Archive for February 2012
Student Updates as of 2/23/2012
Having a guide dog gives me more independence than using a cane. At first I wasn’t sure how different things were going to be once I had the dog, and now I can say that they are very different . . . but in the best possible ways. Having the dog has made me a more confident traveler and greatly enriched my quality of life. I’m so grateful to the folks at MIRA USA and MIRA Canada for making all this possible. - Meredith
It seems like we can read each others emotion, if I am happy, he is happy, if I am hesitant he can tell. He is one of the best friends I have ever had, and I love him more than anything in the world. A guide dog is a lot of responsibility, you have to feed and water him, and also pick up after him, if you know what I mean. It is best if you make a schedule so you have an idea when it has to do its business. Brushing your dog is also important, having a guide dog is not all work and he will be your best friend. I have a special way of telling him when its time to eat because I forgot the french word, when I say food he comes blasting through the house like a one dog rocket ship skidding on the wood floor, it is so hilarious. I hope you new MIRA students find your four legged friend. - Samantha
“Sandy” is awesome! I have a long distance to walk between classes and he does a great job guiding me through crowded hallways to get me where I need to go. He is very popular and gets alot of attention, but the kids at my school are respectful and don’t pet or talk to him. It is great having him at school with me. – Ryan
You know how you’re supposed to learn something new every day? I used not to believe that gibberish, that is until “Navy” came into my life. “Navy” is a part of me now, my dog, my friend, my eyes, he’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I used to be scared of crowds, large clusters of kids, but not anymore. I can finally walk down the halls of my school with my chin held high, and a smile that isn’t fake. Getting lost used to be my greatest fear, but now, whenever “Navy” and me get turned around, I can actually laugh at the situation. I trust my dog, I love my dog, and I can proudly say without doubt, he loves me too. - Darcie
I have to say that in the past Orientation and Mobility was extremely intimidating, but since having my loyal companion, “Robbie”, I have actually looked forward to experiencing new challenges. Having “Robbie” has changed my life in more ways than I can put in words. I am not saying that is has all been easy, but I am saying that he has made the challenges less intimidating. He is incredible! He knows my routine and I know his. I don’t think I have had to use a “sighted guide” one time since having him. You have NOOO idea how relieved I am about that alone! He very rarely makes mistakes and he takes GREAT care of me. In return, I love him more than I have ever loved anything in my life, other than my family. So, to all the potential candidates, be prepared for the most exciting time of your lives. Don’t stress the small stuff, when you are matched up with the right dog for you, the connection will be there and you will know it almost immediately. Your dog is your “new” eyes. You will feel protected like you have never felt before. You will have confidence, if perhaps you didn’t before . . . and last but not least, you will experience a love that is different than anything you have experienced in your life. - Michael
AJ says, he is doing very well, enjoying the freedom “Martin” has given him. He is doing things that he was told by former teachers that he couldn’t do, and that is attending college. AJ has been going out with friends and enjoying being a teenager. “Martin” means companionship, freedom and alot of responsibility, but AJ says its all worth it. He has become his own man, he loves his dog, and thanks MIRA USA and MIRA Canada for all the blessings given to him. - AJ
“Nipi” has had many new adventures this school year: from going nose-to-nose with a friendly Quarter Horse named Hawk in the mountains, and steering me clear of Hawk’s hooves, to helping me stay safe in a new school (Junior High!) “Nipi” brings me adventures, love and laughter. We keep each other safe. - Cricket
2/02/2012: Dogs at Work are Not Always Working Dogs!
I'm Exhausted!
So, here’s the story. Seems when I am not in residence at the MIRA office certain canine invaders move in and take over. Can you believe it? Bob and I have been gone for a few weeks and look what is lolling in his chair! The nerve of him. And that’s the little terror that nipped my toes the last time he visited. He sure doesn’t look like he is very productive, does he? I bet he chases the mail man and barks at everyone who walks by on the sidewalk, too. I can just tell that he’s the type for those shenanigans. Thank goodness that behavior is beneath us MIRA dogs. We have far better manners than to ever stoop to such a thing.
Then there’s the grey one. He doesn’t say much, so that’s at least an improvement on the tiny terror, but really, what’s with the hair? Doesn’t his owner ever give him a haircut? I suppose she thinks he’s cute, but frankly, I think he looks like a mop that grew four legs and a tail. No working dog there…
Oh, well, I guess I can’t really complain since I am spending my days lounging in the hammock and basking in the balmy Florida sunshine, but now I know what they mean when people say something has “gone to the dogs!” Whew…..
Yours on Vacation,
Devon
2/20: The Ocean is Calling
Even Berners Like the Beach
We only have a few weeks left in sunny south Florida, so I am making the most of it. This photo gives you an idea of how much I love the ocean. I’m not telling where this photo was taken (but it is NOT in Florida),however, some of you probably recognize the pier behind me. For somebody who is a snow dog at heart, I think I do pretty well frolicking in the water. We MIRA dogs are pretty adaptable, don’t you think?
News from home is all about the upcoming Talent Show at the Sunrise Theater on March 03. Bob and I are flying in for it, so please come out and support MIRA and say hello to us. I can’t wait for the show, especially since my friend, T.C., from the Southern Hooties will be there performing. I laugh so hard when I see him in his outfit. Let’s just say that even Tina Turner herself would be laughing….
And I hear there are going to be some great acts. What’s a lady doing playing a button box? Does that mean that she drums on a box of buttons. Then there is the hip hop cowboy (does he hop from one foot to the other, or what?) Humans use the funniest language to describe things. They should take some lessons from the canines. We keep things really simple. Anyway, I also understand there is going to be some great singing and guitar playing. Now that’s something I really enjoy. Give me a good guitar riff and I am a happy Berner.
So, I hope you all are enjoying your winter as much as we have been enjoying ours. Dixie and I just love lolling around in the Florida sunshine. I’ll be back at work soon enough, believe me. This vacation stuff is addictive.
Yours in the Sun,
Devon (the beach bum) Baillie
