A City Dog gets to Work and Play

By Katie Crocker

Every August, as part of my job, I record an event that is held at the Massachusetts state house.  My job at this event is to set up audio equipment, record speakers and audience discussion, and ultimately, turn that audio into a radio show.  The event features a yearly program run by the Massachusetts agency for the blind.  In any case, this was the first time I've attended this event with a guide dog since 2011.  Jetty and I have been a team now for about 15 weeks; he is by far the youngest dog I have ever taken to this particular event (I've attended this yearly since 2006).  This involves tons of people, many with white canes, several with guide dogs, tables, crowds, food, the whole nine.  In addition to these distractions, I also had many situations where Jetty needed to do a sit/stay or down/stay, while I untangled wires, tested audio equipment, etc.  This also involved him helping me trace along walls to find wires, and tape them down to avoid tripping hazards, much of this was just him and I, without sighted assistance.  Let me just say, Jetty was a total rock star! He did an amazing job, weaving me past tables, podiums, other people who could not see us, led me past curled up wires, even stopping patiently while I rearranged wires along the wall so others without sight would not trip.  His work was exemplary; never before have I seen such restraint and focus in such a young partnership.


Another thing I found amazing was Jetty's ability to read me before I gave any commands.  As I've been behind the scenes at this event for multiple years, I know the surrounding area quite well.  It only took Jetty a trip or two to figure out: A, where my assigned chair in the audience was, B; where the podium we needed to connect to was, C; where our recording devices were (in a separate room, D; where the press media ports were in the room.  We needed to frequent these places periodically, as the recording requires two separate speaker systems.  There were folks there who were deaf/blind, so we also needed to account for an FM transmitter to accommodate listening devices.  This was my first time making on the spot changes to our rig, but it worked out for the best!
There were a number of guide dogs there.  One belonged to MCB commissioner, another belonged to the ADA coordinator of the state house.  Then there were several in the crowd.  One I knew from my previous guide dog school, and a few from our own GDB.


Jetty was a gentleman, through and through.  He targeted the areas I needed, with very little verbal cues, which I found amazing! He and I are getting into that  "mind reading" phase, where before I can utter a command, he seems to already know!  We move like a fluid force, together. At every step he seems to know what I need, and in turn, I feel through all things what he needs.  We have been a good team so far.  Of course there have times where we have had to figure each other out, but it seems like with each trip out the door we get better and better.  We are learning more about each other every day.  But, we are staring to respond to each other on a level that is almost surreal.  Sometimes it's nonverbal.  Sometimes a gesture, or my pace, or...I don't even know what, will prompt my boy to do move in a way where we just flow.  It completely takes my breath away.


The minute we get home, and the harness comes off, Jetty turns into a goofy, sloppy teenager. He grabs whatever toy is closest, snorts, and will do backflips right into you.  He likes keep away games, loves to chew, and loves, more than anything else, to feel needed and important.  When I sit on the floor, he will curl up in my lap, and he seems to feel at peace.  He needs both work, and play, in that order.  If Jetty can't guide, he really doesn't feel like himself.  But when we are out and about, he is his happiest.  This is an amazing dog.....


The streets of Boston are loud and chaotic.  At every turn there are crowds, buses honking their horns, construction, you name it.  But nothing ever phases Jetty, or gets him worried.  He is the most confident city dog I've ever had.  GDB did a wonderful job pairing us together, and I can't thank them enough for this amazing gift!  I look forward to every day as an adventure with this boy by my side! This is how we/have grown.  I feel so blessed!

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Alumni Connections: Introducing Mommies with Guides

By: Melissa Hudson, Chapter Coordinator & Tracy Boyd, Mommies With Guides Alumni Chapter President

As promised in a previous blog post, here is an overview/introduction to our newest Guide Dogs for the Blind Alumni Chapter. They were unanimously voted in by the Alumni Association Board of Directors at our last Board meeting on December 7, 2013. Congratulations and welcome to the "family"! 

Mommies with Guides is the newest Alumni Chapter with Guide Dogs for the Blind. We are located in the Greater Metropolitan area in beautifully, green Portland, Oregon. We meet once a month via conference call and at least four times a year at mutually decided upon locations. Currently, Mommies with Guides is comprised of women who are: all guide dog handlers and mothers (some are married and some are single), but by no means is this chapter an exclusively a "women's only chapter". We welcome and strongly encourage: dads, grandparents both male and female, as well as those who are blind and considering having children to join our chapter.

Mommies with Guides has provided a source of support for its members, not only for the trials and tribulations of everyday life but rather, the nuts and bolts of keeping the proverbial wheel of life in motion. This chapter has provided a platform where our children can bond and build friendships with other children who have parents who are blind. Members can share challenges, give advice or just lend an empathetic ear to things like: relationships, child rearing, eye diseases, pain management and even guide dog concerns and joys.

Most of us can say we know a blind person, some can even say they know a guide dog handler, some even know a blind mom and/or dad, but how many people really know more then one blind parent who has a guide dog? We only really knew one other than ourselves before meeting these extraordinary ladies. We are more than a group of blind, inspirational, guide dog using mommies, we are bound by the ties we share. Our blindness does not define us – we are women, we are mommies, we are one hundred percent partners to those we love and we are life changers all through the use of a guide dog!

The founders of this Alumni Chapter are four phenomenal women: Rhonda Patrick (Treasurer), Kelsey Sparks (Secretary), Joy Ross (Vice President) and Tracy Boyd (President).  Please "Like" our Facebook page "Mommies with Guides" and join our Alumni Chapter - we'd love to have you!

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Alumni Connections: In Gratitude – The Gift of a Guide Dog

As the GDB Alumni Association Board, we want to take this opportunity to extend our warmest holiday wishes to each of you. Thank you to the incredible puppy raisers, the volunteers, the GDB staff, the donors and each of you who have contributed your time and resources to this organization. Because of you, we experience the gift of a guide dog: a beautiful partnership. We also are very grateful to our fellow alumni and wish you happy and safe travels this holiday. Thank you for your involvement in the Alumni Association, for inspiring us, and for sharing your stories with others who may also benefit from the gift of a guide dog. It has been such a honor to get to know more of you from our involvement in the Alumni Association.

Becky Andrews & Cricket, Alumni Association Chair

As a young wife and mother, my world opened back up with possibilities on that first walk with my new guide, Pantera in 1997. My two amazing guides, Pantera and Cricket, have given me the beautiful gift of safe travels, confidence, independence, and much joy, love and laughter. The gift of a guide dog has also brought connections into my life too numerous to list … puppy raisers, fellow alumni, incredible GDB staff, so many friends, and all in the GDB family. You can follow our journeys at:  http://cruisinwithcricket.blogspot.com/

Theresa Stern & Dario, Alumni Association Director

It is difficult to express how much the partnerships I have shared with my three amazing guides, “Blossom”, “Astaire”, and “Dario”, have meant to me. They have all been so much more than a tool to help me get around. They have enriched my soul, and have touched everyone they have met in a special way. I have learned something important from each one of these dogs, “Blossom” taught me to be brave, “Astaire”, taught me to not take life too seriously, and “Dario”, the eternal optimist teaches me every day, to be persistent and keep hope alive. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone who has made these partnerships possible, from the kennel staff who stayed up all night to make sure these pups were born healthy, to the volunteer puppy raisers, donors, trainers, and accountants who made sure the heating bills are paid on time, keeping the kennels warm at night (everyone forgets the accountants), and also a big thank you to my fellow alumni who serve to inspire me every day!
               
George Kerscher & Mikey, GDB Board Chair

As an infant Buster, a Black Lab, monitored my crib. When I was six, for Christmas my parents brought in a beautiful German Shepard puppy named Prince. Over the years dogs have always been a part of my life. I knew RP (Retinitis pigmentosa) would eventually take my sight, but I also wanted to wait until I really needed a guide dog. In 1999, at the age of 49, I went to GDB and received Nesbit my first wonderful guide. His Eulogy is at: http://kerscher.montana.com/Nesbit-Eulogy-V3.html
In 2008, I received Mikey, who is at my feet right now. It is just days before Christmas and I cannot help but recognize that GDB has given me two incredible gifts. I want to say thank you to everybody who makes this magic happen: the volunteers that do everything under the sun, the puppy raisers, the GDB staff, The Alumni Association Board, the GDB Board and of course our generous donors. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and thank you for the furry gift who is now licking my face.

 

Melissa Hudson & Camry, Outreach Co-chair, Nominating Chair & Chapter Coordinator 

Guide Dogs for the Blind has given me the most beautiful gifts I've ever received - my three guide dogs: Anya, Zorro and Camry. They have each opened up my world, literally and figuratively and put a smile back on my face!  Cliché but true, it's a gift that keeps on giving...not only giving me independence, but also lifelong friendships with other GDB alumni, puppy raisers and GDB staff. I am so grateful and appreciative for all the gifts that I continually receive! Thank you my Guide Dogs for the Blind family!!  Follow Melissa and Camry’s journeys at: http://blindgirl.net/

Maile George & Jasmine, Outreach Co-chair
                                             
24/7 and 365 days a year, my gift is my guide dog, Jasmine. She’s the only one who can make me laugh just by being herself, and she always seems to be ready to play, to comfort, and to snuggle. Without fail, she enthusiastically guides me through anything, anywhere, and in any kind of weather, and she never calls in sick! Besides her expertise as a guide dog, which is pretty amazing in itself, Jasmine is also the first guide dog to be allowed to be cross-trained as a medical alert dog. I am grateful to Guide Dogs for the Blind for being open to conducting this experiment jointly with an organization called Dogs4Diabetics. Jasmine is now certified to warn me before my blood sugar drops dangerously low. Her selfless gift is my independence, my freedom from fear and a happy heart. I feel inadequate as I try to reciprocate by feeding her the right amount of quality food, providing healthy treats at appropriate times, including plenty of work and play in her daily activities, brushing her teeth, grooming her and visiting her vet when it’s necessary. Though I felt as though my life was over when I  became blind as a  result of diabetic retinopathy, I’m happy to say that ever since I picked up Egan’s harness that first time back in 1985, my life has been full. Jasmine is my fifth guide dog, so I guess I can say that guide dogs are the gifts that just keep on giving! I am so grateful for the gift of Egan, Acorn, Huntley, Flanders and Jasmine.

 

Michelle Miller & Tango, Alumni Association Secretary and Grad Call Coordinator

The Ambassador

The gift of a guide dog is so heartfelt and pure
To some bystanders the relationship may feel or look like a glittery blur
The Ambassador of happiness: Tango is his name
Nothing but unconditional love is what I can claim
Traveling together by boat, train, or hot air balloon
And as liberating as a butterfly leaving the safety of her cocoon
The bond we share is more precious than a gift
Daily we venture out never adrift
The Ambassador of Happiness both him and I
Share love and a bond larger than the sea or the sky!

Gary Norman & Pilot, Alumni Association Board Member

On behalf of Pilot, an active guide and Langer, who is retired; the Normans of Maryland, express Happy Holidays! The life of my family and the life of my extended family are deeply enriched by the guide dog life style. Among the many lessons and gifts they provide is that there is beauty and power in partnerships.

Samantha Adams & Lotto, Communications Committee Chair

I never wanted to be one of those blind people who were defined by her inability to see and I think I have succeeded in this desire; however, I think I am defined by my guides.  Having recently said farewell to my second retired guide, I had time to mourn and therefore consider the role of my guides in my life over the last 18 years. I have concluded that my guides have defined me. They complete me and add dimension and meaning to my life. They are and always will be a part of who I am. My guides were and continue to be my constant companion and confidant; they share the good, the bad and the ugly and they keep coming back for more. During this holiday season, take time to remember the guides of the past and celebrate all that they brought to your lives…then give your current guide an ear scratch and a snuggle to let them know how much they are loved. Happy Holidays to all and take time to remember what really matters.

Terry Christensen & Zane, Alumni Association Vice Chair

Recently, Zane and I traveled to Boston for the History of Science Society’s Annual Conference. Here again, thanks to our training together, Zane and I were able to travel independently from Philadelphia to Boston, then work our way from the Amtrak Station to the conference hotel. Navigating around the conference presented its own challenges. The subject area sessions were scattered on three different levels of the hotel with only fifteen minutes in between. Candidly, I cannot imagine getting around in a timely fashion if I had been following a white cane. Of course, successful navigation at a reasonable pace of travel is far from the whole story.
In the months between [my second guide] Dutton’s death and being partnered with Zane, I relearned how socially isolating a white cane can be. For one reason or another it seems that very few people are inclined to initiate a conversation with someone who they view as “disabled”. Here, it is important to keep the real purpose of these conferences in mind. The research presented at these events can easily (and efficiently) be disseminated by electronically. The real point of an academic conference is to bring together people who have similar research interests such that we might cross-pollinating each other’s thinking. If I speak with the thirty people or so that I already know, I will have gained nothing from the process and wasted a good deal of money. With Zane by my side however, I was able to productively engage with a number of new acquaintances.
All in all, it was another reminder how much having a guide empowers me. I came away from the conference with a reinvigorated sense of purpose. Many friends (old and new) commented on the value of my scholarship. Others encouraged me to keep going on my biography of the theoretical physicist John Archibald Wheeler. Having hit something of a snag, on this project, it was very important for me to have this sort of constructive feedback. The plain truth is that, without a guide dog, I would have never attempted the trip.    

We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and a blessed 2014!

For more information about the alumni association, please visit:  http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=about_people_alumni

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Alumni Connections: Reach for the Stars Scholarship

By: Samantha Adams

“They walk among us.” This is a phrase usually associated with those silly e-mail messages my family sends announcing the Darwin awards for the year. Customarily, this phrase is somewhat derogatory; however, I am choosing to put an awe struck spin on it. They walk among us. “They” are the remarkable members of the GDB family who are out there in the world working with their guides and inspiring all people to strive to do their best; to push the limits of self. 

You may or may not be aware that the Alumni Board of GDB has been vested with the responsibility of selecting a scholarship recipient every year. The scholarship is called the “Reach for the Stars” scholarship and exists due to the generosity of a GDB graduate, Ms. Gina Harper of Davis, California. The value of the scholarship is $1500.

This year, the nominating committee of the Alumni Board was charged with an especially daunting task of selecting one recipient out of a large number of truly remarkable candidates. This predicament was conveyed to Ms. Harper in the context of updating her on the progress of the committee.  Following this comment, Ms. Harper contacted the committee chair and offered an additional scholarship of $1500.

The scholarship recipients were announced at the banquet at the Alumni Reunion on October 5, 2013. I am pleased to introduce to you, two remarkable young women who I am proud to identify as part of our GDB family.

Ms. Cristina Jones travels with guide dog, Kingsley. She is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton. This fall she embarked upon a great adventure across the pond. She is studying music in London England at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music pursuing a Masters of Arts in Voice Performance with an emphasis in Opera Performance - this is a two year program. Ms. Jones explained to the nominating committee that she is required to learn about six pieces of music per week and these pieces are in several languages, including English. Going to school in England means that she does not have the benefit of the ADA and therefore; she finds herself incurring additional costs to get braille music.She anticipates that the scholarship will greatly help with the purchase of braille paper. Ms. Jones is not one to be discouraged by hard work and long roads. After this program, she intends to audition for opera schools and ultimately work as an opera singer professionally.
  
Our second recipient is Ms. Natalie Martiniello of Montreal, Canada and her guide Carlina. She is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education and she is currently pursuing a Master’s program in Vision Rehabilitation Teaching at the University of Montreal. It is worth noting that the University of Montreal is an institution where all of the courses are conducted in French. Ms. Martiniello speaks English an Italian; however, prior to her enrollment in this program, she would not have called herself fluent in French. Nevertheless, she is learning French to a level which meets the academic standards of her chosen course of study. Her goal is to teach visually impaired and blind people braille and technology and ultimately pursue her doctorate and teach vision rehabilitation professionals. She told the nominating committee that her Masters’ thesis would discuss the role of technology in relation to the use of braille. Ms. Martiniello is one who embraces the challenges of life and rises beyond them. Her first guide led her out of Dawson College during the course of a shooting incident and then went on to be by her side through lengthy chemotherapy. Neither of these incidents have halted Ms. Martiniello’s journey forward. She continues to march forward in search of her goals and dreams.

Are you inspired yet? These are but two examples of our GDB family out there “reaching for the stars.” They walk among us.

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