Archive for May 2011
thoughts from darcie
For years, the idea of getting a guide dog was a distant, untouchable dream, something that seemed impossible. I’d imagine myself walking on sidewalks, hiking trails, school hallways, side by side with a dog companion, but the closest I’ve ever gotten to that was stumbling over roots, smacking into poles, running into other people as I attempt to walk my ten year old beagle Steve. (Steve is a horrible guide.)
When my mobility instructor told me about Bob Bailey, MIRA, the possibility of me getting a guide dog, this summer, I didn’t think much of it. I loved the idea, but it seemed too good to be true. It was only when I met Bob, Eric, Beth, everyone, that my dream began to morph into reality. When I first met Devin, I looked at him and told myself, “That’s what I want, that’s what I’ve been dreaming of.” Although Devin wasn’t the first guide dog I’ve ever met, he was the first that seemed real.
Now that I know that I’m getting a dog, my life has completely changed, I have a new perspective on everything. High school doesn’t seem scary anymore; I know I won’t be viewed as a freak. When people see the cane, their first thought is, “What’s wrong with her?” But when they see a dog, they think, “OOOOOOW, dog!”
I’m beyond excited to go to Canada this summer, it’s gonna be amazing, absolutely amazing! I don’t think I can wait to July. This is a huge step towards independence. Sure, I know I’ll still be nervous when I’m wandering in unfamiliar territories, but it sure will be reassuring to know that I’m not entirely alone.
Being a teenager is no easy task. You always want to be accepted, be liked, to be viewed as an equal. Normal teenagers feel that, so to be a blind teenager… well let’s just say it’s no picnic in the park. But with a guide dog, things might change. I don’t want people to just be my friend because I have a dog, but it will help kids approach me better. For some reason, my blindness intimidates them.
I’ve always loved dogs. I currently have two; Tim, who is a pug doxsen mix, and Steve who is a beagle. I love them more than anything, and I think they’ll love my guide dog just as much as I will.
Usually, the idea of going to a different country for a whole month, would probably cause some anxiety for me. The food, my surroundings, my home, the people, and even the language will be different. But I’m not even the slightest bit worried. It’s like I’m finally going to start my life, to venture beyond my homes walls.
5/04: Lunching with the Ladies
Bob, Beth, Sandy and I had a wonderful time at the Pinehurst Member’s Club today. We were invited for lunch and to give a talk about MIRA for the Women’s Special Event luncheon. Wouldn’t you know, Bob, Beth, and Sandy had lunch while I was given a bowl of ice. Doesn’t anyone know how hungry I am? Oh, well, the ice was in a very beautiful silver toned bowl, so I did feel special about that.
Bob was apparently a big hit. All of the ladies asked a lot of good questions, and they were very generous and gave him money towards all of the wonderful MIRA dogs like me who will soon be joining the six deserving blind students who are this year’s candidates. I have met them, and they are really a smart and motivated group of students. I am so glad they will be getting dogs to help make their lives so much easier. I know what I do for Bob and how much he appreciates it. Lucky for me, he has a real stash of dog cookies!
Well, big day tomorrow in Raleigh followed by a Dining in the Dark dinner for 300 at North Ridge Country Club. I can’t wait to see everyone all dressed up. I love parties!
Later,
Devon
5/18: Raleigh Rallys for MIRA
We are thrilled to announce that the generous donations from the attendees of the May 06th Raleigh Dining in the Dark dinner at the North Ridge Country Club will enable us to pair two MIRA guide dogs with deserving blind students. We are honored and humbled by the tremendous outpouring from the wonderful people who joined us for a magical evening. Twelve year old Ms. Cricket Bidleman, our first MIRA USA guide dog recipient, addressed the audience with poise, humor, and insight while giving us all a lesson in the real meaning of spirit.
Our thanks to Kathy and Leigh Virtue, Ginny Watters, and all of the tireless volunteers who made this event a true milestone for MIRA. (Photos in the photo gallery on this site.)
5/23: Hootiemania!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If this is true, I really don’t need to say much about this picture. This is my good friend Dave in the opening act. I love him. I think he likes to be on stage. Imagine him in full make-up—whoa….scary, and funny, too. (better lose that facial hair, Dave)
Everyone is getting geared up for the show on June 04. I even heard that one guy wanted to be a blonde when he had been tagged to be a brunette. I think Pam agreed that “blondes have more fun” and got him a blonde wig…too funny. Well, it’s all in good fun, and for a great cause, so I hope you are planning on joining us at the Elks Club on the fourth. You won’t stop laughing until it’s over.
Love,
Devon
5/07: Prom Night At Union Pines High School
Bob and Devon, accompanied by Elaine and Beth, were honored guests at Prom Night at Union Pines High School on Saturday, May 7th. Bob was presented with a check for $1,000 by the senior class, who designated MIRA as the recipient of their annual gift to a non-profit. Bob, in turn, gave a check to Emily Christaldi, who received the Colby Virtue Service Award for her superb organization of the High School Fun Run on April 10th at Landmark Farm in Southern Pines.
4/29-5/01: Dog Tired!
Whoa…am I exhausted! Friday, as you know, we were at Pinecrest High School for a couple of hours. I like those kids, but geez, they have a lot of energy. We went to the cafeteria in between Mrs. Hilsman’s classes and I couldn’t believe the sheer numbers eating at once. All but me, of course, though I keep hoping….
Then Saturday we were in downtown Southern Pines pretty much all day for SpringFest. Wouldn’t you know, our booth was right across from the food tents! How does this happen to me? Don’t they know how much I long for food? Ah, the aromas. Funnel cakes, sausage, chicken, french fries… It was torture, but I made the best of it. At least a lot of really nice people came by to say hello and fuss over me. Bob said he was really proud of me because MIRA made a lot of new friends, so I guess I did a good job.
On Sunday we went to support all of the guys who are working so hard at Hooties rehearsals. Boy, are they a funny bunch. They twirl around the floor and fling their arms around- I guess they are dancing, but, frankly, Bob and I do a better job at it. No one has asked us to dance, yet, but I am hoping. I just like that everyone laughs so much. Laughter is good for the soul. Even a dog like me knows and appreciates that fact.
I gotta rest, now. Catch you later,
Devon
5/15: Oh, Those Hooties!
We went to the Hooties rehearsal this afternoon and I am still laughing just thinking about it! Those guys are so funny. Dave bounces around like he is the Energizer Bunny, Joey must have been born a showman, T.C. twirls that umbrella as though his life depends upon it, and I just roll on the floor laughing…. Where do they think this stuff up, anyhow?
The performance is only three weeks away. You know what that means- Practice, Practice, and more Practice. I had to do a lot of that to become a guide dog, so I know what the guys are going through, and I admire them a lot. They work all week and then come to practice and are told ” Over here, not there, turn a little faster, twirl a little slower, up, down, look left, look right.” It’s enough to make even a dog go a little crazy. But they are hangin’ in. They are a good bunch of guys. I love them.
Bob bought pizza for everyone in the middle of the afternoon (well, everyone, but me) Oh, I tried my best. I did the nose-on-the knee trick, lick- the- hand -that- feeds- me trick, I even panted really loud , but that only got me – you guessed it- a bowl of ice! I just know I would love pizza…..Why isn’t someone paying attention?
So….Devon here, reminding you that you had better RUN, not walk, to get your Hooties tickets. Saturday, June 04 is going to be a night to remember. I’ve got my ticket and I’ll be right there in the front row. Be sure to come by and say hello.
Yours truly,
Devon
5/19: Dancin’ with the SandBand
The Prince of Pinehurst
Those Pinehurst folks sure know how to have a good time! We were guests tonight of organizer Scott Lincicome and his group at Live After Five- Music in the Square, and I am here to tell you that we had a blast! Not only was the Sand Band playing my kind of music, someone was grilling outside. Oh, the aromas…I just know there was hamburger in the air. You can’t have a fine nose like mine and not know your meats. Alas, all I got was…you got it….a bowl of ICE. Is this ever going to change?
Well, at least we met a lot of wonderful people and made many new friends. I even met a dog named the “Prince of Pinehurst”! This is a photo of him proudly displaying his new MIRA doggie scarf. I love it when my canine friends come by to say hello. How come we never meet any cats? What’s with them, anyway? Don’t they go out at night?
I would stay and chat, but I am really pretty tuckered out, and tomorrow morning we have a seven thirty radio date with one of my favorite people, Billy Bag -o-Donuts, aka Bill Brown. Super guy, and a great Friend of MIRA. I love him. Gotta get my beauty sleep.
Love,
Devon Baillie – The MIRA Ambassador
5/06: Raleigh Dining in the Dark
We had a HUGE night in Raleigh on Friday. There were close to three hundered people gathered at the beautiful North Ridge Country Club for a fundraiser for MIRA. Believe it or not, the guests wore blindfolds while dining! I have never tried this, myself, but I can tell you the guests sure looked funny chasing those cherry tomatoes around their salad plates! At least they were laughing about it. I was laughing, too, but of course right then no one was paying much attention to me.
My friends, Cricket, and her dog, Nipi, were the special guests of the evening. Not exactly sure what that meant, but Nipi and I got to get up in front of everyone and pose for pictures. That was a lot of fun. I really liked it when Ms.Kathy Virtue, one of our MIRA Board members (and my special friend) asked me to stay at her feet while she channeled my thoughts. I thought we worked pretty well together, if you want to know the truth. She did a really good job capturing my thoughts. I have a lot to say, in case you were wondering…
So, Dining in the Dark was a good time all around. So many people said that it was a very moving and inspiring evening. All I know is that I was exhausted by the time we got in the van to ride home. I just sacked out at Bob’s feet and slept the entire way. It was a lovely evening.
Catch you later,
Devon
5/07: Rockin’ Out at the Prom
We went dancing tonight! Bob, Elaine, Beth and I were guests of the Union Pines High School Seniors at their prom. I’m not exactly sure what “prom”means, but I can tell you there was a LOT of loud music and good food. Bob kept feeding me little bits of cheese – one of my favorite foods- I guess because he felt bad that the kids kept tripping over me. They couldn’t help it, though, because it was really dark in there, and I think I just blended into the rug.
Anyway, those girls were beautiful. I tried to lick their ankles as they walked by, however, Bob wasn’t too keen about that move. He knows that’s my way of showing affection, but I guess he thought it wasn’t the time or the place. Some of those dresses were va…va…va…voom (if you know what I mean) I couldn’t resist.
The best part of the evening was when Bob and Elaine accepted a check for MIRA in the amount of $1,000! Can you imagine? Those kids raised all of that money to help us buy more dogs like me. I love them. And then Bob gave a check to Emily Christaldi, one of the graduating Seniors, for all of her work organizing the High School Fun Run. Don’t you just adore all of these awards? It’s so much fun.
I love my life as Bob’s guide dog and the MIRA Ambassador.
Love,
Devon
