Harriet Seaward will be getting a new dog this month.
In and of itself, that’s not big news. But the fact that Mrs. Seaward is blind, and her new dog will be Port aux Basques’ first guide dog is news.
Today she will fly to Oakville, Ont. to attend the Dog Guides Canada training school for several weeks of training. She should be back around Sept. 2.
Because hers will be the first guide dog to permanently reside in the community, Mrs. Seaward is trying to educate residents on how to act around the animal.
“He will have a sign on him saying not to touch. People need to know he is a working dog. He is not only my pet, he is my companion.”
Legally, Mrs. Seaward cannot be turned away from any public space or business because of her guide dog. She said her mother, who is in long term care at the LeGrow Health Centre, is anxious to see her new friend.
Mrs. Seaward lost her eyesight after battling leukemia in 2007. She is now in remission, and only needs to travel to St. John’s for a yearly checkup to ensure that she remains cancer free.
Once she arrives back in Port aux Basques with her dog, Mrs. Seaward anticipates being able to walk from her home in Channel to the post office downtown. Until now, she has only been able to make the journey with assistance from her husband, Glen, or her home care worker Evelyn MacDonald.
“Just going out for walks by myself, that is the one thing I’m really looking forward to,” said Mrs. Seaward.
Mrs. MacDonald’s job is still safe said Mrs. Seaward.
“People often ask about her job and I joke with people that he’s a guide dog. He’s not able to cook or clean.”
The process of getting a guide dog is much more complicated than just driving to the pet store.
Mrs. Seaward said she was approached by a member of the Port aux Basques Lions Club about getting a guide dog in April 2009. Since then she had to go through reams of paperwork and interviews with trainers from the school. One individual even flew to Newfoundland to tour Port aux Basques and speak with Mrs. Seaward in person.
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I am most grateful to the Lions Club in Port Aux Basques,NL. It is with great pleasure to commend the organization on their passionate endeavors. This is the second time in the Seaward family that help has been graciously given by the PAB Lion's Club. A special needs wheel chair was provided for my nephew "Jason" several years ago when one was so desparately needed, also when the first one was outgrown, another was provided. I am very proud of our Lion's Club Organzation and give it the vote of highest merit. Congratulations Harriett, You are very blessed in the aid that has been given you. Much love and blessings......xo