Guide dog changes life

To the editor:
April 25 is International Guide Dog Day, and the school where I got my dog, Guide Dogs for the Blind (www.guidedogs.com) is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
I’m writing to let you know first-hand how my Guide Dog has changed my life. Mesa is a 6-and-1/2-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever and she’s been my partner for nearly five wonderful years. She’s saved my life several times, one of which was from a semi-truck turning down the street I was crossing when we had the right-of-way, and she’s the best companion anyone could have. With Mesa by my side, I’ve gone places I never would have gone before.
I want to make Kentonians and others in Hardin County aware that, by law, guide dogs are allowed most places the public is allowed. If you see me, or any other person who is blind or otherwise disabled, walking with a service dog, it is polite to ask before you pet them. Mesa’s job is to lead me safely from point A to point B, and if she is distracted, our safety could be compromised. You will know Mesa by a harness strapped around her belly and draped over her back with the Guide Dogs for the Blind logo clearly displayed on it.
Guide Dogs for the Blind provides all of its services free-of-charge and with no government funding. They’re a great organization and worthy of your support. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me via email at cdetro1980@columbus.rr.com. I would be happy to answer any questions from the citizens of Kenton and Hardin County.

Cynthia Detro with Mesa
Kenton

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Posted by Kenton Times on April 23, 2012. Filed under Reader Editorials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry