Mike's Journal

Today, it has been six months since I met Delta and wow, it has flown by. We've come such a long way as a team. I couldn't be happier with my decision to get a guide dog.

These past 6 months haven't been easy. There have been times I was so frustrated I didn't know what to do. When I'd get lost or Delta would test me I was afraid something would happen and the match wouldn't work out. And if that happened I'd have to give her up, which I knew I could never do. I've bonded with her since day one. I love her personality. I feel like we're the best possible match.

I realize now the problems we had are pretty minor. She's a dog with so much initiative; that's why she tested me, tried to get me disoriented to go to a place she knew, got bored with routes, looked over her shoulder when people were around. I don't have any of these problems anymore. She was just testing me, and it was worth every frustrating minute. Even in the past two months, our work has solidified and I just can't help thinking how amazingly smart she is. Last year, I was trudging slowly to class with a cane. Now it's effortless. Delta threads me threw crowds and whisks me around campus. I feel so lucky to have gotten Delta.

It still amazes me how she can be so different in and out of harness. I wonder how they're trained to make that distinction. Out of harness she is such a puppy and I love watching her like that. She deserves time to be just a dog, and she has so many people to play with here at college.

Delta has been a great companion too. Last year I always missed my dogs at home. I still do, but now I have Delta. It's so nice to hav those ears to scratch. She loves to give kisses too. It definitely helps ease frustration and stress to hug her or lay with her.

I can't believe it's already been 6 months. Time really flies. I totally understand now why it takes 6 months to a year to become a fully working team, it's totally true. wE'VE COME SO FAR ALREADY AND I know we have many great years ahead of us.