Bruce Barrett says he's finding his way back to an independent lifestyle, and it's all because of a Standard poodle named Casper.
Mr. Barrett, a resident of Kippens, lost his eyesight and had to receive transplants for damaged ligaments in his legs after a car accident in 1999."I'm not supposed to be walking, really, and I appreciate that every day," he says.
Mr. Barrett was a special guest at the Stephenville Lions and Lioness Club's annual awards night dinner last week. The local Lions club sponsored Mr. Barrett to receive Casper, his Seeing Eye dog, from the Lions Foundation of Canada, who train dog guides in Oakville, Ontario.
"You go there and it's like a school," says Mr. Barrett. "Every couple of months they put out six or seven guide dogs, up to nine guide dogs every two months and they feed you and give you a place to stay and take really good care of you," he says of the Lions Ontario school.
Mr. Barrett and Casper have been home for just three weeks, and during this time have been taking part in some very important bonding time - much of which is spent walking.
"We walk from Kippens to Stephenville in 45 minutes," he says. "We were doing it two hours first, but we're down about 45 minutes. Almost every day."
He notes some people may think he's a little crazy to walk from Kippens to Stephenville each day, but he's enjoying the independence walking with Casper provides.
"But you know what? It's a bit of freedom, and I can do it, so I'm going to do it," he says. "It keeps me in shape."
In an address to the members of the club at the dinner, Lion John Framp noted being able to help Mr. Barrett and see the positive effect his dog has made on his life is what motivates members of the Lions and Lioness Clubs to do what they do.
"Bruce, we welcome you and just feel absolutely wonderful that we can see the benefits of our efforts," said Lion Framp.
Mr. Barrett told clubmembers working with Casper has been a challenge, but well worth it.
"Having a dog, it's a really big difference because I can't see anything that's coming. Cars, holes, trees. He brings me around poles, curbs - stuff that I would normally fall down or something ... it's been pretty cool."
- Note that people using a Dog Guide are independent and want to be treated that way.
- They will ask if they need assistance; if you feel they need assistance, simply say, "May I help you?"
- The Dog Guide will usually be on the left side of the blind person, so if the person needs assistance, approach from the right, or opposite side and offer your arm.
- If the blind person is seeking assistance to cross the street, take them all the way across and up onto the opposite curb where the dog will know how to resume his duties.
- Do not pet a Dog Guide when it is in harness. Always ask the handlers permission as to whether you can pet the dog or not.
- Never feed a Dog Guide. The handler looks after the dog's diet very carefully, and the dog works most effiently when the recommended diet is followed.
Source: Lions Foundation of Canada
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