Once there was…

…a recent evening when a neighbourhood walk yielded a surprising (though unseen) encounter.

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It seemed like a safe excursion even though in darkness. We were on familiar streets.

I was wearing a visible jacket and accompanied by Jonah, my trusted guide dog. Jonah was doing well.

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A vehicle stopped next to me as Jonah was guiding me to the curb near the cross street. The driver yelled, “There is a bear right across the street from you! Do you see it?

I answered, “No, I don’t see it. I’m blind. Where is the bear?” The driver replied, “I’m pointing at it. Right there!” At which point the vehicle drove off.

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I was sure the bear and Jonah had better eyesight than me. I assumed they could see each other. I was the only one in the dark.

Jonah was cool under pressure with no adverse reaction to the bruin’s presence. Following a calm command of “Jonah, left turn” we vacated the area.

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The evening proved that a valued guide dog can withstand and “bear” any surprise.