Irwin also helped me with my regular errands with interest: banking, shopping at department stores, grocery stores, and other places of business. I just made sure he got “busy” before we entered the establishment, and then we were off for another adventure of life. Banking was his favorite, where he made regular withdrawals — he knew the tellers kept approved treats for him. Shopping for clothes was as boring as banking was fun. He quickly adapted and chose to nap as I shopped. Clerks were always eager to hold his lead, but he was bored with the entire affair very quickly and just lay down for a quick cat/puppy-nap. He loved malls, however, as he met lots of new friends en route to the next store. He was particularly fond of children.
The grocery store was much more interesting as smells
wafted from the shelves. Fresh fruits and vegetables
were of interest, but he paid very close attention to one
favorite item. Tethered to the cart, Irwin found the metal
mesh and rubber wheels more alluring than the food.
He had only eaten dog food in his life and the rolling
wheelswere much more interactive than the food.
He followed along, watching the wheels as they changed
direction and squeaked. The cart, with the one delinquent
wheel that always wanted to go the other way, was
most entertaining. As the wheel bounced and squawked in
defiance, Irwin bounced along, watching in amazement,
looking at me as if to say, “Look at that one, Mom!”
Irwin loved the grocery store.
Out to dinner or lunch was easy. Staff at the cafes always welcomed
him with open arms and brought him a bowl of ice, while I ate my
people food. The waitresses loved him and usually provided his meal even before I ordered mine. He quickly learned to lay at my feet and ignore the comings and goings of the waiter. He was welcomed even at the nicest restaurants. People were delighted he was so well behaved.
After any outing, we could always go for an ice cream break! There are so many places to go and things to see. After all, Irwin is a Guiding Eyes Dog in Training and needs and wants to experience everything this GR8 life affords.
NEXT TIME: Niagara Falls, here we come, and then we head
for Colorado. Let's take a Steam Engine Train ride. C U then!
When Irwin was five months old, I returned to teaching at the college. Irwin went to work with me. He slept in the office where many students and passersby stopped to say hello. I think they missed their own pets. He always indulged their attention. He loved playing in the hallways and riding the elevators with them.
Outings to social affairs proved more challenging, for my attention was not solely on him. At his first cocktail party, however, once others understood they should not give him nibbles from their plates, he quickly fell into the “been-here-done-this” attitude of boredom and was willing to nap while I visited with friends. A few friendly pats on the head and socialization during the early moments served him well. A nap seemed a wise choice, given the tenor of the event.
Church was less clear. Standing, sitting, singing, sitting, standing—how
confusing! I sat down, he lay down and started to nap, then I stood, so Irwin
stood, thinking we were ready to go. No, we were just standing to listen to
someone read, or worse, to sing. That was new for Irwin! The singing was
unique to his world, and since we only heard it once a week, it remained a
curious and novel phenomena. We were careful not to sit too close to
Mrs. Johnson, however, to protect us both from her singing. The wanna-be-
opera soprano bellowed “Amazing Grace” at an amazing decibel level that
that made everyone wince. Irwin just howled a bit the first time he heard it.
We were obviously too close. Folks nearby tittered and from then on, we
made an effort to sit up-volume from her and across the sanctuary.
When Irwin was about 14 months, we expanded our musical experiences.
Verdi was not unfamiliar to Irwin. I played classical music at home often
and he became familiar with its intervals and varying volume. Usually, however, my choice of compositions did not include opera. Our first operatic excursion was slightly different than a concerto or symphony. I had played Falstaff once before our outing to acquaint him with the sound, but the volume on a live production cannot be so easily adjusted. I hoped Irwin would adapt; I hoped the patrons would be accepting.
We arrived at the beautiful Glimmerglass Opera near Cooperstown on a lovely evening. Our walk about the grounds and pond proved relaxing, as well as into the woods surrounding this beautiful structure. I had made arrangements for Irwin to accompany me and sit in a generous aisle seat so he would have ample room to lie down. We were near the back of the ground floor to facilitate a quick escape if necessary. The management was most pleased to have Irwin attend. Most patrons were equally pleased to see him, and their kind greetings calmed both of us. Greetings proved amicable and welcoming. “Oh, isn’t he ca-ute,” women giggled as they bent down to say hello. “Beautiful animal,” men rejoined with an air of dignity. Irwin was a year old now and definitely debonair. His good looks were like a compliment magnet.
One lady, however, was not so complimentary. “You are not expecting to take that dwag into the opera, are you?” she railed.
I answered quietly, “Why, yes, ma’am, I am. As you can see from his cape, he is a puppy in training for a blind person, and I want to give him every possible experience so he will be well prepared for anything.” She was not impressed.
“Blind people don’t need dogs to go to the opera. They can go with friends.”
“And what if the blind individual does not have friends with whom s/he could go?” I asked.
“Well, they certainly do not need a dwag!” she rejoined. Each mention of the word dog carried with it the air of disdain and horror. She was definitely not a dog-lover.
Irwin eased away and I was happy to follow. I believe we sat across the hall from her—and that was a good thing. However, the people seated around us were most encouraging and pleased. The manager was also pleased to have us attend, and after the opera we were invited to have our photo taken with the art director. During the opera, the first round of applause took Irwin by surprise. I realized it was his first experience with applause, but he quickly adjusted. He simply adopted his devil-may-care posture; i.e., down and asleep. All went well until the last note—a high note, of course.
I believe Irwin thought Mrs. Johnson had entered the building. He sat straight up and quietly whimpered. I pounced on him like Tigger-to-the-rescue to quiet him with assurance, and the surrounding guests chuckled. They had all ignored him throughout the performance, but this was too much. Irwin and I hurried out during the applause, and several followed to assure me that his presence had
been a delight. We were encouraged to return for another
performance. We went elsewhere. Irwin had had enough opera
for one training session.
I do believe Irwin preferred going to the movies. He watched horses
ride across the big screen in Zorroa and sat up with wide eyes . He
particularly liked Hootch bouncing across the screen.
Movies were GR8 fun.
Our outings also including a trip to Niagara Falls, and then
Colorado - and that is another adventure for another time.
“Out and about” can be the motto for any guide dog puppy trainer.
One could not find a more perfect date!
INTRODUCTION: In 1997, in New York, a kind, 40-year old man, Willie, had a heart attack. When he awoke, he was blind.
In 1997, 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 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.
Because Guide Dogs can end up in a wide variety of environments, a wide variety of life experiences during training can prove invaluable. These are a few stories of Irwin's adventures "Out on the Town" with me.