Messages for Laurie/Mith and Spirit

[Deerskin and Anja]

This is kind of a composite post, with messages from folks in my service dog group, DePorres Service Dog Trainers, for Laurie and Spirit:

From: Shelley L. Rhodes
Date: 03/05/08 08:16:34
To: DePorresServiceDogs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: DePorresServiceDogs You guys have to see this! *Iditarod Race Talk View topic - I'rod: Handicapped Accessible....or NOT!!*

Regarding trembling before the start.

Guinevere does the same thing, when she knows she is supposed to stay seated
But.... Oh, the person in front of her, or the activity around her is so
Exciting, that well... She just can't contain her self much longer, but she
Must, because I insist on it. It is kind of neat to see the self control.

She is also ready to blast off if we haven't worked for a couple of days or
Sometimes just a day, smile. She will bounce forward and back in the
Harness and as soon as I say "forward" she shoots forward and starts to drag
Me if I don't follow, smile.

I remember when I first Got Judson, he had been stuck in the kennels for
About a week. That first walk, was like being shot out of a rocket, he was
So happy to go and I ended up running behind him.

She also gets that excited bounce in her step when I get out the clicker and
Treats and she knows we are going to play "the clicker game". Sometimes she
Gets so excited that we have to stop to calm her down so she doesn't do
Circles around me in excitement.

This doesn't mean that she isn't a fantastic little Guide Dog, and has been
For me for now over six months. Guinevere works in Boston, in the city, on
The subways, the trains the buses the ferries, and in cabs and private cars.
We have taken her to museums, this weekend we are going to the aquarium, and
She has been to farms and zoos. While in Oregon we have gone hiking in the
Deep woods, and on rather complicated trails.

She has made friends with all sorts of animals, her favorite buddy is one of
The police mounts at the Boston Common.

Truly well trained dogs, no matter if they are show competitors, athletes or
Service dogs are taught to work with distractions of all kinds, to work with
All circumstances that we can throw at them. I would like to see some of
The pet dogs or other dogs do what Guinevere does, professionally every day
In one of the U.S.'s biggest cities, in all weathers, in all kinds of
Challenging environments from the 4th of July celebrations to Christmas on
The Common, New years celebrations and working in the schools with young
Children on a regular basis.

Gail could you post this. The forum, and my screen reader aren't working to
Well together, but I want my opinion to be added.

The police should be ashamed of themselves. The ADA has been around now
For 17 years, and yet, ignorance still abounds. Sounds like, maybe they
Need to go back to school, oh, and they can, as there are CEU courses on
Service dog etiquette and access laws.

Shelley L. Rhodes
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
The Carroll Center for the Blind

-------Original Message-------

From: Jennifer
Date: 3/5/2008 2:33:03 PM
To: DePorresServiceDogs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: DePorresServiceDogs You guys have to see this! *Iditarod Race Talk View topic - I'rod: Handicapped Accessible....or NOT!!*

Tell her she's got a whole bunch of folks on her side!!!

I believe that she's been very ill from it. I would be, too. I got ill every time I thought about how I was treated (harrassed and mocked) by a particular two airline employees 'til I did something that made it better: made a formal complaint. For me that was with the DOT; for her that will be with the DOJ. Tell her to do it ASAP - it'll make her feel better!

I don't have time to read/post on those boards, so I'm glad you're able to do it and keep us informed.

-- Jennifer


Gail and Anja,
My German Shepherd Service Dog
& Flicka the MinPin ESA.
+»§«.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.»§« +
Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.