Rhapsody’s Chronicles 2006
Our Adventure At the Guide Dogs for the Blind School
30 May 2006 – Wednesday
Since coming to the Guide Dogs for the Blind school in San Rafael, California, these past few days has been a game of waiting and learning how to handle our new guide dog before meeting them. On Tuesday afternoon, I was told my guide name is “Rhapsody”, a golden retriever/Labrador mix. I begin to be filled with mix emotions and anticipations as to whether my guide dog was being carefully selected for me and whether she was going to accept me as her new companion in this sighted world. I am slowly losing sight of.
Today in the early afternoon, Audrey asks me to wait in the dorm’s music room in preparation in meeting Rhapsody, and as I waited. I remember feeling a bit excited in meeting Rhapsody. As Audrey brought in this most beautiful guide dog; I never considered how golden she would look like. Rhapsody had this long pointed brown nose, dark colored eyes, and these long droopy golden ears. It looks as Rhapsody had a happy look from the way she panted. Audrey started explaining to me “Let Rhapsody come to you on her own term before calling her name.” Eventually, Rhapsody had come to me and sniffed my hands for a few minutes then afterward, she gave me a light lick on the back of my one hand. “Awww” Audrey softly said, “She like you.” But Rhapsody’s interests were short, since this was a new surrounding to her. Audrey gave me a cue as to when to call her. So I did. Rhapsody responded and came to me hastily.
In the meanwhile while I was stroking Rhapsody’s ears and neck, Audrey proceeded to tell me about Rhapsody’s life in their care. Rhapsody was a golden retriever/Labrador mix, born on May 2, 2004, which meant Rhapsody just had her birthday a few weeks before, just turning the age of two. Audrey told me that Rhapsody was given to another person as her guide dog, but the lady and Rhapsody had too many conflict of interests to continue together. So Rhapsody was place back in the guide dog for the blind care and re-trained. And I believed she was supposed to be prepared for me.
When Audrey was explaining to me about Rhapsody’s history; I took notices how soft and silky Rhapsody’s ears and head felt in my hands. I recalled back to a few weeks prior to my coming to the Guide Dogs school, when one night, I had this dream about what my own guide dog would be like. Though my dream seems so tangible at the time, I remember waking up telling my dream to my wife of how it seems so real. Although in my dream, I couldn’t see what she looks like but how she felt in my hands. And here I am re-living my dream all over again however I am seeing what my guide dog really looks like within my hands.
I had begun to be filled with such joy and happiest in my heart that my dream was coming true and real. I silently gave thanks to God sending Rhapsody into my life.
Rhapsody and I spent the rest of the afternoon in some quality time and bonding. I was told to talk to her during this time so she is to become familiar with my voice. I had sat down near her, engaged in some play time but she continued to be rather curious by her new surrounding rather than getting to know me. This bonding time was going to take some time to work out between the both of us but I know this process will take some time.
When Rhapsody gave me, my first face kisses, I knew this was the beginning of a wonderful friendship together. I surely hope so! I am really ready for some new adventure with my guide dog, Rhapsody.
2 June 2006 – Friday
It’s been nearly two days since Rhapsody and I made our first connection in this guide dog companionship. And we are beginning to figure each other out with each instruction given to us. There is obedience training of basic ‘healing’, ‘sit’, ‘down’, ‘come’, and so forth. One thing for sure I have figured out, Rhapsody loves kibbles each time she obey my command. Of course, the instructors, tells me to wean her off this a little bit each time. So she isn’t relying on this every time.
A couple of days before, I got to know Rhapsody. I had to know and learn from “Juno” our Guide Dogs for the Blind mascot. Basically he is our invisible guide dog in our instructor’s control. Learning from Juno was the easy part, it was doing it with my own guide dog, Rhapsody, is the challenge. Through several trials and errors, we both will make out great as long as I remember what I need to do on my part. Rhapsody knew what to do but only if I knew what to say to her correctly. It’s like fumbling down a hill and not sure if it will ever end. But overall, I trying to get up and put an end to this fall. Nevertheless, I wasn’t alone in these trials and tribulations, my twelve other classmates were going through the same obstacle.
This evening, I learned how to groom Rhapsody and Brenda gave me some insight about her parents. Rhapsody’s father was a yellow Labrador named “Olson” and her mother was a golden retriever named “Alaska.” She stood 25” tall, weigh 70 lbs, her coat is similar to her mother’s golden coat but shorter version but has her father’s soft yellow Labrador fur. It was fun grooming my guide dog, Rhapsody. Wow! She loves to wiggle a lot while brushing and has a lot of hair. Even though she loves to play with her rubber brush, I had to keep this a serious business. Yeah right, I thought. She has too many playful attributes.
These past couple of days of bonding has gain some level of comfort between us but before our true friendship can really happen with still need to develop that trust in each other. And I keep praying each day that Rhapsody and I will develop a strong connection between us as she has with other people in her pastime.
7 June 2006 – Wednesday
It certainly has been a busy few days for Rhapsody and I. We are learning how to go from our room to the cafeteria and other location on campus in ‘healing’ position. Along the way while walking around the dorm, we have been figuring out our walking stride. Rhapsody surely has a strong stride and really can kick it up when she love to go walking. Many of times though, I had to stop and get her to slow down but there were some trials and errors in my ordeal.
By this time of Rhapsody and I have been to the Guide Dogs for the Blind downtown lounge and have done a few short route around town similar to our “Juno” guide dog mascot training from the previous week, when using the harness. Like using commands, given her name “Rhapsody” for command, “halt”, “forward”, “right”, “left,” or “hop-up.” As each time we worked together it seems to be getting the a little easier with our shorter routes. We would just practice on some obedience commands to get Rhapsody’s attention at some point during our route. And she seems to be getting a bit distracted but nothing too major to handling with her with correction. Rhapsody seems to like all the attention, easily with the other guide dog. But each time I tell her “no” and get her to sit.
When Brenda, the guide dogs instructor, would take Rhapsody and I out on our route, she help me fix some of my mistakes as well as some of Rhapsody mistakes. Overall, Rhapsody and I have found out it takes team effort to do this the right way. And this is why, we are being instructed by our Guide Dogs instructors.
Over the weekend, I learned what Rhapsody’s favorite toys were. It was a “Blue Tug-a-War Ring” she enjoys playing with me and I chosen a nylobone which she loves to chew on and play with me the “tease the bone” game. Thank goodness this is a safe bone for chewing needs; she hasn’t developed any up to this point.
Each day Rhapsody would play with her ring but after a few days I decided to get the other toys recommended by the instructors as being a safe toy. This was the “Kong Ball” which looks like three different sizes of balls in one with a hollow center. I went to the mall, within walking distance, to see if their pet store had them, and they did. So I got a red color instead the black one like every one else had for their guide dogs. It was a joy to play with Rhapsody and her new “Kong Ball”. For she decided this was much funnier to play with. Especially the “Take the Ball from me” game; similar to playing tag with each other.
Rhapsody seized to amaze me each and every day we are together. Even if there were trying moments when working together, but as each time we play together the bonding continue to weave much stronger like the way a Navajo Native American would do when making a basket for their staples or water containers. Each strand the pull together weave into a tighter and much stronger bonded basket.
10 June 2006 – Saturday
Another week past, Rhapsody and I are beginning to become a great working team. Unlike the struggles we had in the first week, working with Rhapsody has been a learning and rewarding experience. When Rhapsody was on her new guide harness; it was like riding a horse for the first time. But I had to chuckle to myself as I recall the first time I rode my cousin’s horse alone. She told me, “You need to go with the movement of the horse, not against it.” Needless to say, by riding her horse the wrong way it causes many black-n-blue bruises on my little buttock at the time. Ouch! I was young then. I got over it soon.
So with that experience in mind, I had to figure out how to get the feel of Rhapsody’s movement. As Mike, the head supervisor of all the instructors told me, “Get the feel of the movement of Rhapsody and you’ll work quite nicely together.” By the end of the second week, we begin working out the irony of this situation quite nicely.
Each day Rhapsody and I had more challenging things to work on. It seems to be more intense and difficult to deal with. At least that what it seems like as a legally blind man, like unto myself. One of our many lessons was on distractions. Boy! Talk about getting Rhapsody in control and settle down can be a handful. It’s similar to juggling four plate of food while trying to walk on pins and needles at the same time. Despite the fact that each time there is a distraction, it seems to be getting easier to deal with. Rhapsody is beginning to respond to my voice command of ‘sit’ and ‘down’; or ‘NO’ when she bark or go after something on the floor. But she still likes a small child. I got to stay on top of this all the time.
Today was another rewarding experience for both Rhapsody and I. We learn by working together as a team. My follow-up command continues to get easier. What do I mean by all this? Well, Brenda asked if me if I wanted to take a longer route since she have been telling me how well Rhapsody and I are doing together. So I was game to give it a try.
After Rhapsody and I given our route, Brenda added another square block to that route we already knew. It felt great since by this time I was getting to know more of Rhapsody’s walking stride and what to expect from her. We’ve gotten around the new block that was added with ease. And we were heading back to the downtown lounge, when Rhapsody and I came upon a lot of people along the way. Up ahead, I had seen this woman and her dog on leash coming towards us and what was about to take place next was the most frightening and exciting all at once. As we approach each other closer and closer, Rhapsody and I remain on the far left side of the sidewalk, which was along the building of that street. The woman and her dog took the detour closest to the curb, but her dog decided to growl and then proceeded to bark at Rhapsody as they drew closer to us. Rhapsody seems involuntarily involved into this situation. She began to lunge over the front of me, to get to this irate dog on leach. . Now all this was happening so quickly and unexpected. I didn’t know what to do in this particular circumstance. So my inner voice told me to keep a firm grip on my guide harness and leash, shouted “Rhapsody, NO!” and then proceeded saying “Hop-Up!” My heart was racing from this intense ordeal one second, than the next second my heart became filled with great leap of joy when Rhapsody responded to my command and proceeded forward instead of being involved in this havoc nightmare. Overflowing with pride, I gave Rhapsody some much needed praises of “GOOD GIRL, Rhapsody!” continued over and over again until we got to the next corner where I gave her a hug around the neck. Brenda was near me and gives me that “Great handling job Matt.” We continued down back to our returning destination.
I had much to be grateful for today and give my thanks to God for sending me Rhapsody; this filled me with tremendous joy. With this joy I often weep with happiness for this great blessing I have. Each day has been a learning process for the both of us and this help us grow together much stronger. We will be doing many things together in our coming lives. Many roads will be taken during that course but I know we will stand tall and be strong in life’s journey.
14 June 2006 – Wednesday
Since our last event last week, many things had happened between Rhapsody and I, and one was how our relationship had went into the next level. Our relationship will become stronger through perseverance. Sometimes trials and tribulations has to occurred before the blessing is reap from it.
It came on a day when Rhapsody wasn’t doing her obedience session very well because she was merely distracted by a white pet rabbit brought in by one of our instructor along with some other dog belonging to another instructor. I finally had to use the ultimate “high collar choke” correction on her which, Rhapsody didn’t care for that very much. ‘Of course not,’ I thought, ‘I know wouldn’t like it either.’ As the day progresses we went to a park to do more obedience training near the campus. Again, I had to use the “high collar choke” correction on her again. But this time it was a form of rebellion and one of the instructors told me to not do it anymore for it turning into a negative experience. After that many times continuing with these corrections on her. My heart was felt weakening or hesitant from all corrections made; and along with the frustration with Rhapsody being continuously disobeying. I wanted to just cry, but refrained myself. After we gotten to the downtown lounge, I simply went into the restroom, broke down and cried into Rhapsody’s shoulder. Asking for her forgive me. She didn’t know what to do but she did lick my face, which is her way of understanding what I am feeling. Soon I found the strength to just go on, persist, and be patience with Rhapsody.
Deep down in my heart, I finally sought a prayer to God asking for forgiveness. For I know I am a weak man, and ask for strength to remain strong for Rhapsody. And the strength to continue with determination in my suffering; and. I got some support from fellow classmates too, I was able to learn from my weakness and become a better leader to my wonderful guide dog, Rhapsody through the help of God and my fellow classmates.
When it rains, it pours! A wise person once said. Isn’t that right?!
This week I had developed a chin splint in my left leg which found it hard to walk for a few days but Rhapsody was patience with me until I got well enough to continue walking in full stride. Getting my fortitude elevated, I was bound to go on and work with Rhapsody regardless how I felt during those few days after I first detected this injuiry. And as time went on, it got healed.
18 June 2006 – Sunday
Rhapsody is extraordinarily amazing. She is seems very smart, witty, and full of many unexpected aptitudes that seem to come out of her each day. She ceases to astound me every time I least expected. We work very hard together and gaining the confident as an experienced guide dog and handler team. Some of the instructors who worked with Rhapsody and I, continually tells us how well we are doing together and is happy to see that happening. One commented, “Your doing above average work, Matt.” Or another would say, “Looking good together, Matt.” Needless to say, I’m very proud to a part of this companionship with Rhapsody.
Each day I thank God for this union between Rhapsody and I because if I haven’t made that request for a change in my training plan, I most likely wouldn’t have gotten to know Rhapsody. I am grateful for all the wonderful people who taken the time to teach Rhapsody all the proper in-house training for her to be as good as she is. I am truly grateful for all the trainers who worked with Rhapsody into being a wonderful guide dog for me.
Every day seems to get kick up a notch in our training. And each time Rhapsody and I are building the confidence in each other where ever we may go. We are now being united as a team and works great together. We did our first night route it was simple but had a few of my own frustration which had nothing to with Rhapsody. We persisted and got to where we needed to be that night in the downtown lounge.
Mike had asked me during the week if I would be willing to be blindfolded to get a feel of being completely visually impaired. And to truly feel of how I can trust Rhapsody more and you know I was glad, I did it. Rhapsody had came over more than the 100% percent doing her job as a guide dog, even though I have only made one error during this test of faith. Rhapsody guided me through most of the sidewalk we were traveling on with many traffic and construction situations, which she totally amazed me.
Perseverance is another attribute I am learning about Rhapsody. She is very persistence to work although the conditions can be excruciating to work in. For example on Saturday, Rhapsody and I walked nearly four miles that day in our daily training. The longest trek was our “Bus-to-Lounge” being over one and a half miles. Boy! Talk about a great guide dog I have on my side. Rhapsody is surely a strong vital girl.
Later that day, Rhapsody and I got go on a great adventure for lunch at the San Rafael mall near the Guide Dogs for the Blind school. This added another mile or so to our busy schedule. By the mid afternoon, we continue to work on some sidewalk-less training which this will continue more once we get home to Arkansas. In spite of the scorching heat, Rhapsody’s paws were hopping hot from walking on the asphalted road in the neighborhood. Since that morning, Rhapsody had a good strong stride until that afternoon she started to slow her pace down considerably, but she persisted until we were finished.
After working that hard on Saturday, Rhapsody and I decided to take the full day to rest on Sunday. Of course, I went to church and came back to see my beautiful girl, Rhapsody. She and I went and play with her favorite toy the “Kong” on the patio area in the dorm. Later after lunch, we went over to the paddock area for her to run wildly around and play caught with some of the bigger ball in the area. Now I know another toy she would love to play with if I can find one in the pet store. We would play back and forth, yet she is mischievous in her game with the ball. I would call her and she would bring it but run away with it before I can get it from her. What a little stinker she was being? But I still love her dearly.
I am finding Rhapsody loves for me to rub her belly while sprawling on her back like a “dead dog”. I had to laugh about this for the first time she did it over a week ago. When she is next to me during the lectures or while sitting down at my daily meal, she loves to lay her head across my feet. When we are traveling on the bus, Rhapsody would place her head on my lap while traveling. Each time and each day we slowly become more bonded. And you know I think this is totally awesome.
Of course it will still take some time to fully unite as a team but only God knows what will happen during the course of our lives together. We are going to stride together.
23 June 2006 – Friday
For the past week, Rhapsody and I have many great outings together. One of several outing is going to San Francisco in different parts of the city. Each time seems to be getting more challenging and being ready to tackle it. We went to a small market area called Chestnut Street where we took the San Francisco Electric Transit system and walk back to the bus. Next to the Embarcadero Mall around the financial district, and on another day we went to Union Square and be among the many pedestrians in the city block, also did some stairs and elevator. A friendly visit to the San Francisco Airport for some training on their security check when travel through airports. We also, got to walk around in the Fisherman’s Wharf visit the Cannery which they had a few interesting choices of stairs. The most fun for Rhapsody was going to the beachfront Chrissy Field, close to the Golden Gate Bridge and got a feel of the San Francisco Bay water. By the way, Rhapsody was overly excited about the water and almost got completely wet along with me. And our final trip was to the wonderful forest of Marin County, the Muir Wood, a great walking trail for Rhapsody’s high energy.
Each outing was its own experience of challenges, which we are becoming great learning tools for each circumstance. We have been up and down many types of stairs in very their diverse ways and up and down elevators from smooth to stability. Traveled many different types of sidewalk and roads, high and low, much time Rhapsody would speed up or slow down. We have been in many neighborhoods in San Rafael and San Francisco that to learning all the various techniques will be a knowledgeable tool for our own situation at home. We travel on a dirt path leading down to the beach area and traveled along the trails of fores which brought Rhapsody to a new founded level of energy that was unexpected but exciting too.
When Rhapsody got into the ocean, it was like she came alive in full vitality and strength to be free but only one things stopping her. Me! Yet I had to do some corrections on her to set some boundaries before it got out of control. Perhaps I will work with her more on self-control obedience, when I get home to a nearby lake in Russellville, Arkansas called Lake Darnelle. Although corrections are necessity, it needs to be a vital part of Rhapsody’s structure life with me. She will be walking on trails, main street sidewalks, and many sidewalks-less area in Russellville with me, self-control is important. Also, she is going to school, traveling to the University of Central Arkansas for two to three days a week in the next three, maybe four years with me.
She will be living with a part of my big family, consist of my wife Romney, four of our six children, Jenni, age 28, John, age 20, Mark, age 16, and Jared, age 12. She will get to know our other two children, Melissa, age 27, and Michael, age 25. Rhapsody will some other little fuzzy friends, gray cats, if she behaves towards them instead getting them all the wet kisses she like to give me. Their names are Lilo, Stitch, Sweetie, Tiger, and Leroy.
Rhapsody will have three wonderful little friends named Makala, Sierra, and Zach, Romney and mine grandchildren. They are the children of Melissa and Scott, my son-in-law. These are going to be some of the people in her life.
After I get my degree in teaching, she will have many young children in her life as she takes me where I need to go each day. I know once I graduate with her it will be a great pleasure to have come to San Rafael to be a part of this wonderful program to get my guide dog named Rhapsody.
Tomorrow will be graduation day for Rhapsody and soon she be heading home to Russellville, Arkansas. Rhapsody will be seeing her puppy raiser at her special day. Thanks for taking care of Rhapsody as a puppy.
This letter was attached to Tom and Cinda MacKinnon along with some of Rhapsody’s Chronicle 2006.
Rhapsody, Thank You!
June 23, 2006
Dear Tom and Cinda MacKinnon:
Rhapsody and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the care and love you have given to her during her early years. She has great trainer and I hope I was a great trainee to her too.
Rhapsody is a very happy girl that loves to go places and meet people, and other dogs, along the way. She always seem want to play all the time but knows when she has her guide harness it is time for work.
Rhapsody and I are hoping for an adventurous life together in Arkansas. We will be attending UCA while I am getting my Bachelor’s in Teaching to Middle Level Classes follow by a Master’s in Special Education. I do tend to minor in Music also.
Rhapsody and I hope you like the attached photograph and her Chronicles of our events while at the Guide Dogs for the Blind school.
Again, we thank you! And may God bless you and your family with good health.
Sincerely
Matt and Rhapsody
24 June 2006 – Saturday
Rhapsody’s Graduation Day!!
Yea! Graduation Day for Rhapsody and I for all the training we have been through together at the Guide Dog for the Blind school. Rhapsody and I have started our morning getting the agenda for the day’s activities. It was about 12 noon that Cinda and Tom MacKinnon came to visit with Rhapsody since it has been over six month since they have last seen her. Megan came and got me and Rhapsody from our room to take us to where Rhapsody’s puppy raisers were waiting for us. I was told at our morning meeting that our dogs will be excited to see their puppy raiser, so we needed to just have our dog in ‘heal’ position readily to hand over our leash to the raise to give them time to get re-acquainted.
The moment Rhapsody and I enter the foyer on campus. Rhapsody went crazy over Cinda and Tom. She was jumping up and down, that I just handed Tom her leash let them just engross the moment with Rhapsody. I just stood by and watch them in my limit visual field. I had to chuckle a few times as what Rhapsody was doing with Tom and Cinda. She was excitingly jumping up and down, being playful with them, and even kissing them too.
All of us tried to talk about all the wonderful things Rhapsody did as a puppy and as a guide dog. Every thing was going to fast for me to remember what was being said. But I know it was of many happy moments was this beautiful guide dog named Rhapsody. After a while it got so noisy in the foyer that Tom and Cinda knew I was having a hard time hearing what they were saying to me. They asked if there were a quieter place for us to talk so I could hear them. We proceeded to my room where it was quiet.
Tom and Cinda had many questions about how well Rhapsody had been as a guide dog for me. And amidst our conversation, Tom asked, “Could you give us a demonstration on what she can do?” So we went out to the north end of the campus where not many were at. I gave them what Rhapsody was capable of doing as a guide dog. I walk her around the area a bit. And I sense that Tom and Cinda were amazed how much Rhapsody have changed and grown since they raised this cute adorable puppy many months ago.
Tom and Cinda should be proud puppy raisers for the Guide Dog for the Blind school for, Rhapsody have turn out to be one great guide dog for me. Soon we needed to get back inside for the graduation ceremony was about to begun.
Graduation was wonderful. I could tell there were a big crowd from varies organizations. By the time I have left Tom and Cinda with Rhapsody in the “Day Room.” It has been more than a half hour since Rhapsody and I have seen each other. It was my turn after a few other graduates have been introduced. My name was called, I was escorted up to the center stage, then Rhapsody and her puppy raisers, Tom and Cinda was introduced came up from behind me with Rhapsody. I wasn’t sure what Rhapsody was doing as she came onto the stage but the crowd was enjoying her spirit of pride in her surrounding.
At this time Tom and Cinda handed over Rhapsody’s leash as I told her to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. She was a bit distracted by everything around her that I just finally held on to her leash and gave my thanks to many people for this moment in my life. It was an emotional moment that I wasn’t planning on getting choke up over but did any way. All seems to be a blur as to what I said but I know I was grateful for that time to be a graduate of the Guide Dog for the Blind school and to be a proud owner of one of their best guide dog of their program.
Tom and Cinda gave their thanks and acknowledgement of those in their puppy group. Soon it was over and I was escorted back to my chair. Tom and Cinda went behind me and stood there for the remainder of the graduation. There were a total of eleven new graduates and six re-train graduates, receiving their second or so guide dog from this school. One was getting her fifth guide dog. There were a couple of In-Home graduates too.
After it was all over with, Tom stated to me, “Matt, we haven’t had lunch yet. We would be honored if you would come and join us.” I accepted even though I felt I should have been inviting them for all the effort and time them put into raising Rhapsody. She is such a wonderful guide dog, my wonderful Rhapsody Girl!
Our Adventure Home In Arkansas
28 June 2006 – Wednesday
With all the much anticipation around the Guide Dog for the Blind school. All the students have been preparing for their plight from the graduation stage to homeward destination. All the guide dogs were feeling that and knew something was going to change in their lives.
Early Sunday morning, 3:15 a.m., Rhapsody and I were up and ready for our flight home, although she wasn’t sure what was going on but knew it was going to be a different day then what has been for the past 25 days for her. Our bus was leaving by 4:30 a.m. to get to the San Francisco International Airport. Rhapsody had lie on the floor of the bus like it was going to another trip downtown San Francisco but in the dark. When Megan gotten everyone, Penny, Myself, Todd, Zek, Jarod, and one of the re-train graduate. Rhapsody and I were the second one to let off at our check-in point. Outside the bus Megan gave me a hug and Rhapsody that rub on her face. And we were off through the airport. Rhapsody and I when through security before and so that went relatively well even though one of the security agent asked if I would hand over my guide dogs leash for the pat down. I said to him, “Sorry I will hold my dog’s leash. Thank you!” I was taught never hand over our leash to anyone.
Once on the plane, Rhapsody and I were escorted to our assigned seating, soon others were boarding. I kept thinking to myself if anyone was going to sitting in the other two chairs near me. Well it was for this Cambodian elderly couple that was visiting their daughter in the United States. Although I didn’t understand what they were saying but I understood where they were going. One of these couples was in the wrong sitting but this cause Rhapsody and I to get up and down from my assigned sitting several times before this issue was resolved. The other man just let it go and took the Cambodian lady assigned seating.
Rhapsody and I were being very comfortable on our flight to Memphis even though the seats were a bit tight and close together. So Rhapsody had to lie in the aisle for some of the flight. One Asian flight attendance with this soft spoken voice was watching over us during the whole time on board. Rhapsody became friends with her while I had to use the restroom. I knew I could trust her with Rhapsody for the way she made me felt comfortable on my flight home. When we finally got to Memphis this flight attendance came over and told me that we will be departing soon. She gave me a hug and Rhapsody some loving strokes on her head. She said her good-bye to us.
After our lay over in Memphis soon we were on our way to Little Rock. This plane had more leg room in our seating arrangement. Where there were only two seats per row rather than three seats per row on the other plane. The lady that sat next to me during our final destination was a dog lover. We talk the remainder of the flight about what she did. What I did and where I have been. She thought Rhapsody was a beautiful dog. She knew of these service dogs and knew not to pet her while in harness.
Rhapsody and I were anticipating the departure off the plane but waited for everyone to leave first so it wasn’t difficult to move through the crowd. I have asked for sighted assistance but one hasn’t shown up yet and I wanted to see my family. I finally asked the flight lady at the desk to give me direction through security gate. And Rhapsody guided me through the airport with ease. I finally found the way to the security check in point and moved to the right out of the area. There we were greeted by my family consists of my wife, Romney, one of our daughter, Melissa, and one of our sons, Mark.
After the few moments of chatting we all went to the luggage area to get my two heavy baggages. Melissa wanted to get a few more pictures of Rhapsody and I before leaving the airport. Many people were watching me as I walked through the airport with Rhapsody. I will have to get use to the idea that I am now a guide dog user and will be representing those with visual disabilities in our world today.
Rhapsody had her first shopping experience at Petsmart where all pets are welcome to come. Rhapsody was a bit excited for the food down at her level smelled good to her. By this time, Rhapsody have eaten much since Saturday evening. After finding the dog food we needed for her. She decided to do some of her own shopping too. Rhapsody and I were getting ready to leave this aisle when she hit her nose on this box on the lower shelf where several boxes of doggy biscuit were place. I laughed. I told her, “No, not today.” Shaking my head and laughing to myself in disbelief while my family and I proceeded to find some dog’s food bowls for Rhapsody.
After about an hour or so off the plane in Little Rock, Rhapsody and I were heading home to Russellville. Rhapsody was sitting in my lap most of the trip home because the floor area wasn’t really wide even for a large dog to lie down on. I will have to get a crate for her to travel in during our many trips in the car or van. As soon as I let her out of the car, I said to Rhapsody, “This is home!” She was happy because her tail would dances high above her back. She needed to take care of her business and did so right away.
Over the next few days, Rhapsody and I have gone a few places that were fun for her to be at. We went to Wal-Mart, Kroger (a grocery store), and Lake Dardanelle State Park to be in the water for a few minutes. We’ve been to the doctor’s office, University of Central Arkansas, and many walks in our neighborhood. Each outing with Rhapsody has proven how well she has displayed herself as a great guide dog from the Guide Dog for the Blind of California.
4 July 2006 – Tuesday
Rhapsody has need been home for eight days. She has been very responsive with my family. Love it when someone comes through the door, where she has to greet them all. Of course she was thinking that they are all there to visit her. Rhapsody has been trying to adjust to this crazy weather of being from a dry humid sunny California, now to a very humid sultry hot sunny Arkansas. She works rather well but doesn’t have that kick she tend to give me once in a while working. But I believe she isn’t use to this humid weather in Arkansas.
Rhapsody have been working so well for a few days that she even almost didn’t have any kind of errors. But they crop up once in a while where I have to re-work them with her. I have to chuckle for the other day she started out great into our walk. As we rounded the curb, she did well; I halted her, and then heel her into preparation of crossing the street. I gave her the command of “Rhapsody, forward” and she just refuses to proceed. So I thought this out. I figure I must not of said it loud enough, or slow enough as we were often told to do for them to follow-up on the command. And I repeated. She still rebukes the command but with a pull of your leash to the direction she needed to go. Well it just made matters worst to only Rhapsody kept going behind me instead of the left side where she suppose to be. I was about to do a high collar correction where she was going crazily. I finally turned around and found that she was avoiding this cute little lovable tan or light orange cat of our neighbor next door to us. Rhapsody didn’t really know what to make of this event because she has been trying very hard to deal with the five gray cats in her own home.
I continued to work with her on this distraction by getting her to do some of the simply ‘sit’ command but Rhapsody kept edging away from this cat. All the while, it was trying to get closer to her. I finally bend down to the cat and shoo it away just to get Rhapsody to go forward across the street. Rhapsody finally did it and yet that stupid cat wanted more attention follow us across the street and started rolling around on the street corner in front of us. I gave Rhapsody the left command and told her ‘no’ and ‘hop-up’ command. She was a good girl moved around this silly cat next to her and continues on the walk around the neighborhood.
For the first time since Rhapsody and I been together, she was able to attend church with me when I had gone without her for those few weeks in the past. She did well and remains quiet during the first part of the church services. Actually she was sleeping. I figure this was enough for the first time and we went home for the remainder of the church activities. I will introduce her a little at a time and she should do fine that way.
Rhapsody has been into a restaurant with our family since it was one of my granddaughter 12th birthdays. Rhapsody did rather well with all the time we spent in the Guide Dogs for the Blind cafeteria being under the table while we ate. Rhapsody went to other places to and she is continually doing well for her time together with each other. This 4th of July, Rhapsody will be staying home for she isn’t so sure about the noise of the fireworks. The night before was a taste of what the noise was going to be like, she just didn’t know what to make of it since it just causes her to do a low bark noise thinking someone is knocking on the door. We had a pizza delivery the other day and she was prepared to attack, of course it seems like that but she just wouldn’t stop her barking. Soon she was under control.
Before long Rhapsody and I will be going to school every day for the next four to five weeks in this sultry humid weather of the Arkansas summer. We have a lot of new adventure lies ahead of us but we’ll make the most of them. Rhapsody is my girl, who will take me where ever I need to go on our daily adventure together.
20 August 2006 – Sunday
Some of Rhapsody’s greatest moments these past few weeks when she had been going to school with me every day. Rhapsody was always looking forward to getting into the back seat of the SUV in her red port-a-crate with a blank on the bottom so she doesn’t slid around inside. Each day brought a greeting from her to others we see in our classroom. It is almost as if she was human, she would be chattering away with these students, unlike me.
Every day has proven to be a test with Rhapsody and I since the weather just kept getting hotter and hotter each day. But Rhapsody bears it wholeheartedly and tries to keep going since we need to get from one place to the next. She would just mostly slow down but for me I just want to get out of it quickly. At time Rhapsody has been teaching me to be more patience with her and the world around us.
Soon Rhapsody will be going back to school with me. She will see more new adventure and new faces twice a week until they become familiar to her. She will do her thing and wag her tail and put on that happy face, saying “I know you!” And she’s hoping to get a pet or two from some of these new friends and get settle down before class starts.
While on this short vacation from traveling daily, Rhapsody has been taking it easy at home with a few walks daily in our neighborhood. She have been a great assess to being a guide dog but often times get frustrated by her guider since she anticipate that same direction but I need to go another way. Of course, Rhapsody knows her route very well; it’s that she needs some variety in life to keep her on top of her guide training.
Rhapsody wasn’t aware of some mishap one day while in a Wal-Mart. It really wasn’t her it was the person who shown to my daughter and I how uneducated she was in the laws pertain to guide dog user. This Wal-Mart employee came up to us. Told us that I wasn’t allowed to have a dog in the store; I look at her rather questionably to figure out why she would even say should matter to me. After a few moments, I simply look at her and stated, “Sorry I am a legally blind and have the right to take my guide dog wherever I need to go.” Although she wasn’t really satisfied but left it at that but on the other hand, my daughter was fuming over the ignorant of this young lady and found the closest register with a cashier. She demanded to see the store manager and soon he came. We explained what just happened with Rhapsody and I moments earlier. He was very apologetic and told us he’ll speak to the young lady about my rights to be in the store to shop there. During all this time, Rhapsody really didn’t know what was going on or does she?
My Rhapsody girl seems to take life as on ball of fun. She has so much playing than walking but life as a dog is that way. Right? Rhapsody does deserve some play time. She and I do that daily. Rhapsody’s gift from her puppy raiser, a ‘jolly ball’, has gotten pretty torn and chewed up by the time I finally had to buy a new one to replace it. But she love to play with a tennis ball, I think it is because she can chop down on it to make it flatter. Eventually it will wear out and I will have to replace it. Rhapsody still loves to play tug-a-war but with this rope I had off the new ‘jolly ball’. Last time she had a rope on something she love to chew, she torn the whole rope off the rubber tire and had some of it eaten. Ooops! My fault left it down where she can get that far. Now I just play with her instead of leaving it alone with her to eat.
On special occasion Rhapsody has been getting special treats for her good rewards of working so hard for me. She always seems to look forward to those special treats. As her adventure take on to the next day of fun, Rhapsody and I will continue to walk daily into our lives with ease. I am most grateful she is with me and she is my guide dog.
18 November 2006 – Saturday
It has been several months since the last entry for what has been happening in Rhapsody’s life. Rhapsody has been full of unbelievable energy as being a great working dog for me, she would do many tasks while were are walking that shown character of being trained well at the Guide Dog for the Blind school. But as I work with her and taught a few new trick of her trade, she seems to caught on to the new development of her new concepts, I believe, she just too smart for her own good to know that these new concepts were much quicker and simpler to do.
For the past few months, Rhapsody have been traveling twice a week to UCA with her best buddy, Melissa, which is my step-daughter who takes me to school, for each time we are outside working on her daily routine of “taking care of her business” she would at time forget that she was doing this task when my daughter drive up into the driveway. Rhapsody’s head would perk up looking towards the direction of a car approaching up or down the street, just to see if it is her best buddy.
And so when Melissa gets into the driveway, Rhapsody then leave the task she was working on just to get into the back of the car to go to school. Of course, after Rhapsody and I get to school, she would resume where she left off at some 40 to 45 minutes earlier at home and to finish her business.
After we have gotten our twice weekly routine down at school, Rhapsody was surely aware of where we needed to go daily, at time I don’t even have to say to her where were need to go for it is like she knows the way and stop at every important curb or slowly walks toward or down some unleveled surface or walk around some UCA work truck or Pepsi truck when it is blocking our path.
Even though, Rhapsody has her best buddy, Melissa, she learns to make more new one at school as we go to our classes. Many of the students would come up and ask if she could be petted but most often when Rhapsody sees someone she likes. She rather makes a detour towards that person. At first I had corrected her of this but eventually she learns to wait for me to finish the command to where I need to go and then I would permit her to go over to that person. As we approach the person, I would say, “Oh Rhapsody had to come and give her ‘hello’ to you this morning.” And the person would glee with delight that Rhapsody would even think of them.
Now that it is getting close to our first Thanksgiving holiday together as a family, Rhapsody is fitting in well with her new family. She goes up to everyone with greet them with a lick on their hand or a ‘boink’ from her cold wet nose. She has a picturesque moment in our pile of fallen leaves in the backyard with her favorite ‘squeaker’ toy. See the photograph below:
Rhapsody have found she thoroughly enjoy playing with her ‘squeaker’ toy that I have found at PetsMart in Conway, even though I was told to give anything with a squeaker in it for the Guide Dog are dogs will tried to chew it out. But Rhapsody haven’t been too enthralled to taking it out but more like the noise of it to play with this tennis ball material, shaped-like a dumbbell. As you can see in the photograph she loves to play with it.
We basically play fetch with it but at time it seems like she thinks she is smarted than me by playing ‘keep away’ in the big yard that I at first chase her around in. After awhile I finally realize that I needed to work on her obedience commands to get to her ‘come’ and ‘sit’ like a little lady.
Soon it will be Rhapsody two and a half year birth date on second of December. I know Rhapsody will be a lively energetic guide dog when her playtime goes, but I know I still have to continue her obedience and guidance training consistence for her learning process even though she knows it all too well. Especially the ‘sit’ and ‘down’ command, along with the ‘sit’ pat on the side of the leg to return into the sit position after being in the down, she just down then promptly return back into the sit position to get her reward for that. I have to chuckle at this since she really does knows the routine.
20 December 2006 – Wednesday
Although, Rhapsody has been together with me for six months, it has been a rewarding and fulfilling time for the both of us. Soon on December 24th, we will have our six month anniversary from graduating from the Guide Dog for the Blind school. Rhapsody has came a long way since those hard but yet rewarding experience, she had became a pro-Guide dog for the Blind. When our area representative came to visit he first notice how much Rhapsody had gain weight and was concern that I needed to cut her food back a bit to get her to maintain her weight. But the fact of the matter is that she just needed more walking time and this winter has been the hardest for us since I haven’t been much for one to go out in the rainy weather. Only if I have to go out to take care of her business, otherwise, the area representative thought we work together like a team like pro-Guide Dog team. We have work hard on this for the past six months to work together as a team.
Rhapsody has an exciting experience this past Sunday at church. She got to meet with the church’s nursery program, where the children were of the ages of 18 months to three years. In the class, as she walked in, all the seven children glee with excitement and joy to see a “doggy” to come and visit with them. For a the longest time seven pairs of hands kept petting Rhapsody to the point that she enjoy the rewards of getting the center of the attention syndrome, she seems to have the personality of but enjoyed it thoroughly. Although Rhapsody enjoyed the attention, she gave her affection in return to the children in the only way she knew how. Kisses! Wet kisses! Watching the children giggle and squeaking after each lap of wet kisses from Rhapsody. Rhapsody knew some how they enjoyed this too.
After a while, one of the children ask when they could go walk the “doggy,” One of the nursery leader thought it would be fun for the children to take a little walk around the church. So out the door all seven little munchkins and Rhapsody with her leash extended to the full length six of the children at hand holding onto the leash and one on the other side holding onto her harness. Rhapsody awaits for the command “forward” and off she walk proudly down the hall with her seven new friends. As we stroll about the halls of the church. The people in the hall watch with amazement this blind man with he guide dog, Rhapsody leading these children around for a stroll in the church. Some put a wide smile, some smirk, and some got a laugh out of. Needless to say, Rhapsody will be remembered by her conceited moment of taking the children around the hall.
Since the day Rhapsody and I graduated from the Guide Dog for the Blind school, we had traveled to many different adventures of our lives. Yet more will come and she will still continue to make friends wherever she goes. “She is my Rhapsody’s girl, my Rhapsody girl. She takes me wherever we need to go. Whether it is home, or school, or store, we go to gather hand in hand. She is my Rhapsody girl, my Rhapsody girl.”
29 December 2006 – Friday
Rhapsody had a great Christmas holiday since she enjoyed all the company in our home during the three days of celebration, The first of those celebration was Matt and Romney’s wedding anniversary on the twenty-third, then Christmas eve family dinner and gift exchange to our friends that we invited, and the joy of the Christmas day of the gift exchanges. Although, Rhapsody didn’t understand the meaning of what we were doing she was just happy to be close to family and she obediently lay next to her owner while everyone was opening all these boxes and wrapping paper that made all sorts of noises.
Rhapsody got to be back walking more again since school has been out until next year but she was happy walking down the streets she was familiar with to get reacquainted with area by doing her sniffing every corner we turn on. She seems to be getting back to her own good weight again for has more energy. She is a happy girl and loves the attention from everyone she comes in contact with.
Another year will be gone and Rhapsody will be glad to get back to school to meet more new people there as we come in contact with them in classes. Of course, she gets more attention with little children that are at her eye level especially babies. One baby named Elizabeth wasn’t so sure about Rhapsody but soon got used to the dog idea and learned to push her hand into Rhapsody face to get her to stop all her kisses. But Rhapsody love it with this baby and even gets concern when the baby starts to cry, let she has that mothering nurture in her to care for the baby. Rhapsody probably would have been a great mother.
See you next year and Rhapsody hopes it will be as adventurous as this year was.
With Love, Rhapsody
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