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 Tommy
Gibson and Randy Marshall have a new member of the family—a seeing eye
dog. After spending the month of March at Leader Dogs for the Blind,
Tommy arrived back in Rehoboth with his new companion, Dakota, a
nineteen month old German Shepard. Tommy's Leader Dog training was
sponsored by the Lewes Lions Club.
It is important to
remember that Tommy and Dakota have been trained to work as a team. In
the next few months, you will see Tommy and Dakota walking all over town
as they continue training.
They ask that you
remember these few simple things. Whenever you see Dakota with his
harness on, he is working and cannot be petted. Please ask Tommy first
before you touch Dakota or even make eye contact with him. Please do not
feed him or give him water. If you are driving and pass them, please
remember to yield to any person who either has a white cane or is
accompanied by a guide dog. They have the right of way. Tommy and Dakota
ask that you please follow these simple rules:
1) If you think that
Tommy may need assistance, say hello and let him know who you are. Ask
if he needs assistance. If he does, he will let you know. Approach him
only on his right side. Do
not take hold of Tommy by the arm without first asking, it may disturb
the dog. Under no circumstances should you ever take hold of the dog or
his harness handle.
2) If Tommy needs your
assistance, he may ask you to use the Sighted Guide System. Just stand
to his right and offer your left elbow by brushing it against his arm.
Tommy will take hold of your left arm just above the elbow and drop the
harness.
3) Tommy may not wish
to use the Sighted Guide System and request that he just follow you. The
Follow System is also very simple and sometimes easier for both Tommy
and Dakota. Just walk ahead
of them at a normal speed, letting them know when approaching turns,
doorways, stairs and curbs.
Tommy, Dakota and Randy
thank all who try to help and look forward to another great summer.
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