We have been attending a new ward in our church for the past 4 weeks and with this comes the education process of a guide dog! This is our third ward in the past 13 years so we know eventually Cricket will just become part of the congregation!
In the meantime, lots of questions and interest about Cricket -- "wow, she is so quiet" (yes, she couldn't come if she wasn't a quiet, good girl) "may I pet your dog?" (this one is typically no with an explanation of she is working and she can't focus on her job if she is distracted) and "are you training that dog?" (no, she is a working guide dog and a quick explanation of Retinitis Pigmentosa ... and how Cricket works.) Usually those that take the time to learn become helpers in the education process for the rest of the congregation. In our last ward, they asked us to give a talk and explain her job and how she served and tied it in with serving others -- It did help reduce the questions to speak to the whole congregation. In the meantime, we'll keep answering the questions . .until Cricket becomes just part of the congregation. I can tell you she does recognize the word 'amen' and generally sits up when that word is said ... knowing the meeting may be coming to an end! Smart girl.
We have been attending a new ward in our church for the past 4 weeks and with this comes the education process of a guide dog! This is our third ward in the past 13 years so we know eventually Cricket will just become part of the congregation!
In the meantime, lots of questions and interest about Cricket -- "wow, she is so quiet" (yes, she couldn't come if she wasn't a quiet, good girl) "may I pet your dog?" (this one is typically no with an explanation of she is working and she can't focus on her job if she is distracted) and "are you training that dog?" (no, she is a working guide dog and a quick explanation of Retinitis Pigmentosa ... and how Cricket works.) Usually those that take the time to learn become helpers in the education process for the rest of the congregation. In our last ward, they asked us to give a talk and explain her job and how she served and tied it in with serving others -- It did help reduce the questions to speak to the whole congregation. In the meantime, we'll keep answering the questions . .until Cricket becomes just part of the congregation. I can tell you she does recognize the word 'amen' and generally sits up when that word is said ... knowing the meeting may be coming to an end! Smart girl.
4 comments:
Hi Becky,
You must be good at educating the public. I get these questions all the time, but I'm not as smooth in answering as I want to be because I'm such a newbie!!!
I've never considered all the questions that would come your way....even in church! I can see why speaking would help a bit....but who really wants to speak?? Ha! Ha!
You guys are the perfect team to spread the good news about Guide Dogs for the Blind. I still can't believe that people stop & ask you, if you're training your dog? Since I've been with you, when this question is asked, I know how patient & tolerant you are in answering these questions. You're a doll!!!
Nikki - I bet you're fabulous with the questions! I can see you have a sense of humor -- but let's face it they get tiresome at times... yes, after this many years some of the answers kind of roll off your tongue!
Lacey - yes, you can imagine all the primary kids - the novelty of a dog in church! They get used to the idea pretty quick -- but yeah, I'm not seeking out speaking if I can avoid it!
Debi -- Love ya ... yes all types of questions and you are my 'eye witness!
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