Hello Everyone! I am doing the same thing I have done in the last couple of posts. I know this is not my regular posting schedule, but I just needed to get a post out there. Recently, I started college and it has been a life changing experience, but things have gotten so busy writing on here just hasn’t been a priority. Although college has given me quite a bit of independence, that is not what I will be talking about today. Today I talk about the day I got my guide dog. I am sure many of you follow me on either social media or youtube, but if you do not, you probably will not have seen things about me and my new pal.
On July 23, 2019 at 1:42 pm. I was sitting on my bed awaiting the arrival of my new pup. Up until this point I have never met this dog. Earlier that morning we were told the gender, breed and name of our dog, but had not yet seen the pups. One minute later, at 1:43 pm. I heard a knock on my door. Racing to sit on my bed, a gave them the ok to come on in. Seconds later a big, fluffy yellow labrador/golden retriever cross came bounding into the room and jumped on my lap. I was filled with emotion, and at first the dog seemed some what confused. He was in this new place with a new person, and being left by the trainers he had known for 3 months prior. After we met and the dog started to settle down, the trainers and photographers left, and gave new dog and I a chance to bond.
I know what you guys are thinking. “What’s the dogs name?”, “Is it a he or her?”, “How old?”, “How big?”. Well, it’s time for the details. On July 23, 2019 at 1:43 pm I met my best friend. He is a yellow labrador/golden retriever cross and his name is Mack. He is 20 months old, and weighing in at a whopping 62.8 pounds. As for his personality, he is just the best. Almost 2 months later, I continue to learn new things about him everyday. He is stubborn, but very hard working. He is a cuddle bug- on his terms. He is a dog that has boundles energy- he could work 5 miles across campus all day, free run and still have energy to spare.
Before I got Mack, I never realized how much the cane didn’t do. On occasion, I would be frustrated with it , but 99% of the time it was just the thing I have to use to try and gain my independence. Ever since getting Mack, I have realized how much I had been missing. I now feel comfortable crossing streets alone, walking at night, and even in high sensory environments like cafeterias that were near impossible to conquer before.
Mack is not only a guide dog, he is a friend. He is a dog who gives me independence and someone who diminishes my fears about traveling. I don’t think I will ever be able to articulate the words for how he has changed my life. Everyday we walk with speed, with ease and with confidence. I am now able to conquer any obstacle, because of him. After almost 2 months of being a team, ever going back to the cane seems impossible. Impossible because the realm of possibilities has been opened by my boy. With him by my side we are able to to be independent. Thank you to The Guide Dog Foundation for helping me every step of the way and providing me with the most bomb proof dog ever. You have forever changed my life.
I hope you guys enjoyed hearing about the day I met my boy, if you want an in depth blog post about our training, let me know and I would be happy to do it! Make sure to check back in Tuesdays and Thursdays (hopefully I will get it together and actually post).
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