Building trust in someone or something is a journey. Like any journey, it takes time, courage, and an open mind. Like any journey, it’s different for everyone. Trusting someone with your safety as you travel through your everyday life, in familiar and unfamiliar places, may seem difficult at first – especially when the one you’re trusting has four paws and a wet nose.
I’ve had my guide dog Frasier for over 7 years now. From walking home after a late night of studying at the library to hiking up mountains in Poland, I’ve trusted my furry companion with so much. Still to this day, he amazes me with how intelligent and dependable he is. With Frasier guiding me, I’ve been able to bound through the woods alongside my classmates as we collected data for class and have been able to explore local trails independently. These are just a few of the activities I wouldn’t feel too comfortable doing with only my white cane.
My confidence in Frasier to guide me safely through the world did not happen overnight. It took months of us working together in different environments and situations, for me to fully trust his judgement over mine. Over time, we began to figure out each other. Through both work and play, Frasier and I have developed a strong relationship, starting from the day I met him on July 8th, 2014.
When I first considered getting a guide dog and even while I was training with Frasier, I kept picturing the two of us hustling through downtown Chicago, maneuvering through crowds, dodging sidewalk sales, and navigating public transportation on our way to work. This of course, was my dream prior to changing my college degree. Seven years later, Frasier and I have traveled down more trails than we have city streets.
Even though I spent most of my childhood outdoors, as I grew older, I preferred staying indoors. I found more joy in playing video games, watching YouTube videos, and drawing. My friends at the time had similar interests, which was even more a reason to stay inside. When I went off to college however, I rekindled my relationship to nature, and adapted to a new way of immersing myself in it. With the help of Frasier, I began going on nature walks.
On early mornings and weekend afternoons, Frasier and I wandered the small nature preserve on our college campus. On these walks, I felt confident and comfortable because I had Frasier. He allowed me to focus on enjoying our walks. I didn’t have to worry about stepping off trail and getting lost, or tripping over an obstacle. Sparked by our walks, I realized that city life wasn’t for me. Being outdoors brought me the most happiness, so I began the process of transferring colleges and changing degrees. Before I started my first semester at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I fulfilled one of my dreams of working at the camp that changed my life as an adolescence.
During the summer of 2017, I was an Environmental Education Director at the Wisconsin Lions Camp. All summer, Frasier led me through the trails of camp as we took campers on hikes. Aside from hikes, Frasier helped me navigate camp in general. I could have used my white cane for some situations and been fine, but when it came to staying on trails in the forest, I was so grateful for Frasier. After that summer, I realized that my decision to change my degree was the right thing to do. With Frasier by my side, we could take any trail, independently.
The most pivotal outdoor experience I had with Frasier was in Europe. We were on a 5-week study abroad program learning about how different countries manage their natural resources. During these five weeks, I struggled with communicating my needs to my classmates, so Frasier was my biggest support. One day in Poland, we hiked up a mountain in Gorce National Park to survey insect biodiversity in mountain meadows. Frasier and I were in the back, alongside a few other people who preferred a slower pace. Many times, right as, or even a few moments before someone told me, “Stick to your left,” or “There’s a large rock, move to your right,” Frasier was already on the right path, dodging obstacles and making sure I was out of harm’s way. Halfway up the mountain, I hid tears behind my sunglasses as I embraced Frasier, so proud of him for giving me that independence and support.
Through snow or mud, over roots or downed trees, across shallow streams or uneven terrain, Frasier continues to be the best trail guide there is. On trails I feel comfortable on, and ones that I don’t, I can count on Frasier to keep me safe. Sure, he may stop to sniff occasionally, but I’ve learned to take those moments to stop as well, to take in the present moment of our surroundings and our time together as a guide dog team.
Photo Descriptions
Featured photo: Shannon and her guide dog Frasier walk towards the camera on a boardwalk through a forest. Shannon wears a flannel shirt and Frasier wears his harness and a bandana. White text says My FourPawed Trail Guide in handwritten font.
Photo 1: Shannon sits on the ground with her arms wrapped around her guide dog, Frasier. Shannon and Frasier are both smiling. Tree tops and green grass are seen in the background.