Jackpot?

Throughout the day on Saturday, we walked around the other booths to work the crowd (and work Buddy in the crowd). We must have added 100 people to Buddy's list of 'meet and greet's. Everyone from security, Lions, custodial staff, restaurant staff, to young children. We even met some of the teenagers that Dually and Heidi go to school with. The people ranged in age from 14 months to 80 years old.

He was exposed to wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and drink carts as we walked through the convention center and casino. I thought the biggest test for Buddy would be the casino. He did well walking over grates on the floor and being distracted by the crowd, lights, buzzers, and yelling. We even stopped to play a slot machine. Buddy just sat down by my feet. He is a lucky charm, not at the casino though - no financial jackpot.

Nothing in the casino seemed to phase him. The biggest distraction turned out to be Dale. We exited the dining room a little before Dale/Nikki and waited by the elevator. Buddy must have a short memory because when he saw Dale walking toward us, it was the most excited he had been all day.

Right after that we met the nicest family with four or five young children who loved the dogs. Since the dogs were providing kisses, one boy had to return the favor and give everyone of us a kiss and hug - personal jackpot. Buddy is a lucky charm. Training a guide dog puppy opens up a whole new world, break down barriers, and provides new opportunities.



My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. -Author Unknown