(VICT) situation with puppies...
- From: "Diane & Raven" <dlshotwell2@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 23:01:40 -0400
I was recently working with a few assistance dog trainee puppies..
My mother came to visit and I found their reactions very interesting.
My mother has lost most of her site in one eye...20/400 I think.... and a bit
better in the other eye. Because she lost her sight suddenly at 75 she tends
to stare trying to focus the eye with the best vision on objects... or color
... since she sees little to no detail.
The puppies responded differently to her as soon as she entered the room. I am
in a wheelchair or with cane or walker most of the time and my mother walks
with a cane for support and learns her way around very quickly and move quite
confidently. So I think it was her intense stare that caught their attention
even though she was not looking at them.
Once she sat down the bolder of them did not take long to investigate her and
become quite affectionate, and she loved it.
There was one who took a bit of rewarding and treats handed by her to realize
there was no threat intended by the stare. It was a great learning opportunity
for me and for the puppies. The demo/mascot for the assistance dog
organization that I volunteer train for came in later... a 34-36 inch at the
shoulders Great Dane that is about 3 years old had no problems at all ...
sauntered straight up to her, laid his head gently in her hand when she reached
out to feel his face and proceeded to give her a big sloppy kiss...and she
giggle like a youngster...it did my heart good.
When she lost her sight about 2 years ago, I inquired about the possibility of
a guide for her in the future and I was told that because of her age that was
an unlikely possibility. She is active and vital at 77 ...hmmm
Raven gravitates to her when we are together. I have watched Raven move her
around obstacles and potholes when she holds Raven's harness handle when
walking next to me while I am in my chair. I haven't taught this to Raven
consciously but I think she has developed the technique working with my
unsteady gate and tendency to stumble.
Gosh what a blessing it is to be able work with these wonderful creatures... it
keeps my heart pumping! giggle...
Best Wishes & Wags,
Diane & Raven
http://AssistanceDogJournal.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Golden_Paw_ADC/
"My Assistance Dog is not my whole life, but she makes my life whole"
~D.L.Shotwell
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
~Anatole France
Other related posts:
- » (VICT) situation with puppies...
