Boston,
my fourth and current guide, was born on July 7, 200. He's a big, beautiful
golden boy. As of this writing, this three-year-old retriever is more of a puppy
than a dog and when he's not leaping, slurping and snorting, he can occasionally
be seen actually guiding.
Like many Goldens, Boston is perpetually wagging. Our mind's eye conjures up
a sober, dedicated beast when we think about a service animal and many people
have asked me if silly Boston is actually trained.
But Boston is truly highly trained. Like many humans affected by attention
deficit disorder though, he needs to be actively engaged to work well. The
positive side of being distracted by everything is that you miss nothing. And as
he swiftly zips me across those busy six-lane intersections, I know he has his
eyes on every moving vehicle. As he deftly maneuvers me through downtown areas
with throngs of tourists, we easily slip through a crowd. But give him a long,
rambling country road and he'd much rather chase a squirrel than guide!
Boston's
effusiveness and high energy level prevent him from being the perfect guide for
many people. But when I get frustrated with him, I remember my experience in the
Loma Prieta earthquake two dogs ago.
During the the shaking, my German Shepherd guide darted out in to the street
pulling me with her in to heavy traffic. The marble facade of the building I was
passing fell hitting the sidewalk where I'd stood just a second before. Dragging
me into traffic, off the sidewalk, was breaking all the rules and she went
against all her training to keep me safe. The dog's quick reaction probably
saved my life.
An intelligent, fast-thinking dog is often not the most obedient. He's as
intent on his environment as he is on his master. Boston's greatest strength is
his ability to make independent decisions, his initiative and his love for his
work.