Carmel in Littlerock-and doing a great job!

July 22, 2010 at 10:24 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged blind, blindness, disability, disabled, dog, guide dog, impairment, low vision, seeing-eye, travel, trip

I know everyone is wondering how things are going in Littlerock. I am totally exhausted. The days are very long, but packed with great information. I have also had the opportunity to meet some major leaders in our field. Today I went in search of a doggie relief area, and a major researcher in our field came up and introduced herself and offered to help me locate one. I just couldn’t believe it. She laughed when I told her how famous she is. She was all over my Master’s papers, and here she was showing me to the doggie poop area. And, she even said there was nothing she would rather be doing. How humble and sweet. However, I was a bit bored in the sessions too, ha, ha.

Now, on to the topic you all really care about-Carmel. Carmel is doing an amazing job, let me say that again. CARMEL IS DOING AN AMAZING JOB!!! It is wonderful. We are zooming around the area, a several block area on the riverfront in Littlerock. She is sitting/resting through long sessions. Now, I am sitting more this week than I have in a month combined-so I know this has to be hard on her. But, she is handling it like a pro. There have been no more barking incidents, in fact, she is doing quite well with the other guide dogs around. We’ve had a few incidents, especially with little kids, but she comes back as soon as corrected mostly. It is great.

Now, the conference is at the Peabody, which is known for their ducks. Yesterday Carmel saw the ducks outside and was fascinated. When we went out to the veranda where they had been from then on she kept looking for them. She is just convinced they have to be there somewhere. It was like the dogs in our office a few weeks ago. She just remembers and can’t let it go. Hilarious.

This evening I was speaking with a colleague who told me he has been considering the guide dog route for some time. He asked me a lot of questions. Also, then his wife and daughter came along, so the whole family got information. I very much enjoy sharing information and encouraging guide dogs for those who I know have the right mobility skills and needs-as I know it is really life-changing.

I have the interesting perspective that I was here in the same area a couple of months prior to getting Carmel, and then now here with her-and it is radically different I feel so much more confident.

Seeing Eye representatives are here and I went to one of their sessions. A good reminder of a few things. The session was designed for orientation and mobility instructors, but very good for me to hear again as well. Of course, then later that day one of them saw me totally messing up-not knowing where I was going. I hate that-I was doing so great and then right when you mess up there they are. They were encouraging and told me it looks like we are doing a good job though. And, I am feeling more confident in this every day. I was nervous about this trip, but it is working out-and I think Carmel and I are developing greater levels of skills as well. I know I am feeling more trusting of her. This really happens when you are in an unfamiliar area, and this is sure one of those.

Well, here is a cool thing. Somehow I lost Carmel’s portable water bowl-it’s just a plastic thing that unfolds. I must have accidentally left it at home. Now, did I mention prior that half of my suitcase is Carmel stuff. I don’t even think I have enough clothes this time. And, I usually have way more clothes than I actually need. But, of course I had to bring dog food, her brush, her treats, so there wasn’t much room for my stuff-and I wasn’t going to check my bag-no way.

Anyway, I had heard somewhere that you could use a shower cap as a water bowl-and I have been doing that-and it has worked out great. That is my tip of the day. If anyone has other cool tricks like this please feel free to share. I did bring a real bowl for the hotel room, but I am using the shower cap to take to the conference-for between sessions.

So, I am very tired now-and Carmel has already fallen asleep, and I am ready to do so myself. Good night to all!

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