Guide dogs do more than give people with vision loss independence. They give us company, routine, and unconditional love. No matter where we are in the world. They allow us to tell stories like this one.
When I first received Frasier in 2014, I dreamed of us navigating busy city streets, through shopping centers, and train stations. I never envisioned us in Poland, hiking up a mountain in the pouring rain.
Yet that’s exactly what we did. Though it was miserable at the time, I realized just how extraordinary Frasier is. In moments like these, Frasier’s adaptability and dedication to guiding were so apparent.
Many of these moments, were firsts for us as a guide dog team. Even though we’d been a team for about four years, this was the first time we traveled internationally and also, hiked up mountains.
An All-Terrain Dog
During one of our first days in Poland, we visited Gorce National Park. Our class assignment was to hike up a mountain and catch insects in meadows of various elevations. Thankfully, no vertical climbing was required, but this hike was still a challenge due to its steepness and length. Though most of the trail was wide, there were uneven and washed out parts as well. We stayed near the back of the group, as we took the trail an “average” speed. I followed Frasier’s every move, as he shifted left or right, guiding us on the smoother part of the trail. Even though my fellow hikers would announce what side of the trail to stay on or upcoming obstacles to avoid, Frasier was already taking the safest path.
Halfway up the mountain, I was overwhelmed with love for my wet-nosed guide. This was our first big hike together, and he was doing his job flawlessly. With the simple command of follow, Frasier was following the group ahead of us up the safest path. He made decisions, ensuring there was enough distance between me and the obstacles we were avoiding.
Our hike up the mountain took about 2 hours. Frasier and I would stop frequently for water breaks and to rest, mostly for me, not for him. Despite this being his first time climbing in elevation, he showed little sign of exhaustion. When we reached our highest study site, we took an hour lunch and rest. I made sure Frasier was well hydrated and treated him to a few pieces of my sandwich.
In this hike, Frasier demonstrated so much to me. His intelligence, ambition, and adaptability. Flash forward a few days later, and he does the same thing. This time, in the pouring rain.
Our visit to Bobia Góra National Park happened on one of the few rainy days we experienced in Poland. Our nimble guide took us off trail for much of this hike. Despite the steady rain, the slippery conditions, and no trail to follow, Frasier was quick to follow the group, avoid as many rocks and roots as he could, and stop at any sudden elevation change.
When we reached the summit, we enjoyed the warmth of the visitor center. Thankfully, the rain was beginning to lessen as we rested and ate a quick bite. I gave Frasier plenty of treats and dried him off as best I could. As a Labrador, he didn’t seem to mind being wet – it was his favorite type of rain anyways, a warm summer rain.
We both slept well that night.
The Importance of Routine
Our days in Europe were eventful, but never the same. One day, we’d visit a historic castle, collect data in a forest, and visit a church to watch bats emerge at dusk. Another day, we’d visit a wine vineyard and then spend the afternoon exploring a nearby town in Switzerland.
The constant change made for many unforgettable memories, but also, stress. Frasier and I continually adapted to unfamiliar places and situations. It was exhausting, yet demonstrated just how adaptable Frasier was, which allowed me to feel more comfortable in these new situations.
Though no day was ever the same, one thing stayed constant. Frasier’s care routine. In moments of stress and homesickness, our daily routine grounded me.
Often before many of my classmates woke up, the two of us enjoyed a morning to ourselves as I took him out to “park” (potty). Once back in our room, without fail Frasier followed close behind me while I got his breakfast ready, bouncing with every step he took. As I packed my backpack for the day, he’d watch comfortably from where he was laying. Once I picked up his harness and leash, he’d be right at my feet, ready to go.
After a long day full of activities, Frasier was always ecstatic for his dinner He’d perform his same dance as I prepared his food, which always brought me a smile. Some nights, we’d play with a toy, while other nights, we’d just cuddle.
If class got done early or we had an off day, we’d often go for a short walk around the property we were staying at. These moments of our daily routine were so simple. But so meaningful.
Constant Companion
The foreign landscape, distance from family and friends, and newness of every day were challenging. I’m thankful for the friends I made in my class and for the fond memories of our time abroad. These new relationships helped, but Frasier gave me the most support.
He was a constant throughout every day’s changing activities and landscapes. No matter what, I could always count on him.
I felt safe in Frasier’s company. I knew I could depend on him to navigate me safely through new environments. Few got too close to me and my large black dog, which I personally preferred, as we were prime pickpocketing targets as visiting college students.
Even just petting Frasier, brought me comfort in all the situations we experienced.
A Sense of Independence
I would be telling a different story if I didn’t have Frasier. A story of dependence on others and white cane frustrations.
Getting jabbed in the stomach from a white cane isn’t pleasant. It would’ve happened regularly on all the trails we traversed. Using my white cane would’ve slowed me down. Thus, if I didn’t have Frasier, I would’ve depended more on my classmates and professors.
With Frasier, I could walk at my own pace, with no worry of if I was slowing down someone else. I could stop and take a picture, without again, worrying about slowing down someone. If I wanted to walk around the place we were staying, I could, without asking for help. Frasier gave me that freedom.
In these five weeks, we visited seven countries, explored beautiful landscapes, and participated in many unique experiences. Frasier made my experiences in Europe possible. He proved his adaptability, intelligence, and ambition through guiding me safely in unfamiliar places. He provided comfort when I needed it most. The bond between a guide dog and handler is like no other, and these five weeks abroad strengthened that bond between the two of us even more.
Photo Descriptions
Featured photo: Shannon sits on the ground hugging Frasier closely. Frasier wears his guide dog harness and Shannon wears sunglasses. A green mountain meadow and distant treetops are seen in the background. Black text reads 5 Weeks in Europe with a Guide Dog: The Power of Four Paws in handwrittenfont.
Photo 2: Frasier peeks out from behind Shannon’s passport, which she holds in front of the camera.
Photo 2: Shannon smiles as she kneels next to Frasier with her arms wrapped around him. Frasier wears his guide dog harness and is panting. The two are under an arched, brick walkway with a view of water behind them.