Just thought I'd take a moment to introduce myself. I'm 40-ish (closer to 50!) and have lived in Upstate NY most of my life. I've been sight impaired since birth due to Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. I was diagnosed at age 11 with Diabetes, and because I was a bratty kid who thought I knew everything I ignored my doctors' advice on managing my disease. As a result I developed a number of complications related to Diabetes including further vision loss (Diabetic Retinopathy), kidney disease and several forms of neuropathy (nerve damage) throughout my body.
By my late teens I lost a considerable amount of my functional vision and that combined with the other health issues sent me into a deep depression. I felt lost and alone and at age 19 attempted suicide. By the grace of God I survived, and with the support of a wonderful physician, friends and family I came to see that life had something to offer.
After stumbling around with a cane for a few years (and getting it stuck in sidewalk grates umpteen times!) I decided there must be a better way to get around... and at the suggestion of my doctor I applied for my first guide dog at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Hts. NY.
On Valentine's Day 1985 into my life came Audrey, a sweet yellow Labrador Retriever who changed my life. Audrey brought to the surface all the confidence that was hidden deep inside; she opened doors for me that I never even knew existed. Audrey was the beginning of a new life, and though she has long ago passed to Heaven she will always be my heart.
Since that time I completed a BS in Counseling/Health Ed and partial graduate studies. Ongoing health issues and further vision loss led to my leaving graduate school and moving on to other things. I developed a program called On Sight With Youth, in which I visit schools and other youth-oriented programs to talk about blindness and its variations... and of course, the wonders of guide dogs.
After Audrey retired I trained with a magnificent black Lab named Merlin, known by all who loved him as "Mr. Personality". Merlin was such a wonderful boy who was taken from me far too soon... he passed away in 1998 due to throat cancer. Then came my Gwendy girl, also a black Lab, always willing to please and never phased by anything we came across. My "perfect" girl... I was devastated to lose her when she was just 6 years old. She developed a rare neuro-muscular disease and I said goodbye to my girl August 2003.
My fourth guide Nolte, a silly sweet Golden Retriever from The Seeing Eye in Morristown NJ, retired in September 2008. Nolte was a superb worker and a wonderful friend and companion for almost 5 years, but sadly he developed several neurological issues that effected his ability to guide safely. For both our sakes it was best to let him retire. He's living out his retirement as a spoiled rotten couch potato here as the "King" of GoldiDox Grove.
My current guide is a sweet little German Shepherd Dog named Karla. She's very tiny, only 43 pounds! Karla is a little spitfire who loves to play when she's off-duty, but is ever-willing to please and very focused in her guide work. I'm so enjoying walking with the confidence and dignity I've always felt with one of these wonderful intelligent dogs beside me.
I'm "Mom" to a wonderful gang of Dachshunds who keep me busy and quite entertained. Bennie is my little old man, he's 14. He's a red smooth, and a charming little fella with a sweet personality. Next is Fawn, a red dapple smooth who is 10 years old. Fawn is full of energy and loves to play play and play some more. She detests being dressed like a girl... but tolerates it for occasional photo shoots. Gunther is a red dapple smooth who is 8 years old. He's all about being a ham and loves everyone he meets. He could easily win an award for his winning personality and joyous spirit. Maizie is my little chocolate and tan baby and also a working girl... she's my Diabetic Alert Dog. Maizie is 3 years old and an absolute little diva who loves attention. Georgie is my little cream longhair and is 2 years old. He's a sweet-natured laid back boy who is truly a "mama's boy" in every sense of the word. He loves people, but prefers being in my arms for a cuddle. Joanie is not quite a year old and is a black and cream girl full of spunk and sweet as the day is long. Last but not least is Dannie, a darling chocolate/cream double dapple pup. Dannie is a special needs baby, he's totally deaf..
Thanks again for visiting our site and please feel free to stop by again soon. I update the site often and add new pictures of the gang.
Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. ~ Carl Jung
The GoldiDox Gang
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