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WHAT LED YOU TO SEEK OUT A SERVICE DOG? I was already volunteering at SEGD, and though I was grappling with mental health issues and chronic pain, I always felt better around the dogs. I was at a critical point in my life. After having a series of particularly bad days, I was actually suicidal. My wife suggested I apply for a dog of my own. WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT FOLEY DOES FOR YOU? I am now totally comfortable going out again and continuing to live life. He goes with me just about everywhere. We are together 24 and 7. He'll start whining and licking me when he senses that I'm about to have a migraine headache—just jumping up and wagging his tail. It's a very loving reaction. He'll then retrieve my medicine bottle for me if I need it. The migraines create a kind of vertigo effect, so sometimes I can't even walk across the room to get my medication. HOW HAS FOLEY IMPROVED YOUR LIFE? Having Foley gave me an opportunity to see life from a different view—through the eyes of a dog. They are so happy and loving and attentive to every emotion that you're feeling. It really changes your outlook. On her first walk with Carson, Suzy experienced a moment that she describes as "like a light going on," when she was able to lift her head as she walked instead of having to look down and watch where she was going. It was a very freeing, confidence-building feeling. Go to GuideDogs.org to learn about the programs and opportunities that are available, including the new Puppy Kindergarten Adventure, the educational Guide Dog Experience, Creation of a Superhero, and even dog training classes. I would rather be blind with my dog than fully sighted without him. He's my everything. In one of her early training sessions, Suzy, Carson and a trainer stood at the intersection of a six-lane crossing in downtown Tampa. Before stepping off a curb, Suzy is supposed to measure the dip with her foot. The trainer asked Suzy to give the command to move forward. Carson's job is to keep still if his owner is not making a good decision. Suzy told Carson, "Forward," but he didn't move. Again she gave the command, but Carson didn't budge. The trainer asked, "Suzy, did you measure your curb?" When she did, she discovered that it was almost a foot and a half drop to street level. Needless to say, interactions like this have encouraged Suzy to learn to trust Carson with her life. "It's hard to understand the bond and unconditional love that develops. If someone offered to fix my eyes, but said I would have to give up Carson in return, I wouldn't do it. I would rather be blind with my dog than fully sighted without him. He's my everything." Subscribe at GravitasMag.com | 31

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