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

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

As a Husband, What a Guide Dog Means ...

It is apparent what a guide dog means to the person who is blind. What about those who are close to this person. I invited some of those special people in my life to share their perspective. Today is Steve, my fabulous husband of 26 years -- 13 plus of which have been with a guide dog as an integral part of our life. Cricket adores him.
When I think about Becky's guides, I think of the unconditional love they brought with them into our home. The pride they show in their work is inspiring to all who see them; their excitement -- beating you to the door whenever you're about to go somewhere. Then there is the freedom they have brought to us. I think of all the years, Becky commuted 30 miles by bus each day to her job and classes at the University with Pantera at her side through snowy, ice cold winters and wet springs. Pantera made it possible for both of us to further our careers during that period. Now, that Becky works in the evenings, I'm comforted to know that she is not alone. Cricket is there with her at her office. There is, of course, the travel safety factor. Becky walks anywhere with confidence at a normal walking speed without having to worry about obstacles and has taken part in all aspects of our lives as a family. Whether it is work, travel, shopping, events or just enjoying a walk, Becky is right there with us with minimal accomodation, thanks to her guide dog. We've made so many good friends as part of the Guide Dog community. What a great blessing it it so have a guide dog in our lives. I love these dogs and have had so much fun with them in our home. They have added more to our lives than I will ever be able to repay. I thank Guide Dogs for the Blind every day for all that they do to support us and how they've blessed our lives by providing a great guide for my wife and a companion for our family. With love, the other companion.

7 comments:

Beth and Alfie said...

Thank you for sharing this unique perspective...so heartwarming and well put!

Jen said...

I like this idea. Great post.

jennohara said...

What a great idea. Loved this...very heartwarming for sure.

3 labs 4 me said...

Be sure to tell Steve what an enjoyable post from him. Beautifully written Steve. Your words brought tears to my eyes.

Infrequent Flyers said...

That was wonderful! There was love in each of Steve's words. In many ways, I'm sure a guide dog means even more to family members than to the individual themselves.

Lisa and pups said...

aw - so sweet! Thanks for sharing!

Reddunappy said...

That is so awesome, thanks for sharing! I have another 4-5 months with Dublin before he goes for formal training and to fulfill the reason he was born for. It makes me feel good that the pups go to wonderful folks like you.