McKenna, My Hero

His name is McKenna. I call him McKenna Bear or just Kenna-Bear. He is Ron’s Guide Dog and has been for almost 7-1/2 years. He is a hero because he has been guiding Ron to work throughout those 7-1/2 years, in pouring rain or sunshine, in minus 40 winters and plus 30 summers. When Ron hung around a little too long for his coffee breaks McKenna would put both paws on his lap and quietly remind him that it was time to go back to work.

During those 7-1/2 years McKenna guided Ron on a cruise to Alaska, on a cruise to Mexico, on a cruise through the Panama Canal, on airplanes, trains, buses and metros. He guided him to tune pianos, to the gym, to lawn bowling, to shopping centres, to doctors and dentist appointments and, a little less willingly, to the vet’s office. I could count on one hand how many times McKenna had to take a sick day. He was always raring to go.

Ron retired on September 30th 2011. McKenna will be retiring on March 25th 2012. McKenna has decided that he wants to be a plain ordinary old dog from now on. He will be retiring in Portland Oregon and will be spending his last years with my retired Guide Dog, Gladys, who was once the love of his life. Gladys sent me an e-mail at Christmas time telling me that she has the figure of a 2-year-old and she is anxiously awaiting McKenna’s arrival in Portland. She plans to be there at the airport to meet him.

Thank you, big boy, for being a hero and for always bringing Ron home safely.

Christine Pelletier

Remembering Jojo

On Friday, December 16, my guide dog Jojo was taken by her angels into paradise. With her as my guide, we traveled to many interesting places. She was my guide, companion, and my best friend. I miss her very, very much.

I would like to extend a warm thank you to the puppy raisers who lovingly and diligently prepare puppies to be good citizens. Jojo was my third guide dog. Each one of them was admired about their behavior, intelligence and loving attitude. I dedicate this poem to you:

You were sent to me from heaven
You’re an angel sent from God
You were sent to guide my footsteps
And to fill my heart with love
You’re a guide dog by all measure
You’re the star that lights my way
You lead with such great pleasure
As we travel day by day
One day the angels called you
Far beyond the setting sun
Where you live in peaceful splendor
Your life has just begun


Most Sincerely,

Sally Dodge
Belchertown, MA

Remembering Glisten

To All Her Cool Friends, Wonderful Family and Her Fans,

She asked me to write a message to you all. Yesterday, at approximately 1 p.m., my beautiful girl went up to Heaven to be with her best friend Katela and my Mom. I made the extremely difficult decision to put her to sleep because she was getting uncomfortable in her own skin. She was growing weaker in her back legs and she had been having some accidents in the house. It was a very peaceful transition and I know she is in a better place. I was with her for the whole transition and she thanked me for it.

We had a lot of wonderful years together as a working team. She was the best Guide Dog I could have ever asked for. Many fun trips together, too. I remember fondly our vacation to Minnesota and Wisconsin. And then there were our annual trips to the casinos in Laughlin, Nevada, so that she could take me to her favorite store to get her chocolate covered dog biscuits. She also loved the slot machines. She was a pretty good good-luck charm for me.

I know that she is up in Heaven with all her other four-legged friends and that my Mom is taking care of her feeding her all the apples, bananas and other treats she so justly deserves. I will miss her terribly, but I know she is much happier and no longer in any distress.

I LOVE YOU MY BEAUTIFUL LADY GLISTEN!!!!!!!!!!

Rochelle Haagen