[nagdu] Appreciating my dog

Tracy Carcione carcione at access.net
Fri Jul 6 12:33:29 UTC 2012


Nothing makes me appreciate Ben like using my cane.  My cane skills are
OK, but Ben is better.
Yesterday was really hot, and I wanted to go a few blocks over to the
farmers' market, which is in the middle of a hot parking lot.  I decided
to leave Ben home and take the cane.  I got there and back with no
problems, but it really made me appreciate all the little things Ben does
for me automatically.  He goes around overhanging bushes and low trees. 
He keeps me away from parking lot curbs and leaning signposts.  He keeps
me straight across parking lot driveways.  He goes around little old
ladies without banging anyone in the ankles. He finds the crosswalk pole
(well, because he wants to sniff it) and he finds the crosswalk.  He takes
me around and through the sawhorses blocking off the area for the market.
The only thing I didn't miss about not having him was my cane didn't look
around for spilled blueberries.
Ben isn't the greatest guide dog I've ever known,  but using my cane made
me appreciate all the fine things he does that I take for granted.  And
thank Goodness no one tried to run me over when I didn't have Ben with me.
 Dodging idiots in cars is one of Ben's great skills.
Tracy







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