20 year anniversary.

20 years ago today, I met my very first guide dog. At the time, I wasn't sure whether or not I would like traveling with a guide dog. I had been a white cane user from a young age and felt confident with that. I was a good traveler. A part of me wondered though what it would be like to travel with a guide dog instead. It was tough adjusting at first for both of us I am sure. But soon, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. With each dog, the first few walks seem strange. Gwenny pulled hard and swerved around things at the last minute. Margaret pulled less but was very dog distracted. gia floated along in a way. Tulia bounced. After a few walks, each dog's gait and movements seemed normal and I am sure they took some getting used to me too. This morning when I got up, I listened for Tulia squeaking as she stretched and then bouncing over wagging her whole self to say hi. Gia always stayed in bed until I was ready to go downstairs. For my wonderful guiding girls, (black lab Gwenny, yellow lab Margaret, golden retreiver Gia, and black lab Tulia) thank you for sharing the adventure. For allowing me to walk with dignity and confidence and for being who you are. For those who trained them, (you know who you are smile) thank you from the bottom of my heart. For the puppy raisers of any of my dogs (you know who you are) what an amazing gift you give us. Thank you.

A sad anniversary.

We just returned from yoga class. It is a sort of mild day here with lots of slushy puddles and very strong winds. As I walked along with my little black lab girl, I remembered that a year ago today, we lost our lovely Gia dog. Gia was a regal and smart golden retriever. She was my third guide dog and guided me for nine years. Miss Gia was calm and confident and had a wonderful way about her. She saw me through some rough times with my health with dignity and solidity and calmness. When she retired, I wondered, I really wondered about the next guide. Who could fill her paws. Of course, no one could. But the little black lab girl who danced and wagged her way into my life and heart has filled her own paws. Tulia wakes up every day knowing life is an adventure to be lived. She is the most loving and kindest dog in the world. One of the smartest I've ever known with an incredible memory and sparkle that touches the hearts of all who meet her. And so, with each loss, my heart is sad and grateful, and with each new guide my heart opens to a whole new doggy being at my side. I miss you Gia. I love you tulia

Great things about being blind. Special anniversary.

Ask any guide dog handler and they will tell you what day they met each of their guides, what it was like, what the dogs did. It is like Christmas. A special day we call dog day. Excitement crackles in the air and nervousness too. You are bringing together two live beings. Is it the right match? Will the dog like me? Will the team work? What will the dog be like? The first time, it was pure excitement and nervousness for me. Each subsequent time, excitement tinged with sadness as one partnership ends and another begins. One year ago today, I met the tiny shiny Tulia. Sad in my heart for the loss of a nine year partnership, but excited to meet a new furry guide. And she came into my life bouncing and wagging. She stole my heart right away. She does that with everyone. Thank you Tulia for this year. For your calm, steady work. Your wagging happy self. Your love and care for Gia as she aged and died. Your joyous nature. Your great work. I love you. Let's raise a biscuit to the Tulia and many more wonderful years together.