Guidance from man's best friend
by Patricia Lonergan 

 

Kevin Frost walks with his guide dog, Nemo,
at the Orleans Recreation Centre on Tuesday May 9, 2006.

When two of his senses started to deteriorate, Kevin Frost didn't just lose his ability to see and hear; he also lost a lot of his independence.

Diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome, Frost was forced to stop driving. Unless someone was willing to drive him around, he had to rely on a cane to get from place to place.

Frost said he ran into some guide dog users who suggested he get a canine companion. According to Frost, they told him the dog would give him a lot of his independence back. So he decided to apply to the Canadian Guide Dogs.

Before getting a dog, Frost had to show he could move from point A to point B without the aid of a companion. He underwent a mobility assessment through the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, which conducts the test but is not affiliated with the guide dog program. After passing, he was told his wait could be anywhere from six months to two years.

A year later he received a call saying they'd found a match.

Finding the right dog is important, Frost explained. The black Lab's puppy walker had three kids and two dogs. Frost had two young children and two dogs in his home, so the setting was familiar for Nemo, who would become his guide dog.

A personality match is also important. Nemo, like his human companion, is a bit goofy, Frost indicated.

Frost went to Manotick for a month and lived on site as he and Nemo got to know one another. He said the first couple of days were "scary." The guide dog program took him to different parts of the city where he worked with Nemo. Placed in "real life" situations, Frost said he learned how to work with the dog. After four weeks of training, he graduated and took Nemo home.

"It was a tough start," Frost said about integrating Nemo into the home.

As with any change, everyone had to adapt in some way to make the fit work. For instance, the family used to feed table scraps to their other two dogs, a habit they had to quickly break. Everything worked itself out over time and today Nemo is another member of the family.

As Frost sits on his porch recalling how he and Nemo got together, the large black Lab rests beside his companion, enjoying the fresh spring day. To the casual observer passing by, Nemo would appear to be nothing more than a beautiful pet lounging in the warm outdoor air.

Sporting a Sens jersey, four-year-old Mitchell bounded up the few steps to take a sip from his dad's soda. The dog barely took notice.

"What's Nemo when he's at home?" Kevin asked his son.

"A dog," the youngster eagerly answered before heading back out to the driveway to shoot more balls in the net before the rain started.

Grinning, Kevin turns to explain that Nemo is "just a pup" when he's at home off his harness. Like any household pet, Nemo plays with the family.

Frost and Nemo have been together for about two and a half years now. The two have formed a bond and have grown to know one another's weaknesses. Frost said Nemo has even picked up on his hearing senses. At first, Frost had no idea why Nemo would suddenly stop, but eventually discovered it was the dog's way of letting Frost know someone had called his name.

Frost has also learned to trust his companion.

"He's saved me from being hit by a car," Frost said. "It's priceless when he does stuff like that."

Although Nemo has given Frost his independence back and has even saved his life at least six times, having a guide dog can sometimes be an exercise in frustration. It seems not everyone knows about the role these canines play, nor do they realize the rights given to those using service animals.

In today's society, people always seem to be in a rush, Frost said. He has found himself cut off by cars on various occasions. He has also encountered problems at some eating establishments and hotels. Frost said he's been asked to take his "pet" out of restaurants, and some hotels have tried to charge him extra for having an animal. He said each time this happens, he tries to educate people about the role guide dogs play. He also carries a card signed by the Solicitor General stating his rights.

Once, while at the Gloucester Shopping Centre, a woman went up to Frost and informed him it was cruel to have a dog on a harness, he said. But more often than not, people stop and ask if they can pet his dog or give him a treat.

When Nemo is in his harness, he's working and shouldn't be distracted with petting or treats. Frost, who talks at schools about disabilities, said he finds the younger generation is better educated about guide dogs. Despite some frustrating moments, Frost indicated his experiences overall tend to be positive. He added OC Transpo employees are "phenomenal" when it comes to accommodating him and his dog.

Nemo will have a working life of 10 to 11 years and then Frost will be matched with another guide dog. Because he has a large enough home, Frost will keep his companion when he hits retirement. For those unable to keep their retired service dogs, the animals often go back to the home of their puppy walker, Frost said.

According to Frost, everyone pays for Nemo. Roughly 60 per cent of funding to the Canadian Guide Dogs comes from money people put into the guide dog receptacles found at stores and humane societies. Frost said when he used to drop his money into the guide dog statues he had no idea he would be helping himself.

The other 40 per cent of funding comes from corporate donations and fundraising events.

For the first time, the Cumberland Lions will host a Purina Walk for Guide Dogs later this month. Lion Roy Brown said people are welcome to come on their own or with their friendly and socialized pooch. There will be prizes, refreshments, and games for those involved with the event.

The five-kilometer walk takes place Sunday, May 28 at 1 p.m. at Maple Hall in Cumberland. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and all proceeds will help fund guide dogs. For more information on how to volunteer and for pledge forms, visit www.purinawalkfordogguides.com or call the Cumberland Lions at 613-833-2142.