High Five! – Five Years with Rick
-by Mike Gravitt
Being blind is not easy. I believe most, if not all, other blind folks out there would agree with me. There are many challenges, attitudinal barriers, misconceptions, and physical barriers we must strive daily to circumnavigate, all in the hopes of maintaining our dignity, independence, and, on some days, sanity!
On the other hand, I believe that many of us, especially those of us who have been blind our entire life, feel that we are the people we are today because of our situation. I know that personally, I would not change things. I feel that I am more compassionate, a better listener, a more intuitive problem-solver, and more in-tuned to feelings (no pun intended) due to my blindness. I would not have met as many wonderful people, likely would not have ended up in Pittsburgh for my career, and would not have had as many opportunities to mentor others with disabilities, and share my life with as many caring people as I now do.
Most importantly, though, I would not have had such a wonderful soul in my life! Rick, who is my four-legged, black and tan Labrador guide dog, has been a tremendous blessing to me in so many ways. After losing more vision and experiencing some slight hearing issues, I decided to go to Guiding Eyes for the Blind to get my first guide dog, and I have not looked back! (well…because I can’t!).
We all know that dogs are so incredibly loyal to their owners. There is nothing like the unconditional love that a dog can give a person. It is sad that humans tend to fall short often times, but I digress!
When you combine this loyalty with the intelligence, willingness to work, and the constant companionship and safety of a guide dog, the feelings are overwhelming.
Five years ago, on October 20, 2005, I met an excited and energetic puppy named Quick. A few months later, for several reasons, I renamed him Rick. I got tired of everyone thinking I was in a hurry, when I was only addressing my dog!
It would be an understatement to state that my life is different since knowing Rick. My life is transformed! I am able to get around with more grace and independence (no more accidentally sneaking up on ladies, and invading them with my white cane!). I am more quickly and easily able to locate places, especially places I frequent. People are more comfortable approaching me, thus allowing me to do my small part to talk and educate others about my blindness.
I try as hard as I can to show Rick the appreciation I have for what he does for me. I often talk to him, and tell him my feelings, and wonder sometimes if he can understand me. Then, I’ll tell him to go make me a sandwich, and he does not move, so I am led to believe he indeed does not understand my words. This is accurate, right? Smile.
Seriously, if Rick truly could understand me, these are the thoughts I would share with him at our five-year mark together. I may, however, just have to settle for a few pats and belly rubs, and a treat or two instead.
To Rick: The most loving, caring, and hard-working dog I know: Thank you for your service. Thank you for your love, loyalty, and giving your all to me each and every day. Thank you for risking your life, to make sure that mine is safe. Thank you for the affection, the kisses, and for all of the wonderful cuddle time you give. Thank you for the laughs, the smiles, and the joy you bring to my life. Thank you for making me smile on days I do not feel as upbeat. Thank you for the positive energy you give to me. Thank you for putting up with me when I correct you for something you did not do wrong, or for being unreasonable when you are trying your hardest. Thank you for the joy, the love, the tail wags, and the hugs. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for being my buddy. Thank you for the high-five’s! Thank you for giving me five, the best five years I have had. I hope we make it five more, and even more beyond that! Thank you for being there for me, physically and emotionally. You are a great friend, and true blessing. I love you, and promise to always have you in my heart.
Before I had Rick, did I ever think I would find myself saying such things to a dog? No! However, the bond created when a person is matched with a service animal is unlike anything I, or anyone else, can come close to explaining. You have to experience it for yourself.
If anyone out there reading this has ever considered a guide dog, but has not taken the steps for one reason or another, here are a couple of my thoughts:
1. It is not a life sentence. It is perfectly okay to go through training, and try a guide dog for a few months. If it does not work, most likely the school is able to use the dog for another student.
2. Owning a guide dog is not for everyone. It is a personal choice, and a choice that can only be made by an individual. While there are many advantages to owning a guide dog, there is also a lot more responsibility. It is wise to discuss your situations with other dog handlers and trained employees of guide dog schools to make an informed decision.
3. The Hadley School for the Blind offers a free course that you can take from home to determine if a guide dog is right for you. Visit http://www.hadley.edu/showCourses.asp?courseid=GDG-101 for more details.
Thank you for reading, and, as Rick and I happily continue on our journey, we wish each of you the best on your own life journeys.