Guide Dogs for the Blind
Related Images
It is said that a dog is a man’s best friend and for those who are visually impaired, the saying holds even more validity.
Trail Blazers Raef LaFrentz, Travis Outlaw and Brandon Roy recently traveled down to Boring, OR to visit the Oregon Campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind. When the teammates arrived at the campus, the staff greeted them by placing blinders over their eyes to simulate someone who is visually impaired. Participating in various trainings, the players were able to experience, first hand, the limitations associated with blindness. After completing the obstacles with blinders on, the guys were then partnered with a guide dog. The experience of being led by a guide dog taught the players about the special bond cultivated between a guide dog and its owner. After the training, LaFrentz reflected on one of the difficulites, “Letting the dog lead you is a tough thing to do, but they are so good, you just need to trust them".
Blindness can occur at any time during one's life - inconsiderate of race, gender or background, blindness can cause a lack in self-esteem and limit one's mobility. Through the means of training services and a match-making program, the staff at Guide Dogs for the Blind are able to give the gift of sight, via a guide dog, back to those who have lost it. A guide dog enhances their owner's activity, creates a loving companionship and teaches the ultimate lesson in trust, “I didn't think I would feel so helpless. I had to totally trust the dog. These animals are amazing!” said Roy. For Travis Outlaw, it was clear how effective a guide dog is for mobility, ""When I said, 'Forward', he just took me like he had a destination!"
Like blindness, guide dogs do not discriminate and are a resource for anyone. Not only do they give the gift of sight but also the gift of a true friendship.
Trail Blazers Raef LaFrentz, Travis Outlaw and Brandon Roy recently traveled down to Boring, OR to visit the Oregon Campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind. When the teammates arrived at the campus, the staff greeted them by placing blinders over their eyes to simulate someone who is visually impaired. Participating in various trainings, the players were able to experience, first hand, the limitations associated with blindness. After completing the obstacles with blinders on, the guys were then partnered with a guide dog. The experience of being led by a guide dog taught the players about the special bond cultivated between a guide dog and its owner. After the training, LaFrentz reflected on one of the difficulites, “Letting the dog lead you is a tough thing to do, but they are so good, you just need to trust them".
Blindness can occur at any time during one's life - inconsiderate of race, gender or background, blindness can cause a lack in self-esteem and limit one's mobility. Through the means of training services and a match-making program, the staff at Guide Dogs for the Blind are able to give the gift of sight, via a guide dog, back to those who have lost it. A guide dog enhances their owner's activity, creates a loving companionship and teaches the ultimate lesson in trust, “I didn't think I would feel so helpless. I had to totally trust the dog. These animals are amazing!” said Roy. For Travis Outlaw, it was clear how effective a guide dog is for mobility, ""When I said, 'Forward', he just took me like he had a destination!"
Like blindness, guide dogs do not discriminate and are a resource for anyone. Not only do they give the gift of sight but also the gift of a true friendship.
