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 

The Furriest Chaperone Ever

All ready to go on our trip!

Hello Friend!

I had the coolest day ever last week! My mom was asked to be a chaperone for her mom’s students’ trip to Chicago. I’m not sure what a “chaperone” is, but I think it means older person who gets to help kids. I got to tag along!

We arrived at the school early in the morning. My mom’s mom has a cozy little office, a perfect spot for my morning nap before our big day. I got myself comfortable while the kids came in. I had already met the middle schoolers a week before when my mom taught them about our team. Then, my mom’s mom talked to her students for a while. At one point, the kids got really excited and clapped a lot. I figured this must be my moment, so I sprang out of the office and ran into the crowd of students. My mom was very quick to pull me back and tie me down this time. I’m not sure why she did this. I’m fairly certain that anyone cheering must be cheering for me!

We started the trip on a huge bus. This was the biggest bus I have ever seen! It was also the loudest bus I have ever been on, because it was full of my friends from the middle school! I love my middle school friends!

The kids were awesome with me. My mom had taught them that my harness means I’m working. They knew they could pet me when the harness was off. No one tried to pet me while I was working, which was very nice. I wasn’t distracted at all and could totally do my job! But within a second of taking the harness off, I was always surrounded by cuddly kids. I love my job. It really pays well in love and hugs!

We went to so many awesome places! This “Chicago” is really big. It reminded me of my training in New York City!  I was really glad to be back in the city. I think I might be a city girl.

My mom and I boarded the bus. She wanted a seat up front to give me more room. This sweet girl named Natalie let us sit by her. She was so cool! She petted me and loved on me the whole way there. We got off the bus in a huge park. My mom said it was Millennium Park. The other chaperones were taking pictures of the students. My mom is so annoying. She has to take my picture everywhere I go! Doesn’t she know I’m almost 14 in dog years? Teenagers don’t like their moms taking their pictures. I think I fit with the middle schoolers really well.

At "The Bean" in Millenium Park

After that, we went to a really old theater. It’s called the Chicago Theater, which makes total sense to me, since it was a theater in Chicago. Even I, having no sense of my ABC’s, could have named it that! The kids and chaperones were split into groups for a tour.

I HATE tours! They drive me nuts. Don’t people understand that I am the leader? I want to be first! I always go a step ahead of my mom to guide. I think I should be ahead of everyone. Make way for Renee the Seeing Eye Dog! What made this silly guy think he should be in charge? My mom said that he worked there. I guess that’s why. But I think I would have been a good tour guide as well. My mom said I had to slow down and gave me the “steady” command a lot. She apparently had never been there before, so I guess I couldn’t lead. But I think I could have taken the kids on an adventure!

Posing on stage

Do I have to pose again?

The lovely Chicago Theater

Signed poster backstage

Signed poster backstage

Despite being frustrated that no one let me lead, I helped my mom a whole lot on the tour. It was a pretty cool obstacle course. I got to go up and down all kids of stairs. They were really narrow and there were lots of overhead obstacles for me to make sure my mom didn’t bump. She’s pretty short, so she made my job easy!

After the theater, we went to a place called Navy Pier. My mom and her mom didn’t ride on the same bus to Chicago, so I hardly got to see my mom’s mom. We had lunch together, which I thought was nice. While waiting in line for lunch, we got surrounded by little children. A little guy even petted me! I could not believe my mom didn’t get upset at the boy, because she is pretty strict about not petting me when I’m working. I’m wondering if it’s because he couldn’t talk. She said he wasn’t even two years old. I thought that was a silly reason, since I am almost two and would totally talk if I was a human. My mom just knelt down next to the boy, smiled at him, and asked his grandmother and him yes or no questions. Apparently he has a dog at home, too!

After Navy Pier, we went to another theater. This one was called the Cadillac. I don’t know why, though. My mom’s Grandma Betty drives a Cadillac, but the theater looked nothing like Grandma Betty’s car. My mom seemed to be really excited for this part of the trip. She said something about loving Broadway. Who is this Broadway? Is he nice? Will he pet me?

My mom walked into the theater with her ticket. A nice lady handed her a program and asked a guy to help us to her seat. We were supposed to be in the middle of the row with middle schoolers on all sides. The kids were really nice and let my mom sit on the end to give me more room. I stretched across the row to lay on top of the kids’ feet. They seemed to like it.

Snuggled up for the show!

Ready for the show!

While we were sitting before the show, a nice man came up to visit us. He seemed to know my mom, because he gave her a hug and asked her about how she was. I hadn’t met him before, but he even asked about me! I’m just that fabulous that everyone must know how I am! After talking to my mom for a minute, he ran off. I didn’t even get to say, “Hi!” or get a pat on the head. I had my harness off, after all!

I realized that he ran off because something big was happening. My mom said that the show was starting. What’s a show? Well, this show was called Beauty and the Beast. My mom said it was one of her favorites, and I could see why! There were cool wolf noises, pretty lights, and lots of great music! I slept through most of it, though. My mom seemed really tense whenever the wolves howled. I think she thought I might join in, but I was perfectly content to take a nap. Chaperoning is exhausting!

After the show, we went to a place called Rainforest Café. It’s basically like eating outside! I liked it. There was even a thunderstorm inside! I got to sit under the table. My mom sat with some pretty cool kids. They were eighth graders, she said. I don’t know what that means, but I really liked them. There was one really funny boy sitting next to my mom. She kept picking on him. I think my mom said that she and the boy are related. I don’t know what “related” is either, but apparently being related means you can tease each other and not get into trouble.

Before we left for home, we walked around the gift shop of Rainforest. There was a lion! He was on the wall! He roared so loud that I ran between my mom’s legs. My silly mom thought I would get over it and stayed by the lion. When he roared again, I ran behind her to be safe. He was scary! My mom walked me to the bus after that. I thought that was a good idea.

My mom and I sat next to that sweet girl named Natalie again on the way home. I was so quiet the whole way that Natalie forgot I was there! My mom says that's a huge compliment. As we got off the exit to the school, Natalie exclaimed, "Oh no! I forgot to pet Renee on our ride home!" and quickly made up for it. I was not offended at all. I really enjoy napping!

We rode home and I was surrounded by middle schoolers when we returned to the school. The sat on the sidewalk in the dark, petting me all in a circle! I loved cuddling with them. Then, we even got to take the silly boy my mom was picking on and his sister home after. So I guess “related” means that you can pick on each other and ride in the same car together. I liked them. They were playing with me a lot!

I like this chaperone thing. Most of all, I like that I got to help my mom to be the best chaperone she could be. I hope I get to hang out with my friends more often!

Drooling all the way,

Renee, the Seeing Eye Dog