September 6, 2011
Sorry, it has taken me so long to post. Jenny and I had a great time in New Orleans. The weather in New Orleans was so hot and humid that it kept us in more than I expected. We did get to see and visit with all my sisters and most of their families. Jenny had a really fun time with Duce, Corey's little dog. Duce has little dog aditude and the two were WILD together. They played so hard that they both looked exhausted with tongues hanging out and breathing hard after playing. We were all dumb founded and did not know if this was acceptable for Jenny or not. Anyway, needless to say they both slept really well that night. We also went to the casino and Jenny did great. I left a nice donation but we had a great time. It was wonderful to visit with my sisters and my good friends Karen and Bill.
After returning home Jenny and I have just been bonding. She is getting to know my ways and I am getting to know her better. She is wonderful company. This weekend college football started and Jenny discovered I like to scream at the TV and clap and act stupid. She was so cute she came up to me to see if I was alright or if I needed her. I loved it. I then tried to explained she had not seen me watch the Saints yet and that I would be acting alot worse. I don't know if she understood but the Saint's first game is this Thursday and she will know for sure then. Go Saints.
The weather today has a feel of autum and it is very pleasant. We have already been for a walk and hopefully will be going again.
I do have a cute story to tell you all about. I was sitting on the floor petting Jenny and flipping through the channels on the TV, when I came apon the animal channel. They were talking about wolves and bears. Jenny's ears went up when the animals started barking and making noise. She sat up looked at the TV for several minutes then went up to the TV and put her paws on the set. She was totally into the show, then she sat down and looked out the window. She had such a longing expression, like maybe she would see the same thing as on the TV. We had to have a little talk about the fact she would NEVER play with wolves or bears. It was a great moment.
Hope everyone is enjoying today take care and hopefully I will post again soon. nancy
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
6 weeks home
July 5, 2011
It has been 6 weeks since we got home and so many mew things have happen to us both. I have learned Jenny is well trained and I am NOT. The concept of having a service dog and not a pet is a very difficult thing to grasp. I have always had and have been around dogs all my life, so after admittting that I realized my Jenny was different. When she is in the harness and or on the leash, she is calm, working and thinking. but when she is off duty she is a funny dog/puppy. She loves everybody and wants to play. She loves to run and play in the water. I really think she needs to be off duty sometimes and just be a dog.
We went to the beach for a week. She loved the ocean and walking on the beach but it got to hot for her so we could only go in the mornings. We did go out to eat a few times and she did great. We also have played in the lake several times and after I finally calmed down she had a great time. It is really a continuous learning process.
Today, we went back to see the vet. A friend noticed she had a hot spot, so being a nervous nut we went to see the vet. Jenny's vet is wonderful and he fixed her up. She is own an antibiotic for 10 days and some kind of powder. Jenny and I are going to New Orleans in about two weeks, so I want everything to be well before we leave.
I must admit that we saw the vet the first week we came home and Jenny weighed 70 pounds. Jenny needed to lose a few pounds so we went back in a month and guess what she gained a pound. However, today when she got weighed she had loss a half a pound. YEA.
I really can not say just how wonderful Jenny relly is. She takes care of me she follows me from room to room and sleeps right by my bed. I love her so much and am so thankful for her.
Well, enough for today will post again after our trip to the Big Easy. nancy
It has been 6 weeks since we got home and so many mew things have happen to us both. I have learned Jenny is well trained and I am NOT. The concept of having a service dog and not a pet is a very difficult thing to grasp. I have always had and have been around dogs all my life, so after admittting that I realized my Jenny was different. When she is in the harness and or on the leash, she is calm, working and thinking. but when she is off duty she is a funny dog/puppy. She loves everybody and wants to play. She loves to run and play in the water. I really think she needs to be off duty sometimes and just be a dog.
We went to the beach for a week. She loved the ocean and walking on the beach but it got to hot for her so we could only go in the mornings. We did go out to eat a few times and she did great. We also have played in the lake several times and after I finally calmed down she had a great time. It is really a continuous learning process.
Today, we went back to see the vet. A friend noticed she had a hot spot, so being a nervous nut we went to see the vet. Jenny's vet is wonderful and he fixed her up. She is own an antibiotic for 10 days and some kind of powder. Jenny and I are going to New Orleans in about two weeks, so I want everything to be well before we leave.
I must admit that we saw the vet the first week we came home and Jenny weighed 70 pounds. Jenny needed to lose a few pounds so we went back in a month and guess what she gained a pound. However, today when she got weighed she had loss a half a pound. YEA.
I really can not say just how wonderful Jenny relly is. She takes care of me she follows me from room to room and sleeps right by my bed. I love her so much and am so thankful for her.
Well, enough for today will post again after our trip to the Big Easy. nancy
Friday, May 27, 2011
First week home
May 27, 2011
We have been home a week today. It has been an interesting week because we have been alone without a trainer right beside us to tell us what to do. Handling other dogs and people are a real interesting delimmer. I sort of remember what the commands are but when it happens my mind goes blank. Jenny is very similar to a child, in that she is going to push it to see how much she can get away with. Then there is me who wants her to be happy and love me and i do not want to be to hard on her. We are working on finding the right balance. I will have to let you know how things go. This is a constant work in progress.
We went to the vet and I was toldly exhausted after the experience. The vet was wonderful but Jenny had a hard time settling down with all the other dogs and all the smells. Then we went to the dog store and it was so exciting for Jenny, o boy new smells food people kids, o boy. Needless to say it was correction and sit many times.
Jenny met alot of new people and she loved everyone and thought they should love her too. So, once again it was alot of corrections and sitting. She is wonderful but we have alot of work to do. We did go to publix and she did great, very few corrections and no sitting.
Today, it is raining and of course the rain does not matter a hoot to Jenny. She loves it. However, then I have a wet dog and we have to dry off with towels and wait for her to dry.
So, I rate the first week with a solid B-. Will log later with more of our adventures. nancy
We have been home a week today. It has been an interesting week because we have been alone without a trainer right beside us to tell us what to do. Handling other dogs and people are a real interesting delimmer. I sort of remember what the commands are but when it happens my mind goes blank. Jenny is very similar to a child, in that she is going to push it to see how much she can get away with. Then there is me who wants her to be happy and love me and i do not want to be to hard on her. We are working on finding the right balance. I will have to let you know how things go. This is a constant work in progress.
We went to the vet and I was toldly exhausted after the experience. The vet was wonderful but Jenny had a hard time settling down with all the other dogs and all the smells. Then we went to the dog store and it was so exciting for Jenny, o boy new smells food people kids, o boy. Needless to say it was correction and sit many times.
Jenny met alot of new people and she loved everyone and thought they should love her too. So, once again it was alot of corrections and sitting. She is wonderful but we have alot of work to do. We did go to publix and she did great, very few corrections and no sitting.
Today, it is raining and of course the rain does not matter a hoot to Jenny. She loves it. However, then I have a wet dog and we have to dry off with towels and wait for her to dry.
So, I rate the first week with a solid B-. Will log later with more of our adventures. nancy
Sunday, May 22, 2011
WE ARE HOME
Sunday May 22, 2011
Jenny and I are home. It was quite an adventure coming home, first we traveled in a van for about a hour and a half. Then we got to the airport and found out our plane was delayed for at least an hour. The airport is an experience all in itself. OK, the first thing is going through security, the collar and harness are going to set off the alarms, so the dog is going to be patted down. That was alright with Jenny but the security person was unsure, so they had to call someone else to actually pat the dog down. Then there was the bathroon. I now know with out a doubt that we must wait for the big stall because there is no way we can both get in a normal stall and do any bisness because we can not turn around,.. Getting on the plane was a little trickey as we had to walk up the steps to the plane, they are just to darn narrow, but we managed. The plane ride was unadventful., it was Jenny's first time on a plane. So, we arrived in Greenville, SC and we found out that summer had arrived in the south.
Jenny was a little excited and we had to work on calming her down but again we managed. She likes the condo and seems to be adjusting to the heat. We are exploring the grounds around the condo. She has met several people and we are trying to follow the guide lines the school gave us. So far we have not met any dogs we have seen them but no contact has been made.
We are continuing to bond with each other. It is so wonderful , she is so great. I am so happy and conttented. Right now she is laying beside me sleeping and I can not stop smiling. I am so thankful she is the perfect guide dog.
I will continue logging about our new life together. Hope you all are having a great day too. nancy
Jenny and I are home. It was quite an adventure coming home, first we traveled in a van for about a hour and a half. Then we got to the airport and found out our plane was delayed for at least an hour. The airport is an experience all in itself. OK, the first thing is going through security, the collar and harness are going to set off the alarms, so the dog is going to be patted down. That was alright with Jenny but the security person was unsure, so they had to call someone else to actually pat the dog down. Then there was the bathroon. I now know with out a doubt that we must wait for the big stall because there is no way we can both get in a normal stall and do any bisness because we can not turn around,.. Getting on the plane was a little trickey as we had to walk up the steps to the plane, they are just to darn narrow, but we managed. The plane ride was unadventful., it was Jenny's first time on a plane. So, we arrived in Greenville, SC and we found out that summer had arrived in the south.
Jenny was a little excited and we had to work on calming her down but again we managed. She likes the condo and seems to be adjusting to the heat. We are exploring the grounds around the condo. She has met several people and we are trying to follow the guide lines the school gave us. So far we have not met any dogs we have seen them but no contact has been made.
We are continuing to bond with each other. It is so wonderful , she is so great. I am so happy and conttented. Right now she is laying beside me sleeping and I can not stop smiling. I am so thankful she is the perfect guide dog.
I will continue logging about our new life together. Hope you all are having a great day too. nancy
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Going Home
May 19, 2011
Well, i signed the papers and my sweetie is mine and we are going home tomorrow. YEA. It has been a long journey and the first stage is complete, now the adventure will begin. I am packing and trying to make sure I get everything together and not forget anything. So, this is short and sweet. Thanks everyone for all your help talk to you all soon. nancy
Well, i signed the papers and my sweetie is mine and we are going home tomorrow. YEA. It has been a long journey and the first stage is complete, now the adventure will begin. I am packing and trying to make sure I get everything together and not forget anything. So, this is short and sweet. Thanks everyone for all your help talk to you all soon. nancy
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The puppy raisers
May 15, 2011
What a great day. I met my sweetie's family, who took care of her from the time she was 7 weeks old until they turned her over to the trainers. The family consist of a mom, dad and 3 daughters, can you believe it. Their oldest daughter is graduating this year and is planning on majoring in nursing, They have a 14 and 12 year old daughters We have so much in common. They are a wonderful family. They told me my sweetie was the first of a litter of 11. My sweetie is the first puppy they have raised for the guide dog program. They are raising another one now, which will be the second one for the guide dog program. You must understand they do this job for free. They are not paid for doing this, they do it because they want to help. Just unbelievable loving people. My sweetie was so happy to see them and we both enjoyed the visit.
The count down has started for us to go home. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have learned alot and we still have much more to learn, but we are getting ready to fly on our own. This wil be our last week and they will be keeping us really busy. There will be another night walk, a solo walk and an obsticle course. Should be interesting. Will try to keep you updated.
Until then take care and I will be thinking of you all. nancy
What a great day. I met my sweetie's family, who took care of her from the time she was 7 weeks old until they turned her over to the trainers. The family consist of a mom, dad and 3 daughters, can you believe it. Their oldest daughter is graduating this year and is planning on majoring in nursing, They have a 14 and 12 year old daughters We have so much in common. They are a wonderful family. They told me my sweetie was the first of a litter of 11. My sweetie is the first puppy they have raised for the guide dog program. They are raising another one now, which will be the second one for the guide dog program. You must understand they do this job for free. They are not paid for doing this, they do it because they want to help. Just unbelievable loving people. My sweetie was so happy to see them and we both enjoyed the visit.
The count down has started for us to go home. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have learned alot and we still have much more to learn, but we are getting ready to fly on our own. This wil be our last week and they will be keeping us really busy. There will be another night walk, a solo walk and an obsticle course. Should be interesting. Will try to keep you updated.
Until then take care and I will be thinking of you all. nancy
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Big City
May 11, 2011
Today, they loaded us up in the vans and took us into the city. My sweetie and I were not to sure about the big city. There were lots of people, cars, trucks, buses, sirens and airplanes. There was so much noise and movements, it was distracting for my sweetie and me. The smells were not fresh. In other words, I was so out of my comfort zone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My sweetie and I started our walk with our instructor and were faced with a mass of people. The sidewalk was full and it was hard avoiding running into everything. However, my sweetie did a great job, I did not. We had to walk into an area under construction and it crammed everyone closer together. It was scary and I did not like it at all. It was like being on a merry-go-round, with things flashing all around you but it really is just the people moving fast. We nade it back and said never again.
I absolutly know I need space and cleaner air. I am not a city girl. We will be going home a week from Friday and I am so ready. I miss my bed.
Later all I must go to bed as 6 comes to early. nancy
Today, they loaded us up in the vans and took us into the city. My sweetie and I were not to sure about the big city. There were lots of people, cars, trucks, buses, sirens and airplanes. There was so much noise and movements, it was distracting for my sweetie and me. The smells were not fresh. In other words, I was so out of my comfort zone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My sweetie and I started our walk with our instructor and were faced with a mass of people. The sidewalk was full and it was hard avoiding running into everything. However, my sweetie did a great job, I did not. We had to walk into an area under construction and it crammed everyone closer together. It was scary and I did not like it at all. It was like being on a merry-go-round, with things flashing all around you but it really is just the people moving fast. We nade it back and said never again.
I absolutly know I need space and cleaner air. I am not a city girl. We will be going home a week from Friday and I am so ready. I miss my bed.
Later all I must go to bed as 6 comes to early. nancy
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Education and Training continues
May 8, 2011
I know it has been awhile since I posted but so much has been going on and I have been too tired to think. My sweetie has been training me and I seem to be a moderately slow learner. I absolutely can not remember which way is right or left. Thank goodness my sweetie can read my mind. The instructors have been putting us threw the ringer, but we are surviving!!!! They took us out and one of the instructors was in a car and scared the bejesus out of us. They came screaming up to us as we were crossing the street and my sweetie did the right thing and stopped me, however it did not stop my scream or my language. The devil car continued to turn in front of us and my sweetie got smart and did not want to cross the street when she saw the bad devil car. What a day! My sweetie is smarter than me.
Being trained to use a guide dog is alot of work and you really need a good memory. Oh, I forgot you also need to have alot of energy which is somewhat I am lacking at the moment. We are up at 6 and by the time the day is over, I am draging myself to a single bed and I am just plain tired. I do not want to admit that age may have something to do with all this, but really 14 straight days are alot. My feet, arms, legs and perty much everything aches. Thank goodness for Advil!!!!!! You know, I never really believed in stretching and warming up before you went out to walk... but I do NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, I have complained enough. I am learning so much and every minute is worth it. This is not as easy or simple as I thought it would be, but I know I am learning how to do things to make myself and with my sweetie, we are a real team that can face the world and whatever it throws at us.
So, until next time Happy Mothers Day to all. nancy.
I know it has been awhile since I posted but so much has been going on and I have been too tired to think. My sweetie has been training me and I seem to be a moderately slow learner. I absolutely can not remember which way is right or left. Thank goodness my sweetie can read my mind. The instructors have been putting us threw the ringer, but we are surviving!!!! They took us out and one of the instructors was in a car and scared the bejesus out of us. They came screaming up to us as we were crossing the street and my sweetie did the right thing and stopped me, however it did not stop my scream or my language. The devil car continued to turn in front of us and my sweetie got smart and did not want to cross the street when she saw the bad devil car. What a day! My sweetie is smarter than me.
Being trained to use a guide dog is alot of work and you really need a good memory. Oh, I forgot you also need to have alot of energy which is somewhat I am lacking at the moment. We are up at 6 and by the time the day is over, I am draging myself to a single bed and I am just plain tired. I do not want to admit that age may have something to do with all this, but really 14 straight days are alot. My feet, arms, legs and perty much everything aches. Thank goodness for Advil!!!!!! You know, I never really believed in stretching and warming up before you went out to walk... but I do NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, I have complained enough. I am learning so much and every minute is worth it. This is not as easy or simple as I thought it would be, but I know I am learning how to do things to make myself and with my sweetie, we are a real team that can face the world and whatever it throws at us.
So, until next time Happy Mothers Day to all. nancy.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
So Much To Learn
May 2, 2011
It has been a few days since I last posted. The reason is because I am so tired when I finally get back to my room and have time to think, I only want to sleep. My sweet dog and I have to learn so much together and it is going to take some time. We are progressing , but at a slow pace. Our instructor is wonderful and says we are right on time. I have to remember the correct command and my sweetie has to follow the command even if it is the wrong one. Like when I tell her turn right but I really mean left.
Anyway, we are doing fine hope you all are too. nancy
It has been a few days since I last posted. The reason is because I am so tired when I finally get back to my room and have time to think, I only want to sleep. My sweet dog and I have to learn so much together and it is going to take some time. We are progressing , but at a slow pace. Our instructor is wonderful and says we are right on time. I have to remember the correct command and my sweetie has to follow the command even if it is the wrong one. Like when I tell her turn right but I really mean left.
Anyway, we are doing fine hope you all are too. nancy
Friday, April 29, 2011
First night and first full day
April 29, 2011
Ok, it has been many years since I had a baby to take care of on my own. Well, last night I had a new baby, who woke up every 2 to 3 hours. She cried and made alot of noise. I was told to leave her alone and see if she would calm down, she did but I was still awake. Anyway we made it through our first night with no accidents. She ate well and did her buisness correctly.
The morning started at 6, with me getting ready for the day, then feeding, watering, and giving her a break. Then breakfast and we were all loaded on a bus and taken to the park. It was wonderful and it was a beautiful day in New York. I walked her with the harness for the first time. We walked about one mile and we did ok. We still have so much to learn about each other. We are bonding and it feels right. So, with practice we should get better and better.
Have to get ready for dinner and after dinner another lecture and hopefully a good night sleep. Will post again tomorrow. Love to all, nancy
Ok, it has been many years since I had a baby to take care of on my own. Well, last night I had a new baby, who woke up every 2 to 3 hours. She cried and made alot of noise. I was told to leave her alone and see if she would calm down, she did but I was still awake. Anyway we made it through our first night with no accidents. She ate well and did her buisness correctly.
The morning started at 6, with me getting ready for the day, then feeding, watering, and giving her a break. Then breakfast and we were all loaded on a bus and taken to the park. It was wonderful and it was a beautiful day in New York. I walked her with the harness for the first time. We walked about one mile and we did ok. We still have so much to learn about each other. We are bonding and it feels right. So, with practice we should get better and better.
Have to get ready for dinner and after dinner another lecture and hopefully a good night sleep. Will post again tomorrow. Love to all, nancy
Thursday, April 28, 2011
She is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 28, 2010
Well, the wait is over and she is even more grand and wonderful than I dreamed. I was told this morning her sex and name. Then we were sent back to our rooms to wait for the trainers to bring us our dogs. It took awhile but then a knock came at the door and there she was, just perfect. All the time, work and waiting was over and worth every minute.
I have been around dogs and owned dogs for most of my life, but I still have so much to learn. It's all about the footwork and hand motions. Oh, don't forget the commands and which foot to start on. You know, that is a little hard for me since I can't really tell my right from my left. LOL
Well, they are coming to help us feed, water and take the dogs out. So, I must close for now. I Am So Very Happy. nancy
Well, the wait is over and she is even more grand and wonderful than I dreamed. I was told this morning her sex and name. Then we were sent back to our rooms to wait for the trainers to bring us our dogs. It took awhile but then a knock came at the door and there she was, just perfect. All the time, work and waiting was over and worth every minute.
I have been around dogs and owned dogs for most of my life, but I still have so much to learn. It's all about the footwork and hand motions. Oh, don't forget the commands and which foot to start on. You know, that is a little hard for me since I can't really tell my right from my left. LOL
Well, they are coming to help us feed, water and take the dogs out. So, I must close for now. I Am So Very Happy. nancy
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I am here in New York
April 27,2011
I can not believe it, but I am really in New york and at guide dog school. Yesterday was alot of waiting and traveling. All the planes were delayed for reasons unknown. However, we all made it and had a great dinner and then a lecture. There is so much to learn. We were given our dogs leases and told to work the leather to make it softer. There is a tie down in our rooms where the dogs sleep, no dogs in the bed. We will be busy most of the day and lectures alfter dinner every night. I may not need anything to help me sleep as this is not the activity level I am use to at home.
Sorry, this is so short but must go now. Post again soon. nancy
I can not believe it, but I am really in New york and at guide dog school. Yesterday was alot of waiting and traveling. All the planes were delayed for reasons unknown. However, we all made it and had a great dinner and then a lecture. There is so much to learn. We were given our dogs leases and told to work the leather to make it softer. There is a tie down in our rooms where the dogs sleep, no dogs in the bed. We will be busy most of the day and lectures alfter dinner every night. I may not need anything to help me sleep as this is not the activity level I am use to at home.
Sorry, this is so short but must go now. Post again soon. nancy
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Sunday
1 more day until I leave!
April 24,2011
All I can say is I am so excited and just can't hide it........
Today is Easter Sunday and it has been a gorgeous day. Love, hope and faith are all in the air. I am very thankful for all my blessings.
I have washed all my clothes and have a plan on what I need to take. However, since the weather has warmed up, I am rethinking everything. I am working hard on staying focused. That staying focused is really hard, infact it has gotten harder with age. LOL
OK, enough I just want to say again I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully, next post will be from New York. Love to all, nancy
PS
Here is a link I found on youtube from the Guide Dog Foundation, it is awe inspiring. It is wonderful!
April 24,2011
All I can say is I am so excited and just can't hide it........
Today is Easter Sunday and it has been a gorgeous day. Love, hope and faith are all in the air. I am very thankful for all my blessings.
I have washed all my clothes and have a plan on what I need to take. However, since the weather has warmed up, I am rethinking everything. I am working hard on staying focused. That staying focused is really hard, infact it has gotten harder with age. LOL
OK, enough I just want to say again I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully, next post will be from New York. Love to all, nancy
PS
Here is a link I found on youtube from the Guide Dog Foundation, it is awe inspiring. It is wonderful!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
3 more days to wait......
April 22, 2011
Today is Good Friday, and it makes me think about celegrating Good Friday in New Orleans. My girls and I lived in a great neighborhood on a dead end street. Which means our street ended at a canal, which is pretty much like a drainage ditch. Anyway, on Good Friday almost everyone on the street got together and we had a big crawfish boil. The tables were set up at the end of the street which was right in front of our house. We always had enough food, drinks beer and cheese pizza for everyone. The tables would be covered with newspapers and the crawfish, corn, potatoes and anything else cooked in the crawfish boil was poured on the tables. It was a block party with adults and children and everyone had a great time. Those are wonderful memories. So, to anyone from Carriage Road who is reading this now, thanks for being great neighbors.
Well, I have spoken to the person who will be picking me up at the airport in New York. The reservations are done and all I have to do now is pack and try to remember all the items and clothes I will need. I have been looking on line for information about the school and have found several articles that are very interesting.
NY TIMES ARTICLE
I am going to the Guide Dog School in Smithtown, NY. They have a web site and pictures you might be interested in looking at of puppies and guide dogs.
http://www.guidedog.org/
After my own research, I realize there is alot for me to learn. I have been around dogs all my life but I read the guide dogs learn about 200 different commands. Ok, I can not even think of 100 commands to give a dog. It is going to be very educational for me. Once again I must say I am so excited!!!!!!!
Hope everyone has a Great Easter and I will be posting again soon. nancy
April 22, 2011
Today is Good Friday, and it makes me think about celegrating Good Friday in New Orleans. My girls and I lived in a great neighborhood on a dead end street. Which means our street ended at a canal, which is pretty much like a drainage ditch. Anyway, on Good Friday almost everyone on the street got together and we had a big crawfish boil. The tables were set up at the end of the street which was right in front of our house. We always had enough food, drinks beer and cheese pizza for everyone. The tables would be covered with newspapers and the crawfish, corn, potatoes and anything else cooked in the crawfish boil was poured on the tables. It was a block party with adults and children and everyone had a great time. Those are wonderful memories. So, to anyone from Carriage Road who is reading this now, thanks for being great neighbors.
Well, I have spoken to the person who will be picking me up at the airport in New York. The reservations are done and all I have to do now is pack and try to remember all the items and clothes I will need. I have been looking on line for information about the school and have found several articles that are very interesting.
NY TIMES ARTICLE
I am going to the Guide Dog School in Smithtown, NY. They have a web site and pictures you might be interested in looking at of puppies and guide dogs.
http://www.guidedog.org/
After my own research, I realize there is alot for me to learn. I have been around dogs all my life but I read the guide dogs learn about 200 different commands. Ok, I can not even think of 100 commands to give a dog. It is going to be very educational for me. Once again I must say I am so excited!!!!!!!
Hope everyone has a Great Easter and I will be posting again soon. nancy
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Conference Call ... 5 more days to wait
April 20, 2011
Well today at 1:00, I joined 9 other classmates who will be attending school with me. We were given instructions about what we needed to bring and I am going to have to purchase rain gear. We get our dogs on Thursday after touring the campus and several interviews and classes. The schedule is going to be challenging for me since it starts at 6 AM and ends at 9 PM. There is a lot to learn and I am so ready! We all have single rooms with bathrooms which is nice. There is a community frige but they suggest you lable anything you put in the frige. Funny, huh because we are all vision impaired!!!!!!
Enough for today as I am heading out to shop. Love to all, nancy
Well today at 1:00, I joined 9 other classmates who will be attending school with me. We were given instructions about what we needed to bring and I am going to have to purchase rain gear. We get our dogs on Thursday after touring the campus and several interviews and classes. The schedule is going to be challenging for me since it starts at 6 AM and ends at 9 PM. There is a lot to learn and I am so ready! We all have single rooms with bathrooms which is nice. There is a community frige but they suggest you lable anything you put in the frige. Funny, huh because we are all vision impaired!!!!!!
Enough for today as I am heading out to shop. Love to all, nancy
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
... the story continues
6 more days
It is getting close and the excitement continues. I am checking the weather everyday and think I am going to need all my clothes and shoes for this trip. LOL. :D
Anyway to continue my story... After Katrina, My Dad and I moved into a lakefront condo in South Carolina. It was comforting to know the water in the lake would never come up to get us. During this time, I was trying to get on disability, which was an ordeal. It took many months but it finally came through. I was also thinking about a guide dog.
I remembered watching a Disney movie many years ago about a young man who loses his sight after a boxing accident. He was one of the first people in the USA to use a dog to help him get around. The name of the movie is Love Leads the Way. It is based on a true story and his use of the seeing eye dog helped congress to pass the law which allows service dogs to go anywhere with their blind master.
I remembered watching a Disney movie many years ago about a young man who loses his sight after a boxing accident. He was one of the first people in the USA to use a dog to help him get around. The name of the movie is Love Leads the Way. It is based on a true story and his use of the seeing eye dog helped congress to pass the law which allows service dogs to go anywhere with their blind master.
I remember watching this movie with my three daughters in New Orleans way before I ever know I would have a problem. It made a big impression on me and when I found out that I would lose my sight, I wanted that dog. I really can not make anyone understand the loss of sight unless it has happened to you. However, I know everyone can understand how it feels when you know something will and can help you return to a more productive life but yet it seems out of reach. Wanting it and waiting for my dog has been a very hard thing to do and patience is definitely not one of my strong points.
Now, I can not believe it is really going to happen! I feel so blessed in my life and I know now that I am really ready to accept this wonderful gift. I am so very happy.
Well, that is the short version of my loss of vision and how I got to this point. Tomorrow there will be a conference call and I should know more about what to expect. So, until tomorrow take care. nancy
Monday, April 18, 2011
The beginning of my vision loss
7 more days to wait .....
All I can think or dream about is guide dog school and getting the dog. I thought maybe today I would tell you my story of losing my sight.
About 10-12 years ago, I was as most 40 year olds wearing glasses. The glasses were needed for distance, far sighted. However, I was having problems seeing the heart monitors in the emergency room and could not read the exit signs on the interstate. I really thought I just needed knew glasses. So, went to the eye doctor and he ran all these test. He came back in the room and said you have a real problem. You need to see a retina specialist. So, after a short breakdown and total denial phase, I made an appointment with a retina specialist in New Orleans.
Of course, being a single mom and very independent I drove myselfe to New Orleans from the Gulf Coast in Mississippi. The doctor at Tulane told me I had dry macular degeneration and my eyes were like an 80 year old person. He told me there was no treatment except to take some vitamins that might slow the process but if I wanted to take a trip around the world then I needed to plan for it soon. He also suggested that I learn brail. I remember asking him if he could pay for my trip, laughing, and walking out of his office. Needless to say, I was devistated.
As I was driving back and feeling extremely sorry for myself, I thought about how many others were given much worse news and I should be thankful that it was not that bad. Oh, do not get me wrong I was unnerved and worried about my future. I did think about the guide dog at that time and thought that a dog might give me some consolation. I did not tell my family right away and went into my denial phase where I was pretenting nothing was wrong. I did finally tell my family and they were and still are very supportive.
It took years for the macular degeneration to progress to the complete loss of my central vision. It also took hurricane Katrina for me to realize that I would never be able to pass a eye exam for a driver's license. Since, we pretty much lost everything in Katrina including two cars, Life was going to change. That experience was totally devistating and unreal. To think you can find yourself homeless and with no possessions overnight is a nightmare.
Anyway, thanks to my daughters, son in laws, family and friends we made it through to this point.
Tomorrow the story will continue. Until then be happy and safe. nancy
Sunday, April 17, 2011
8 more days to wait
April 17,2011
Well, it has taken me two days to figure out how to post again. LOL. It is hard to figure out things when you can not read instructions and they do not make sense to you. Anyway, I am still riding on the high and am so excited. It makes me think about how I felt when I was a kid and waiting on Christmas. You know the best Christmas for me was when I got the most TERIFIC bike. It was blue with double baskets on the back and it had saddle bags. Of course it did not have speeds or hand brakes but it was beautiful and I rode it all over town. Thigs have changed in that area but when I was a kid it was freedom.
Today, I am trying to think about getting clothes together and the extra things you need when you are staying for a month. I know there is no way I can take my bed or my pillow but I sure want too. There is a conference call Wednesday and hopefully they will tell us want we need to bring. Of course, there are stores in New York and maybe even a Walmart or Target. I feel like a kid going to camp and wondering what it will be like. I know it is an alcohol free campus, bummer, but they said you could go off campus and drink and eat as long as you were back in time to feed your dog.
I just can not believe I am acturally going to get and be trained for a guide dog. It is the most wonderful feeling. I do not know what kind of dog I will get. They have Labs, goldem retriever, combination of lab and golden and german sheperds. It truly does not matter which kind of dog I get, I just want one. My best friend. Just think, it will always be happy to see me, never talk back and love me no matter what. GREAT yea.
Well, enough for today. Hope all is well with everyone. Later, nancy
Well, it has taken me two days to figure out how to post again. LOL. It is hard to figure out things when you can not read instructions and they do not make sense to you. Anyway, I am still riding on the high and am so excited. It makes me think about how I felt when I was a kid and waiting on Christmas. You know the best Christmas for me was when I got the most TERIFIC bike. It was blue with double baskets on the back and it had saddle bags. Of course it did not have speeds or hand brakes but it was beautiful and I rode it all over town. Thigs have changed in that area but when I was a kid it was freedom.
Today, I am trying to think about getting clothes together and the extra things you need when you are staying for a month. I know there is no way I can take my bed or my pillow but I sure want too. There is a conference call Wednesday and hopefully they will tell us want we need to bring. Of course, there are stores in New York and maybe even a Walmart or Target. I feel like a kid going to camp and wondering what it will be like. I know it is an alcohol free campus, bummer, but they said you could go off campus and drink and eat as long as you were back in time to feed your dog.
I just can not believe I am acturally going to get and be trained for a guide dog. It is the most wonderful feeling. I do not know what kind of dog I will get. They have Labs, goldem retriever, combination of lab and golden and german sheperds. It truly does not matter which kind of dog I get, I just want one. My best friend. Just think, it will always be happy to see me, never talk back and love me no matter what. GREAT yea.
Well, enough for today. Hope all is well with everyone. Later, nancy
Friday, April 15, 2011
Acceptance to guide dog school
Today is my first post. Two days ago I got a phone call telling me I had been accepted to guide dog school. I was so excited and thankful. This has been a long process and has taken several years for me to finally get in. So, on Tuesday April 26, 2010 I will be flying from Greenville, sc to New York. Yea. Now the adventure will begin. Already, I had ordered a light weight jacket from Lands end. Hope I will be warm, who knows about weather in New York?
I have such high expectations that this will be the answer to some of my problems. Hopefully, I will become more active and free. Free to do more things and go more places with a wonderful new friend. I can not stop smiling.
Hopefully, I will post what I am doing and how it is all going every day. Well, that is my goal .
Thanks to everyone who has helped me and believed that one day this would really happen. Until next time hope you all are doing well and have a great day. nancy
I have such high expectations that this will be the answer to some of my problems. Hopefully, I will become more active and free. Free to do more things and go more places with a wonderful new friend. I can not stop smiling.
Hopefully, I will post what I am doing and how it is all going every day. Well, that is my goal .
Thanks to everyone who has helped me and believed that one day this would really happen. Until next time hope you all are doing well and have a great day. nancy
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