Graduation and Going Home

Graduation was a rainy, but beautiful day. We had to have the ceremony inside instead of the outside stage. But it all worked out. Prior to the graduation, the puppy raiser was brought to my room, whom Melanie hadn't seen in 6 months. She had lived with her puppy raiser for 14 months. Of course. Melanie was estatic to see her and I handed her the leash so they could reunite, with Melanie giving her kisses and wagging her tail. It was a very touching moment and I was thrilled to meet the woman who helped nurture her loving spirit and socialized her to our busy, noisy world. She had a bag of presents for Melanie and me: a book of Melanie's baby photos, a big nyla bone (her favorite), a GDB blanket, a Christmas stocking made by a friend/volunteer with Melanie's name on it. I was thrilled to see a couple of our BVIC folks at the graduation. There were a couple of speeches by the Administration and the students sat at the front of the staging area with their puppy raiser sitting opposite with the dog and holding the leash. When each student was introduced, the puppy raiser came and stood next to the student and handed the leash back to the student. Each of the students gave a short thank you and the puppy raiser spoke. Most of the puppy raisers were very emotional about having to give up their loving puppies but all knew that it was for a very special reason and were also happy to have been a part of it. The puppy raiser and student shared addresses and phone nos. and will keep in touch as the new team bonds and grows.

After graduation, all were invited to mingle with refreshments or take a tour of the campus. As we had a long ride home, we decided to leave pretty quickly. The ride was very smooth and comfortable as my husband had rented a brand-new Cadillac to take home that very special little girl. She lay on the back floor on her rug with her nyla bone and slept pretty much the whole way home. I was concerned that we might have to stop and relieve her but she slept like a baby. When we got home, I took her to the back yard to relieve and she did so that meant I was relieved (Hooray). I fed her and let her settle down near the kitchen/dining room entrance and she was so excited and seemed to know this was home. The most surprising thing to me is that my little cat, Minime, came out right away to investigate and when I knelt down she gave me her little kis and rubbed me all over. After 3 weeks I thought she might at least be mad at me, but no, she was happy to see me! She was really curious about Melanie, and kept walking around the kitchen area, stopping, and staring at her. I think they are going to be great friends. However, our other cat, Butterfly, stayed in the closet in her bed and when I reached in to pet her she just hissed at me and hasn't come out of the closet, except to use the box, but she ate her meals in her bed. I think she's planning something. All in all, the first day home was a big success.

Day Before Graduation

Today was a wonderful last day of class. Even though it was raining on and off, we went to Muir Park and walked a couple miles through the redwoods. Melanie and I both had our raincoats on, mine was blue and hers is yellow. She is so serious when she's guiding me, doesn't wag her tail like many other guide dogs will. She walks me around the mud puddles as best she can and keeps on trucking up the paths. It was a beautiful way to end our time here. Our manuals were handed out with all the dog info we need for vet services, etc. We also got our picture ID and other official cards indicating our rights as guide dog handlers. Tomorrow is the big day where we meet our puppy raisers and let them say goodbye. We will all be introduced and given a chance to express our thanks. And then, finally, we get to go home.

Another Walk in the Dark

Last night only 3 of us wanted to do another night route, a bus to GDB's downtown lounge. It was a different route from the last night route, but still relatively easy. For me, night is the hardest to negotiate but with Melanie we did terrific. The only problem I had was when I passed the driveway into the lounge and walked up another driveway. My instructor was with me and said, ?Well, what are you going to do"? My O&M training kicked in and I started to problem solve my way out and back to the lounge. It really felt good.

This morning we went to Fisherman's Wharf, some went shopping and some of us walked along the wharf. This afternoon we had our exit interviews and then basically whatever we wanted to do. So, I started packing. Barely two days left to graduation.

SF Airport

Another exciting morning in SF. We walked through the airport and had a meeting with a TSA agent and trainees about how to get people with guide dogs through the metal detector. One by one we were led to the conveyer belt and removed shoes, jewelry, etc. and placed them in the bin. We had to put our dog on a long leash and use a sit/stay command while holding the end of the leash and walking through the metal detector assisted by a hand on the other side. Once I was through, I called Melanie to heel, which she did pretty well. Of course, the dog collar, leash, etc. sounded the alarm and they had to use the wand to check the dog. Then I was escorted to a seat where my box of items were placed. After it was done, we met again with the TSA team and gave them our feedback on how they did. It was a very positive experience but TSA said airports may differ in their approach on handling guide dog teams. The one thing they cannot do is separate you from your dog.

After getting back to the dorm I had a voice mail message from Melanie's puppy trainer who plans to be at the graduation ceremony. It usually is quite an emotional time as the puppy raiser had the puppy from about 6 weeks to a year. I also had a visit from Melanie's GDB trainer today just to say hello and visit Melanie again. Melanie remembered her well and was happy to see her. Melanie is just a sweetheart.

A Beautiful Day for a Walk

It was a gorgeous day in SF and Melanie and I got to take a long-needed walk on the Chrissay (sp?) Field walking, bike path which runs along the ocean. There were plenty of dog distractions and people walking and jogging. Melanie did very well and seemed energized with this kind of walk. I wanted to do this especially as I'll be walking a lot on our own rec trail so I'm real happy with how she responded.

In the afternoon we went to a strip mall in San Rafael where we got some parking lot work and walked through a Safeway as if I were going to be shopping. She did a lot of sniffing at all the delectable items so I had to put the gentle leash on her, the one that goes over the nose. She did much better after that, even when we went through the meat section. I did stop and look at the flower arrangements and as we were getting ready to leave the store, Melanie decided to snatch a flower and started eating it. I got it away from her, but what girl; naturally she'd want flowers instead of meat.

SF by Day, San Rafael by Night

After breakfast we were bused to Union Square in SF and walked a route through Union Square into Macys and another Starbucks. Melanie negotiated the sidewalks wonderfully but did get distracted by the pigeons and a dog. She was being a little pouty because she had to wear the little red booties as we were going on the escalator in Macy's. She did a great job on the up and down esscalators.

After an early dinner we were bused to San Rafael to do a night walk from the bus to the downtown lounge. I was still a little concerned about how Melanie and I would do because at night I am virtually blind except for seeing headlights of cars. Melanie made only one little mistake which was easily corrected and we made it quickly and safely to our destination. My confidence in her and myself has grown immensely.

Rrstful Rainy Sunday

Today, Sunday, was another rainy day so Melanie and I stayed in except for relieving. I have a great hooded raincoat but Melanie got very wet quite a few times, but she did not seem to mind it. I toweled her down and let her air dry, brushed her coat and she's shiny and beautiful. We played tug on our covered patio since she had so much energy and needed an outlet. She's a very strong, but gentle dog. Most of my day was just resting up for a super busy last week at GDB. Tonight I'm getting a massage to get me ready for what's to come. Hooray!