Labrador Retriever - This "Skye's" the limit!

Labrador Retriever - This "Skye's" the limit!

By: Trudi H. - Parrish, Florida

As first time volunteer Puppy Raisers for S.E.G.D.I. in Palmetto, Florida, my husband and I followed the handbook that the school gave us, and tried to do everything that was taught to us, in order to raise a perfect guide dog for the blind.

Our first puppy, Schuyler, (pronounced Skylar) and nicknamed "Skye" came to us, at 9 weeks of age in 2001. Her sponsor was a wonderful generous, prosperous businessman, as well as a philanthropist, from Indiana, by the name of Joe. He made a 5-figure donation to SEGDI, in order to name this beautiful yellow lab, and contribute to her welfare until she was matched with a blind person at 2 years of age. (Note: There is no charge to the blind person for the dog, or training or equip.)

It was a beautiful day in May, when Joe made a trip to the Tampa Bay area, and asked that we, along with "Skye" be his guests upon a ship that was being dedicated, that weekend, and where he was a dignitary speaker, along with other very important members of the Tampa Bay area.

I was a bit nervous, as I wanted to make a good impression, and wanted him to be pleased with "Skye" and the progress she was making as a guide dog puppy.
Everything went well, the speeches delivered and dedication went on without a hitch.
"Skye" was on her best behavior, and we had so many people come and tell us what a wonderfully well-behaved dog she was, at 7 months of age.

Part of our job as a Puppy Raiser is to instill good manners, which includes, no jumping on furniture, no balls, no people food.
As the morning turned into afternoon aboard the ship, it was time to eat, a group of us, including "Skye's" sponsor and other well known Tampa Bay dignitaries sat around in a circle, eating, while balancing our plates of food on our laps, with "Skye" laying so peacefully on the deck in the middle of the circle, and the topic of the conversation, people remarking what a good dog she was.

There was one particular gentleman who spoke with his hands, and "Skye" seemed to be mesmerized by his voice, and she watched him carefully when he talked, at one point, as he was telling a very interesting story, with all eyes intensely upon him and with his sandwich in his hand he jester with his arm across the circle, at that exact moment, "Skye" raised her head long enough to take a bite out of his sandwich!!!

I was horrified, and my husband embarrassed!! You could hear a pin drop after the "uh-oh's" of the audience quieted down. I wanted to jump overboard, but this kind and considerate gentleman, acted as though nothing at all happened, he kept talking and eating his sandwich, even though, I offered to get him a fresh plate of food!!
This wonderful man, Bob, is the best friend of "Skye's" sponsor, and a well-known businessman in the Bay area.

My husband and my face still redden when we tell this embarrassing story!!
By the way, "Skye", now lives with her blind person, in Ft. Myers, they are a wonderful working guide dog team.... they are devoted to each other, and he tells of her saving his life, on one of their outings. "Skye" has touched many lives, including ours, her sponsor Joe as well as the entire Gerson family, and of course Bob! (in more ways than one.)