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Meet Roja: Day 1 of Training at GDB
You know how some days can just fly by, to the point where you can’t even figure out what you did? And then there are those other days, those 24-hour periods that are so thick with events that it seems...
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I Believe I Can Fly (summary of First Week at GDB)
“What are you looking for in a guide dog?” “Um, Well, a smallish sized dog who is calm and has a drier mouth, maybe a yellow lab although color isn’t as important. Oh, and I want a dog who is super...
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Guide Dogs for the Over-Thinkers (aka. Week 2 at GDB)
I procrastinated getting a guide dog for about 2 years, turning down 3 different training dates offered to me after being accepted to the program, all because of fear. My fears? (in order) Poop....
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From On Top of the World to Reality: Transition Home
Roja’s puppy raisers, Jack and Linda, co-raised Roja with the Swart family. Puppy raising is a selfless act, and I’m grateful to them for their care of Roja as a puppy. Graduation from Guide Dogs for...
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What Does It Mean to Be Present?
My Aunt Debbie came over the other day and gave my girls the best present, a picture book entitled, What Does it Mean to Be Present?. It’s a beautiful book in a whimsical font on a topic that I haven’t...
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The Middle of Our Stories
Jenelle started me thinking about stories with her post last week. Awhile back I wrote a post that I was too embarrassed to publish, due to the vulnerability involved in sharing my lack of confidence...
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Who Let the Dog Out?
Hi there! Joy is finally letting me, Roja the guide dog, speak for myself! Joy brought me to school for the first time last week, twice! Last Thursday, I showed off my skills in Mrs. Cardiff’s class...
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Wizard of What?
Yellow lab, Roja, wearing a furry lion’s mane.Husband Ben dressed as Scarecrow, Joy in tin woman costume with guide dog Roja, dressed as cowardly lion, standing next to Elli, age 5, dressed as Glinda,...
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I Love First Grade but Not Antlers
Boy did I have fun with the first graders at Holy Family School! They asked Joy questions and she let them pet me! They were so gentle, and I felt like a furry rock star. I hope Joy brings me back...
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Roja Exclusive: Children, Rules and Tail Pulling
by Roja Thomas (Joy’s guide dog) When I wake up in the morning, I run in circles 90 mph until I almost fall over (don’t judge). Joy and her kids laugh really hard when I do this, and hearing their...
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New Dog on the Block
photo description: Joy speaking on stage at GDB Legacy Luncheon with Roja by her side. [Photo credit: Morry Angell, Guide Dogs for the Blind]Just when I thought Joy was finished with all her little...
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Pinot & Pups: Top 10 List
I was thrilled to attend this year’s annual Pinot & Pups Gala at the Portland Art Museum. I could go on and on about what an amazing event this was, but I truly think you should attend one of...
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Better Place: A Year With Roja
One year ago today, Roja and I graduated as a team from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA, and life hasn’t been the same since. In addition to getting Roja, this past year has been full of...
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Roja Reports: Halloween, Homeschooling and Heresy
Visual Description: Joy and Roja with Joy’s husband and two daughters against a red curtain backdrop at Guide Dogs for The Blind Canine Heroes Wine Auction It’s been awhile, I know. Joy just keeps me...
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