Kathie and I are now in the phase of training in which we walk routes in a downtown area with various kinds of intersections. Some are controlled by lights, some by stop signs at one corner, and some by four-way stop. I make traffic judgments at all these intersections, and Kathie negotiates the traffic so that I get across safely. For example, if a car turns in front of me while I am crossing, she slows down or even backs up so that we are out of the car’s path. I have to respond to her signals and follow her during our crossings so that we are always safe, and I also need to listen to the traffic so that I understand what is going on, I also need to maintain my general body direction so that she is not wandering around in the street while she might make a correction for a car that decides to pause in traffic.
Our routes also take us through areas where there are obstacles on the sidewalks such as outdoor seating in front of cafes, plangers, etc. As we walk in front of shops, we encounter other pedestrians, people with pet dogs, etc. We met about 15 dogs yesterday, and if the trend continues throughout training Kathie may not ever play with another dog. We also meet people who are carrying food. Yesterday, we met a little child carrying a piece of pizza. Amazingly, Kathie left that alone! These types of distractions are good for us since our dogs often accompany us into eating establishments. I wrote on Facebook this morning that I don’t know that I could be so patient if I had to sit under a table while someone else ate bacon and pancakes and had a couple of cups of coffee. I would probably stage a riot and steal some food and coffee, especially if there were muffins involved. My dogs have my undying respect, especially since their noses are much stronger than mine. I am told that they have fewer taste buds. I’m not sure whether that means they snjoy their food less or whether it just accounts for the practice of inhaling it.
I have mentioned on this blog that I am doing breathing treatments in class. I have rather severe allergies to dogs, and it doesn’t seem to matter what breed. In the past, I have been issued Labrador retrievers in the hope of minimizing my reactions. It didn’t make that much difference. Last time I had a Lab/golden cross. I tolerated her about as well–or as poorly–as I did my Labs. My solution has been to take medication and, ultimately, to begin immunotherapy. This time around, I am doing breathing treatments via nebulizer while in class. They take a long time, and I have been staying up late to do them.
I noticed yesterday that I was having trouble staying awake and I was beginning to get grumpy with my dog and myself. I asked the nurse to check my blood sugar in case it was not so good. It was fine. We thought that I was probably sleep deprived from doing treatments so late at night. I decided last night that what I needed was a little social time with some other students; so I took it and then went to bed without doing the treatment. I discovered a nice fat pillow hiding in my room and used it instead of the very soft fluffy pillow I had been sleeping on. I woke up highly refreshed this morning. Sleep might be as important in the self-care recipe as breathing.
This morning we will walk a route. This afternoon we have visiting hours from 2:00 to 4:00. My aunt and uncle will be visiting from New York, and I am very excited about this. I don’t remember what else is on the schedule for the day, so I will report in later.
A question was posted about dog discipline… I will work on this post after I’ve had some coffee. It is a good question, but the answer is complicated and deserves to be fairly written.
My previous post makes reference to Kathie’s picture… I think I have not managed to get it to show up yet. The add image interface seems to have become inaccessible in this update of my blog software. I will keep working on it. A lot of you have seen the picture on Facebook… Eventually I will get the picture posted here as well. It will just take time.
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Hi, Sarah. I am really enjoying your stories about Kathie and the training you are both receiving. I enjoyed my time around Loretta several years ago, and I look forward to meeting Kathie in the future. Blessings,
Marlene