[Critique Group 1] Loving Laurence: Introduction 338 words Sally's February submission

[Sally Rosenthal]

INTRODUCTION

 

During the decades my vision slipped away, a dog kept me company - not a
flesh and blood canine, you understand.  My companion was, nevertheless,
real to me as I grappled with the many challenges blindness brought to me in
middle age.  No matter how frightened or sad I felt, the thought of, one
day, having a guide dog in my life cheered me immeasurably. 

A life-long dog lover, I could think of nothing more comforting and helpful
than handling one of these highly trained canine partners by my side as,
together, we navigated the world I could no longer see.  In my early
fifties, my dream became a reality when I was fortunate enough to receive my
first guide dog, a female black Labrador retriever named Boise, from the
specialized training program of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.  Boise was
followed by Greta, a petite and sweet yellow Lab.

When Greta retired in my early sixties, my current guide, Laurence, entered
my world.  We have spent almost four years together, and, while I cannot
imagine life without this intelligent and loving black Lab, I realize, due
to my age and physical condition, he might well be my last guide dog.

Working with a guide dog in middle age was easier.  I had more energy and
fewer medical concerns.  An extraordinarily conscientious and intuitive dog,
Laurence is the best guide I could ask for as I approach seventy in a few
years.  He leads me confidently through our daily routines and, almost as
importantly, into old age.

What follows is a chronicle of one year of our teamwork.  I never know what
life will bring from day to day, but, with Laurence as my partner, I can
face the vagaries of old age as a blind woman with other disabilities.  My
imagined dog is now a living and loving friend who accompanies me on this
journey. In turn, Laurence and I invite you to travel with us as you turn
the pages of this book.  

 

Sally Rosenthal 

 

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