You might remember the guest post my friend Chuck Gullet wrote (and the memorable photos he took) a few years ago when he came along on an appointment to get my fake eye polished. Chuck is one of the volunteers who has been taking Whitney on long walks while I recover from surgery, and here he is with a guest post about walking with Whit.
Walking Miss Whitney
by Chuck Gullett
What could be better than this?
It’s not just a walk in the park when you have a highly trained guide dog at your side. As soon as Whitney and I step outside, I can immediately tell that Beth’s Seeing Eye dog has a ton of pent up energy and also wants to test out her new walker. After she sniffs around and pulls me from tree to tree, Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, is channeled through me. It is time to get down to business and start that walk.
Whitney knows that I’m not Beth. She also knows that she really isn’t “on duty,” but I still have to cross the street at the corners and have her sit to wait for traffic. I think these walks might actually make me a more responsible pedestrian and give up my jaywalking ways.
Whitney is a pretty cool character while we are out. I’m not supposed to let her mingle with other dogs, but that’s not too hard. Other dogs check her out and try to pull their owners over, but Whit just struts by without giving much notice at all. We are on a mission, after all. The mission is to get to Lake Michigan.
Beth and Mike mentioned that Whit really likes the lake. So, of course, that’s where I decide to walk her. As we start getting close, the pulling gets stronger and stronger. She doesn’t just love the lake, she is freaking crazy about it. The edge of the harbor area is about 10 feet above the water. Without the leash, she would have been in the water in a second.
Well…this!
I walk her over to a bench where we sit down and try to relax a bit. That seems to work until the ducks come flying in. What’s better than a lake? Obviously… a lake with ducks. We went over to check them out, but it had to be a very brief introduction (no pun intended). My arm was getting worn out from holding her back and it was time to head home.
Whit knows the route home pretty well, but she really slowed down the pace on the way back. Worn out or just procrastinating? I like to think she just wanted more quality time with Uncle Chuck — we both had a good walk.
It’s me, Beth again with a shameless plug — besides being a primo dog walker, Chuck’s a real estate broker. If you’re looking for a place in Chicago, give him a call: 312-593-1436
Whitney looks so much older in her recent pictures. She also looks really strong. Glad she’s able to go to the lake. She looks so happy.
Beth, everyone I run into her in C-U is amazed and happy about your quick recovery. Well, it’s quick to us. Looking forward to seeing you, whenever it happens. Much love to you and Mike from all the Spencers, especially me.
You know, I think this recent ordeal has matured young Whitney. God knows it put a couple more hairs (staples?) on my chest. Michael and I plan to get on the phone and give you a call ttoday, you know, between cardio walks and naps. THANKS for the good wishes, I hear and feel them loud and strong.
Wonderful guest entry. Heard that everything continues to go well. Many good wishes, Lois
Agree. Chuck is not only a terrific dog walker, he’s a great writer, too.
What a fun time for Whitney! She clearly enjoys time with her ‘Uncle’ Chuck! From the tone this was written in, I suspect he does as well.
Thanks for sharing your journey of recovery with us.
Deborah, thanks for your comment to Uncle Chuck’s post here – he sent it my way as a surprise, saying “Whit inspires.”
Indeed, she does.
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