search.noResults

search.searching

dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
Home Schooling And Other Obstacles


by Ruth Lando A


cross the United States, the COVID- 19 pandemic has caused anxiety and


real economic harm to people we know and love. It has created fear for those who depend upon the services of nonprofit organi- zations such as Southeastern Guide Dogs, including 592 visu- ally impaired individuals and vet- erans living and working along- side their life-changing guide and service dogs every day. These individuals count on having in- home training, dog food, preven- tatives, vaccinations and annual veterinary wellness visits at no cost. So, everything that can be done to adapt, persevere and stay on mission during the pandemic—while protecting the health of staff and volun- teers—has been undertaken with great care. To safeguard everyone, the


organization switched a large portion of its operation to a remote model while continuing to operate the vital components of the Palmetto campus, which include the puppy nursery, veterinary center, and facilities main- tenance. The Southeastern Guide Dogs team has been working hard to ensure the care and wellbeing of nearly 1,200 puppies and dogs that remain the bright spot in so many lives. In an outpouring of support and generosity, everyone who


hosted dogs—whether a trainer, volunteer, or employee—had an opportunity to shine. During the COVID-19 shutdown of the Palmetto campus,


up to 54 puppies were lovingly cared for by essential staff and a cadre of dedicated volunteers. Not yet old enough to receive all of their vaccinations and join a puppy raising family in the out- side world, they remained protected and safe in the nursery’s specialized facilities. With a personally designed education plan for each furry learner, their caretakers continued to socialize and


48 THE NEW BARKER


train the pups through their preschool curriculum. When Southeastern Guide


Dogs temporarily closed its Canine Residence Halls dur- ing the shutdown, training remained uninterrupted for the dogs already enrolled at Canine University. Many of the trainers continued training in homes and surrounding neighborhoods. We caught up with two of the many trainers who adapted to the temporary switch: Jennifer Johnson, certi- fied guide dog trainer and training team manager, and Emily Dombrowski, certified service dog trainer. For guide dog trainer


Jennifer Johnson (shown left with Echo), isolating at home in St. Petersburg with her husband, Brandon, daughters Angelina (12) and Caroline (9), two pet dogs, four chick- ens, and a feisty 16-year-old cat—while hosting a guide dog-in-training—became a passion project. She happily volunteered to home school


Echo until he eventually returned to campus. Despite the COVID-19-induced challenges of home


schooling kids, having two adults working remotely, and the usual household responsibilities, hosting Echo became an excellent hands-on experience. The family embraced the joy that comes naturally with a “goofy and loving” Lab. All the Johnsons were helpful in training and walking


Echo, using bikes, balls, the pet dogs, and even the cooperative cat as distractions and boundaries. Brandon took time away from his own work to support Jennifer and Echo in any way he could. “It’s blown me away,” Jennifer shares, “that people who


have their own jobs to do or are still working from home, have asked what else can they do to help?”


www.TheNewBarker.com Continued on page 50g


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104