I Think I Ate Another Dog!

Photo shows Renee surrounded by campers

Hi Friend!

I am the sorriest puppy ever! My mom has been working me so hard that I haven't had a single second to write to you. Being a Seeing Eye Dog is exhausting, but rewarding, you know! It will take me a while to catch you up on all my adventures, but I wanted to share a little about my life and work since I left off.

I lived in Gold Creek, Montana, this summer! My mom was the Residential Director for a camp there. I helped my mom a lot, but I also got to be a sort of therapy dog for the kids. I have lots of jobs that are outside of my Seeing Eye Dog job description, you know. And I love kids! These kids were so sweet. I made so many new friends!

Photo shows Renee looking
concerned by the vet scale

Living in Montana was fun because of the people but hard because of the work. I didn't get to do much this summer. My mom didn't need me as much as she does in busy places. I loved napping and playing with the children, though. Unfortunately, I gained some weight, as I realized when I went to the vet after coming back home! Oops! It's really important for dogs like me to be really fit and active. I did a little research and found that every one pound I gain is like a person gaining five pounds. So gaining a pound or two isn't a huge deal, although I shouldn't change that much. Apparently my summer sleeping sessions made me gain seven pounds. My mom says that's like a person gaining 35 pounds. I don't quite know why that's bad. I didn't think it was bad, until my mom did some research about dog sizes. Apparently, the average cocker spaniel weighs about 30-35 pounds. It's like I ATE A COCKER SPANIEL! I was puppy raised with a cocker spaniel! I would never eat a cocker spaniel! But I get it now. That's A LOT of weight!






So how did I gain weight? Well, I didn't move much. See, I am a creature of habit. I love napping! Working is absolutely awesome, and I love it when my mom asks me to guide her. But I'm perfectly content to sleep all day.

Photos show Renee napping both in and out of harness

A lot of people get mad at people like my mom for holding their dogs to strict weight limits. The fact is, most dogs are fat. We learned about this at the Seeing Eye. My mom thought i was sleeping, but I was half-listening to the lecture. People are constantly feeding their dogs too much for the dogs' activity levels. This leads to a shorter life, trouble walking as dogs get older, and limited activity throughout life. I don't want that, and I do not want to have the equivalent of another dog hanging from my belly. So while I may wander to my dish more often and look at my mom with puppy eyes hoping she'll give me more food (which she won't), I am happy to be getting healthier as I work more and eat less!

When you see someone with a working dog, don't think they're starving. They might just look skinny to you, because so many dogs are chubby. The best way to think of it is that I, and other guide dogs, are athletes for a living. I want to work as long and hard as possible!

My mom says she'll be writing next, if I give her a turn at the computer. She wants to answer some questions people have been asking her about my work schedule. Then, I want to write more about my camp adventures.

Till then, keep wagging!
Renee, The Seeing Eye Dog

Racing Around Badger Land

My new Wisconsin scarf!
Mom says I can wear it to basketball games!

Hello Friends! 

Sorry for not blogging lately. I've been way too busy catching up on sleep from my adventures! Being a Seeing Eye dog is tough. But being a Seeing Eye dog for someone who is as crazy as my mom is even tougher! 

My mom says we are in transition right now. I'm not sure what that means. I think it has something to do with the fact that she just graduated from college before she got me and is starting school again in the fall. Whatever transition means, I don't like it. It's too nuts! 

I am not the kind of dog who needs routine. Some Seeing Eye dogs need routine. My German Shepherd friends in training, for example, really liked routine. They wanted owners who did similar things in similar schedules each day. 

I'm not really THAT obsessive. My trainer, Joan, told my mom that I am very versatile. Again with these big words! I don't know what that means, but I do love to go new places. The problem is that my mom has taken this to the extreme! Seriously! First, she got me on a plane for the first time after training together. I just started to fall in love with her family when she flew me all across the country with her to visit law schools. She was stressed, so I was stressed as well. She FINALLY picked a school (thank goodness for that) and I was happy it was one of the towns that was easier to get around. I'm excited to be a badger! 

But then, she took things too far. I love my mom, but she is nuts. She then decided that we needed a place to live in this new badger land. Why? Why couldn't we just stay where we are living now? I think it might have something to do with the six hours we spent driving to the badger place, all through crazy city traffic of Chicago. Traffic is bad, especially when you've gotta pee. I learned that the hard way. It's a good thing I am a good girl and was able to wait till we could pull over! 

My mom opened the door on my crate so
she could pet me in the car.

Anyway, this trip was crazy. I was glad that my mom's mom came with, because it meant we could drive in a car instead of taking the bus. I like my mom's mom a lot, too, and enjoyed having more cuddles. But I really don't like tours. I thought I taught my mom that already with the law school tours. I want to lead! And I really don't think I should have to work in apartments. That's so silly! I'm used to being free at home! We visited more than 20 apartments. Apparently my mom did her homework on these places. And then, I just found out that the place she picked wasn't even one we toured, because it is being built right now. So all we did was meet at the leasing office. Seriously? Why did we have to tour so many places when all we need is one to live in? I don't get this. 

I also hate it when we can't find where we want to go. One of the last visits on our first of two tour days was really hard to find. We parked the car and walked around the block. I got so frustrated, because we kept circling to find the right door. My mom was actually pretty calm, so I wasn't picking up on her stress. But I was stressed. I knew we were lost. My mom cuddled me extra that night. She kept telling me that it was okay and asking me to steady. She event let me sleep in the hotel bed with her. I have totally got this down that I can't sleep in her bed anywhere but when asked. She says she doesn't want me in her bed at home. I'll see if I can change that. My cuteness is pretty effective. My mom even gave me breakfast in bed after the craziest day and not sleeping much that night. Apparently that's a nice thing for humans. I thought it was kind of awkward for a dog. 

Snuggled up on the bed

Breakfast in bed! 

So I don't understand why this is all so crazy. And to top it off, my mom says we are moving to Montana in a few weeks for the summer. Can't we just pick a place and stay there? Again, I'm not a picky girl. But this woman is nuts! Oh well. At least I'll have lots more adventures to right about.

Until then, happily resting,

Renee the Seeing Eye Dog 

Birthday!

Hello Friends!

I had the BEST time last week! So I experienced a thing called "birthday." I don't really know what "birthday" means. I was there when my mom celebrated her "birthday." She got cake and ice cream and fun presents. But what is a birthday for a puppy like me?

My mom said she really wanted to celebrate me. I think she likes me. I don't really know why she wants to celebrate me more than other dogs. Coda, my brother, doesn't get his birthday celebrated. But my mom says that I do extra special stuff and deserve a special day.

My actual birthday was on April 15. I turned two! My mom was still awake and midnight and she woke me up. She helped me into her lap and sang a silly birthday song to me. I was really sleepy and wasn't real aware of what was happening, but if birthdays meant cuddling in the night, I knew I could handle that!

We didn't do anything special that day. I figured that all birthdays were just extra cuddly days. We actually had to go somewhere on my birthday. I'll write about that adventure later.

Then, I finally got to see what a birthday actually is! A week later, my mom had a party for me! She even sent out email invites to all my friends (her family) and Coda! Apparently Coda has never been invited to family events before. I'm not sure why! He was a very handsome guest!

Everyone came to my house. My mom had baked a special cake just for the doggies. It was in the shape of my paw! She put fire on my cake. I thought that was really strange. Why wouldn't you just eat it? Why would you take the time to sing? Then, my mom asked Addie, (age 5) to blow out the fire. What a silly thing!


My mom gave Coda and me some dog cake. My mom said it wasn't made like people cake so it wouldn't make me sick. It was yummy, but I wasn't quite sure what to do with it at first. I never get anything but kibble!

The people ate people cake and ice cream and drank coffee. Then, I got presents! Everyone got me stuffed animal toys! I love stuffed animal toys! My mom's parents even got me a new scarf. I love birthdays!

I cuddled with Addie at the end of the party. I think that was my favorite part. I love cuddles. People are way better than cake or stuffed animals. I even got invited to Addie's birthday in another month. I can't wait!

I was sure birthday was over. Birthday was fun, but I was sleepy! Then, still another week later, Sara's Grandma Betty took us out for lunch. I figured they were just doing their normal girl time thing. Then, Grandma surprised me by taking me to a fun new place! She wasn't able to come to my party and wanted to get me something fun for my birthday. She took me to a pet bakery and shop and got me a new collar (so I can wear fun scarves) and another toy! More toys! I love Grandma! I love birthdays! Life is so good!

So I have decided that birthdays mean cuddles, toys, and love. Birthdays are basically the best thing ever. I hope I get another birthday soon.

Happily Yours,
Renee the Seeing Eye Dog

 Enjoy my birthday photos!!!

Independence With Paws

Dear Readers,

I read an interesting comment today. It was posted on the wall of a Facebook group for guide dog owners. The original post mentioned concern about people thinking her dog was her main source of independence. Comments were made in regards to this post. Some commented on the annoyance of such claims, suggesting that blind people are independent apart from their dogs. Others were upset by her original post, feeling that the dog does provide independence and that she should not even question such a thing. The issue stuck with me and prompted me to write my thoughts.

Does a guide dog provide independence? My gut reaction is that he or she does. I think about the freedom Renee gives me to walk in difficult places such as construction zones on sidewalks or in busy cities. This is all true.

Then I think about other sources of independence. I didn't have a dog for many years of life and was still independent. I lived in my own apartment for two years. I worked, got through college, and functioned as a member of society who happened to be blind.

So is Renee my only source of independent? The answer is surely no. I also believe that other people in the blindness community can be independent with or without a dog.

I think independence is far more about one's mindset. Living independently requires a person to do things for him or herself. The person must be diligent and determined to overcome issues such as transportation to and from work, life on the job or in school, and how to he social. A dog is merely a tool to assist a person in maintaining and strengthening that independence.

Now, even as I write that, I cringe. I just called Renee a tool I use to help me be independent. I cringe again as I take another step forward and say I don't need Renee to be independent. I could continue to live the way I have always lived and still be independent. I could also use a white cane rather than a dog and be independent.

The reality is that even people with guide dogs are not always independent. Just because someone has a dog doesn't mean he or she has the other tools necessary for independence. The dog may, however, provide an opportunity for more independence than without the dog. Again, it comes back to mindset. If a person has a guide dog but doesn't have the confidence or other skills to live an independent life, he or she may still not be independent.

So does a dog matter? Is he or she just a tool to help bring independence? Dogs are far more than tools. They provide opportunities for confidence, security, and companionship. Still, all of these qualities, like independence, cannot be fulfilled without the determined mindset of the owner. I have chosen to let Renee help me find safety as I continue my independent life. I have also deeply indulged in the inseparable bond between dog and human, a friendship that makes our team stronger every day.

In short, dogs do not create independence. The person must find that for him or herself. But when independence is enjoyed together, the possibilities are endless.

Sincerely,

Sara

Poor Dog!

Dear Friends,

A fellow Seeing Eye Dog owner requested that I write about dogs' feelings in regards to working. This is a common problem for many dog guide owners. I have heard it said many different ways:

"Aww, poor doggy!"
"That harness looks uncomfortable!"
"Doesn't she just want to play?"
"Oh, you shouldn't make her do that."

The list goes on and on, but they all mean the same thing: You are not doing it right.

Dogs are kind of like people when it comes to working. There are many people in the world who do not like their jobs for one reason or another. Perhaps the hours are long and the pay is not high enough to compensate for the time and energy given to a particular task. Other people love their jobs, at least most of the time. These people have a certain passion that they are able to follow each day or have skills that are utilized in their work. One type of person might feel fulfilled through his or her job while the other may feel overwhelmed.

Dogs are similar. Just like people, I believe every dog has a purpose in life. Every dog's purpose looks a little different, just like every person's. A sweet little lap dog might have the purpose to comfort her owner who has just lost a loved one. A large husky might help his owner hunt. A German Shepard might assist a police officer in locating a problem. A fluffy lab might be a little boy's best friend. A beautiful golden retriever might guide her owner who is blind.

All of these jobs look different but are all equally important. I can't help but think of my parents' Weimaraner named Coda in this case. He is roughly 75 pounds of pure muscle. His breed was historically meant to hunt bears and other large animals. Coda plays rough in a friendly but intense way. He would make a terrible guide dog! But does he have a purpose? Absolutely! He is meant to be part of the family full of love, cuddles, and fun.

Dogs can love or hate their jobs, just like humans. If Coda, for example, was asked to be a guide dog, he would hate it! He would be stressed, because he would not be able to use his skills in a way that would help. As a pet, however, he is a very happy fella.

Working dogs are the same way. Renee loves to play with Coda and take long naps when she is not guiding me, but she loves her job! She eagerly hops into her harness, which does not hurt her in any way. She is very sad if I go somewhere without her! Renee's job is to be with me, and that's all she wants to do!

There is dissension among dog owners about types of collars and harnesses. Schools like The Seeing Eye work very hard to make sure the tools used for training and guiding are helpful but not harmful. One example is the gentle leader. This is a soft material that wraps around the dog's nose and clips behind their ears. This tool does not hurt the dog at all, although most dogs do not like the gentle leader. They only don't like it because it makes them behave! Gentle leaders and leash corrections (snaps of the leash) are like nudges on the shoulder...They are used to sort of say, "Hey! You need to focus!" Sometimes I think a few people need gentle leaders...

Comments like those that my friend and I have heard are very difficult to take. People need to understand that we absolutely love our dogs! We want what's best for them. In Renee's case, being a Seeing Eye Dog is the best for her, as she loves her job. If there is suspicion of abuse, this should of course be reported. But understand that corrections and the use of a harness are there to help the dog not hurt it.

If you have any questions about equipment or the working dog life, please email us at SeeingLifeTogether@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Sara

Never Let You Go

Hi Friend!

It’s Renee again. I had such an interesting time traveling with my mom last week. She has been accepted into tons of law schools, 11 of them, I think. I don’t actually know what “eleven” means, but I think that’s a lot. I’m really proud of her, but I’m pretty tired from going so many places. I will tell you about all of our adventures, but I have to get this one out first.

I had such a scary time at one of our visits. One of the towns was really old and had lots of brick walkways. Some people seemed to think they looked cool, but I thought they were terrible. Many of the paths were missing bricks in lots of places.

I try so hard to help my mom get everywhere she wants to go. I stop at curbs and when I see a roadblock in our way. But I am not a superhero; I can’t do everything! There were so many bricks missing and cracks in the sidewalks that I couldn’t possibly show my mom all of them. She did really well most of the day, although I could tell she was stressed as she stumbled down the streets. She said she was even wearing flats. I don’t know what that means either. Why wouldn’t her shoes be flat?

After visiting the school in that town, my mom wanted to walk around a little to see where she might be living if she chose that school. I can’t remember everything that happened. It all happened so fast, kind of like when Coda runs past me. It’s like I blinked and everything changed.

My mom and I were walking really well down the sidewalk. I swerved to help her around one crack, when the next thing I knew I was a few steps into the street! I was so scared. I don’t know what happens when a car hits someone, but they are so big and fast. They freak me out. I was so confused. How did I get here? Why did my mom drop my harness handle? My mom! Where is my mom?

Suddenly, I heard my mom screaming, “Renee! Oh, Renee!” in the most frightened voice I have ever heard. I looked over to see her on the sidewalk. She had fallen down hands first, and I could tell she was in pain. She didn’t know where I was at first, because I had ran a few steps into the street when she dropped my harness as she fell. I ran to her. What happened? Why is my mom on the ground? What obstacle did I miss?

Then I saw it. There were so many cracks in the sidewalk that I couldn’t guide my mom around all of them. While I was swerving for one, my mom hit another. She got up and hugged me tighter than I have ever been hugged before. She was almost in tears, and I don’t think my mom is much of a crier.

At first, I thought my mom’s sadness was about falling. I thought she was embarrassed or in pain. Then I realized that she wasn’t embarrassed and wasn’t in much pain. She was  scared, scared for me. She said, “If something had happened to you…Oh Renee!” as she hugged me. I’m not sure what she meant, but I was so glad to be back by her side. I never want to be in the road ever again.

Waiting for our bus after a long day

I learned a few things about my mom that day. First, I’m her girl. When something scary happens to me, she gets scared. When I get stressed, she gets stressed. We are a team, and she and I feed off of each other’s thoughts. The second thing is that my mom is a fighter. She’s the kind of person who will fall down, brush off her skirt, and start walking once again with her head held high.

I love that about my mom. I love how confident she is. But we are a team now, and I might not always be that confident. I’m really smart and can tell when something is too much for us. My mom tried to keep working me as we walked. I was so upset about what happened that I kept stopping along the way. I kept telling my mom that I was done for the day. I wanted to just magically appear back in our hotel room for the night. I knew that she needed a break, and I did, too. We needed to be done. We needed to be safe. I could not stand the thought that she might fall again or let me go.

The third and final thing I learned about my mom that day, however, is that she loves me so much. After an hour bus ride and a walk back to our hotel, my mom knew I was stressed. When it was time for bed, I was still worked up about our day. I was panting extra hard, although I wasn’t thirsty. I just wanted to curl up by my mom and wake up to a new day.

My mom has been really nervous about letting me in the bed. She says I’m dirty. I think that is a really rude thing to say to a dog who works so hard, but she’s probably right. I do like to roll around in the yard. My mom also thinks that if I get on the bed once I might try to get on her bed all the time, which she is apparently against. Okay, I lied. There’s a fourth thing I learned on this trip. My mom is absolutely crazy! I guess that kind of goes with the idea that she loves me, because she loves me like crazy. Instead of letting me in the bed, my mom pulled the king-sized mattress from her bed onto the floor. She is strong!

My mom let sleep by her on the mattress. She thought it was a nice compromise between sleeping on my mutt-mat on the floor and having me in her bed. She said something about being glad the maids would change the sheets and that she took an extra long shower in the morning after. I’m not sure why, but I happily snuggled up by her all night, so glad to be safe, warm, and in love.

I think today was good for our team. Sometimes problems happen that make teams weaker. But we got stronger, today. We learned that we never ever ever want to be apart again.  

Still Smiling,

Renee, the Seeing Eye Dog