Day 12 - By car, by bus, and by train
Ok, short and sweet post today. It’s crazy how you can feel so exhausted on a Friday night, even though the pace here doesn’t really let up.
Today’s morning trip gave us practice in using public transit; buses and trains. We were able to catch one of the 8:20ish buses that took us to a train stop a few towns over from Morristown. Angie did a great job of getting on the bus, even after shivering for a few minutes as we waited for it to arrive. Angie’s body frame is perfect for getting into small spaces. Her nose, however, is another story. I’ll need to work on keeping track of her nose. There’s some type of saying, where ever the nose goes, trouble is usually to follow. I wonder if that applies to humans as well.
We were able to catch the train heading back to Morristown and she did a great job of finding a seat and laying quietly as we journeyed toward our destination. We were able to work on some intelligent disobedience with her which is where Angie or any guide dog is supposed to refuse or disobey a command that would lead us into danger. In this case, my instructor asked me to give a command that would lead us towards the platform. I could tell that Angie was having none of that by pulling in the opposite direction. There was no convincing her that approaching an empty platform would be a good idea. Again, another trust and confidence building activity
My instructor and I were able to grab some tea at Dunkin Doughnuts before heading back to campus. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and am glad to have had this opportunity to work with her. The instructors put in grueling hours to ensure we have all of the skills we need before leaving. They get up before we do, which is probably 4:30ish a.m., eat meals with us, work with each student individually, and rotate night duty hours. For a month, they pretty much give up their lives for class. I asked her how do they celebrate, her response was that she enjoys starting the whole process over again with a new string of 8-10 dogs. And if that weren’t enough, many of them have families and incorporate additional exercise into their day on top of the 10 miles they walk each day with students and dogs. Just as the relationship with our new guide is important, the relationship with the instructor is critical as well. They aren’t there to be our friends; but they are there to hear our concerns, keep us safe, push us towards our potential, and say goodbye at the end. There’s a huge amount of respect, empathy, and objectivity that is inherent in this job. So much so that it is probably one of the most unique kinds of jobs you can have. And the pay isn’t all that great. The Seeing Eye along with many of the guide dog schools have a unique mission that can draw people in who want to ensure its success, but requires a huge sacrifice.
The second trip was a good 2.5 mile walk. I think all three of us needed a good stretch, so we did the extended high school route. Though half of the trip, Angie pouted and her work was not as great as it normally is. This was due to her wearing booties. I got frustrated with her slower pace and pull and my shoulder started to ache from having to artificially create pull in the harness in order to follow her. Finally, we decided to give it a try without the booties. And it felt like a rocket was let loose. Her pull and pace were back up to speed and we were a team once again.
One of the other students in class got together and our dogs began to play. Thankfully, the instructor on duty allowed the play and even explained the behaviors the dogs showed. Again, it was fascinating to see how they mutually groomed each other, cuddled, and balanced the dominance/submission in their play. The instructor was great at describing how watching them could give us information on what things our dogs may enjoy or find comfort in when we play with them. So for Angie, she seemed to really enjoy the other dog’s touch and play nips at her neck. I can mimic this by massaging her neck in a way that she may find comforting. I’ve already noticed that she does enjoy it when I’ve done it in the past. The play tonight just confirmed what I was starting to learn from her.
Lesson for today? Sleep is good. A good walk is necessary. And four uncomfortable shoes are worse than two.
Today’s morning trip gave us practice in using public transit; buses and trains. We were able to catch one of the 8:20ish buses that took us to a train stop a few towns over from Morristown. Angie did a great job of getting on the bus, even after shivering for a few minutes as we waited for it to arrive. Angie’s body frame is perfect for getting into small spaces. Her nose, however, is another story. I’ll need to work on keeping track of her nose. There’s some type of saying, where ever the nose goes, trouble is usually to follow. I wonder if that applies to humans as well.
We were able to catch the train heading back to Morristown and she did a great job of finding a seat and laying quietly as we journeyed toward our destination. We were able to work on some intelligent disobedience with her which is where Angie or any guide dog is supposed to refuse or disobey a command that would lead us into danger. In this case, my instructor asked me to give a command that would lead us towards the platform. I could tell that Angie was having none of that by pulling in the opposite direction. There was no convincing her that approaching an empty platform would be a good idea. Again, another trust and confidence building activity
My instructor and I were able to grab some tea at Dunkin Doughnuts before heading back to campus. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and am glad to have had this opportunity to work with her. The instructors put in grueling hours to ensure we have all of the skills we need before leaving. They get up before we do, which is probably 4:30ish a.m., eat meals with us, work with each student individually, and rotate night duty hours. For a month, they pretty much give up their lives for class. I asked her how do they celebrate, her response was that she enjoys starting the whole process over again with a new string of 8-10 dogs. And if that weren’t enough, many of them have families and incorporate additional exercise into their day on top of the 10 miles they walk each day with students and dogs. Just as the relationship with our new guide is important, the relationship with the instructor is critical as well. They aren’t there to be our friends; but they are there to hear our concerns, keep us safe, push us towards our potential, and say goodbye at the end. There’s a huge amount of respect, empathy, and objectivity that is inherent in this job. So much so that it is probably one of the most unique kinds of jobs you can have. And the pay isn’t all that great. The Seeing Eye along with many of the guide dog schools have a unique mission that can draw people in who want to ensure its success, but requires a huge sacrifice.
The second trip was a good 2.5 mile walk. I think all three of us needed a good stretch, so we did the extended high school route. Though half of the trip, Angie pouted and her work was not as great as it normally is. This was due to her wearing booties. I got frustrated with her slower pace and pull and my shoulder started to ache from having to artificially create pull in the harness in order to follow her. Finally, we decided to give it a try without the booties. And it felt like a rocket was let loose. Her pull and pace were back up to speed and we were a team once again.
One of the other students in class got together and our dogs began to play. Thankfully, the instructor on duty allowed the play and even explained the behaviors the dogs showed. Again, it was fascinating to see how they mutually groomed each other, cuddled, and balanced the dominance/submission in their play. The instructor was great at describing how watching them could give us information on what things our dogs may enjoy or find comfort in when we play with them. So for Angie, she seemed to really enjoy the other dog’s touch and play nips at her neck. I can mimic this by massaging her neck in a way that she may find comforting. I’ve already noticed that she does enjoy it when I’ve done it in the past. The play tonight just confirmed what I was starting to learn from her.
Lesson for today? Sleep is good. A good walk is necessary. And four uncomfortable shoes are worse than two.
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