Many of you may not realize how a guide dog can give a blind person "vision" and motivation to live a more fulfilling and dignified lifestyle.  I thought I would put together a small diary of some heart warming adventures and experiences I have had with Dale.  Enjoy!

  Dale goes to the zoo!  For this past Father's day, my two daughters and I took the dads (my hubby and my father) to the Henry Villas Zoo here in Madison, WI.  It didn't take long for the animals to notice a black, four legged creature mingling with all of the zoo visitors.  When we approached the outdoor Orangutan enclosure, we could barely see him.  The large primate was standing to the far right side of the enclosure hiding behind a big pole.  All of the sudden, he caught a glimpse of Dale.  The big monkey perked right up and came rushing over to us.  About six feet in front of where we were standing was a very tall chain link fence.  The Orangutan climbed the fence and perched right in front of us.  The crowd was very interested and soon we were surrounded by a mob of spectators and a very large monkey!  Dale didn't mind at all!  The monkeys in the indoor primate exhibit were also very curious about Dale.  The crowd was following us from exhibit to exhibit.  These animals must not see very many service dogs.  The Giraffe was probably the most spectacular interaction we had that day.  When we approached the Giraffe's area, she was standing right by the edge, looking up at a tree for a snack.  She was so calm and peaceful.  Dale was looking into the enclose, but I don't think he actually saw how tall this gal was.  When the Giraffe moved a little, Dale whispered a woof!  To my surprise, the graceful giant leaned way over to see Dale.  If her neck would have been three feet longer, she would have giving Dale a kiss.  She was so curious.  If we moved around the enclosure, she followed.  It was quite a scene.  What a great experience for my daughters to see the animals at the zoo so animated and curious.  Normally they are so sedate and not active at all.  So next time you visit the zoo, take a long a friend who has a service dog.  It was exciting!

  Dale finished Formal Harness Training (Dec. 2006) and came home to live with me and be my guide.  He has warmed the hearts of my entire family.  My husband, daughter and I had some last minute Christmas shopping to do, so I harnessed up Dale and went to a local department store.  While browsing around, I work Dale "sighted guide" which means I hold on to my husband or the cart and heel Dale beside me.  We were walking down the sporting goods isle and a lady looked down at Dale and chuckled, "Oh, he likes Pooh Bear too!"  We looked down at Dale and here he had been carrying my daughter's Pooh Bear in his mouth.  My daughter must have dropped Pooh somewhere in the store and Dale made sure we wouldn't leave without him.  Now if you knew how much this little Pooh Bear means to my little daughter, you would surely appreciate the significance of this canine's gesture.

I was with my sister one afternoon (Dec. 2006) and I had to stop at a bank and cash a check.  We went through the drive-thru, but because I didn't have a checking account with this bank, they requested that I come into the lobby for assistance.  I had never been in this bank before, so I was very nervous about going in without sighted assistance.  I had my two-year-old daughter in the van with us, so it would have been a lot of work to unload and reload her just to cash a check.  I had my sister pull up to the front of the bank and Dale and I set off for a new adventure.  I told Dale, "Forward, inside."  Dale took me to the lobby doors and we proceeded inside.  Once we entered the bank, I told Dale, "Forward, find the counter."  Dale took me to the teller counter and I was able to cash a check.  Once I was finished with the teller, I told Dale, "Find outside."  He then took me to the doors and then back to the van.  This was a very big deal for me, because I would have never gone in alone if it were not for my new sighted companion- my guide dog Dale! 

Dale goes bowling! (Dec. 2006).  We went to the local bowling alley and met up with some friends and family.  Dale did great!  I think Dale is my good luck charm because I bowled a 140 for my first game!  I was even able to get up and go to the restroom and back without human assistance.  This dog is proving to be a great asset to my life!