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Second Sense - Beyond Vision Loss

Archive: May 2020

Kathy's guide dog, Rowen, patiently waiting on the front porch during the coronavirus

Keeping Your Guide Dog Sharp During the Coronavirus

May 7, 2020 | 5 Comments

by Kathy Austin, CVA

Rowen is a go-go, very active guide dog. When our stay at home orders were imposed because of COVID 19, I was a little concerned that our walks around the neighborhood for exercise wouldn’t be quite enough for him. My neighborhood is quiet with little traffic, very different from downtown Chicago on a busy weekday […] Read More »

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Kathy with her three guides, past and present, Rowen, Weller and Solomon.

Retiring a Guide Dog: When is it Time to Throw in the Towel?

August 1, 2017 | 3 Comments

by Kathy Austin, CVA

His nose twitches constantly. Lamp posts cannot be resisted. Another slimy chicken bone taken out of his mouth. This is my regular two-block walk from the office to the train station. I have a very sweet, sometimes naughty, Labrador Retriever guide dog named Weller. He is a gorgeous dog with long ears, a sharp nose […] Read More »

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Kathy and her guide Weller stand at the corner of Randolph and Wabash in Chicago

Extreme O&M: Sharpening Orientation and Mobility Skills

January 16, 2017 | Leave a Comment

by Kathy Austin, CVA

  You’re standing at a busy intersection, white cane in hand. Cars are whizzing by, turning in all directions and horns are honking. You need to cross the intersection. You feel like you are on the edge of a pool, waiting to jump in, but the water is icy cold and you are very hesitant. […] Read More »

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Uber car in downtown Chicago

Ride Sharing: Tips for Maximizing your Travel Experience

October 1, 2016 | Leave a Comment

by Kathy Austin, CVA

You are getting into a stranger’s car. You wonder … am I going to get to my destination?  Am I going for a joy ride to somewhere over the rainbow?  Who is this person anyway? I’ve been using Uber on a pretty regular basis for the last several months.  I’d like to share some of […] Read More »

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Kathy and her guide dog, Weller, on a street corner in Chicago

Uber and Guide Dogs: The Discussion Continues

May 16, 2016 | 4 Comments

by Kathy Austin, CVA

  Recently I commented on Beth Finke’s Safe and Sound blog, Taking Uber with a Guide Dog: Jury Still Out regarding Uber and transporting people who use service animals. This discussion is important to raise awareness of this valuable transportation option for individuals with vision loss and to ensure that service dogs are accommodated.  Here […] Read More »

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