The Bumpy Road to Recovery #2

[Bagheera]

Wow Baggy...so at this time, you only have limited sight in one eye? So I would assume that you have many visual aides, such as high magnification thingys to view your computer screen and for other reading?

Aye -- I uses a variety of software, magnification devices, and other aids to function both professionally and personally.

Also, do you still have a guide dog? What is that like? Do you get guide dogs from an agency on a temp basis and then give them back if there is improvement, or is it that once you get a dog you keep that dog forever? I would imagine those dogs must be worth a lot due to their extensive training.

Yes, I'm currently working with my third guide-dog, all of whom have come from The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ. He's a young (4 year old), German Shepherd male; bright, alert, good at his job, and very people oriented (and currently curled up in the corner of my office). The Seeing Eye gives full ownership of the dog to the handler upon graduation (most schools maintain ownership), so that he's my full responsibility: he'll be able to work for about 8-10 years total (health dependent), and will then be a retired "Mama's dog" in the house, while I go back for a youngster again.

Steering the topic back to SSM's and such, the guide-pup stays at home with the baby-sitter (and the kids) when the wife and I go out on dates, while I go sighted-guide or long-cane as necessary. I find him to be a bit of a distraction and third-wheel when I want my focus to be on my wife. On the other hand, if I was JUST meeting and dating someone, I'd use the pup: I can move about much more quickly and smoothly with the dog than using a cane. It's all a matter of circumstance and convenience.

-- B.