Two years ago Spencer retired. Reflecting on his life, Spencer thought blogging might be a good use of his time. I gave him a slot, but after his first appearance Spencer decided he’d rather not pursue the writer’s life. You can read his blog here.

Like the Handsome Bloke, Spencer loved Hawai`i. He also loved to travel. Within a year he joined the Handsome Bloke and me on vacation in the Canadian Rockies. This entailed a long distance flight to Chicago, followed by a short hop up north to Toronto on a much smaller plane. The kind of plane that encases the boarding stairs in the forward door. The first step was over a foot off the ground. Spencer had never seen anything like it. How, he wondered, could he make the first step, let alone get to the top?

Spencer walked up to the step. Nope. The Handsome Bloke led him back, circled him and encouraged another go. This happened several times. At last Spencer made up his mind and took a giant leap that took him half way up the stairs. He kept his footing and sauntered through the door, smiling.

Spencer made many trips to Honolulu, Seattle, and England where he became a supporter of the York City Football Club.

Spencer traveled to Greece. Note the red collar he’s wearing. It was on sale at Harrods Department Store.

Off duty on Crete, Spencer joined The Handsome Bloke for some relaxation.

When the Handsome Bloke and I renewed our wedding vows, Spencer led the way. Notice I wanted to go right.

Spencer transitioned to another existence last week. I think of him smiling and enjoying his new home. The Handsome Bloke and I were blessed to have him in our family. We miss him.

Acknowledgements:

Hawai`i and Crete photos by Author. Greek photo by guide on author’s camera. Formal photos taken by David Golding Wedding Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The post Retired Guide Dog Spencer McGarrett – A Remembrance first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.

I did find this picture taken in an English garden a couple years ago. Here you see me at work guiding the Handsome Bloke around the garden feature. Without my constant attention, he would have stubbed his toe at the very least. You also get to see my harness and how well we work together. What a team we are!!!

I promised a story about my first train ride. Let’s begin with a picture of the Rocky Mountaineer Train that runs from Banff to Vancouver. Last week I told you about the plane that took us to Toronto. Then we took a regular train to Jasper National Park, drove by car down to Banff, and finally boarded the train to Vancouver: the VIA Rocky Mountaineer.

I draw your attention to the distance from the rail to the actual level of the car. You may never have thought of this before. I certainly hadn’t. And this was my first train. Since then I’ve ridden on BritRail a lot, and it’s much easier, because we always use the station platform. That means I just have to get up and down the steps.

The problem was that between Banff and Vancouver the train only makes one official stop – at Kamloops. That’s a long time for me to keep my puppy legs crossed. The Handsome Bloke had a long conversation with the conductor. The train does make other stops during the night to take on fresh food and stuff. So, the conductor said he would knock on the door when we were coming to a stop area, and Sandra could take me out.

Okey-Dokey. So, it’s zero-dark-thirty and Sandra puts my lead on, takes me to the exit, and believe me, I never did anything like this at training school. It was a long way down. The first two steps were connected to the car, and then they put down this plastic step stool that looked pretty dicey. I wasn’t too happy, and there’s Sandra in back of me like she thinks I’m going down. ‘Cuz there wasn’t space to turn around.

Well, it looked easier than getting on and off that plane. And, I was still young and spry then – not even two years old. Plus, I needed to find some grass, pronto. I took a deep breath, took the first steps and jumped the plastic one. Whew! And Sandra said I was a good boy. Duh!

So then, she walked me back and forth until I found the perfect spot. I had more of an audience than I prefer. I was their first distinctive canine passenger. And then we got back on the train. That was much easier than getting off, because I could get a running start.

The Handsome Bloke was so proud of me. After demonstrating my heroic traveling abilities, he knew we were the best team ever.

So, next time you see an official Seeing Eye Guide Dog, remember how very special we are, guiding our handler through every obstacle and making super canine efforts to go wherever our person leads.

WOOF!

For information on Canada Rail Vacations, check out http://canadarail.ca/packages/rockies-escapade

The post PUPPY BLOGGER RIDES HIS FIRST TRAIN first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.

“Please, can I do a guest blog?”

“You’re a guide dog.  What do you know about writing a blog?”

“What’s to know?  I’ve watched you for weeks.  You put your paws on the keyboard and away you go.”

Well, she had no answer to that, so here I am.  Guide Dog Spencer McGarrett, puppy blogger.  Check out my picture.  Aren’t I handsome?  I am a yellow Labrador Retriever.  Not that I could ever be bothered to retrieve anything.  Oh, and I’ll tell you right now, I hate water.  People think because I’m a Labrador I like to swim.  Excuse me?  Have you ever smelled a wet dog?  Why would I want to smell like that?

The next thing people ask is why I have so many names.  I am a pure bred Labrador – although I may have an unknown relative somewhere in the gene pool.  Shhh!  Don’t tell anyone!  The way I heard the story, every litter delivered during a calendar year gets a letter.  So there’s an A-litter, B-litter – you get the drift.  I’m from the S-litter at Guide Dogs Victoria (Australia) (https://www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au ) in 2003.  My littermates and I all had names starting with the letter S.  There was Sasha and Sam.  And, I’m Spencer.

Fast forward.  I’ve made it through training and been assigned to the Handsome Bloke who is completely, totally, and entirely blind.  Can’t see his hand in front of his face.  I was so excited, ‘cuz he lives in Hawai`i.  I’d get to see hula dogs.  Wow!

Fully trained internationally certified guide dogs are very expensive.  I’m embarrassed to tell you how much we cost – maybe later when we know each other better.  Even though we are expensive, our handlers don’t pay for us.  We are supported by donations.  In Hawai`i there’s a television show called Hawai`i 5-O.  There’s cops and bad guys, and mostly beautiful scenes from Hawai`i.  The first Hawai`i 5-O starred Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett.  He died before I was born, but his widow Marie lived in Hawai`i and donated to various charities, including Eye of the Pacific Guide Dog Foundation. (http://www.eyeofthepacific.org ) Mrs. Lord’s donation paid for me so I could work with the Handsome Bloke.  The Handsome Bloke was so excited, he changed my name to McGarrett in honor of Jack Lord.  There was a special proclamation from Governor Linda Lingle and Harry Kim, Mayor of Hawai`i County.  I felt like royalty.

I have to stop now.  Sandra told me to keep it under 500 words.  I hope she lets me blog again.  I’ve really enjoyed meeting you.  Woof!

The post GUIDE DOG SPENCER McGARRETT-PUPPY BLOGGER first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.