when we got her - we picked her up from the Humane Society. According to their story, she had been found by someone, apparently a runaway, and tied out in that person's yard. For months. Eventually they gave her up. When we got her, she was a skinny thing, with each vertibrae sticking out, and a large chemical burn on her side. It became obvious very quickly that she didn't even know how to walk on a leash. I walked her on a harness, just because she was too strong for me on a leash - a lot of pull in that 50 pound dog! She was pitch black. Now she has a patch of white where that burn was.
And now, even though she's only about 6 years old, she's greying ... there's a lot of responsibility when you have so many jobs! But she's got spunk! And we love her to bits.
Contributed by Jamie Naessens
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)