Here are some more friends from the animal medical center: Dakota, the German Shepherd, and Steve, his handler. These are a really proud and nice team!
Dakota guides Steve, who cannot see his way. Dakota was in the hospital because one morning when Steve was going to work and the two of them were going up an escalator, Dakota’s paw got stuck. He too was in a lot of pain, just like I had been. His toes were also broken, like mine had been. He too has to wear a collar, just like I did.
When they are walking together, Dakota helps Steve to walk in a straight line and around obstacles. Outside, Dakota also tells Steve where the curb is so Steve knows where to stop.
However, only Steve determines when it is time to go.
When they are stopped at a curb where there is a traffic light or a stop sign, Steve uses his sense of hearing to determine when it’s safe to cross.
Dakota and Steve are best friends but each one has his role and they work together as a team to ensure Steve’s safety and happiness.
I speak for Dakota when I say that dogs, even guide dogs, cannot understand or obey traffic signals and stop signs, and cannot make decisions about when it is safe to cross the street.
I’m getting ready for the Independence Day festivities: Right after the Independence Day festivities, I’m going back to the hospital for x-rays of my leg. Maybe just maybe the doctors will decide to remove my splint. And maybe then I’ll be able to run with my dad in the morning before the sun comes up, and maybe I’ll be able to take a walk with my sister and littermate, Rosie.
