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Alumni Letters
- Published in: Update - Issue 1 - 2010
- Listen to Article
Dear Leader Dog,
Photo caption:Maria "Auxi" Durán and Leader Dog "Moxy"
I have a beautiful black lab named Moxy. We graduated in July 2005. We live in a city located in the northwest part of Mexico. My Leader Dog has been a great help to me. I work for the special education department as a teacher. I assist blind students from elementary, junior high and high school in subjects such as adaptive technology and Braille. Therefore, I need to visit several schools, and that’s where Moxy is my savior. She has earned the love and respect of many people including my family, students and co-workers.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Leader Dog because they gave me a most precious gift which I consider my richest treasure. I commend all of you for giving hope and filling many lives with love.
Warm Regards,
Maria "Auxi" Durán
Dear Leader Dog,
On this occasion of Piper's 2nd birthday, I want to tell all of you again how much I love this dog. I can't believe we have already been together for eight months. Piper is so lovable, smart and hardworking. I love Piper's fast pace and appreciate the fact that he is keeping me in such good shape. My wife Mary used to think she was a fast walker, but she cannot keep up with us. I call Piper my "energizer bunny" because I have not worn him down yet.
His guide work is great around trash cans and other obstacles. I am so proud of the way he handles lawn sprinklers in warm weather.
After we both got wet a few times, he took it upon himself to watch for the water and guides me to the curb until it is clear then returns to the sidewalk. What a smart dog!
When we return from our morning walk, Piper likes to wake up Mary. He is not allowed on the bed so he puts the front paws up as far as possible while keeping his back paws on the floor and kisses her awake. He is so much fun when off duty.
I could go on and on, but I have to tell all of you again what a wonderful job you did raising and training Piper. We will give him hugs and kisses on your behalf and a special treat for his birthday.
With kindest regards,
Dan Owens
Photo caption:Butch Keister and Leader Dog "Shilo"
Dear Leader Dog
On July 27, 2008, my mother and I started our trip from Indiana to Rochester to drop my dad, Butch Keister, off at Leader Dog to obtain instruction with a dog. The trip was filled with excitement from Dad, a little apprehension from Mom about how their aged dog at home would adjust to a new dog, and a lot of happiness on my part for the anticipation of an independent future for my father. Dad had received his orientation and mobility training from Leader Dog several months before, so he felt comfortable knowing that his 4-week training session with his dog would be pleasant. EVERYONE at Leader Dog was so positive and helpful during his first stay and his second stay was no different.
On July 30th, Dad was matched with Shilo. During training, Dad would call every day with a new story to tell about his adventures with Shilo. The excitement in his voice was obvious and he could not wait for us to meet his new partner.
It has been over a year since Dad and Shilo came home. Since then, they attended several conferences. On one trip I learned how much Dad and Shilo really trust each other. Most of the blind individuals at the conference traveled with a cane or with the assistance of a human guide. Dad did not require assistance from us, but relied solely on Shilo to find the door, find the elevator, and find his room. It was amazing to watch them work together.
I think Dad learned to trust Shilo to be his "eyes" within their first few weeks together. I think Shilo learned to trust Dad to feed him, groom him, and love him within a few days. It took me and the rest of the family a little longer to trust Shilo with the care of our beloved husband and father ... but trust him we do!!! They have a wonderful relationship and Dad enjoys getting out more. I am pleased to see them both so happy!
I wish to thank all the staff and volunteers from Leader Dog for the "gift" of Shilo. I also thank all the donors that contribute money to enable other visually impaired individuals to receive independence through their Leader Dogs!
Sincerely,
Vicki Western
Dear Leader Dog,
Photo caption:Laura Shepel and Leader Dog “Hanna"
My Leader Dog "Hanna" and I have travelled to our local mall a couple times on transit with the Trekker Breeze GPS* in tow. The Breeze is wonderful. I have set several landmarks and have found it extremely useful on the bus — the drivers sometimes forget to let you off at a requested stop. My Breeze allows me to keep track of where we are going on transit. Hearing all the street names has been wonderful; it has given me a better understanding of the area and has improved my compass direction awareness when walking.
Hanna catches on quickly to anything new and I am so impressed with her skill level at such a young age. She is extremely gentle and sensitive and I am learning more about her personality and reactions to situations as we evolve as a team.
Thanks again for Leader Dog "Hanna" — she is the official tea towel picker upper at home, she likes taking them occasionally from their hanging spot on the fridge handle delivering them directly to me just to let me know she isn't chewing them — just performing a household chore.
Take Care,
Laura Shepel
For more information on the Breeze GPS program, read GPS Goes to the Dogs in Issue 2 of the 2009 newsletter.