Johnny's story is one too good not to tell. About 2 years ago, Johnny was picked up as a stray by the local animal control in rural southern Ohio. Clearly an older dog, he was filthy, mal-nourished, and all signs indicated that he was blind. Luckily for him, and for the rest of us, they recognized the amazing personality and resilient temperament, and called GRIN (Golden Retrievers in Need). GRIN picked Johnny up, placed him with a loving foster family, and worked with a vet to determine that his severe visual impairment was irreversible.
Posted on their website, as a "Senior Special Needs Dog" one might wonder how even the greatest of goldens might ever get adopted, let alone a 9 year old blind stray. That was until Carrie saw his profile, and fell in love. Carrie, a school psychiatrist, was looking for her next golden, but she didn't yet know that this boy with the white muzzle could be her next therapy partner.
After just a few days in her home, it became clear that Johnny was as capable of most. When Carrie realized that he was chasing squirrels by scent, it seemed like there was very little that Johnny couldn't do. She began working with Johnny in training classes (taking most of her training drills from online courses), and within a matter of months, he received his Canine Good Citizen certification from Delta Society. He was a natural! The only area of the test that Johnny would need extra preparation for was the distractions segment. If he was to be a therapy dog, Johnny would need to sit calmly even amidst loud coughing, wheelchairs squeaking and crutches clacking. But, with consistent socialization, even these sounds became second nature for Johnny. Now, if Johnny becomes unsure, (as he did on his first elevator ride) he leans in on Carrie's side, for little reassurance.
Now, the best part of the story. Johnny gets to go to work. A few mornings a week, Carrie grooms him, and just as soon as his grooming is done, he starts spinning at the door, because he knows it's a work day! Carrie and Johnny visit various schools, sitting with kids in individual or group sessions. Johnny lies casually, accepting petting and hugs, often times sticking close to a kid that is having a particularly rough time. After a few minutes, the kids hardly notice his disability, and by the end of a school year, they're telling Carrie "I want a blind dog when I grow up."
Johnny's work is never finished. If one of his students is hospitalized, they go visit at bedside. Over summer break, Johnny visits nursing homes, where he's a favorite of older men, perhaps thinking back on the big retriever they had as a child.
And at the end of the school year, Johnny gets dozens of cards and from his little friends. They thank him for listening, for being their best friend, for teaching them what it means to overcome disability.
With Carrie always at his side, Johnny's disability turns to ability. Ability to connect with adults and children in a way that few pets can.
Thank you Carrie and Johnny, for sharing your story.
Like this post? Meet more therapy dogs:
Meet Inara
Meet Andre
