 |
| Tarzan at the Pool |
As we all know, most thirteen year olds are busy with
schoolwork, friends, hanging out at the mall, and cell phones. Emily is not a
typical thirteen year old. Her love for animals and the sight-impaired have
been coupled together to lead her to raise a guide-dog puppy through Guide Dogs for the Blind. This puppy is going to give
guidance and help to someone who needs it.
It all started with a scrapbook. Emily was looking at their
dog, Spritz’, scrapbook from his puppy days. Spritz is a guide dog that had a “career
change” and moved in with her family as a pet. She thought all of those
pictures of her being trained were so inspiring. After seeing that scrapbook, she
couldn’t stop thinking that she had to raise a guide dog. She knew that she could
raise a puppy and change a life.
 |
| Emily and Tarzan in Training |
Initially, Emily told her mother what her dreams were. Her
mother said, “Oh, sure Honey, we will look into it.” Emily came back
again and again saying, “Well, 'yes' or 'no'?” Her parents were hoping that she
would forget.
Finally her parents gave in to her pleas and they joined a guide dog
club.
 |
| Emily's Parents at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Headquarters |
It was there that she learned even more about the difference
a dog can make. She learned that a blind person is not naturally connected to the surroundings. They are
given a second chance at life when they get a dog, because they are able to function in our sight-rich
world. Guide dogs are taught "intelligent disobedience." (As opposed to teenagers who often pick up "unintelligent disobedience.") They learn to stop at
curbs, turn directions, change speed, and see danger. This is key to survival.
The first four months are the most important months in a
dog’s life. Emily got to work right away trying to get her dog, Tarzan, to sit,
a basic dog command.
Good luck right?
 |
| Always Together |
Tarzan just wouldn’t sit. Emily was
really frustrated. One day the family was getting shoes at Famous Footwear. The
shoppers there were commenting on how nice Tarzan was. Emily said, “sit” to
Tarzan, and he proudly sat down right away. His fans were thrilled and Emily was flabbergasted! She felt like Tarzan had just won "best in show" at the Westminster Dog Show. "Awe, how cute," they said.
Emily
learned that some dogs need a crowd to perform in front of. :) Now Tarzan is a star and proudly sits regularly. All of the commands that Emily
teaches Tarzan are relevant to his future life and work.
My Uncle Allan was blinded thirty years ago in a car
accident. Soon after he lost his sight he had a trained dog by his
side. This dog helped him get around and navigate this
fast paced world. Clearly, these dogs are not born like this. It takes trainers
like Emily!
The Guide Dogs for the Blind is an organization that raises and
trains sweet puppies to be career guide dogs. I am especially proud of my niece who is
making a difference in our world through her guide dog puppy, Tarzan.
