Europe. Full of culture, history, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes. I always dreamed of going to Europe. I envisioned floating through Venice on a gondola, indulging in fine French cuisine along the Rhine River, or sampling Swiss chocolate alongside the Alps. My real European experience was far from these dreams – but it was still unforgettable.
From trekking up mountains (one time, in the pouring rain) to sampling snail sausage, my time in Europe was nothing I would’ve thought of doing. I would do it all over again.
Even the low points. Of being denied entry to several places due to my guide dog. Of feeling like I was always under the spotlight. You’ll see why in a bit.
Let’s start from the beginning…
In the summer of 2018, I went on my biggest adventure yet. I had the privilege of studying abroad in Europe for five weeks, primarily in Poland and Germany.
As a student in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, one of my graduation requirements was to complete six weeks of summer field experience. Either I could complete my field experience in the Northwoods of Wisconsin or in Europe. Both beautiful places, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to study abroad.
The purpose of this program is to teach students about environmental issues and natural resource management in European countries. During these five weeks, my classmates and I had first-hand experience collecting data on wildlife biodiversity, evaluating forest health, and learning from natural resource professionals in Poland and Germany. From visiting a snail farm in Germany, to counting bats as they emerged from a historic church in Poland, we participated in an array of unique experiences.
This program has been happening since 1973. To the best of my knowledge, Frasier and I were the first service dog team to participate. As the only person with a physical disability in our group of 28 students, I dealt with numerous challenges.
Our first two and a half weeks were spent in Poland. We spent our first week in a beautiful, historic hotel nestled in the mountainous countryside. Our days were spent conducting fieldwork in forests, streams, and mountain meadows. The following week we spent in the city of Krakow. Here, we were more like tourists, touring a salt cave, local natural areas, Auschwitz, and other attractions.
Access Denied
Despite the efforts of my professors, both from UWSP and Poland, Frasier and I encountered several access challenges during our time in Poland.
Our first experience was at a cave in Slovakia. We traveled an hour to tour this cave, which held a plethora of fossils. While my classmates waited in line to enter the cave, I joined a Polish professor and UWSP professor as we went from staff person to staff person, explaining Frasier and his rights as a service dog. Every person denied us, saying they were concerned my dog would ruin the preservation of the fossils and experience of other visitors.
So, I sat outside of the cave accompanied by one of my professors, frustrated. I had never experienced this before. In the U.S., if someone refused Frasier and I entry, I’d simply flash them Frasier’s identification card and recite the ADA law of equal access for service dogs in public places. Here, I couldn’t do that.
I felt as though a piece of my independence was gone. My rights as a person with a disability were diminished. There was nothing I could do but accept that the laws weren’t the same here. Not enforced the same.
The following week in Krakow, Frasier and I were denied access for a second time. Our class was scheduled to tour Underground Krakow, a museum of Krakow’s medieval history. For about a half hour, my professors argued with the security guard about letting Frasier and I in. Papers were shown, conversations were had, and calls were made to the manager, who said it was up to the security guard to allow us access. He refused. So, my professor and I wandered around Krakow, window shopping. It was a pleasant alternative I realized, because I wouldn’t have seen much anyways in the darkness of Underground Krakow.
Under the Spotlight
Guide dogs are uncommon in Poland, so Frasier and I were quite a spectacle. Back home, we get our fair share of stares, but in Poland, it was constant. My professors would share conversations they had with passersby, who said they’d never seen a disabled person as active as me.
From climbing mountains to navigating through city markets, Frasier and I encountered many, many people, both locals and visitors. For many in Poland, Frasier and I were the first guide dog team they’d ever seen. I’m thankful to have snown them how helpful guide dogs are to those with vision loss.
In the moment, the stares got to me. Even though I couldn’t see the stares, I could feel them. I had no idea what people were saying about Frasier and I, no idea what their facial expressions were. The only way I could blend in, be part of the crowd, was without Frasier.
In these moments and others, I felt alone and anxious. Whenever we entered a building, I feared being confronted by someone about Frasier. When we had time off in Krakow, I’d often left Frasier in my hotel room because I didn’t know enough Polish to to stand up for myself without the help of my professors. While out, I constantly worried about him alone in my hotel room and was thrilled to reunite with him after a few hours away.
I let these feelings bother me for a long time. For a while, I was resentful, but then I took a second look.
A Pivotal Moment
Outside the cave in Slovakia, I had a conversation with my professor that sparked my interest in advocating for accessible nature for people with disabilities. A pivotal moment, which has led me here, writing this blog. More experiences would build off this one, making it more apparent that I needed to share my story.
And it all started with a conversation.
Experiences in Europe, in my two weeks of fieldwork prior to studying aboard, in my classes, constantly reminded me of the reality of going into the field of natural resources. White, able-bodied men dominate the field. An intimidating majority, for anyone who identifies differently.
Do I belong here? This question ebbed at me in Europe and on campus. I worried about what other people thought – she’s blind, what can she do!?
But the answer is YES. I do belong in this field. Sure, there are things I can’t do, like identify a plant or animal soley by sight, or use data collection tools. But I can contribute in other ways. I realized it didn’t matter what others thought. My passion for sharing the wonders of nature with others beats anyone’s opinions on my capability.
I wish I could of told this to the Shannon who went to Europe. But this lesson came with time.
My experience traveling abroad wouldn’t have been the same without Frasier. I would of depended more on others and my white cane. During our five weeks abroad, Frasier proved how capable he was of adapting to new situations and environments, every day. He gave me so much independence and support throughout this time away from familiarity. I’ll share more in my next blog.
Have you traveled abroad with your service dog or faced similar challenges as I did (close to home or internationally)? Feel free to start a conversation in the comments or by emailing me if you’re comfortable with sharing.
Photo Descriptions
Featured photo: A side profile of Shannon and her guide dog, a black lab/golden retriever mix, as they look out over the water. The setting sun casts a warm glow on them. Shannon smiles and Frasier pants. Black text says 5 Weeks in Europe with a Guide Dog Finding Purpose in Poland in handwritten font.
Photo 1: An image of the Polish countryside. Two rustic buildings, a lake, and distant bluffs are seen.
Photo 2: An image of downtown Krakow. Cars and a horse-drawn carriage travel along the street, which has gothic buildings surrounding it.
Phot 3: Frasier stands in front of an arched window. The window is part of a historic, stone castle. A view of the Polish countryside can be seen from the window. Frasier wears his guide dog harness and looks to the side, panting.