Thursday, July 27, 2006
Vet School Visiting
Willow had her (almost) weekly trip to the NC State Vet School today, for blood and urine tests. While we were sitting in the lobby waiting to make sure her blood sample was good (her blood 'clumps' if they dont test it right away, so we dont leave until we've made sure they have a usable sample), we talked to several other pet owners. Well, ok, she hid under the bench seat, I talked to pet owners. People tend to share stories and bond in the waiting room. Almost everyone is willing to talk about their babies, and why they're there... what they've been through, what they're willing to GO through ... those kind of experiences. Everyone likes to have their pets ooh'ed and ahh'ed over. Harry, the retiree volunteer is there for that very reason .. to help put people and animals at ease. Love him, very neat man.
Anyway, today my attention was caught by an older blind man who was escorted out of the back and in to the lobby by a 4th year vet student. He was leading himself around the lobby with a cane, called for his ride, and then sat down across from Willow (under the bench) and me. I'm way too outgoing sometimes, and could not RESIST looking directly at him and saying "Good morning!".
He wished me a good morning, and I asked him if he was in with a dog or a cat ... actually, he'd just taught a seminar to about 50 students/techs about working with blind (2-legged) patients. He said he did (does) have a dog and a cat tho, his dog was his retired Seeing-Eye Dog who had been his companion for 11 years. She was now 13, and he was finding it hard going places without her, but it was time to let her relax and be spoiled. He was on a list for a new partner. He and Kelly, his labrador, used to visit schools and taught seminars and travelled all over, talking about disabilities and accepting them, helping people cope.
I encouraged Willow to come out of hiding, so she could say hello. He'd never "seen" a white shepherd before - she didnt think much of the petting, but she stood still for a soft pat on the head. She went back to her 'safe place', after she'd socialized.
It was an absolutely wonderful conversation, though. One of those people that I'd like not to forget. I was almost sad when his ride arrived and escorted him out. Of course, there were more people around to chat with ...
Anyway, today my attention was caught by an older blind man who was escorted out of the back and in to the lobby by a 4th year vet student. He was leading himself around the lobby with a cane, called for his ride, and then sat down across from Willow (under the bench) and me. I'm way too outgoing sometimes, and could not RESIST looking directly at him and saying "Good morning!".
He wished me a good morning, and I asked him if he was in with a dog or a cat ... actually, he'd just taught a seminar to about 50 students/techs about working with blind (2-legged) patients. He said he did (does) have a dog and a cat tho, his dog was his retired Seeing-Eye Dog who had been his companion for 11 years. She was now 13, and he was finding it hard going places without her, but it was time to let her relax and be spoiled. He was on a list for a new partner. He and Kelly, his labrador, used to visit schools and taught seminars and travelled all over, talking about disabilities and accepting them, helping people cope.
I encouraged Willow to come out of hiding, so she could say hello. He'd never "seen" a white shepherd before - she didnt think much of the petting, but she stood still for a soft pat on the head. She went back to her 'safe place', after she'd socialized.
It was an absolutely wonderful conversation, though. One of those people that I'd like not to forget. I was almost sad when his ride arrived and escorted him out. Of course, there were more people around to chat with ...
# posted by Elims @ 3:05 PM 
Comments:
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Sounds like a very cool man. Definitely one of those people you'd like to meet and talk with. I'm glad you had the opportunity :) And that Willow was okay enough to come out for a pat or two.
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