One-third of the recent graduates of Southeastern Guide Dogs have been military veterans receiving their guides through the school’s Paws for Patriots program. The need for guide dogs to team with blinded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was revealed back in 2003 in that the Veterans Administration does not provide guide dogs to soldiers.
My guide dog, Max, loves to work. Besides enjoying his work as my guide, Max gets to play every day. He only loves food more than his toy Kong. He has never been left home alone in the three years that we have been a team, and I think it would break his little puppy heart to be left behind.
“Can I pet your dog?” I hear this question every time my guide dog Max and I are out in public. I completely understand why, even if I am a little biased. Max is a beautiful yellow lab, and he is wonderfully friendly with a great personality. So as Max is watching people, it is common for folks to assume he is seeking attention, as opposed to maneuvering around them! It creates an opportunity for the “Can I pet your dog?” question.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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