[Blind-rollers] I Knew It Was Going To Happen

[Marlana]

I am so glad you guys are ok!

Marlana



Original message
From: "Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire via Blind-rollers;" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
To: blind-rollers at nfbnet.org; 
Dated: 8/15/2014 10:58:06 PM
Subject: [Blind-rollers] I Knew It Was Going To Happen

hi, all,
Subject says it all.
Earlier this evening after I woke up from a much long needed rest, I decided I wanted to go to 7 11.
Boy, I wished I had my regular power chair as I confess I feel more comfortable with that one than the loaner chair.
I geared up Odie, attached his Kong nylon leash to the left hand side of my loaner chair and we left.
I haven't attempted to use the chair to go to 7 11 the first time ad I wasn't so sure what would happen.
So, I walked the two blocks with Odie on the left side and cart on the right.
Tonight, I figured the need to come out of the comfort zone with the loaner chair and take the plunge.
I had three tote bags draped over the head rest and my back pack with umbrella in the back pocket of the seat.
The loaner chair I'm using for the time being is a Jazzy and I'm not sure of the model.
All I know it has two front motor drive wheels and smaller wheels in the back with a couple tipper wheels on the front.
The foot plate is flat and large and the chair as a whole doesn't have good stability as it can tip over easily.
On my way back from 7 11, I had to stop a couple of times to figure out the task of having my white cane in my right hand, a hot cup of coffee and operating a power chair.
I had the doffee cup sitting between my legs for a few minutes and it was definitely hot, so tried to juggle around some more.
I definitely made sure the chair was on slow since I had three heavy bags on the back and a back pack.
Next thing I knew was the back wheel slipped off the curb and my chair tipped over completely on its side.
Thankfully, Odie nad enough time to get out of the way before it fell.
I never expected the next part to happen, but apparently, Odie began moving around in a circle, signaling for help.
Two men and two women immediately ran over to ask if I was okay, get me unsecured from the chair so it could be put back up on all four wheels.
In the very beginning earlier the first day I had the loaner chair, I was afrai of what would happen to me if I used it.
Would it tip over and I end up getting hurt?
Happily, I'm very proud of myself for staying calm, composed and not panicking during the whole situation.
I asked one of the gentlemen that helped me if my dog alerted them or figured out a way to get someone's attention.
He let me know that he saw Odie move around in a circle and automatically knew that Odie was signaling for help.
Needless to say, Odie and I made it home afterward and I gave him a special worker's reward.
He earned two peanutbutter bones and a couple of milk bones as well. I forgot to mention that after the chair was put back into its correct position, I praised Odie for getting me help as quick as he did.
He began wiggling and dancing around as he was very happy and proud of himself.
This isn't the first time I had had a power chair tip over and it won't be the last either.
My Quantum610 has tipped over a couple of times too, but not as severe as the loaner chair.
Reason for me not having my original chair back yet was it turned out a technition that was on call had all the parts for it in his van.
Have no reason why, but the receptionist I spoke with for Neu Motion told me the she would call me next week to let me know if I will have the chair back Monday afternoon or so.
I'm sure some will ask if Odie was trained to do what he did.
No, he was never taught that, but I figured he would have naturally learned on his own and he did it.
Odie definitely saved me and he was a tremendous help.
Bibi and proud MAR son Odie
_______________________________________________
Blind-rollers mailing list
Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Blind-rollers:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org/marlana.lyte%40gmail.com