[guide.chat] Super dog
- From: "Vanessa" <qwerty1234567a@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "GuideChat" <guide.chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:59:22 +0100
Super Dog
Young and registered blind, electric-wheelchair user Stephanie Reads life has
been completely
transformed by the UKs first ever dual-purpose Guide Dog and Canine
Partner.
Vegas is, for the time being at least, unique. The five year old black Labrador
is the UKs only registered
assistance dog who performs the dual roles of guiding a blind person and
helping
a wheelchair user. His training is the result of a ground-breaking link-up
between the charities Guide Dogs and Canine Partners. Stephanie Read, from
Torquay in Devon,
has both Macular Hyperplasia (meaning she has only a very small amount of
vision) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which affects her joints and organs. The 26
year old has been a wheelchair user for the past 10 years and, before being
introduced to Vegas, was a virtual prisoner in her own home, lacking confidence
and isolated from the outside world. Requiring help
to get dressed and carry out the most basic domestic tasks from answering the
phone to picking up a book or newspaper Stephanie has previously relied almost
entirely upon a carer, sometimes waiting many hours for assistance to
arrive. Now, with Vegas by her side, Stephanie is able to carry
out simple daily tasks, such as putting on her own clothes, using the washing
machine, taking money out of a cash point, picking up the telephone, answering
the door, and being able to decide what time to turn into bed without having to
rely on when a helper is available. Vegas also provides Stephanie with the
freedom and
confidence to leave her home when she wants, without needing to wait for a
friend or helper to escort her. They enjoy regular outings around Torquay and,
when at busy roads crossings, Vegas even reaches up and presses the pelican
crossing button with her paw. Vegas was initially trained
by Canine Partners and began working with Stephanie in March 2006. The guide
dog
training took place earlier this year, with Vegas recently qualifying as the
first dual-purpose assistance dog to guide a visually impaired person in an
electric-wheelchair.
David Bailey, Guide Dogs district team manager explains:
Vegas has an extra long harness handle, allowing her to walk safely
in front of Stephanies wheelchair. As with other guide dog owners, Stephanie
recognises if she should stop, or move to the left or right, by sensing the
movement in the handle.
Andy Cook, director of operations at Canine Partners
adds: Stephanie is now leading a truly independent life. She has confidence to
go shopping, meet friends and get out on her own. Although this is a pilot
project, we hope there will be further examples of dual trained assistance dogs
benefiting visually impaired wheelchair users in the future. It goes to show
what is possible when two charities work closely together.
Stephanie, who has always been a tidy person, now has
a spotless home, thanks to Vegas. She explains: Anything left on the floor is
picked up by Vegas, regardless of whether it needs to be moved or not! Even my
cat, Mimmy, counts as clutter; Vegas rushes to nudge the front door shut before
she can dash inside the house! The bond between
Stephanie and Vegas is extraordinary. When she recently fell out of her
wheelchair, it took an hour for help to arrive. As the rain poured down,
however, loyal Vegas remained next to Stephanie, providing comfort and
reassurance.
Shes transformed my freedom, mobility and
independence, says Stephanie. Vegas is a super dog and Im so grateful to
Canine Partners and Guide Dogs for this miracle.
Vanessa the Google girl.
Skype name. RainbowStar123
Other related posts:
- » [guide.chat] Super dog - Vanessa
