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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter 23.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Red-neck Trucker Dog<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gentry was my fifth dog. He was 95 pounds, fast, strong and had no respect for women. He was also my best traffic dog. His speed and agility proved priceless when he needed to spin me into a hundred and eighty degree turn and back on to the curb to avoid being run down by a Winnebago or logging truck. He could easily walk the five miles from our home out along a county road with no side walks. When we arrived in the vicinity, he still had so much energy that he pretended not to see the turn into my restaurant and tried to sail on by hoping for another five miles of jogging. I called him my red-neck trucker dog because he always thought he knew best. If I decided to go left at a corner and he thought we should go right, he needed convincing. After several firm commands to turn in the direction I chose, he would move off slowly grumbling argumentatively under his breath. The translation was clear, “The damned woman is all turned around! The bank is over there! Women just have no sense of direction!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When she figures out she has made a mistake, we’ll just have to turn-around and go back!” When we arrived at my destination, he would huff at me as if to say: “why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go to J.C. Penneys!” When waiting at a street crossing, he would surge forward when the light changed and the parallel traffic began to move. I had to be firm about waiting for my command before entering the street. If we were walking past a familiar shop that I sometimes entered, he tried to drag me over and insist we go in. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Gentry had a softer side as well. His favorite toys were soft plush animals or a sock doll I made for him. He also loved kittens. He drove our family cats crazy trying to pick them up and carry them around. He ended up with a scratched nose more than once when he poked his large black Labrador face into the exposed belly of a sleeping cat. It never discouraged his belief that all cats were adorable. Eventually he adopted a black kitten that someone dropped off on our driveway. They often slept together. The kitten curled between Gentry’s large front paws serving as a pillow for his big buddy’s broad bear-like muzzle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gentry also loved babies and small children. All it took to completely break his focus was a toddler crying out, “Goggy!” He would totally forget he responsibility to me as my guide and start wriggling and wagging madly. He would agree, “Yup! That’s what I am! I’m a goggy!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He frightened a young mother in a department store when he noticed she was carrying an infant. He stood on his hind legs to get a better look wagging excitedly. He didn’t touch either mother or child, just did his best to tell me, “Look! It’s a baby!” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gentry had a particularly delecate stomach, but a sincere belief that food of any kind was for eating. Keeping him from scavenging or eating anything that presented itself was something I had to work on. Having him in my life taught me to dog proof and pay attention to changes in our routines. Holidays, travel, or not giving him enough work could all throw his digestion off. I wrote the following essay and poem to share some of what I learned with other dog handlers during the time I worked this complex partner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'> <b>Gentry's Lament</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'> By Gentry, a black Labrador retriever, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Gentry”s Lament,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>By Gentry, a graduate of The Seeing Eye inc. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:auto'></span><div class=WordSection2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'> With editorial assistance from DeAnna Noriega<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='mso-element:frame;mso-element-frame-width:1.5in;mso-element-frame-height:178.65pt;mso-element-frame-hspace:4.5pt;mso-element-frame-vspace:4.5pt;mso-element-wrap:auto;mso-element-anchor-horizontal:margin;mso-element-left:.05pt;mso-element-top:383.55pt;mso-height-rule:exactly'><table cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 hspace=0 vspace=0 width=150 height=250><tr><td valign=top align=left height=250 style='padding-top:4.5pt;padding-right:4.5pt;padding-bottom:4.5pt;padding-left:4.5pt'><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:solid white 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in;mso-element:frame;mso-element-frame-width:1.5in;mso-element-frame-height:178.65pt;mso-element-frame-hspace:4.5pt;mso-element-frame-vspace:4.5pt;mso-element-wrap:auto;mso-element-anchor-horizontal:margin;mso-element-left:.05pt;mso-element-top:383.55pt;mso-height-rule:exactly'><img width=144 height=238 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image003.png@01D4713E.1444C7F0"><o:p></o:p></p></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Christmas is such a confusing time,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>All the everyday rules seem to change.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>A tree is not for the kitty to climb,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Or where to leave your mark, it’s strange.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Master covers it up with lights on a cord,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>In which it is easy to tangle your paws.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>And she spends more money than she can afford.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>But woe to the dog who breaks any laws.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Don't chase the kitty up into the tree!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Don't help yourself to the snacks on the table!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Even a ball is not what it should be,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>And you must rush around as long as you’re able.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Hurry everywhere with no time for stopping.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>There are so many people that you don't know,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>And master spends all her time shopping.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Or she packs for a trip--will you get to go?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>If you love your dog then take my advice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Make time for a game or a pat on the head.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>A new toy or dog treat would also be nice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Your dog loves you best, when all has been said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>He doesn't ask much for all that he gives,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>His friendship, his caring, his joy in his work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>Taking care of you is for what he lives<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>So, remember his needs, and don't be a jerk!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'>(Okay, so its doggerel at its worst, but what do you expect from an over worked Labrador retriever guide dog?)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'> Seriously though, there a few things you should do to make the holidays easier on us guide dogs. Dog proof your holiday decorations. Poinsettias and the berries off mistletoe are poisonous to small children and us curious canines. Gifts under the tree that give off strong odors; such as chocolates, fruitcakes or boxes from Hickory Farms, can be a terrible temptation to those of us who live for our noses.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><div class=WordSection3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'> The holidays can also mean disruptions to familiar schedules. This can lead to the disturbance of bodily functions. Be sure to offer frequent opportunities for your dog to relieve himself. Try to avoid changes in his diet by bringing along or having someone purchase his accustomed food in advance of your visit. When spending long hours in transit, remove your dog's harness for comfort and try for seating with adequate room beneath seats for your dog to relax in. A dog biscuit or chew might also make up for missed meal times and make anxiety during land ins and takeoffs easier for your dog. Your dog is likely to be overstimulated by the attentions of holiday guests. Give him a chance to spend time with you alone. Be sure to maintain obedience exercises and grooming rituals. This will reassure him and keep him clean and well mannered despite the excitement around him. Also, make time for play, this will relieve his tension and give him a chance to burn off steam. Don't forget lots of praise and reassurance when things get tough in new surroundings. If you must correct your dog firmly, follow the correction with a simple command for which you can lavish him with praise. This helps to soothe his feelings at the same time showing him that he is a good dog, and that the undesired behavior is the problem. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'> If you must leave your dog in an unfamiliar environment, be sure to leave his care provider with veterinary information. Leave him with a few familiar things from home, such as a favorite rug, toys and food dishes. An old sweater or other piece of your clothing with your scent on it can sometimes keep your dog from feeling abandoned among strangers. Remember your dog needs just a little more care and attention during stressful situations. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, have a happy holiday season! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gentry and I traveled many miles on Greyhound Buses and planes as I became more active in The American Council of the Blind and accepted a gubernatorial appointment on the Oregon State Library Board of Trustees. He did his best work when in unfamiliar areas. He was easily bored when we were traveling predictable routes. Boredom led to impulsive actions. For example, he jumped into an oily water filled drainage ditch because he was hot on the long walk to work. He also jumped up onto a drugstore counter to see where the chirping of a canary behind the counter was coming from. Although his exuberance and strength were a challenge to control, he had terrific initiative in problem solving. One day I wanted to go to a meeting held in a room at the library. The front and side entrances were locked and of course if there was a sign posted anywhere, it wasn’t accessible to me. After we had circled the library twice with Gentry showing me locked doors, I gave up and started back to my restaurant. A block away, Gentry suddenly pulled me up the steps of a house. He spotted some people through a picture window and decided I needed help. Before I could turn him back to the street, the gentleman of the house came out to ask if I needed anything. After I explained that my dog thought I was lost because I was unable to find an entrance to attend a meeting at the library, the gentleman showed us where a back staircase led to an open door. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gentry loved to travel. He dived under airline seats and curled up so tightly, that an airline stewardess once asked me if I wanted my bag put into the overhead storage locker. She mistook the handle of his harness for the handle of a rolling suitcase. When Gentry was nearly ten, he accompanied Curtis and me on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. He got to leave his mark on seven different islands. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>When Gentry began to limp on cold mornings and had trouble coming awake and alert after being down at rest, I knew it was time to start the process of looking for a retirement placement. He worked ten years. My husband had decided to move from Oregon to Colorado. Our eldest daughter had chosen a college in Grand Junction Colorado. Two of my uncles, two of my brothers, my mother and several nieces and nephews lived there. Our youngest daughter was also interested in attending a university in Fort Collins that had three different tracks of equine management. Having two daughters in college would mean a lot of out-of-state fees. My mother was experiencing health problems and as eldest daughter, I wanted to be able to help her deal with things. Gentry was a country dog. I thought moving from a rural setting to a large urban one was a lot to expect of an eleven and a half year old dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> Although his exuberance and strength were a challenge to handle throughout our time together, he was a wonderful guide. I couldn't just work him when I knew he was in pain even though he would have continued to guide until he dropped-dead in harness of old age. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Scottie, my best friend at college, and I had kept in touch over the years. She and her husband and son now lived on the family farm. Her mother had recently lost a sweet yellow labrador I had found for her as a companion. Mom Hagedorn still lived alone in her house on the farm. Scottie helped me convince her that Gentry would be a great security guard with his large size and deep authoritative bark. His house manners were excellent and he enjoyed children so Scottie’s son Jonathon joined the effort to convince grandma that they needed to adopt this big fellow. He died at fourteen. I saw him several times during his retirement and was glad he was having a good time in a warmer climate with a child to play with and other dogs to dominate. It seemed to me, that it was only fair to give him those three years of rest after the ten years he had given me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Before his death, he achieved two more of his life goals. One day while walking along the canal near her home in California, Scottie and Gentry spotted a bunny out on a spit of land made where the canal made a turn. He finally caught a rabbit. He proudly brought it and dropped it at Scottie’s feet. He didn’t even mind when it proceeded to make its escape. He was just proud of having caught it. I sent him a plush bunny for Christmas to mark the event. He also gained a good deal of weight. I had insisted he remain below the hundred pound limit because people often mistook his squared off head, broad muzzle and muscular chest as those of a rotweiler. I knew that not even a pinch collar and gentle-leader head collar would be enough to counter balance his determination and large body mass if he weighed much more. I suspect Labradors are always hoping to fill out more of the wrinkles in their oversized hides. They never think they have had enough to eat. Gentry taught me to accept others for themselves. No one is perfect, but if we can learn to focus on the good qualities in their natures, we can live with those that aren't to our liking. I wrote this poem when I had to attend a conference after his retirement and before I was given a class date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>A Letter To Gentry In His Retirement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am here, X…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I know where I want to go.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The directions I have<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tell me to proceed south.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is no sun on my face,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>No friendly trees festooned with moss on their north sides.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Only this hotel lobby,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With myriad radiating corridors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>No way to guess--which direction to turn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Decorative planters and urns full of sand,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spring out to block my path,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As I trail the walls in search of doors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I grope the panels seeking elusive braille signage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guide dogs sweep past me,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And I cross canes with someone going the other way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am tempted to challenge--en garde.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I miss you so much, my dear old man.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You who have walked by my side,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guiding my steps for nine of your eleven years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You have been my protector, my champion,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My friend, my loyal guide dog.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am here, X…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But where have they moved there--too?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>