<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=2 PTSIZE=10 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Hello Tracy,<BR>
Hello everyone else,<BR>
<BR>
I am very sorry with my introduction I failed to talk about my love of my life. My very first guide dog, Dorito is a beautiful very light blonde lab/golden retriever cross. What makes her very special is on her left shoulder she has a unique black tattoo, which is now in the shape of a heart.<BR>
<BR>
Dorito hails from the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, LI, New York. I understand her younger days she spent growing up in North Carolina and now she is officially a JERSEY GIRL. Our dog trainer says that Dorito and I belong together and she came to that conclusion after observing the video that was sent in to GDF with the application. I am still trying to figure out what she saw -- was it my walk, the way I toss my head as I walk. Do we look the same from the back, lol.<BR>
<BR>
I also must say I sing to her since we met. I would sing to the tune of Cornina, Corina cause her name goes so well with it. I know she has a great life. I felt sorry for her walking over all that salt -- so I purchased her boots - I paid more for her boots than I did for mine. She looked so adorable but cannot say her walking experience to be the same.<BR>
<BR>
Then everyone calls her a boy -- so I got her pink accessories to wear when she is not in harness and working. And I must say she wears pink very well.<BR>
<BR>
Dorito loves working with me -- well lets say the attention -- she knows her way around Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital, Atlantic City Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Pomona; my primary physician. Well, we cannot leave out ShopRite, Incollingo's Market, RiteAid, Wells Fargo, Family Dollar Store just to name a few.<BR>
<BR>
I cannot believe how much confidence she has brought into my life, as well as the psychological benefits. I now remember how to laugh to tears again. I was loosing my faith and independence and she has brought it back.<BR>
<BR>
And I am proud to share that I have been invited to be on the Alumni Council of the Guide Dog Foundation. That was the second best thing to happen to me. And now I have a third thing to be thankful for and that is becoming involved with all of you.<BR>
<BR>
All I can say I have been blessed and honored in a way that is very difficult to fully express in words.<BR>
<BR>
Always<BR>
Chatty Kathy and Dorito (Chip)<BR>
<BR>
P.S. Tracy I am very familiar with Teaneck. I graduated from FDU Teaneck Campus with a degree in Dental Hygiene. You can tell by that response I am over 21 years of age</FONT></HTML>