Debbie’s Guide To Guide Dogs

For the last two weeks I’ve recounted the remarkable story of Debbie Chevalier Kraimer. In 1971, she survived a horrible car crash on La Tuna Canyon Road that she seemingly should have died in. She then successfully battled terminal liver disease and was blinded by glaucoma. She has resurrected her life today as an advocate and educator on guide dogs (seeing eye dogs). She has lectured extensively about guide dogs and has written training manuals and provided training on dealing with the blind for law enforcement. She is also featured in a book, “A Gift Of Dogs,” by Carolyn Wing Greenlee.

I thought I’d share some of the info Debbie presents about how we, as the sighted, should deal with guide dogs and their handlers. I’ll pull selected quotes from a piece she wrote, aptly titled: “Can I Pet Your Dog?”

Debbie describes the tension of making her way through a crowded airport, her guide dog laser-focused on guiding her safely, when someone asks to pet her dog.

“Yes, it is okay to ask to pet a guide dog but up to the handler if, or if not, to allow this. The primary responsibility of a guide dog is to its blind partner. Remember, the handler’s safety depends on the guide dog’s alertness and concentration. The petter has just interrupted the attention of the guide dog and their moving safely through the situation. Handlers are not trying to be impolite or rude when they tell an interested person not to pet their dog.

“When the harness is removed, guide dogs are just dogs. A handler may choose to let you pet the dog, but usually the handler will first remove the harness in order to keep the distinction between work and play clear for the dog.

“Some people think that the dogs are tied up in a device that is wrapped around their body 24/7. This is far from the truth. A guide dog’s harness is a very special piece of equipment. When the handler is ready to put the harness on, guide dogs get quite excited. They know the difference when the harness is on. The dog becomes suddenly focused, patiently waiting for a command. That’s how it is with my current guide Sheena, a German shepherd. When she’s in harness, her ears are erect, along with her posture. It’s such a proud stance.

“Never offer treats or food to a guide dog. These dogs have been trained to resist offers of food so they can go into restaurants without begging.

“At a crosswalk, please do not honk or holler from a car when signaling it is safe to cross the street. As traffic has become more congested and the cars much quieter, listening to the flow of traffic has become more of a challenge for a blind handler. No, guide dogs do not know when the light is green. It’s the handler’s responsibility to listen to the flow of traffic in order to direct the guide to cross the street when it is safe.

“Sometimes guide dogs must be corrected to maintain their training. Please remember that handlers have been taught by experienced and skilled professionals the appropriate correction methods for their dogs.”

Debbie points out in her writing that the blind and their guides are entitled to the same access to public places as the sighted and that they are protected from harassment. That’s the law, and that’s why Debbie trains law enforcement on the legal issues involving the blind and their guide dogs.

“Guide dog teams have earned the right to travel safely. If you would like to know more on this issue, please feel free to talk to us guide dog handlers, but not to our guides. Always speak to the handler and not the dog. You never know, you just might have the chance to pet one of these outstanding and loving guide dogs for the blind.

“For a young girl who was told she would never walk, I cannot count the miles that my guide and I have traveled.”