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 »
Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, guide dogs
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 »
Tags: guide dogs, Mobility, retirement
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 »
Tags: guide dogs, Mobility, O&M
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 »
Tags: guide dogs, Independent Travel, Lyft, Mobility, Ride Sharing, Uber
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 »
Tags: guide dogs, transportation, Uber