I believe that God/the universe/our higher self is always guiding and sending us help, especially when we need it most. Whatever you believe, Terry met her Earth angel on that fateful bus ride. An older lady passenger befriended her. She had a good feeling about Terry and offered her a place to stay. Terry’s assistance and companionship enabled the older woman to stay in her own home. For the first time, Terry had a real home, and a family. She relied on other people to go to the market and run errands, and hoped for a little more independence.
A guide dog was suggested. Terry began the application process with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, based in New York. The foundation matches fully trained dogs to applicants based on their needs, personality and energy level – at no cost. Approved, she traveled to New York to meet the labradoodle they paired her with, and have two weeks of training together.
Initially, German shepherds were trained as guide dogs. Labrador and golden retrievers, along with doodles are better suited to guide work, due to their less-threatening looks and easy-going personalities. Volunteer puppy-raisers socialize and teach basic obedience for the first year. These pups are returned to the foundation for specialized training for up to two years. Training costs can be up to $50,000 per dog.
Guide dogs’ average service time is six to 10 years. As they retire, they may help train their replacements. Then they live out their lives as companions, often with their handlers. Terry has been involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind for over two decades. She gained independence and assistance with Mona, followed by labs Allie, Ben and Ohio.
A guide dog’s job is to protect their handler from danger. The handler must learn to relax and trust their dog, to encourage them, and even allow the dog to disobey. An example of intelligent disobedience would be when the handler listens for the traffic signal to safely cross the street, but there is an obstruction in the street or a car that may have gotten too close. The guide dog would refuse the handler’s forward command.
In May of 2021, Terry fell at her home. Ohio stayed with her until help arrived. Church friends Rick and Melissa agreed to keep Ohio, while Terry recovered in the hospital. Their cockapoo puppy Marco was glad to have the company. After her release from the hospital, Terry faced weeks of rehabilitation. Ohio visited. Even though Terry’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous, she would have to rely on the use of a walker, due to the extent of her spinal injury. It would be impossible for her to navigate using a walker and also manage Ohio’s harness. Everyone was devastated. Ohio would have to be returned to Guid ing Eyes.
Brock and his wife Toni had lost their lab, Darby, nine months before, and were considering adding a dog to their family. They also knew Rick and Melissa from church. It was a long shot, but Rick invited Brock over to meet Ohio. It was love at first sight. Toni agreed. Ohio could remain local and visit Terry. However, there was one obstacle. According to the guide dog agreement, they would have final say in rehoming Ohio. A home visit was scheduled and application filed. Fingers, toes and paws crossed for luck, they all awaited approval.
Terry’s health continued to progress, and she was released from rehab. Returning home without Ohio was bittersweet. With the organization’s approval, in July of 2021, Ohio officially joined Brock and Toni’s family. Terry recommended they avoided taking Ohio around and having friends over for a few weeks, to allow her to bond to them. Ohio loves dogs and needed something to fill her schedule after being a guide dog. A golden doodle, Dublin joined their pack.
Regularly, this family of friends meets. Terry continues to heal, and is a wealth of dog-training information. Ohio is always happy to see her, and then the three dogs zoom around the yard.
To learn more, visit GuidingEyes.org
Did you know?
Never approach (or allow your dog to approach) or pet a working guide dog. They need to maintain focus. If you believe the handler needs help, ASK them, and offer your left elbow.