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Guide Dog Tale: Chocolate and Sin

Why do we yearn for the things that cause us harm? Chocolate is lethal for dogs, but Iva is drawn to its aroma. During our training at Guiding Eyes, Iva possessed an unusual interest in my hot chocolate. Over the last three years, Iva’s interest in chocolate has calmed down, until last night.
When we’re in Gatlinburg, I visit the Chocolate Monkey for a hand-dipped chocolate strawberry or some Buckeyes (similar to peanut butter balls). Iva and I entered the shop enthusiastically, because she found their new location after only one attempt. I teach her new places by using the clicker and giving her treats at each turn of the route.

The sweet lady behind the counter greeted us and remembered Iva from their other location. That’s when the perfect storm began to brew.

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The Cushions of Life: A Guide Dog Tale

As we walked down the sidewalk, Iva, my guide dog, swerved to avoid something. “Great job, Iva!”
We continued our walk, but my curiosity began working overtime. What was on the sidewalk that Iva avoided? I considered going back, but that might tell Iva we need to rework a mistake.

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When Everything Hits You at Once

When I added the appointment to my calendar using Alexa, I was reminded that only one hour stood between that appointment and a Zoom meeting at home. I assured myself we could do it if we make no other stops.
My husband complained that morning about my scheduling, because now he had to also stop at the pharmacy.
“We can still do it. If we leave when you get home at 4:00, we have time to go by the pharmacy, get Iva’s pedicure at the vet, and still be home for my 6:00 meeting.”
But at 4:00, my mother-in-law’s toilet stopped up. With only ten minutes before Iva’s pedicure, I volunteered to cancel the appointment, but my husband refused.

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