mmowens40@yahoo.com                      (845) 675-7200        

INTRODUCTION:    In 1997, in New York City, a kind, 40-year old man, Willie, had a heart attack.  When he awoke, he was blind.

The same year, a few miles north of New York City, puppy Irwin was born blind. In about two weeks, he awoke to sight, just like puppies do. His nine Labrador puppy brothers and sisters were soon enlisted in  a special training program for exceptional puppies. They would study to become  Guide Dogs for the blind, someone like Willie. In time, Irwin and Willie became partners, and Irwin shared his sight and insights  with him. Irwin seemed to generate miracles ~  for me, for those around me, and for Willie and his family.

Irwin came to my home in early July in 1997 to begin his training.  Irwin cleverly made himself at home and showed us all his intellectual prowess by opening his crate  locks (Episode 2)  and doors! (Episode 3). During the 18 months Irwin lived with me;   many lessons/command/concepts were learned, by Irwin, as part of his training, and by me, as part of life.

In the fall of his second year with me,

Irwin tried farming . . .

Near the end of Irwin’s 16th month stay with me, the doctor

announced my back surgery was imminent.  It was late October

—a good time for Irwin to spend time with another puppy raiser

on a dairy farm.   The greater the exposures a puppy in training

receives, the better.

The beauty of the farm was the fence—acres and acres of

fenced land—safe for Irwin to run with friends without the

dangers open space presents. Irwin was free to run!

Through the tall grass, over  branches and puddles . . .

                                     into the pond, and out. . .



up the hill, then . . . down the muddy path,

grabbing an old corn cob en route. Into the

pond with his BFF.

A splash in the cool water feels GR8!

How could you give him up?

Old Mc-Irwin on a Farm

Next time . . .

Life could not be better.  
But Irwin did not just play in the fields. 

He rode in the tractor. 

He helped Connie feed the dairy cows.
 
During his

visit, Irwin

became

friends
with  many

new

four-legged

critters,

including

horses,

cows,

and little

cows.                                                                 One day Irwin met a 4-legged critter he did not recognize. 

                                                                          It was about his size. It wasn't big enough to be a cow . . . and it was in a stall by itself.

                                                                          Irwin wondered,  “What kind of breed is that?  A  dalmatian?   Irwin wanted to become friends with this critter.

                                                                          He edged closer, and Irwin said “Hello.” 

The calf gently nudged Irwin, as she

schooched closer, hoping to make a new

friend.  Irwin returned her kiss. They

were friends.  In time, Irwin romped

with the calf in the barnyard and

learned to enjoy more than his species. 

Would it were so easy for humans

to do the same.

Irwin enjoyed two months at the farm. . .

and came home with a new appreciation

for many new critters.