Welcome to the Sunday Interview- Human in every sense of the word.
As humans there are five main senses that we rely on to navigate through this world. And there is one that we all possess but do not necessarily use all the time…
Sight, Hearing, Touch, Taste, Smell….Sixth Sense.
You can choose to write about one sense or all of them, including that elusive sixth sense we have clung on to from the early days of man.
If you would like to participate then here are the details along with my take on senses: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-new-sunday-interview-series-human-in-every-sense-of-the-word-starting-sunday-june-30th-2019/
This week my guest is Patty Fletcher, who combines blogging with assisting sight impaired bloggers and authors to navigate the online world and book marketing. She and her Seeing Eye dog King Campbell are popular supportive members our community… Campbell is the subject of Patty’s post today, as she shares the bond they have and how her 6th sense kicked in with regard to his health.
Ignoring VS. Acknowledging and Obeying My 6th Sense by Patty Fletcher
Today I’m stepping out of my comfort zone as I so very often encourage others to do and I’m writing about a topic many scoff at and I’m doing so for a whole new audience.
Campbell and I have been getting out either in the early morning or late evening at sundown to have our walk. I’m trying once again to build up his strength. As you might or might not know, Campbell was to have had surgery last week, but due to not being able to get a good I.V. line in, and his being 10-years-old, the vet and I decided that the reason for surgery did not outweigh the risk, and so surgery was stopped.
In fact, when the vet called me to tell me he said, “I feel it was the good Lord telling me not to do it. Don’t know why but that’s how it felt.”
I must say I agreed with him as I’d had a very bad feeling nagging at me during the days leading up to the surgery date, and then, the next day, my vet and I found what we’d been feeling were not just feelings but truth.
When Campbell returned home on that Monday afternoon after his scheduled surgery had been canceled, he was very sedated due to having been given pre-op drugs. He wondered around aimlessly, and at times got lost in the house, howling mournfully when he did.
Finally, due to my fear of his hurting himself in some way, I closed him into his crate, and let him sleep it off.
Over the next few hours though I began to see other symptoms presenting themselves, and after about 12-hours had passed, I realized the symptoms I was seeing were not related to his sedation, but rather it appeared to me that he had a UTI.
Now, how we missed this in the pre-op labs, we don’t know, but Mother, Father, God were watching out for my boy, because doing surgery on him of any kind with infection pumping through his blood could’ve been quite dangerous indeed.
This taught me a lesson in a huge way. It taught me that when we ask for protection for ourselves or loved ones, which I did, it is always granted. It also taught me to follow my intuition. I’d considered several times during those few days leading up to Campbell’s surgery, right up to that very morning asking the vet if he were sure we should be doing this and asking if we were sure Campbell were healthy enough for it. But rather than go with what I felt inside, I chose to ignore it and go forth.
Never again! Time and time again, I’ve ignored my voice of intuition and time and time again in the end I’ve learned what I felt was quite right after all.
So, the moral of the story is…
Acknowledge the power within. Learn to listen to, and understand your inner voice, and do as it instructs. We’re given this 6th sense for a reason. It is not a fable or fairy tale. It is no scientific theory. It is part of our instinct. It was given to us to help us survive, and to ignore it can and sometimes does lead to danger.
Campbell and I are now going into our 9th year together. He’s been a faithful friend and Seeing Eye Guide Dog for me all these years. He has seen me through thick and thin. Now, he’s semi-retired, and we’re going through yet another phase of our lives together. I’d have been destroyed had something happened due to a missed UTI had he had his surgery.
From here on out, I will no longer ignore my inner voice. I will no longer care if people think me a bit daft for speaking up when something feels wrong.
This morning, when we went out for our daily walk, I saw once again that Campbell had pep in his step, and his nose was happily sniffing out the news from the Daily Doggy.
For now, all is well in our world, and I pray it will remain so for a long time to come.
We bid you a good day and thank you for reading our post.
May harmony find you and blessed be.
©Patty Fletcher 2019
About Patty Fletcher
Patty Lyne Fletcher in her own words (October 2017
I’m a 49-year-old single mother with a beautiful daughter, of whom I am very proud. I have a great son-in-law and five beautiful grandchildren. Three girls, and two boys. I hope to be able to write more about them later on.
I own and handle a Black Labrador from The Seeing Eye™ named Campbell Lee—a.k.a. Bubba Lee or King Campbell, to give just a couple of his nicknames.
I was born on November 9, 1967 in Kingsport, Tenn., where I also grew up.
I was born one and a half months premature. My blindness was caused by my being given too much oxygen in the incubator. I was partially sighted until 1991, at which time I lost my sight due to an infection after cataract surgery and high eye pressure. I used a cane for 31 years before making the change to a guide dog.
Read more about Patty Fletcher
Books by Patty Fletcher
One of the recent reviews for Campbell’s Rambles
Certain books come to you at just the right time. I have been meaning to read Patty Fletcher’s memoir entitled Campbell’s Rambles for quite some time, but life events have prevented me from doing so. I regret not reading the book sooner. This book is one of my favorite reads this year. Campbell’s Rambles is a story of the beautiful love that exists between a dog handler and her first guide dog. But, more than that, the book reaffirms that life is a gift, that though many hardships exist, love always manages to find a way into your heart.
I was so touched by Patty’s gradual realization that the relationship between a handler and their dog is based upon mutual love and trust. Her first meeting with Campbell made me both laugh and cry. I love sloppy dog kisses, too, and could totally relate to the moment she realized that she and Campbell belonged together. A particularly favorite scene for me occurs at a time when Patty is threatened and Campbell illustrates his unfailing loyalty to her. Campbell’s Rambles affirms something I have known for some time: that animals love those who show them love in return and will defend those for whom they care with every fiber of their being.
Perhaps the best aspect of Patty’s book is the growth she experiences through the gentle caring and steadfast support of Mr. Drew Gibbon, her instructor at The Seeing Eye. I loved certain scenes where Patty learns to accept the kind offers of assistance from others. One of my favorite scenes occurs in a creamery. I will not provide spoilers. I will just say that a simple act of kindness means so very much. I related most to her feelings of self-doubt as it is a problem that has always plagued me as well. Campbell’s Rambles is a candid and fast-paced memoir that I simply could not put down. Acquiring a seeing eye dog is a momentous decision, and I enjoyed learning about Patty’s experiences and the enriching rewards Campbell has brought into her life. I also loved learning of the independence Patty has found through her time with Campbell.
The book has given me a desire to consider the possibility of training to acquire a guide dog more seriously. At the very least, it has given me insight into the joys (and challenges) that await when life-changing decisions are made. As my favorite person in the book says, “Take a chance. You have a 50 percent chance of being right”.
Campbell’s Rambles is thoroughly recommended. I urge anyone who is considering acquiring a guide dog or who would like to learn more about the process and the experiences of one particular handler to give the book a chance. A prospective sequel entitled The Raw Truth was mentioned in the Afterword of Campbell’s Rambles. I hope that one day it will be written. I will definitely read it. Happy reading to you all.
Read the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00Q9I7RWG/
And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Patty-L.-Fletcher/e/B00Q9I7RWG/
Patty has also contrituted to two anthologies
December Awethology Light https://www.books2read.com/u/3yPZvB
A Treasure Chest of Children’s Tales https://www.books2read.com/u/bzaAML
Connect to Patty
Books: http://www.dldbooks.com/pattyfletcher/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/PattyFletcher
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bubbalee04
Facebook: https://twitter.com/bubbalee04
Beautiful moving story 🙂
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Thanks to you for reading and for commenting to let Sally and me know you enjoyed.
Kisses and wags from King Campbell too.
🙂
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Sweet as xx
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😉
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Thanks for commenting Ally.
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Touching story. Sounds like Patty and Campbell have a special bond.
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Thanks to you for reading and for letting me know you enjoyed it.
I do lots of promoting of other’s works, but most times forget to promote myself. It was a pleasure to share here with you and others.
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Thanks Sharon.. and yes very special…hugsx
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Oh my, so beautiful. ♥
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Hi.
So glad you liked it and that you wrote to say so.
Often I post things onto my blog and I’m never sure what people think.
Thanks again, and King Campbell says hello.
Or, he would if he weren’t snoring.
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Thanks Gwen.. enjoy the rest of Sunday.. hugsx
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Thanks Sally for sharing this with all your readers.
It was a surprise for me to get up this morning and find this here.
Yes, I knew you were going to share because I’d sent it to you, but I have been so wrapped up into what I’m doing these days what with the big promo event going on over on FB I forgot again that this was happening today.
I’d like to just add here that I do also advertise for sighted folks. It’s just that most of my clients are blind and so that’s what Sally mentioned here.
I am in fact celebrating the two-year anniversary of my business today so this post comes at just the right time.
Thanks again to all who are reading and I’ll check back for comments throughout the day.
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Thanks Patty… and delighted to feature you… enjoy the rest of the day.. hugs
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Hi.
Thanks. I feel like I’ve already spent an entire day as I woke at 2:30 and was up by 3.
Already washed and drying a load of clothes, cleaned the wretched microwave, and been into the event.
Not to mention walking and feeding his majesty. LOL.
Might just have to have a nap. LOL.
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Sounds like a good idea Patty for both of you..hugsx
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Yep.
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Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
I’m so proud to be featured here. I’d like to invite you to visit and read this post.
I’d also like to remind you that until the end of July my books are on sale at: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/PattyFletcher
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Thanks for boosting the post Patty… and leaving your link for your books on Smashwords.. hugs x
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You’re welcome.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with your readers.
I was just talking this morning over on FB about how I get busy promoting others and don’t take any time out to promote myself, and then here was this post this very morning.
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Before I forget, a note to all who are reading and commenting, you may not see me liking comments but that is because I’m reading them from m y email. My internet connection is rather slow and so to click like on each comment requires me to open my net browser and would take way too much time to do on every one.
But.
I’ll be reading all of them and replying to folks who take the time to comment.
Thanks again.
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Such a heart-warming story about the wonderful Campbell. Long may he and his loving mistress live. Thanks again Sally. Cheers. xx
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Hi Joy and thanks for reading and for commenting to let me and Sally know you did and that you enjoyed.
Thanks also for the good wishes.
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Thank you Joy…hugsxx
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I am delighted to read this interview with Patty Fletcher this morning.
Intuition is our strongest sense and I loved reading about how this sense guided Patty and her vet in making a good decision that most likely saved Campbell’s life. We all have this sense, and it is gentle and quiet – so we learn to ignore those gentle whispers inside of us – but once we become aware of this internal GPS – we can avoid so many situations and decisions that are not in our best interests, and hold on to what will guide us to the best in our daily life. Patty is a remarkable woman of courage and insight.
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Thank you for commenting Lynda… and agree, a gift worth listening to and developing to its most refined. hugs
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Hi Lynda.
So grateful that you read and commented.
I think, the world teaches us to drowned this sense out. People are uncomfortable with things they cannot see, taste, smell, hear, and touch.
What they don’t realize is that our sixth sense is indeed part of our most basic instinct, and is in fact part of our survival feature.
So many noisome things in my life could’ve been avoided had I learned earlier on to listen.
We’re taught to listen to the small still voice, called spirit, yet all of us ignore it daily.
I thought your book, Walking By Inner Vision was beautifully written and within its pages, you brought forth the sixth sense so wonderfully.
I hope you might read Sally’s guidelines and do one of these interviews yourself.
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I really enjoyed learning more about Patty and her dog, Sally. Sometimes, when we are very close to another person or animal, we do have insights about them. I do believe that. I am relieved that Campbell was fine.
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Thanks Robbie and I agree, Such as the mother child bond which a number of people this week have been talking about after reading the posts.. hugsx
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Hi.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Yes, we are attuned to those we’re close to, but if we allow, we can also sense much much more.
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Oh yes Patty! I know the power of intuition; how it slowly breathes in our ear and we try to brush it aside but my intuition lingers longer, making me follow it. Thanks for sharing a lovely story about Campbell.
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Thanks Balroop..hugs ♥
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Hi.
I thank you for reading and for sharing your own experience.
I too have long-lasting intuitions. I’m only just now understanding them but how interesting a new chapter of my life this is turning out to be.
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He’s a beautiful animal and I’m sure, a loyal friend. Thank goodness you obeyed the signs that saved his life ❤
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Thanks Jacquie..hugs
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Hi Jacquie.
I thank you for reading and commenting.
If you’ve not already done so you can go onto the blog and see some pictures of him. You can also go onto my FB and see some.
He is quite rotten and his momma does love him so.
Thanks again for reading.
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I can tell. We lost our girl- a German Shepherd named Annie- this past winter, and still miss her!
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Oh! I’m sorry.
I don’t know where you live. I’ve not had a chance to check everyone out who has commented yet.
But.
Just as a general FYI to those in US who might be interested, The Seeing Eye has an adoption program for those dogs who are for whatever reason not accepted into the Dog Guide program and also for those dogs which are retired who for whatever reason aren’t able to stay with their owners. You can see more about it on SeeingEye.org.
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Thank you, Patty, appreciated. I’m in Canada, but I’m sure we must have good programs like that here, as well.
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Oh! Where is my head?
The Seeing Eye serves Canada too. I totally plum forgot.
There really is something to this too much information thing. I’ve had my head so full of my FB event, which you’re all invited to, that I didn’t even think about that.
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Thank you, Patty! Do you have a link?
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Hi.
Here you go. This comes from the last bit of my media kit.
Legal Notes THE SEEING EYE® and SEEING EYE® are registered trademarks of The
Seeing Eye, Inc.See: http://www.SeeingEye.org
As you’ll see, The Seeing Eye is 90 years old. They’re the largest and oldest Dog Guide school in the world.
They began in 1929 in Nashville Tennessee, and after a while ended up in New Jersey, and finally at their current location.
There is a huge lot of info on this site. Please do reach out to me if I can be of more help.
As I try to convey in my writing, The Seeing Eye and Campbell quite literally did retrieve my life.
Many persons over the years have believed that to be nothing more than a play on words since Campbell is a Labrador Retriever, but it was much more than that.
In my book, Campbell’s Rambles: How a Seeing Eye Dog Retrieved My Life, I only lightly touch on the abusive relationship I found myself in at the time of my going to The Seeing Eye in 2011 but I did, as a result of being in their loving embrace for 26 days become aware that my life was not what it should’ve been, and though it took me until 2013 to begin to break away, break away I did and now I am a whole new wonderful person.
Oh dear, I think I wrote another blog post.
Sorry. I become rather passionate about it all.
Love yawl.
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This is wonderful, thank you! I’m so glad you were able to find the support you needed to achieve a better life ((Hugs))
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Yes, they are wonderful. They are a nonprofit they don’t take any money. When I went to The Seeing Eye intothousand11 the cost from breeding, to hand out, including all the training, puppy raiser expense etc. was $78,000. I paid $150. That was all. They paid for my plane ticket my room and board everything. We simply pay a small fee, because we own our dogs from the outset. And they believe and I do too that giving a small amount, helps us feel like we absolutely do own our animals, and do not have to give them back ever.
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I wonder if there are programs like this for Diabetes dogs? My grandson is Type 1 Diabetic, but when we looked into a do for him it was out of our range. I’ll have to dig deeper. Thank you for this inspirational post, Patty!
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That would be amazing.. I think there is a programme in the UK but very specialised obviously. xx
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Our Shepherd, Annie, picked up on his highs without training. She was a very calm girl, but when kiddo was about to go hyperglycemic she would sniff him and whine.
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That is because the body puts off a very specific smell when the blood sugar changes.
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Yes, that’s how his mom determined something was wrong before he was diagnosed. Smart momma!
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Scent can tell so much.
I knew I was having kidney issue by the scent of my sweat. I knew Campbell’s sickness was not normal infection when he was diagnosed with thyroid issues, and when my daughter was a baby I diagnosed her virus by the smell of her.
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No. Not like this. To my knowledge there are not yet any specific schools or training programs. There are some programs which are offering alert dogs but as of yet they’re very costly.
You might reach out to the Diabetes Foundation.
I’ve had to do research for several persons and so far I’ve not come up with any free or low cost programs. There are no nonprofits doing this type of work yet. At least not in the US.
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Hopefully that will change one day.
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Well, the way that is going to happen is if someone decides to start an actual school for such dogs.
I’ve always thought alert dogs were most helpful and that there should be schools for them but right now it is being done by private trainers only as far as I am aware.
I did a Google search for them this morning and did not come up with any specific organizations which are training dogs of this nature. Only private trrainers.
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Yes, that’s what I’ve found, too. There’s a well-recommended company in Ontario, but it’s costly.
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Maybe we could have an online event to raise funds?
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Aw, that’s a sweet thought! I’m not sure if my girl is up to taking on the care of another pet (even though he’s a working animal), she’s a full-time university student.
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Well, should you ever decide that’s something you want to do do let me know I’m happy to help.
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Deeply appreciated, Patty, thank you! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Sure thing.
How old is the child in question?
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He’s twelve now, diagnosed at seven.
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Well then a large portion of the dog’s care would most assuredly fall to him.
One of the things that any good dog trainer will teach you is that if the bond between service dog and handler is to be strong, the care giving must fall to the handler.
This is why Dog Guide schools don’t hand out Dog Guides to very young students. Most wait until they’re in their late teens to allow the student into the program.
But.
An alert dog is a bit different. The dog would go to school, the dog would go on sleep overs. The dog would go on family vacations, and though one of the reasons guides aren’t handed out earlier than late teenage years is because of the need for responsibility, I’ve known of kids his age to have alert dogs because the difference is the Dog Guide is to encourage independence, so younger children aren’t out and about on their own, while the alert dog’s job is to save the life so a 12-year-old child may very well be able to handle such a responsibility.
Of course if you were to need to raise funding for such a thing, and with the high-cost of such a dog, the child is most likely going to be 12-years-old going on 14-years-old before the funds and trainer, and correct dog is secured.
Just things to think about.
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Thank you, Patty. His health and welfare are a constant worry for all of us. When we first heard about alert dogs on a news program, we immediately looked into it, and maybe, at some point it will be a viable option. I hope so ❤
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Well either way it’s a big responsibility to take on. And is definitely something to think about
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I must say, the difference between walking and navigating with a white cane and walking and navigating with a Dog Guide is similar to the difference between getting around via pogo stick and limo.
There’s a Seeing Eye Youtube channel as well and they’ve everything from videos on their training program, to graduates from the program talking about and showing their adventures.
I believe they’ve a blog too but I’m not certain about that. I know one of the puppy raisers did a blog some years back on one of the pups they were raising for the program.
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Sally & Patty, what a life-affirming post. As a fellow guide dog handler, I have had several of these 6th sense moments over the 48 years that I’ve had guide dogs (5). I will just relate something my first vet, the late Harold Shanzur of Philadelphia said. When he was in medical school at the U. of Pennsylvania, one of his professors told him, “If you ever have a guide dog as a patient and the blind handler thinks something is wrong, but you can’t find it, look harder.”
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Sounds like wise advice Donna.. thanks for dropping in and sharing..hugsx
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And, that was in the early days. Not sure when Seeing Eye started, but I’m guessing Dr. Shanzur was in medical school in the late ’30s.
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Donna. The Seeing Eye began the entire Dog Guide movement in 1929. They’re the oldest and largest Dog Guide Program in the entire world.
Please see the link I shared here earlier.
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Yes, I knew they were first but didn’t remember the year. Isn’t GDB in California still saying they’re the largest? Two points: first, guide dogs aren’t for everyone. Some cane users are extremely proficient, especially those who have developed good facial vision. With a brother who uses a cane, I’ve learned not to underestimate the potential of cane travel. Still, I’ll stick with my pups. Second, being first, Seeing Eye had a lot of barriers to overcome. Even in ’71, when I got my first dog from the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, NY, Seeing Eye wasn’t taking people with usable vision. I think they were still insisting that students had jobs. I was one of two students on my class who were the first legally but not totally blind guide dog handlers. Now, it’s routine, but in those days, they had to figure out what the issues were and how to deal with them.
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Ancient to be sure. LOL.
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My vet must’ve known your vet.
He told one of his techs once after they scoffed at my insistence that we were missing something, “Son, these two are bonded as closely as if that dog came out of her very own womb. If she tells you something is wrong it is.”
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Great to hear..hugsx
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Reblogged this on The Heart of Applebutter Hill.
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Thank you for sharing Donna..hugs
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Hi Donna, Sally, and all.
Yes, Donna, thanks for sharing and please forgive me for not coming and saying thanks sooner.
I saw that you’d reblogged this but I’m totally overwhelmed with email, Facebook notifications, and I don’t even want to think about twitter LinkedIn or my other blog stuff.
WEE! Are we having fun yet?
Being popular is hard work!
But.
I must shamelessly admit I love it.
Thanks be for Tension Tamer Tea. LOL.
It is knocking out my headache and helping me relax.
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Hi Donna. You’re so kind to have this on your blog.
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Patty, I just got swept in your 2-year anniversary, and then I read this, and it seemed like the thing to do. 🙂
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Thanks Donna..hugs
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Thanks again.
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Just another example of how we need to trust our ‘inner’ knowing. Happy to hear about the happy ending. 🙂 ❤
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Yes, listening to that inner voice is very important.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
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🙂
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Thanks Debby ♥
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This is certainly a good discussion!
We all have that inner voice that guides us if we are attuned to it.
For me, it is a feeling that moves through my body – llike a fluttering of butterfly wings. And, sometimes, it is even an alarm that seems to radiate from within me – deep and unrelenting – llike a warning signal that something is not right.
I write about this quite a lot in my poetry and my essays.
I close my eyes and focus on this at times because the sense of sight overrides everything else we have and I have to shut it off completely so I can listen and SEE what the inner vision is telling me. This inner knowing is not thought – not intellect. Something beyond those things. In our core.
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Thank you Lynda for sharing your perception of this gift. It is evident from the comments that there are many who recognise that they have this ability. I am delighted that it has resulted in a sharing of experiences and also discussion. hugs
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Hi Sally, Lynda and all.
I’d just like to say that Lynda does a fabulous job at sharing her experiences in her book, Walking By Inner Vision.
It is quite amazing, and listening to it on Audible was an incredible experience.
I must say I got nothing else much done while reading it.
Normally I can clean or whatever while reading an audio book, but this one, well I had to settle in and just enjoy.
As to the discussion here, it has been most excellent.
We’re a rather chatty bunch. LOL.
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Thanks for the recommendation Patty…hugs
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Sure.
I started not to say, but my promo buttons are on hyperdrive these days. LOL.
I really do enjoy what I do.
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Hi Lynda, it is what we in my faith call the Third Eye.
Some believe it is just behind the center of one’s forehead. And for me that’s where my sixth sense begins speaking. I get a tingling there, and then it is as if someone taps me gently on the shoulder, and if I pay attention, which I’m learning more each day to do, I get a very strong premonition of what it is I need to know.
Over the winter months my nephew unknown to me was living in my storage shed. He is a drug addict, and I’d already told him he couldn’t be here.
Though I didn’t know what, my third eye continued telling me something was not right. When it was finally revealed to me and I sat looking back on the weeks leading up to my discovery of him I knew what I’d been feeling was the warning that something was going on on my property.
Just last night when I was outside with Campbell I got the strong feeling that once again things aren’t quite right here. This time I’m not ignoring it and later today I’m going to have someone check things here.
No more ignoring my inner voice.
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Hi Lynda, for me, it’s like hearing something in retrospect. It catches me up short and I become attentive as though I just realized that I’d heard something, then, I listen for the echo of it.
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Donna. That’s interesting. In time you’ll become very attuned to that.
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Patty, actually, the first time was when I was four years old, and there have been maybe a half dozen times throughout my life. I don’t know if I can get any more attuned to it than I am.
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Well, unfortunately, or fortunately depend upon the situation, I not only have intuitions but I can pick up on the feelings and energy from others, which means I’m constantly dealing with some portion of my sixth sense.
I think it has in a way contributed to my mental illness, but now that I’ve learned so much more about it all I don’t have nearly the trouble with it.
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Patty, I have that same thing and same thought about my own mental illness. I sense people’s underlying feelings when they’re in groups and putting on their public face. I have gotten terribly depressed and wanting to commit suicide and then someone, not emotionally close to me, but geographically close does kill themselves. I didn’t understand how to figure out what was really going on in time to be any help. I also have resisted information about the future, because I just didn’t want to know. I begged not to be told that sort of thing.
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Over the years, I’ve learned to shield myself somewhat from the feelings of others. I’ve also learned that it is absolutely necessary for me to live a more solitary life.
While I enjoy my sixth sense very much, and it does serve to keep me safe and aware, it is important for me to protect myself.
I have and continue to study as much as I can about the development of my intuition and how it relates to all aspects of my life. Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, and spiritually.
As I’ve grown older I’ve realized that I’m more of an introvert than I thought. I used to think I was an extrovert with introvert tendencies. Now I know I’m an introvert with Extrovert tendencies.
I find I like my solitude and I like being in control of when, how, and where, I interact with others.
I still enjoy company, still enjoy outings, but I’ve learned that I don’t enjoy large groups of people and that the biggest reason why is due to feeling all their energy slamming against me.
I’ve come to realize that much of my mood swings, and other Bipolar problems were brought on by my trying to be something I wasn’t.
Life forced me into a more solitary existence, but as I began to accept it and find ways to be happy within that lifestyle, I began to see a marked improvement in my mental health. The realization of all I’ve written here was slow to come but when it did, I found myself much relieved.
This is why I say it is important for people to learn to understand and to acknowledge their sixth sense.
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Thanks for sharing Patty, you are inspiring and doing an amazing job hugs xx
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Thanks.
I tend to share too much at times. Just have a deep desire to reach out and share my experiences with others in hopes that something I share might help that Ah-ha light go off in their mind about their own situation.
Don’t do anything special. Just know that I wasted a long many years being lost in my head, and now someone finally opened the door and let me out of there I’ve a lot of time to make up.
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I’ve lived a mostly solitary life due to issues with bullying and my vision starting pre-grade school. I found ways into community – street performing made me much more comfortable with casual conversation, which I came to treasure. I think most writers have to at lease respect and cultivate solitude. It’s funny that now that I’m older, I am relieved that I never was truly able to become one of the crowd – too many problems that folks get themselves into when they start adopting the norms of community as though they were written in stone.
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Be yourself is my creed.
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Interview – Human in every Sense of the Word -Ignoring VS. Acknowledging and Obeying My 6th Sense by Patty Fletcher | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo
Jacqui, our nephew has type 1. Back when he was first married, they had a little dog, one of those hairy little things that shakes all over and yaps. Well, she saved his life a couple of times by waking up his wife in the middle of the night when he was going into shock. He had to be taking by ambulance to the hospital both times. She wasn’t trained, she just could tell.
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Donna.
I woke Campbell with my hysterical laughter at your description of the dog.
I find myself hoping we’ve no shaky hairy yappy dog owners online. LOL.
I of course know you meant no harm but that totally cracked me up.
Getting back on track, most dogs that do this type of work don’t start out with being trained. They start by showing they can alert to such things as sugar change or seizures and then they’re trained so that they may have their proper certification and develop exact consistency.
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Patty, my apologies to King Campbell for causing the nap interruption. And, no harm meant to the people who love these little guys. I was pointing out that essentially, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Someday, maybe they’ll be able to isolate a gene common to the dogs who can do this and breed for it. Now, like you say, you need to find a dog that demonstrates the willingness to alert to this and then train them. Sort of like a needle in a haystack. Our niece, also with type 1, got a dog, hoping it would do the same thing for her. He didn’t, but she loved him too much to part with him.
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I’ve read that they can train dogs to react to the scent, but yes, just as certain breeds make better guides than others I imagine the same is true for dogs.
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