[Critique Group 1] Marcia's May submission

[Marcia Wick]

Sorry I'm late.more later.computer problems.no word count or spell check.

 

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.

 

# # #

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://bluegrasspals.com/pipermail/group1/attachments/20230525/980728bc/attachment.htm>