Contrast
Text

Unapologetically Blind

Tag: pupcicles

  • Woof woof, hey fur-friends and humans! It’s Crew here, your favorite fluffy yellow guide dog!

    Woof woof, hey fur-friends and humans! It’s Crew here, your favorite fluffy yellow guide dog!

    Dad says he’s been yappin’ with people about why I sometimes gotta stay home when it’s really chilly. Like, bone-chilling, nose-freezing, -30C (that’s -22F for my awesome American pals!) cold. So, lemme give you the scoop from a dog’s-eye view.

    Boots? More Like BOO-ts!

    Okay, seriously, am I the only doggo who HATES boots? I gotta feel the ground beneath my paws! Is that too much to ask? Dad says when it’s this cold, my precious paw-pads need protection so they don’t turn into ice cubes. I do kinda like those balloon boots, ya know, the rubbery ones. They’re fun to chew on… I mean, walk in. But Dad says even with baby socks (which are surprisingly comfy), they’re not enough for the super-cold days. Rats!

    Crew’s Day Off (Kinda)

    So, if I can’t wear my super-duper-warm boots (which I don’t have ’cause I hate ’em), and it’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails, guess what? It’s Crew’s day off! Woo hoo! I get to chillax at home, snuggling with my kitty pals and my big sis (she’s the best!). It’s paw-some! But, and this is a BIG but, it’s also kinda boring. I miss all the action! Dad says he’s on something called a “strike” right now. I don’t get it. I just wanna go to the school and see my human friends! I miss my people! Plus, everyone’s all stressed out about stuff. So, I guess a day off helps my little yellow brain decompress.

    A Paw-some Lesson for My Furry Friends

    Listen up, pups! If your human says you gotta stay home, they’re probably just lookin’ out for your fluffy little self. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they just wanna give you a break (which is the best!). But on cold days, it’s ’cause they love your little toe beans and don’t want ’em to freeze. And if you’re like me and you’re not a boot fan, make sure your human knows! They want your paws to be happy and warm!

    Okay, that’s all from me for now. Gotta go nap. Crew out! Woof!

  • Where Is Your Dog

    “Where’s Your Dog?” & Other Questions I’m Tired of Answering

    You know that question. The one that seems to tumble out of people’s mouths whenever they see a blind person: “Where’s your dog?”

    It’s a question that often comes with an undercurrent of surprise, even pity. People seem to assume that every blind person must have a guide dog.

    But the truth is, it’s not that simple.

    Here are a few reasons why I might not have my guide dog with me:

    1. Injury:

    Let’s be honest, accidents happen. If I’ve injured my arm, leg, or shoulder, working with my dog can be dangerous for both of us. A recent cortisone shot in my Achilles tendon left me with a significant limp, making it difficult to maintain balance while guiding my dog.

    2. Weather Extremes:

    Extreme weather conditions can be challenging for both humans and dogs. I’ve set personal limits: below -25°C, my dog gets to decide if he wants to brave the cold. At -30°C or colder, he stays home. Similarly, in the summer, I let him decide above 25°C and keep him home above 30°C.

    3. Illness:

    Just like us, dogs get sick! If my dog is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, he needs a day to rest and recover.

    4. Not Everyone Has a Guide Dog:

    This is a big one!

    • Choice: Many blind people choose not to work with a guide dog.
    • Circumstances: Guide dog training is a significant commitment. It may not be feasible for everyone due to financial limitations, living situations, or personal preferences.
    • Independence: Some blind people prefer to navigate independently using other assistive devices like canes or long canes.

    Please, Respect Our Choices

    It’s important to remember that blindness is a diverse experience. Each person navigates the world differently.

    Ultimately, it’s about respecting our independence and our right to choose how we live our lives.

    Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal experiences and opinions.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.