It was an unusually cool day in Osoyoos for my walk on Monday. I was joined by Sue and Pinta. Pinta is Sue’s guide dog, a Golden Labrador-Retriever cross. Pinta is almost ten years old and nearing retirement age. Did you know that guide dogs are a lot like humans in that they have a training period for a career, a long working life and then retirement? Did you also know that only a very small percentage of people who are blind own guide dogs?
There are a number of different guide dog schools and each school has its own application form, rules and regulations. Generally speaking, the school will try to match a new dog with the owner’s personality and mobility needs. Sue’s dog, acquired from BC Guide Dogs, has a gentle and loving personality and does not seem to be distracted by the summer tourist traffic where Sue lives. Do you also remember Bill from Sechelt? Bill acquired his dog, Captain Midnight, through The Seeing Eye School in Morristown, New Jersey. The Captain is an 85 lb. black Lab, well suited to Bill’s long legged stride on daily walks around town.
For more information on the New Jersey School go to:
I hope to meet more of these wonderful canine companions and their owners on future walks.
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteWe've been away so I had some catching up to do in reading your blog. What a thrill to follow you in the Okanagan. My heart raced as I read your getting lost experience in Oliver.
Your 'upcoming locations' list shows that you will be in Calgary tomorrow. And what a lovely area to be walking in especially if the weather is agreeable.
I am thinking about you and cheering you on dear friend. Alva.
Enjoyed reading about the training of the dogs. Thanks
ReplyDeleteDorothy