Part 2 Dennis- The Journey to be a guide dog handler Can you remember the first time you learnt how to ride a bicycle? That exhilarating feeling of moving along, while you tried to steady the bike? This was the feeling I had when I walked with Melba for the first time. As soon as I gave the forward command, she began walking steadily, focusing on getting ahead and avoiding any obstacles along the way. My pace of walking has not been fast since I began using a white cane. Thus, it was really exciting to be able to walk fast, as though I was being guided by a sighted person. Missing home: This is the first time that I have been away by myself since I lost my vision. Despite experiencing the wonderful hospitality from the staff at GDV during my stay, I was starting to feel a little homesick, missing my family and friends in Singapore. During times like this, Melba was there to provide me with a pair of listening ears. How do you feel about the trainings?”: To answer this question, I can only say that I was constantly in a tense and focus mode. The trainings have so far been more mentally challenging rather than physically challenging. There were so much information and so many things to learn. Almost all the commands have to be followed by corresponding actions, and I was struggling to put all the acts together whilst trying to trust and follow Melba. As a guide dog handler, it is also my responsibility to make sense of the surroundings to ensure that Melba and I are travelling safely. Melba is very focused and works hard most of the time. She occasionally gets distracted, and it is my responsibility to constantly assure her and keep her focused on her work. As a team, we work hard together on the streets and shopping malls, concentrating on getting from one point to another. By the time we end each training sessions, we were mostly exhausted. Every time I see Melba sleeping soundly at her bed, my heart goes out to her, Good girl, Melba! When the goings got tough.....: As a financial services manager by profession, I’m fully aware that there is always a learning curve when it comes to learning a new skill, and it will not be easy in the beginning. However, there were times where the stress was simply too overwhelming. The stress built up when I was having a chat with my colleague in Singapore over the internet, and was told that there will be some challenging issues at my workplace waiting for me to handle when I get home. To make matters worse, I was also battling with negative thoughts about the future, such as What if my co-workers cannot accept Melba’s presence in the office?, How will my neighbours react when they see Melba?, Are Singaporeans more readily accepting of guide dogs? etc. However, I know well enough that I will only get my answers when we return home to Singapore. During times like these, the desire to give up is quite strong, and I had to steer all my thoughts back towards my goals and concentrate on the trainings. Encouraging messages from friends and supporters back home also gave me the strength to carry on. Forging a new relationship: As days go by, it seems quite apparent that a bond is beginning to forge between Melba and I. Melba is starting to recognize this stranger- that the one who feeds and toilets her everyday is her new master. By working closely together everyday, this man-and-dog team is constantly reaching new levels of understanding. Melba is so lovable and so well-loved by everybody at Guide Dog Victoria, and I am very proud to be her master. Starting a new chapter: At the time of finishing with this journal, the trainings at Guide Dog Victoria are about to come to an end. The times spent in Melbourne have been an enriching and memorable experience. With mixed feelings of both sadness and excitement, we will like to say goodbye to Guide Dogs Victoria and head back home to Singapore. For Melba, Singapore will be her new home and she will make new friends there. Most importantly, together we will start a new phase of our journey. Lastly, before signing off, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has followed me through this journey, and Melba and I are looking forward to seeing you in Singapore!
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:52:30 +0000
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