"Ruff Justice" Part 1

Hi, everyone!

It's me, Jesse-Zack's little brother and I'm trying my pawmanship at this writing stuff, just like my big brother!

For those of you who have not yet met me, I'm a handsome yellow boy, too; but a little longer in the legs and thinner in the body than Zack. Aunt Laurel says I'm Mom's basketball player and Zack is her football player!

Oh, I'm every bit as smart as Zack-maybe even a little bit smarter than he is and I really, really love to take my mom places.

Today we began our first day on Jury Duty. Mom got the summons about 3 weeks ago and scheduled our paratransit bus system to come pick us up this morning at 8am. We got up around 6am and by the time Mom took Zack, Smokey and me out to "busy", got herself dressed and ready, fed us all and took us all back out for our morning constitutional, it was time for me to get ready, too.

"Oh, boy! Mom's got the "furminator"! It feels so good when Mom runs that fine-toothed steel comb throughout my fur and remove all the dead stuff! As always, she's reaching for the baby-wipes now! I'm gonna smell gooood!"

Well, the bus got here around 7:45am and, after we let out a lady in Northwoods Mall and picked up 2 others on James Island, we finally arrived at the courthouse. Our driver was really nice and very sorry for not getting us there earlier. Mom just smiled and thanked her as we exited the bus. Like Mom always says, "God puts us where He wants us when He wants us there, regardless of what we may think our schedules are."

When we got off the bus I guided Mom down a long walkway to an iron gate and then made a right turn, just like she directed me. Immediately I began to search for the door and found one of those funny revolving doors. Mom and I were inside the revolving door when Mom felt some resistance and the door began to push us backwards. On the other side of the glass door was an elderly gentleman, frantically telling us that we had to use another door.

"What's up with this, Mom? We were almost in the building when he made us turn around and go back out."

A nice lady met us at the other door and offered to escort us through security. When she grabbed Mom's arm and began pulling on her, Mom just told her to pat her leg and she'd give me the command to follow her.

A bit confused and a whole lot impressed, we were soon at the security gates. As Mom handed over her purse, she told the officers that both she and I would set off the alarm.

"Hey! You all be careful with Mom's bag! That has my cookies in there!"

In no time we were through the security gates and had retrieved Mom's purse when another nice lady offered to take us to room 279 or, The Jury Assembly Room. Obviously not familiar how to be a sighted guide, she grabbed Mom by the arm and began to pull. Once again Mom smiled and told the lady to simply pat her leg and that I would follow her. This lady was really cool about it and kept looking down to watch me work.

We got off the elevator and went down a long hallway to a big room full of people. Everyone had to stand up as their names were called and tell their occupations, ages and the occupations of their spouses. Boring! That took forever; but, I took advantage of the "down time" and grabbed a couple of winks.

Later, a man in a robe came out and had folks line up against the wall. We were included in that group. As we were trying to follow them to where ever we needed to go, another nice lady grabbed Mom by the elbow and insisted we go with her on the elevator.

We caught up with the rest of our group and were herded into a very, very little room where another man in a robe started talking about exemptions. There weren't enough chairs for all of us, so one of the deputies brought one in for Mom to sit in. I immediately took my place underneath her.

We stayed in there for about an hour and, when Mom's name was called as a potential juror, the defense attorneys politely asked for her to be excused. Mom said it was because it was a criminal case and the defense attorneys were afraid that Mom would be more inclined to take the side of the prosecution, since Mom's brother, Uncle Bill, is a law enforcement officer.

When they filled all the juror's seats and that of an alternate, we were excused for lunch. Since we were in the back of the room, we were the first to leave, but the others must have really been in a hurry because they began shoving and pushing Mom out of the way.

A nice lady came over and directed us to another elevator. Mom asked her where their relief area was and the nice lady was stymied. She admitted that she didn't know what a relief area was.

Mom smiled and said that she needed to take me to use the bathroom. The lady's confusion quickly turned into disbelief as she said, "Oh, he has to go outside!"

"Yes, I know," Mom replied. Can you direct me to a grassy area outside?"

"Oh, that would have to be downstairs," the nice lady answered proudly.

I led Mom off the elevator and back down that long ramp, where the security gates were.

"Come on, Mom! I can find the door out!"

Soon we were outside and walking down a long walkway when I spotted a nice patch of grass.

"Boy! Was that ever a long time coming!"

Mom told me that she wasn't hungry, but wanted to give me a little snack and a cool drink of water. Somehow, our bottle of water never made it through security so we had to find another restroom for Mom to get me a cool drink (out of the sink, of course).

Once again we headed through the revolving doors and actually made it inside when a uniformed officer ran over to help us.

"Where do you want to go, ma'am?" the lady asked.

"I need to find a restroom so I can give my little boy a drink, " Mom answered.

Obviously very confused, the lady said, "You mean the dog?"

"Yes ma'am," Mom replied. "Just tell me how to get to the restroom, please."

The lady began to point as she said, "just go right over there."

"I don't see," Mom said, "so if you're pointing you're going to have to point really loud for me to see you!"

"Just go right there by that man in the gray suit!"

"Ma'am, if you can, please put your hands in your pockets and verbally direct me to the restroom.:

Thoroughly confused and disgusted, the lady told Mom that she didn't think she could and we'd have to just follow her. Thankfully, another more understanding lady came over and led us to the restroom, where Mom gave me a much needed and greatly appreciated drink of cool water from the sink in my travel bowl, followed by a nice peanut butter cookie.

As we exited the restroom, another one of those uniformed ladies offered assistance. Mom thanked her and told her that she wanted to go back to room 279 and wait until everyone returned from lunch.

Now, I'm not sure what that lady thought she heard or how she processed Mom's request, but instead of going upstairs on the elevator; we were soon outside again, headed for the snack bar. When Mom questioned our location, a couple of deputy sheriffs came to our rescue and instructed the lady to take us to room 279.

Back through the security gates, on the elevator and down the hall, we finally reached the Jury Assembly Room. We waited there for about 2 hours and were finally dismissed for the day, with instructions to call a special number after 6pm to find out if we needed to return tomorrow.

We were standing out under the portico on Broad Street, waiting for the paratransit bus, when Uncle Bill walked up and offered to take us home.

"Finally! Someone with good sense!"

Mom recanted our day's experience on the way home. Uncle Bill couldn't figure out why the lady took us to the snack bar when we'd asked to go upstairs. Mom told him it was obvious that very few blind folks had ever been called to report for jury duty.

Uncle Bill said he couldn't remember seeing any blind jurors, but that the manager of the snack bar was blind.

"That's it!" Mom shouted. "The lady realized that I am blind and knew the snack bar manager was blind, also. Typical of some sighted folks' intellect regarding the blindness community, she figured she needed to keep us blind folks together."

Uncle Bill wasn't convinced, but Mom was sure that had to be her reasoning.

We finally got back home and I got a much needed nap and a few moments to play. Mom called that special number and found out we have to go back again tomorrow. I can't wait to see what happens then!

I'll keep you guys updated! Until then, stay safe and God bless you all!

More Dixie Land News

We announce a new Team Member!

Officers of the College of Charleston Delta Gamma Sorority pose during a presentation with Dixie Land Secretary/Treasurer Laurel Jean, Vice President Audrey Gunter and Audrey's new guide, Jesse.

Master Jesse Gunter, a handsome 2 year old yellow lab was delivered to his new mom, (and our Vice President) Audrey on the afternoon of Thursday, November 11, 2010.  The bond began almost immediately as the two lived, played and worked together at the Florida campus and training facilities of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Audrey had labored over the decision of when she should retire her first guide, Zack, also a Southeastern boy.  Those two had shared the past 8 years as an inseparable team as they traveled all across the USA on business and in Ministry.  Indeed, it was Zack who first led Audrey to God, literally and figuratively, leaving a positive public image wherever they went!  Whether lobbying for a new guide dog protection law; creating an ADA-compliant policy for an upstate hospital; teaching sensitivity and awareness to a school, business or organization; or sharing their testimony to an attentive church congregation, theirs was a unique team of devotion, intelligence and commitment.

Zack's steps had begun to slow down back in 2009, but Audrey attributed his altered speed to his adjusting to her hip and leg injury.  When Zack began to illustrate difficulty upon boarding a car, Audrey knew it was time for him to spend his time playing ball and holding down the sofa, which he is doing extremely well.

Jesse, a loving, yet lively young pup, continues to endear himself to his new mom daily.  Despite the fact the two have been together for less than 3 months, the trainers at Southeastern proclaim they work together as though they'd been together for years.  Jesse loves to work and he loves the praise his mom gives him every time he does something right, which is all the time.  When not working, you can find Jesse playing with "Mr. Squeakers", his blue rubber bone; chewing on one of his many chew bones; playing tug with his big brother or just sitting in his mom's lap as the two curl up together in their recliner, with Zack nearby on the sofa.   

Dinner in the Dark-An Eye-Opening Experience!

Dixie Land President, Nancy Moore and Vice President, Audrey Gunter, pose with blind youth of the Lowcountry (Shelby, Taylor and Brianna).

Dixie Land Guide Dog Users coupled with the many ministries of Grace United Methodist Church and Music by Laurel Jean and sponsored by the Association for the Blind, worked together for a very successful evening of food, music, fellowship, entertainment and awareness.

Grace youth learn to be sighted guides as part of their orientation for Dinner In The Dark.

Happy, helpful volunteers met our guests at the door with blindfolds (prepared by some of Grace's Circle Clubs) and bibs (prepared by Grace's Youth).  Pre-trained sighted guides then escorted the blindfolded public to their tables where they were served a delicious dinner of spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and banana pudding, (all prepared by Chuck Heller and the United Methodist Men).

Dixie Land's Secretary/Treasurer, Laurel Jean delighted everyone with her music and quips.  She even included some of the kids she serves with her Chaplaincy for Blind Youth.

Brianna was quite a hit on her violin and Shelby and Taylor amazed our diners with their vocals.

Here, Taylor entertains our guests, accompanied by Laurel and assisted by Grace Youth Director, Bruce Philpott.

 

Some folks really got into the spirit of the evening and continued the ordeal of trying to eat by touch.  Some could only handle a few minutes of eating while blindfolded.  Some gave up on using utensils and began shoveling the spaghetti strands in their opened mouths with their sauce-covered fingers. All had a great time and walked out with a new-found understanding of some of the challenges the blindness community confronts daily.  Indeed, our "Dinner in the Dark" has accomplished the original goal of being an awareness-raiser; yet, with all the laughter and jubilant faces, apparently it was also a "fun" raiser as well.

"Paws" to Educate at Top Dog, Orlando!

Fellow Dixie Lander, Pastor Tim Barrett, offers a special, individual blessing to one of the guide teams attending Top Dog, 2011 in Orlando, FL.

We'd been planning this weekend for months.  Indeed, we'd been diligently participating in all Dixie Land fund  raisers in an all-out effort to attend Top Dog, Orlando-2011!  Kathleen Trutschel, President of GDUF, asked us to arrive early so we could share our new "Paws to Educate" initiative with the others attending.  Two of Dixie Land's officers, Laurel Jean (Secretary/Treasurer) and Audrey (Vice-president), along with Tim Barrett (a new Dixie Land member), were scheduled to officiate in the "Blessing".

As the time drew closer, our beloved President, Nancy Moore, received the bad news that she could not attend because of medical reasons.  Saddened by her absence, but encouraged by her spirit, we continued with our plans to forge ahead without her.

Finally, "D" (departure) day arrived!  The van was packed to capacity with dogs, a piano, sound equipment, written materials, luggage and, oh, yeah, people!   We actually even had enough room to include 2 local blind teenagers, Brianna Murray and Taylor Jones, both of whom assisted us with the Blessing.  This was really looking towards being a very successful trip.

Here, Brianna reads Scripture for the Blessing.

We arrived at the Four-Corners Sheraton around 6pm that evening.  Immediately, as we walked into the check-in area, we encountered other handlers and their guides, patiently waiting their turns to get their room assignments.  We could tell the desk clerks were somewhat overwhelmed, but they still provided us with excellent service as they learned to "hold their hands in their pockets" and give us directions to various areas.

After checking into our rooms and making our way around dozens and dozens of working, retired and future guide dogs, we found our way to the Top Dog, Orlando-2011 registration desk, where Kathleen and Sally greeted everyone with warmth, love and a smile.  Proudly, Kathleen presented us with the very special "doggie" bags she'd worked so hard to fill.

Shortly thereafter, Kathleen and I met with several others from New York, Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida to discuss our "Paws to Educate" initiative and how important it was for all handlers to know their legal rights, responsibilities and recourses when those rights have been violated.  We also noted that it was equally important for business owners to understand that they, too, have rights to protect their establishments and patrons within when we fail to exercise our responsibility to maintain complete control over our guides' behavior, appearance and demeanor. We had a very successful meeting and we all walked away much better prepared and informed.    Friday, it seemed everywhere we went, someone would corner us and ask about how they could spread the word in their hometowns.

There was plenty of time for fun and fellowship. Here, Pastor Tim and Taylor are playing Uno in the Hospitality room!

Taylor's great-grandfather (Jerry Stebbins) who drove us, and our secretary Laurel Jean (with her long, white cane, Slim) pose for a photo as they watch to see who will win that Uno game!

Saturday night's banquet was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend! Our Laurel Jean provided dinner music as we were being served.

Here, devoted puppy raisers and grateful handlers all from Guide Dog Foundation enjoy the evening together.

Thank you, Association for the Blind, for helping Dixie Land to be able to participate in such an enlightening and fun event!

Dixie Landers Give The Gift of Life

 

Dixie Land Officers Audrey Gunter (with guide Jesse) and Laurel Jean (with long, white cane Slim) “give the gift of life” at this Red Cross Blood Drive, held at Citadel Mall, Charleston, SC.

Miss Audrey is working on her third gallon, while Miss Laurel is shown here as a first-time donor. Both are grateful for their ongoing Christian Faith, physical health and personal independence—all of which make possible their commitment to this community outreach.

We hope that this will inspire others to do the same!

Our Paws To Educate Initiative

Proudly sponsored by the Charleston, SC Association for the Blind!

• "Can you take your dog everywhere you go?"


• "Does he bite?"


• "Why do you have that dog in here?"


• "Can I pet your dog? Why not?"


• "What's that dog doing in here?"

If you are a handler, I'm sure you've heard these questions repeatedly. In fact, you're probably getting a little tired of answering them, right? You're probably wondering when folks are actually going to learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), and how it applies to service dogs.

If you are sighted and have ever come across a guide team, you have most likely asked at least one or more of the above questions, if only out of curiosity.

So many times, we guide dog users enter a business, restaurant, or public building and one of their less-informed employees approaches us negatively, questioning our legitimacy and, ultimately asking us to leave.

Unfortunately, it seems the only times we hear anything in the news about guide-dog users is when their rights of access to a public facility have been denied by an uninformed individual and a lawsuit ensues.

Dixie Land Guide Dog Users recognizes the need to be pro-active and has organized a new initiative called, "Paws To Educate" program that reaches out to various businesses, schools, hospitals and civic organizations in an attempt to offer sensitivity and awareness sessions to their staff. This interesting and informative program touches on the 3 R's: Rights, Responsibilities and Recourse" of the handler as well as the business owner.

We have found that most folks who know about our rights to have our guides with us anywhere the public is invited don't know that we also have specific responsibilities to maintain to be able to usurp that right. They are also ignorant of the fact that, if we fail to maintain those responsibilities, that we can, in fact, be asked to leave their places of business without fear of discrimination.

Of course, valid documentation (preferably from local law enforcement) is vital whenever we are fighting for our rights of access or when the business owner is striving to protect its clientele.

So many times we have been shopping in a major department store when we hear a muffled bark of a small dog someone has sneaked in, claiming it to be a service dog or, we hear a scary growl from what seems to be a large animal just as it lunges at our dog. Store managers and employees approach us sheepishly, telling us about various individuals who bring their filthy, nasty, stinky dogs into these stores saying they are service dogs. These questionable characters allow their canines to urinate and defecate in the stores and laugh aloud as they walk off and leave the mess for a store employee to clean up. One man in the Charleston area has successfully passed off his 3 large Newfoundlands to be "seizure" dogs that work as a team! If they are, indeed, service animals, then he is certainly not fulfilling his obligation of keeping them under control.

Dixie Land recognizes there are many problems regarding these matters and has organized its own "Paws To Educate" program in an effort to better educate both the blind handler and the sighted business owner so that everyone can understand and appreciate our rights, responsibilities and recourse.

These sessions are available to any business, church, school or civic group within the state of South Carolina at absolutely no cost. Of course, donations will be accepted, though. We contour our programs to be as long or as short as necessary, always with allocated time for questions and answers.

To schedule our "Paws To Educate" program for your group, simply  Email the Dixie Land Guide Team.

Or call (843) 608-6890.

We look forward to seeing YOU soon!