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Hiking Through the Dark Silence

April 23, 2015 by Renee K Walker Leave a Comment

 

Hitichi-Panorama-1024x251

Winter was cold and bitter across the country, including in the (normally milder) South. With the warm breezes of March blowing in, people were filing outdoors to romp in the sun’s rays. I was among them, led by my guide, Little Joe (aka Joey), my husband, and a friend of ours named Joey. We usually hike trails in the relative closeness of our house during the winter; but it was just too cold to do that much this year. We needed the escape for our minds and the movement for our stiff bodies. We found the Hitichi Trail in our Georgia county, Monroe, to fit the bill perfectly. It is long, curvy, and up and down enough to be a good work out, but not too strenuous or scary for one such as myself. It also has beautiful views of creeks, as you wind your way to the Ocmulgee River and along the river for a few miles.

I get asked a lot why I like to go hiking when I can’t see or hear. This question shows that people really don’t understand those of us who are physically different. I usually say I can see just fine, my reference to lessons learned from my Great-grandmother (see December 2013’s HM article: Christmas Lessons), and it is fun. That statement is true, but I seldom have the time or the ability to express myself well enough. So, since I enjoyed myself that day so much after the long break, I thought I would try to explain here with a little detail.

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Hiking and backpacking were  activities I did frequently before I realized I was losing my sight. What I missed in hearing, I made up for in catching details with my eyes. Though I was losing peripheral vision slowly, I was compensating by scanning and having clear central vision. I actually didn’t miss much and often caught more than my “normal sensory-enabled” friends. I didn’t get asked the question then.

Now without much sight, I enjoy hiking still because I love feeling my body move in ways much different than in the house, back yard, or shopping. I feel muscles flexing, joints taking on the extra burden of bending, and stretching of limbs. I feel bones lifting and supporting against heavier pressures than normal. It feels challenging and good and thrilling all at once. I feel my heart pumping harder, and my breathing getting deep and labored in ways I don’t get even with my usual exercise routines. My emotions run the gamut of peaceful, relaxed, apprehensive, occasional gasp of fleeting terror, accomplished joy of overcoming, joy in laughter when I find myself sitting on my butt in the “agony of defeat”, and the overwhelming good kind of tired after finishing the trek and learning new skills in mobility and navigation independently. Sounds like a lot of things to feel, right? It is, and they are felt all at once. It is stimulation and intensity that I seldom get in the everyday.

Renee-and-husband-Scott

 

I smell the pine, the oak, and the hickory swimming together in sweet and pungent mixes. I smell the rich black soil, the intense mineral moistness of the unique Georgia red clay. Mixed with all of that is the combined smell of fresh leaves dropped from the pines after an ice storm with the earthy, rotting decay of leaves added over the years of continual change. Add the smell of mud and brown creek water with its hint of sourness from being almost stagnant around the edges brimming with algae, which leads me to the freshness of fast moving water of the river. Again, sweetness of stimulation that is miles ahead in satisfaction of the naturally scented soaps and candles that I love to have at home to bring in the smells of the outdoors.

I get the tickle of arm hair as the warm breeze moves through the trees. I feel the sharp, pointed brushes of pine needles and bumps of the new buds on the trees at the edge of the trail as I stride past. I feel the roughness of pine cones and cold slick of smooth rocks and papery frailty of bark slivers that Joey, our human friend, brings me to hold in my hands to add dimension to my experience. You rarely get these sensations inside.

Renee-Hiking-Collage-512x512

 

So, you see I have strong reasons why I like to hike. But, the next question I usually get asked is how can I? I have developed techniques over time, with trial and error, but most of that was just my pure determination to be able to hike as unassisted as possible. I am just built that way. It isn’t necessary to enjoy a good hike. I started on well-developed paths of asphalt and wood much like my favorite student, ShaynePatrick who is DeafBlind, is learning to use now. There are plenty of those in places, and some even have rope lines for trailing and hand rails on bridges to allow unassisted exploring. This can be plenty for many people to benefit from good exercise and fresh air for peaceful relaxation.

Shane-Collage

 

For other trails that need more guidance, you can connect dowels with some rope to provide a flexible, tactile sensing method of the sighted guide in front. Some use their blind cane for orientation and tactile navigation, but I have switched to two hiking sticks because they are still light and tactile, but sturdier than my cane and allow me to explore a little more strenuous terrain. I use one at the typical hip height for support and traction. I use the other at my Orientation and Mobility (O&M) length (which is mid-breast bone height) to allow me to use my typical O&M skills for tactilely sensing the edges of the trail, obstacles, and type of terrain while I have distance to prepare my feet for stepping. I can also use it for added stability for traversing hills and ravines.

Staying on the trail is very important, but believe me, over time, I can easily tell the difference in feel when the stick hits the packed earth and leaves of the trail and the softer, denser material off the trail edge. If a trail widens out a lot it can be harder to know which direction to go, but with patience and caution in finding trees and rocks and roots that might be in the way, I can usually find the correct destination on my own with a little time. Of course, I have found myself stuck seemingly on all sides like a game character at the edge of a video game, too. (Yes, I can still play a few video games, too.) Therefore, I might need the gentle touch of my sighted guides to lead me to a better part of the trail to get me back on track again. Little Joe sometimes insists in helping me, though most of the time on wilder treks I like to let him enjoy sniffing and relaxing while I hold his leash as he heels. At times, though, my Joey will jump slightly ahead of me if he senses that I am struggling to find the way.

If you want, you can watch two short videos of me on the Hititchi Trail as I find my way unassisted.

I enjoy the challenge in thinking my way through the woods. I also enjoy the smells and sensations along with the health benefits of mind, body, and soul that come from hiking. I am still not doing my former terrain difficulty levels, but I will keep trying. In time, I would love to go back to backpacking again, including the Appalachian Trail. It won’t be the same, but it will be a whole new world to explore in different ways. Yes, different but not less exciting or enjoyable.

Have these questions been answered to your satisfaction? I love hiking because I have two other senses to enjoy the world and a body that loves the intensity of movement and benefits from the exercise. I can also do it safely with tools, skillful techniques, and sighted helpers with two and four legs. There are plenty of places to allow for the benefits and enjoyment at various health and physical levels, so don’t let the lack of senses or motivation deprive you of the adventure.

Second Match Made in Heaven Part 2 – Training

April 23, 2015 by Renee K Walker Leave a Comment

Nala is here! On a rainy, cold Monday afternoon in the middle of February, the van marked Southeastern Guide Dogs finally pulled into my driveway again. This time carrying a special cargo for me. The excitement was so intense and the pure joy was so overwhelming that my face couldn’t hide the glee despite a broken heart still reeling from the loss of my father just over a week before. These special cargoes can do that for a heart. This special cargo, named Nala, turned out to be a 45 pound golden-colored Goldador that didn’t walk down the sidewalk. Nala wiggled because her tail was wagging her entire body. Nala wiggled her way not just down that sidewalk, but wiggled straight into my gloomy heart, bursting it wide open with golden sunshine.

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After I met Nala, it was time to introduce her to the rest of the family- new Daddy Scott, big sister Hartley, and big brother Little Joe. To do that properly to help avoid jealousy and possible strife or aggression, we brought the dogs out one at the time, first to sniff and see for just a few seconds. Despite the rain and cold, it is best to do this outside, so the dogs don’t feel territorial on their first meeting. After meeting both dogs separately, we bring everyone out including Daddy and all go for a family walk down the street for a bit. We didn’t have any problems, but we were on the lookout for any signs of aggression to instantly correct for it with a good, “NO!” There is only one alpha in this family pack, and that is me. After our walk, we walked in the house together showing that Nala is part of the family pack now which will help decrease the chance of aggression between the dogs. We must be watching, though, to make sure there isn’t any subtle growling or other dominant behavior. That is hard for me being DeafBlind, but I am constantly vigilant of any tension in the room. My husband will also be watching and listening for me, too. After we entered the house and got a few instructions from the trainer, we were left alone for the evening and night for me to begin bonding with Nala, which meant keeping her close and happy. Cuddle time! For now, since she isn’t mine yet, that means cuddling on the floor and not on couches or the bed. Cuddling is fun. Nala wiggled around showing off toys in her mouth saying, “Look at me. I’m wonderful, right?” Yes, you are wonderful, Nala!

For several weeks, to ensure that Nala only bonds to me, my husband has to ignore Nala which is hard to do because she wants attention from everyone. All feedings, busying (bathroom breaks), praise, and corrections must come from me. Nala will also be on a leash beside me during waking hours or tie down (restrained gently to a chair or hook in the baseboard) and crated at night. That bonding is important to make sure Nala looks to me for love and instruction and that she is looking to please me the most which is the foundation for a good working relationship. We also want Nala to only learn good habits, so exploration is supervised until she learns what is expected of her and what things she can’t bother. On leash, I can help her to learn that without her getting into trouble that would result in a harsh correction rather than a low and somewhat gentle “No!” or “Drop it”. Start them off right is the best policy. Harsh criticism in the early stages will only hinder her process of becoming part of our pack.

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The training began bright and early the next morning. Well, not so bright because Nala must remain on school schedule until after the training period which means getting up at 6:30 a.m. for busying outside on leash on command, followed by breakfast. Busying on leash is important because when out working in public, restroom breaks must be done in certain places and at certain times and always on leash, as required by law, to always have your guide under your control. In order for the dog to feel comfortable doing their business with you standing close and then only when you give the command, so they are doing the busy in an appropriate place, you have to practice this often, and let it become a normal feeling. Nala was raised this way as was Little Joe from an early age, so they are used to doing it that way. As long as Nala is working, there are certain things we must continue to do to help her to always feel comfortable doing what is needed. Busying on leash on command is one of them. The on command part is even more important because she can’t just busy inside a store or even sometimes outside even if people walk there. I need to be able to walk her to an appropriate but out of the way place and say “Busy Busy” to let her know that it is ok to busy there. Of course, I never want her to have to be holding the business too long, so I always give her a busy opportunity before we go in a place and after we come out to help her work experience be comfortable from all aspects. Accidents have happened, though, if a dog suddenly becomes ill, but not only do I carry bags to pick up after my guides every time, anywhere, I also carry along cleaning and sanitizing materials in case of the rare accident. I also do not work my guide if I know they are sick or if the temperature is too hot for working, but sometimes we are both surprised. Our motto is like the Boy Scouts we used to be a part of, “Be prepared.”

The trainer arrived shortly after 7 am to begin our busy day of obedience exercises and short route work. Obedience is the exercises we do for a few minutes each day to practice basic commands of SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, HEEL, etc. We don’t always include all of the commands because there are quite a few, but we do always include these basics ones. Each exercise involves giving the command, expecting prompt obedience, praise when done correctly, and correction, if done incorrectly. Correction is a firm, low, “NO!” The no can be followed by a quick tug on the leash if a No isn’t enough, or if the guide is waiting to see how many times they can ignore before having to obey. Dogs can be like children at times who want to test you. It is best to teach them that they should do what you ask the FIRST time you ask, not after the third time. Consistent, proper training always results in a happy and loving working relationship. Give your dog lots of love and praise and you will have a dog who loves to do as you ask to please you. I want my guides to want to work, not because they are forced to work. Neither of us would be happy that way. Southeastern Guide Dogs stresses this in word and in their methods. Praise often, so praise after each followed command and have a good praise party at the end of the obedience session and after working. Love them up for what they do for you.

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Each day was a little different and with an increasing level of difficulty to allow Nala and I to transition together while we also continued our bonding. We began with short walks on the country road without a curb in front of my house and then moved on to sidewalk work on quiet streets in city neighborhoods to busy streets in commercial areas. Safety was always prime for me and Nala. Though DeafBlind and unable to see or hear traffic, I learned to let Nala help me along our paths, but my trainer was never more than a shoulder’s grab away from us to make sure we were never in any danger as we made our way around barriers, across broken sidewalks, through overhanging branches, narrow pathways with utility poles too close, crossing a busy intersection. Though Nala has been taught intelligent disobedience which means she has been taught to disobey me if the command I give will put myself or her in danger, I can’t rely on her to see or hear all dangers or even to perceive every type of danger. It is my responsibility to know my limitations, accept them, and stay within those limitations safely. Hearing blind listen at intersections to follow the traffic flow and know when it is safe to cross. I can’t do that, so I accept that I will always need sighted help when crossing streets and in certain areas. I’m ok with that. Helen Keller National Center for the DeafBlind has developed some techniques and resources to help the DeafBlind get that help even when the DeafBlind person travels alone using special signs that the DeafBlind person holds to get attention and requests someone to help them safely cross the street. That method works, and I have used it successfully myself when needed. With Nala, as with Little Joe, I accept that I will always need that help, so I will never travel alone or only in areas I know and using those methods I learned at HKNC.

Our training also included working in restaurants and in stores, using stairs and elevators. I personally chose not to be taught how to use escalators safely. That can be done if necessary, but there is always a danger to the dog, so I chose not to be taught that method with Nala. We will always avoid escalators. With Little Joe, we did learn the method and did it safely a few times in large cities when necessary, but it was never a comfortable experience. Knowing that I will probably never be in a situation again where an escalator is my only option, I feel it is best for us not to use the method. If it should happen, I will rely on my sighted companion to determine another route or ask the building managers to turn the escalator off to let us use it as a normal staircase to prevent injury. I pray I will never find a situation again where the escalator is the only option.

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My trainer taught so many things by deed or in lecture which I got as emails to read in braille at night. We worked often during the day and even in the evening for seven packed days, despite the continuing cold and rain. During the coldest times, we found indoor work areas, but we worked rain or shine, cold or warm, indoors, and outdoors in as many kinds of settings as possible to give Nala exposure to as many of the environments that we will be working in while I had a trainer there to help us adapt to the setting and each other. It was a lot of hard work, and at times anxiety crept in which would travel down the leash to Nala making her nervous and hindered her working properly for a brief time, but together we faced each moment and worked through it because Nala is determined to help me.

Nala knows I can’t see, and she wants to help. I now know that she has begun to realize that I can’t hear, either, and is finding ways to help me there, too. At first, she would go to the door when she needed to go busy. Of course, I was taking her often to find her pattern at first, but I can’t hear her whine at all, so it wasn’t always obvious that she needed to go even on leash by my side. After a few days, I would let her off leash to play with me in the room while I gave her complete attention to make sure she didn’t bother things that might get broken or hurt her. Still even with that vigilant attention, I didn’t know when she was going to the door just to see outside or if she was telling me she needed to go out. After a few times of that and I guess noticing that I would note she was growling at noises with my hand on her neck or shoulder, Nala began coming to me and touching my leg with her snout or in my hand. Then she would go to the door and sit. After a few determined repeats of this, I realized she was telling me she needed to go busy. Never once did she have an accident, but she was smart enough and observant enough to quickly find a way to let me know what she needed. That is a wonderful dog!

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After learning about barriers, on curb and off curb work, vehicle safety, night walks, landmarks, medical care, and so much more, and when my trainer felt we were ready, training days came to an end, and I signed the transfer of ownership agreement on Feb. 22, 2015. Nala is mine with no limitations as long as I take good care of her in all ways including good health routines and vet care, maintaining a healthy weight, and making sure she is safe physically and emotionally. A dog is a big responsibility. A working dog is an even bigger responsibility because while the dog gives its all to take care of me, I need to give my all taking care of the guide. I promise I will, just as Nala promises to take care of me. Part of that promise includes letting Nala have a spot on the couch next to me and my other fur babies. Nala approved heartily.

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Training isn’t really over, just the supervised training is over as we learn more about each other and experience new things. I also can contact SEGDI at any time for questions or additional help, so we are not alone. We still have more bonding to do, too. In a few weeks, Nala will be comfortable enough at home and know our routine and house rules well enough to relax off leash when not working. Then Daddy Scott will be able to pay more attention to her which he is very excited about, but my bond with her must be first and foremost to have a secure and healthy working relationship. It all begins in earnest here. Now we must travel life together maximizing our teamwork to be independent and productive. I never walk alone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Danger of Loose Dogs

April 15, 2015 by Renee K Walker Leave a Comment

 

Unleashed-Dogs

Over the years, we have raised guide dog puppies and a few personal pets. Even though we have a very large fenced-in back yard, we prefer to walk as a family to take our dogs for walks along our half-mile cul-de-sac. It provided great training walks for the guide dog puppies as well as exercise for all of our fur babies. What should have been a peaceful excursion was often a path of frustration and even more than once a road to terror. Neighborhood dogs left to roam without supervision would come running to annoy us and our dogs, often resorting to nipping. One dog actually attacked our Pomeranian and our young son who was holding his leash. My husband literally had to tackle the dog and roll him away from our son and dog, resulting in back and leg injuries to himself. We looked toward the house, looking for help to subdue the dog. All we got was the owners peeking through the windows to see their dog causing a commotion and then pulling the shade down to hide from view. Another occasion led to one of the guide dog puppies being bitten. From then on, that puppy became fearful of other dogs and despite intervention by us and the guide dog school, the puppy eventually had to be released from the program, costing the guide dog school tens of thousands of dollars in lost training funds.

More recently, we have been having to deal with another neighbor’s dogs. The neighbors say they rescue dogs and love animals. They have had as many as nine of varying breeds in their back yard with only an enclosed fenced kennel area of about 20’x 15’. They seldom keep the dogs in the enclosed area because they were getting into violent fights. The dogs are kept on cable runs in various places of their huge yard, often in the open sun with little to no shade. They do feed them properly and give them water, but often the dog on the run turns over the water container and is left for the rest of the day with no water and often wraps itself around the pole unable to stray more than a foot or so, since it is unable to understand how to unwrap the cord on its own. The dogs can stay on these runs day and night, sunny weather, 105 degree heat indexes, below freezing temps, storms up to 45 mile an hour gusts with the only shelter being a plastic kennel that the dog may or may not be able to reach. At other times, the dogs are left loose to roam the neighborhood to bark at other dogs, dig deep holes in yards and flower beds, chase cars, annoy walkers, and whatever they decide to do. Either situation is disheartening because the dogs can’t be happy and feeling loved, and the loose dogs are annoying and can be dangerous. The dogs have even begun to jump our fence to bark and bite at our dogs in their fenced area which is supposed to be their safe haven.

Am I just complaining here? Am I trying to be proactive in the situation? Yes, we have talked with the neighbors politely in each and every situation trying to take it as an educational talk about keeping their dogs safe as an emphasis as well as protecting other dogs and property. When that wasn’t enough, we have called animal control and asked them to place their pamphlets in the area to further educate people about the actual laws. We have only called once, recently, asking for more specific help of forcing a neighbor to control their dogs, both on and off their property, properly. When your dog starts to be fearful in their own fenced yard, you know the problem has gone too far. Animal control is doing their part, but the problem is so rampant in the area that they just can’t do a whole lot. The shelter is over full with stray and nuisance dogs which leads the shelter to become a high kill shelter.

This is happening everywhere according to news and statistics. This is what you should know. Loose, uncontrolled dogs are more than just a nuisance. You may think your dog is friendly and wouldn’t hurt a person or even another dog, but it happens all too often, even with the friendliest of dogs. Dogs are often territorial and even beyond their borders with other dogs, if not people. A leashed dog walking down the street can also be a signal to a loose dog as a target for establishing dominance. This makes that dog more than a nuisance to any dog or person in the area, but it is an outright danger to a blind or DeafBlind guide team. A guide dog that is intimidated or attacked even without injury may become damaged or traumatized for life and be unable to work as a guide. You may not understand that because most dogs are confident, but a guide dog’s training teaches them to be gentle and submissive in all cases. If they were noisy and assertive in any way, you would not want them in a public place; so while an intimidating, uncontrolled dog is a threat to anyone or any dog, it becomes even more so to a guide dog team. The blind or DeafBlind person may also be emotionally traumatized, too. Being blind or deaf and blind can cause fear in the best of situations, but it can be debilitating when the person can’t see or even hear what is happening, but can feel the tugs on the leash and know something is wrong with their trusted guide. The person can also be hurt by an attacking dog when they are knocked to the ground or fighting happens around their feet. A peaceful walk to work can become a time of extreme stress or panic.

What is the solution? Pet owners must become responsible dog owners.

  • Do not allow your pet dog to roam freely in your neighborhood or to be unsupervised in an unfenced yard.
  • Properly contain your dog using kennels, fenced yards that also are designed to prevent digging under and climbing or jumping over the fence.
  • Use self-closing gates to prevent accidental release. Inside dogs should be monitored and controlled when people enter and leave the house to prevent darting through and also make sure doors fully close.
  • Use a leash when out walking or in unfenced areas, and make sure that the dog is under control at all times by someone strong enough to restrain the dog.
  • Socialize your dog properly around people and other animals.
  • Learn about dog behavior and take obedience classes with your dog.
  • Be aware of local leash laws and obey them.

You will be happier with your pet dog at home, too, and your neighbors will be happier with you.

If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem as the saying goes. If you are part of the problem, you may pay by losing your pet, being fined for disobeying leash laws, and even sued if your dog causes damage or bodily harm. If your dog intimidates or attacks a guide dog team, even without physical injury, you can pay even more dearly. Many states have laws and more each year are passing new laws and strengthening old ones requiring irresponsible dog owners to be financially responsible for the actions of their unsupervised pets, and may be accountable for not only medical costs for injuries, but also the replacement costs of the guide dog which can range from $60,000 to $80,000 for each guide dog. In certain circumstances, the pet owner can also be jailed for up to six months. If you are irresponsible with your pets, it can be costly.

The problem of unsupervised dogs is becoming a widespread epidemic. The danger is rising. My dogs, including my guide dog, and I want to be safe on the road and in our yard. I can do only so much to protect them. The rest is up to other dog owners.

Do you own a dog or plan on getting one? Which group are you going to choose? The solution or the problem?

 

 Find out how widespread this problem is and what you can do to help:

  • http://www.home.earthlink.net/~blindworld/NEWS/6-09-06-01.htm
  • http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_pets_attackfacts
  • http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_grads_attackreport
  • http://www.seeingeye.org/news/default.aspx?M_ID=406
  • http://fourleggedfriendsandenemies.blogspot.com/2014/06/it-was-terrifying-norwich-womans-guide.html

 

  • A Blog Post Series that details an attack and its effects on the guide and its handler:

  • http://blindsommelier.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/attack-on-my-guide-dog/
  • http://blindsommelier.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/guide-dog-attacked-contd/
  • http://blindsommelier.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/the-aftermath-of-the-attack/
  • http://blindsommelier.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/10-days-after-the-dog-attack/

 

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Recent Posts

  • How can I Self-Advocate?
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