My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Hug, Shake or None?

If you've been around Cricket, you know she lets you know when she'd like to shake your hand. She puts her paw up and nudges at you if needed. It is a pretty cute gesture. I have experienced multiple times when someone has tried to put their hand out to shake mine and I've missed the mark. If someone is with me, they can nudge my elbow so I know to stick my hand out or at times after a short time the person will reach out and grab my hand. Sometimes I put my hand out first to alleviate the question. Today in church meeting a new lady we were chatting away and she asked about my blindness -- oh, that's why you didn't shake my hand when I put it out.
Sometimes I want to give a hug and wonder if a visual cue would help. I often find myself asking when I feel like I want to give a hug ..are you okay if I give you a hug?
Cricket, of course, is always eager for a hug or shake.

1 comment:

Katrin said...

Awe. My dogs don't know any of the 'usual' tricks like 'shake', but James does love to give hugs.

I saw your comment on my blog, sorry to hear you are having troubles with the mutt matt website, I've never used it before I get them from a local distributer. Usually the company is very helpful, so I think if you were able to call them they would probably be able to help you out. I've had good luck with the person I've bought them from before. I think she lives in VT though, so rather far from you.