mmowens40@yahoo.com (845) 675-7200
Finally! We get to say hi to everyone and go outside after we take my team's graduation photo. Here is another favorite photo: my new family and team-mate, Willie and Gloria of New York City. I get to live with them for two years.
"Such short a time?" you ask. Yes, but that is another wonderful story.
Check in with this site this summer to read what happened.
Could YOUR Puppy be next?
Think about raisinga Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy.
Irwin Graduates
So many speeches . . .
I'm still listening for
"Irwin," "Come," "Okay," "Let's Go,"
. . . anything but yada yada yada.
I think I'll nap.
(Photo below is of my dream of my being home on my kitchen floor, sleeping and waiting for dinner.)
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1954 by Donald Kauth. To date, GEB has graduated over 7,000 guide dog teams.
If you would like to attend a graduation, put APRIL 29 on your calendar. Graduations are open to the public and are a joyous occasion for the
whole family.
Here's a GEB's web-site ( www.guidingeyes.org ) description of these happy events.
Next time, Irwin goes to live in New York City for a couple years with Willie and Gloria. Tune in to hear why it was such a short time.
"Graduations"
"If you’ve never been to a Guiding Eyes graduation, we urge you to join us at one – or at several, as do many of our supporters. Graduations mark the beginning of our students’ new lives with their Guiding Eyes dogs. These moving ceremonies also salute the hundreds of volunteers who raise our puppies and provide loving homes for our broods and studs – these generous and selfless individuals represent humanity at its best.
"All graduations take place on Saturdays at the Headquarters and Training Center in Yorktown Heights, New York at 1:30 PM. A slideshow of the class and their work begins at 1:15 PM.
"Consider joining us online to watch graduation live – or watch previous graduations – on the Guiding Eyes YouTube page."
Some of the Class of
March 2017
Getting settled in with Willie and our friends . . .
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.
After 18 months of laughter, love, and learning, Irwin was ready to move to the Yorktown Heights facility for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. For another six months, he would study and learn specific skills to guide a blind person, and he would GRADUATE.
These photos show Irwin's view of the ceremony.
My first human Mama is here . . . Lynn! I can smell her perfume. I hope I get to say hello.