Disabled Dogs Love without Impairment, Part 2
In Part 1 of Disabled Dogs Love without Impairment, we learn about the interesting challenges that Waldo, the blind dalmatian, and Joan Michaels, Waldo’s service human, face from day to day. Determined to live life to the fullest, Joan and Waldo have developed creative solutions to these daily challenges and nothing can stop them now. Read on for Joan’s account of how she and Waldo have made their way…
How has Waldo overcome?
Waldo is my hero. Against all odds, he passed the Therapy Dog test a few days ago after many months of training and first earning his Canine Good Citizenship certificate last February. I believe his “disability” has made him a better dog and especially able to sympathize with children and older people with special needs of their own. Now we can begin our new journey, bringing joy to people who really need relief, even if just for a short time.
I never coddled Waldo after I learned that he was blind. I knew that if I did, he would become more fearful and possibly depressed and afraid of the world around him. Instead, I take him with me often for walks through Home Depot, where he is fast becoming the store’s mascot; I enroll him in classes; and we hike through the woods in Schodack whenever we can.
Disabled Dogs Love without Impairment, Part 1
MEET WALDO
Waldo is a bright, curious Dalmatian with a propensity for adventure – even without the gift of sight. Thanks to his adopter, Joan Michaels, Waldo has never had a dull moment. And while his life is filled with excitement, Joan’s is filled with laughter, admiration and a deep, deep friendship thanks to this disabled dog who loves without impairment.
After watching Waldo perform task after task in socialization class, I was moved by his bravery and the trust he has in Joan. I often watched the two working with alternate forms of commands and interesting leash work but, until I asked Joan to share what life with Waldo is like, I never imagined the thought process that goes into training a blind dog.
Read on to understand the interesting challenges these two have encountered living their day to day lives.
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