Meghan's Story
Dog Guide Etiquette
Elli
Training Journal 1999
Dori
Dori's Homecoming
Dori At Three
Cane or Dog Guide?
The First Seeing Eye Dogs
Dog Guides and Stereotypes
The Battle for Access
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When I got Elli in 1991, I attempted to keep a journal. However, many things were pressing on my mind in addition to my training experience. The journal I kept was not truly reflective of the training experience.
Elli retired at age 9, and In September, 1999, I returned for my second round of training with a new dog, Dori--and a second attempt at portraying the experience in writing. I had intended to write something every day. Though I have failed to meet this goal, I do not consider my journal a failure. It is the most honest account I can share, and that makes a better journal than just daily writing which says nothing.
The first three entries were dictated spontaneously onto a cassette tape. I have made only minor alterations in these entries so as to improve grammar and the flow of the account. I share the complete account with the hope that readers will understand not only what training is like but also the feelings of a student as she goes through the training.
The title of this journal has not been chosen lightly. My mother wrote a letter in Elli's character to Dori. Just as Elli strove to impart some of her wisdom to the new Seeing Eye dog, I hope that my journal wil impart something to those who read it. The title reflects a certain desire I have: to speak from my heart to yours. It also reflects the reason for the journal's existence: the transition from first to second dog.
I am honored to have received both of my dogs from The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ. The professionalism of the staff and the quality of training and accommodations during the training period are extraordinary and truly reflect a respect for the students as individuals first and blind second which I have seen nowhere else. I am especially thankful to my instructors, Lukas Frank and Jane Schneiderman, who taught me to work in partnership with Elli and Dori respectively, for their patience and perseverance in the training of my dogs and in my instruction. I am also, of course, deeply grateful for Elli and Dori; for without them none of this would have happened. They have both truly changed my life, even in spite of the short time Dori has been with me. As Elli continues to live in my parents' home and Dori to accompany me on my travels throughout the years to come, I am certain that they will continue to change my life.
This is a special presentation just for the Worldwide Web. I may write a more extensive account later. I regret that my poor health during training kept me from making more elaborate notes about the experience. However, I have plenty of pictures to share and have added a few comments here and there in special sections so that I could share those as part of this account.
Sarah J. Blake