The Final Call

The GDB training staff called this afternoon and we talked on speaker phone. There will be 9 students at this session (a normal number), 3 of whom are first time dog handlers (like me) and 5 who are returning for new dogs, with 1 slot yet to be filled. I'll have 4 trainers, but 1 main trainer for the first few weeks and the others will become involved when specific issues of training arises. She asked if I'd object to using a blindfold during some sessions and I sad I did not and had worked with my O&M instructor under blindfold with the cane. She asked about specific areas I'd like to work on and what was the ideal dog I saw in my mind. I told her a 50 lb. shiny black female Lab who is energetic but socialized to cats. She said she was furiously writing down my wishes, but also asked that if it turned out I was more suited to a yellow male lab, would I object. I told her no, that all along what I was looking for was a dog who could work with me and who I could work with. She also asked if I'd have a problem with a dog that had been reissued (one that had been returned due to some problem the handler was having). I told her no, but that I would hope that the dog wasn't the problem, just the handler. She said they don't reissue problem dogs and, that, in fact, they can be better Guide Dogs than one that is brand new.

She said that the first 2 days would be introduction to the campus and some lectures, but the Day 3 is when I meet my dog. My ANTICIPATION METER is Really High!

Bolts, Buckets and Light

Today, 3 eye bolts were placed for tie down areas, 2 inside and 1 outside. I also got a solar powered flood light with motion detector, as that side of the house where the dog will be relieving is totally dark, especially this time of year when it gets dark even earlier. I got a bucket with a lid for food storage and one when the dog "poops" it out again. So much fun!

GDF Nurse Called

I received a call from one of GDB's nursing staff members, following up on my medical history submitted by my doctor months ago. They need to check to be sure nothing new has cropped up since that report, which hasn't. Every time I have contact with someone at GDB, I'm impressed at how friendly, supportive, knowledgeable they are. As soon as she called, it was like talking to an old friend. Besides medical issues, we discussed the dogs, her new puppy, and the fact that they have a cat who lives in the dog kennel so that the dogs will become socialized to cats, which is very important to me because I have two cats. She said when the dog comes home, the dog will probably be as calm as can be around the cats; it's the cats who will be going Crazy for a while, but she said in time everyone will settle into a new comforable routine.

She complimented me on how healthy I was based on the report and my response and also let me know there is a Yoga class once a week, as well as a massage therapist for hire. Well, that sounds like just what I'm going to need after all that walking and trianing and lectures.

I'm Packing!

The suitcases are out and I'm trying to figure out what to bring for 3 weeks. When I was much, much younger, all I needed was a little bag. Now, it seems like I have to hook the house to the back of a van. I think I have enough clothes since GDB has washers and dryers to use, so that shouldn't be a problem. I still need some sort of rain gear (just in case) and all those last-minute items. When I put the cases on the bed to start packing, both cats looked at them, looked at me, and hid out in the closet. They know what suitcases mean. Well, I'll be gone for 3 weeks and that's a long time for them, but, on the positive side, I'll be bringing them home a "friend".

GDB is Waiting for Me!

I got my confirmation emal from GDB adminissions wherein I'll need to arrive at the campus on 10/11/10 between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. I am to go directly to the dormitory where I will be greeted by someone in attendance and shown to my room. I was also given the names of 4 of my instructors. I will also receive for use a Victor Streaming Reader unit to download class material, as well as books from the Library of Congress and from Recording for the Blind. There is also an option to purchase the unit. I will be given my own voicemail in my room

My O&M instructor has been working very intensely with me and I've attually taken our local public transportation all by myself and met her at the main terminal. Sounds like a simple thing, but I actually haven't taken a bus on my own for about 40 years and it's really strange when the landmarks you've known for so many years as a visual person, can hardly be made out and you have to rely on messages from the bus announcements, ask the bus driver, or really plan in advance, (which I did). I have a lot more difficult routes to learn, but at least I'll be a little more oriented to this type of travel with a Guide Dog when I get to San Rafael. Life is Good!

GDB Admissions Called Me Today

I got a call from GDB Admissions checking on my travel status and answering any questions I may have. I told her I had a volunteer taking me up and my husband will bring me home. She said graduation is at 1:30 p.m. and I'll get to meet the puppy raiser and trainer prior to that time. She also said I would have my own room (YEAH). Although the rooms originally were set up for 2 to a room, because they now have so many classes, they are able to give each student their own room. She said the instructors and nursing staff would also be contacting me prior to my arrival for any last-minute details.

I am so impressed with GDB. From the time I submitted my application to the present, everything has gone exactly as they indicated it would. I am really, really looking forward to this training with GDB!

The Crate is in Place!

Today, the crate was put together and placed in the corner of the bedroom at the foot of the bed, where No. One Dog will be able to see me and peek out the french doors next to the crate. Of course, the dog will only be in there mostly during the night, but it really does look inviting. The wire frame is coated in a red plastic with a red bottom plate. It has both a dog mat and supersoft dog bed. It looks so comfortable , the dog may not want to come out to guide me!

I kept the doors on the crate closed so the cats won't go in, but they've already sniffed every inch of the outside and climbed on the top. One cat, Minime, even took a nap on top of the crate. I'm glad they're getting used to the crate now, because there will be a big surprise in it at the end of October!