Tags
Acceptance, Animal, Blessings, Blind, Blindness, Disability, Dog, Drama King, Free spirit, Gratitude, Guide Dog, Hidden Disability, Mobility, Munch, partnership, Sight Loss, Unconditional Love, Visual Impairement, Working Dog
Plodding on seven years later, I often wonder if our little Minster Munch knows that his harness wearing days will not be forever. Our working life together will cease anytime within the next 21 months when he will have to retire. I, on the other hand, have a mere 21 years until I retire. It is a possibility that I could be matched with 3 more Guide Dogs in my working life, each one bringing their own quirks and perks.
Revisiting my naivety of what I thought life with a Guide Dog would be like always makes me cackle and cringe in equal measure. Firstly, I thought life changes would be subtle, my Guide Dog would listen at all times, and I would never have to apologise for our behaviours. Hmmmm, that didn’t go quite to plan. From day one together, everyone noticed the unusual Shetland pony sized Guide Dog that appeared in our relatively small town. Minster Munch made it clear that he only completed his 20 months of training to be able to become my master and train me into conformity via his cuteness. His behaviour throughout our time together can be categorised anywhere between attention seeking and driven, but always professional when in work mode.
I was asked this week by a 6 year old client if Munch knew if he was a Guide Dog and not a pet dog? I flummoxed an incoherent answer back, stating that “I think he just thinks he is just Munch, and when he puts his harness on, he just does Guide Dog stuff”. On reflection, I think this is truer than I originally thought. Munch, in all honesty believes everyone is his friend (or sometimes staff member), has unconditional love for every species, and is free spirited enough to be in love with living life his own innocent way. A human concept of a dog can never truly honour their ability to innately help and enhance the lives of those around them.
We are due for a review in the next couple of weeks to see how our partnership is getting on and how our little Munch is doing in his Guide Dog role. He will be checked over more regularly by the vets from now on to see how his health is doing, and I will be closely monitoring his energy levels and eagerness as he slips into his work harness daily. At the age of nine, his younger doggy friends are beginning to run a little faster than him as his paws pound the ground during free runs, but each day, he still shows up wanting to play. Focusing on the beauty of the now. Munch is being as Munchish as ever, which I am eternally grateful for. Nothing lasts forever, but now is good enough for us
cindy knoke said:
Adogable!
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J.W.S. said:
It s a difficult part f guide dog life style. Take care.
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Linda Schaub said:
I think the fact that Munch has always been a mischief-maker whenever he gets a chance and is so full of energy will keep him young-acting and young-thinking. He knows how important he is to you and how loved he is – that will keep him going long after he is out of harness and becomes your beloved pet.
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thesecretblind said:
So true 😁. He is still the naughty ringleader in his group of doggy friends he meets with daily for a free run, even though he is the oldest and should be the wisest
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Linda Schaub said:
They will look at Munch as their leader and try to be like him … can you handle a whole group of mischievous doggy friends Zena? 🙂
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Popping Wheelies said:
I am reminded of the time Munch was angry with you and ran you into a trash can. Indeed, he has his own personality, and that must be wonderful for all of you at the end of the day.
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