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11th Year of Aiding the Blind |
Freedom
Guide Dogs
1210 Hardscrabble Road Cassville New York 13318 (315) 822-5132 E -mail Freedomdog@a-znet.com
web address:
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Volume 1 Issue 17 Spring 2003
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Unity arrived
at my home in April, 2002, in the last cold days of the year.
A small black Labrador of rather stocky build, she is both sturdy and steady
of nerve.
I presently work for ABVI-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester. A computer instructor for those who are blind or visually impaired since birth. I have a condition called retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a degenerative disease of the retinas. Although I have used a white cane since age 18, I have enjoyed a considerable amount of usable vision throughout most of my adult life. I read standard print, worked in the computer industry, first as a programmer, and later as an instructor. I spent much time pursuing my favorite pastimes of amateur radio, and working with audio equipment of all types. And all of these things I did quite visually. |
Several years ago, I began to notice major changes in my vision. Things were growing cloudy and indistinct. In the summer of 2001, my eye doctor confirmed that the retinitis Prigmentosa had moved into the macula of each eye, thereby degrading my central vision, where I had nearly all of my usable vision. This sudden decline in vision was having a dramatic impact on my ability to travel. I found myself struggling to recognize familiar landmarks. I began to have trouble crossing wide streets and driveways without drifting to one side or another. I quickly realized that my vision would continue to diminish and these problems would only get worse and I decided to be proactive and apply for a dog guide. I applied to Freedom Guide Dogs, and met with Eric Loori in October, 2001.
Working with Unity has made all the difference in the world. She is quiet and generally well disciplined, although she has shown me up for the flabby middle-ager that I am! My travel pace has returned to what it was before I started to lose vision. I cross streets efficiently. My pace has increased about 50% since she came to work with me. I remember distinctly, though, that I was so out of shape that the first few days of training, I was almost too sore to move by bedtime.
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Unity has
been wonderful company as well. Having never married, I live by myself
in a small home in Rochester, NY The house used to be very quiet,
and having her around has improved my quality of life immeasurably.
I marvel constantly at the quality of her training and her intelligence.
I’ve taught her a couple of extra things... to find the poles with the
buttons for the pedestrian signals in front of my work place, and to follow
people that I point out to her on command. She has learned to “find
the pole” and “follow” very readily.
Eunie, as I call her, has really fit into all phases of my social and professional life. She goes to church with me, as well. I am so very pleased with her work, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have made it possible for me to work with Unity through their hard work and generosity. Thank you very much. She truly is a blessing. |
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September 1991- February 2003
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We are
sorry to report that Jersey our first breed dog has passed over the
“Rainbow Bridge”. Jersey was always a fun loving dog with a good
amount of energy. She enjoyed swimming and fetching like most labs
but had an enthusiasm not always seen. Jersey had five litters for
Freedom Guide Dogs. She produced 21 dogs that went on to become guides.
Most of the following dogs are still working guides: Aaron,
Amber, Andy, Ash, Ari, Astro, Beau, Becca, Faithful, Faye, Friday,
Fawn, Ferdie, Icon, Indy, Isabella, Izzy, Ivan, Olivia, Oliver, and Otis.
We thank Agnes Eaton for caring for Jersey throughout the years and letting
her enjoy retirement.
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Puppy Raiser Profile: New York City
| People are always asking, “Who raises the puppies?”, followed by a, “I could never do that as I could not give the dog up!!” Well we are always thankful for the folks that can do just that. Many of our Puppy Raisers have raised many more then one pup, but all have to start somewhere. Pictured is Claude of New York City who contacted us about raising a puppy to become a Freedom Guide Dog. With Claude is Puppy “Rusty” a yellow Labrador and Claude’s personal dog Val, a 12 year old Chocolate lab. Together they make their home in New York City one block from Central Park on the Upper West side. This is Claude’s first pup for Freedom and he says he is having a great time. Rusty enjoys his outing in the park and as Claude works in the day he has a “dog walker” who takes the dogs out for a mid-day break. Rusty has become a local celebrity when people see him in his puppy coat and they realize the career he is embarking on. Puppy Raisers come in all shapes and sizes, ages, some are retired, some are just starting out on their own but they all have something in common a love for dogs and the desire to help others. |  |
New Training Center Project
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Ground breaking for the Kennel/Training Center will soon start, if the snow melts and the ground dries. After the long hard winter we are looking forward to Spring and the building of our long awaited training facility. As with any construction the weather will play a major part in when the project is completed, but look we look forward to an Open House in the fall. More on that as the time gets closer. |
Give A Gift Of Independence
Your contribution to Freedom Guide Dogs means someone’s freedom. All funds are applied to provide highly trained guide dogs to men and women who are blind. There is no charge to the client for the trained guide, instruction, or the equipment that is placed with the guide. Freedom Guide Dogs is a 501(c)(3), non for profit charity that does not receive any funding from the government, or insurance. Your contribution will go a long ways in helping us continue to serve the blind through our “Hometown Training”. A copy of our latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from Freedom Guide Dogs, or The Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
Wheels For Freedom
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Don’t know what to do with the old or not so old car on your property!! You can help Freedom Guide Dogs by donating it through Donation Line, LLC. If you have a car, boat, truck, RV’s, motorcycle, snowmobile, van or even a bus you would like to donate please phone this toll free number, 1-877-227-7487 ext. 1273. Tell them you want to donate to Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind. Please have your title in hand. The vehicle does not have to be running!! For more information you can look on the web at www.donationline.com. |