[Critique Group 1] Leonard's comments on Martia's sub

[leonard tuchyner]

Maartia sub for May 23



Marcia Wick via Group1 <group1 at bluegrasspals.com>

7:52 PM (5 minutes ago)

to me, Critique

Prescious!

I love this account of your guide dog’s new job as a listener to young
shy readers.

I’m wondering what special  training a dog needs to sit and listen?

How do you know she is listening?

Is it important?

Maybe just an amiable disposition is required.

How do you train a dog for that.

Could you train someone like me.?

I don’t think I’d make the grade.

I’m not patient enough.

I’d fall  asleep or shake my leg furiously.







When people retire, they pursue hobbies, travel, or volunteer. But
what does a retired guide dog do at the end of her career? My yellow
lab, Viviane,  officially retired this year just short of her 12th
birthday. She faithfully guided me for 10 years, earning the privilege
of passing the harness on to my new guide, a 21-month-old male black
lab named Bowser.



Fortunately, Vivi is happy and healthy although she is decidedly done
working as a guide dog. I remember the same feeling when I was ready
to retire. As my career neared its end, I pre-planned activities to
keep myself busy and pursue purposeful alternatives to the
nine-to-five grind. I planted an herb garden, I signed up for singing
lessons, I began freelance writing, and I volunteered with Guide Dogs
for the Blind. But what to plan for Viviane’s golden years?



Viviane’s sweet temperament, impeccable behavior, and warm heart would
make her an ideal canine volunteer, I thought. I discovered our local
library uses certified therapy dogs to Encourage young people to
practice their literacy skills. Although technically not a therapy
dog, I convinced the library director that indeed Viviane was
“over-qualified” for the job. My husband and I, on the other hand,
had to complete a background check to ensure there were no skeletons
in our closet.



Viviane now proudly sports a blue bandana as a library volunteer. The
Paws to Read program encourages children to Practice reading aloud in
the company of a lovable dog like Viviane. Children often feel
self-conscious reading in front of an adult or their peers, but they
are motivated to share a story with a non-judgmental canine companion.
The young readers Develop confidence and improve their fluency, while
Vivi has a new purpose and enjoys lots of belly rubs.



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