“The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be.” – Konrad Lorenz
My husband, Brad, was born with a rare genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). The incurable condition has slowly been stealing his vision from a young age, and little by little chipping away at his confidence and independence as well. For many years, Brad fought the need for using any assistance, but eventually the accidents and missteps began to catch up to him. He eventually opted in to cane training in an effort to reduce injuries and falls. This was a major “swallow my pride” moment for Brad as he admitted he might need a little help. After some studying and research, we agreed that he would apply to Southeastern Guide Dogs (now known as Dogs, Inc.) to receive a guide dog.
In January 2016, my parents and Brad made the trek to Palmetto, Fla., where Brad would live on campus for the next 28 days as he attended guide dog school. He was matched with a wonderful dog named Kipper. At the end of the month, they came home and we began integrating Kipper into our daily lives. Unfortunately, only a couple of months later, Kipper had developed some traffic fears that were deemed unsafe for a guide dog where there is zero tolerance for error, and he was removed from service. (We were eventually able to adopt him, and he lived out his days with us as a spoiled rotten pup.) Kipper had shown Brad a newfound freedom and independence he hadn’t known in years, and in a matter of days, it was all taken away…again.
Enter Mike.
March 11, 2016 was a day that changed all of our lives. Mike and Kayla, his Dogs, Inc. trainer, made the journey from Florida to our front office door. When she opened the car door, the most beautiful, perfect, black Labrador Retriever hopped out of the car and followed her through the door. It was love at first site for Brad and Mike, and really for all of us. We knew the independence and confidence that had been ripped away was back.
Brad and Mike got right to work, for there was no time to waste. Under the guidance of the trainer for several days, they began working to ensure Mike and Brad were a good match. They strolled all over our little town, made trips to bigger, busier cities, and took on all types of scenarios. To put it simply, Mike was amazing.
This dog was born and bred to do a job, and he certainly was good at it. Mike restored freedom and independence to Brad’s life and mine. I was no longer afraid to drop Brad off at the track to go for a run, or at the post office to run an errand. I no longer had to worry about Brad losing his way in a store, or missing a curb and twisting his ankle. Mike had it all covered. Brad was able to walk and hold his head high, rather than staring at the ground looking for the next obstacle.
Mike became a permanent fixture of our daily lives. While our other dogs stayed at home together, Mike was our constant companion. If Brad was getting ready to leave the house, Mike was watching, ready to head to the door alongside him. He didn’t have to be asked – he knew his job was to take care of Brad. From work to errands, and from vacations to the ball fields to kenpo class, Mike was there, working to ensure Brad’s safety every step of the way. Whether it was trips to Dollywood, walking onto the Miami Dolphins football field, or snoring through a church service, he never wavered, never asked for a break, and never missed a step.
If you’ve never had the privilege of seeing a guide dog in action, you should know it is quite remarkable to watch. Whether he was hiding under the table in a restaurant or guiding Brad up the stairs to the highest point in the Smoky Mountains, Mike knew exactly what needed to be done, and he did it flawlessly. It is incredible to watch a dog assess a situation and make decisions on what is safe and what isn’t, on when to obey, and when to practice “intelligent disobedience” to protect his person.
Mike was somewhat popular around town, as he visited many local businesses and attended many events. Most of the time when our family entered a room, someone would yell, “Hey Mike!” before they said hello to us. We didn’t mind. He was a head turner with a gentle nature that you just could resist.
Mike was just a couple of months shy of his second birthday when he arrived on our doorstep, and he served Brad diligently until he was almost 11 years old. The trainers had told Brad he’d know when it was time for Mike to retire, and they were right. As he aged and the black hair on his face began to turn white, he slowed down. He still was able to obey commands and desired to please Brad, but as with all good pups, eventually his body began to deteriorate.
Brad decided it was time for Mike to retire, and he spent his last few months as a beloved pet, office dog, and treat connoisseur. A couple of months ago his health began to decline, and even more rapidly in the last couple of weeks. Brad had to make the decision no pet owner wants to make. He had to decide to do what was best for Mike, even though it wasn’t best for us. We said goodbye to Mike last week.
There really are no words to say to describe how much we will all miss Mike, most especially for Brad. For nearly 10 years, Mike was more than a companion – he was Brad’s steady path forward, confidence in uncertain spaces, and a constant source of comfort. Through quiet times, busy days and life’s unexpected turns, Mike walked faithfully beside Brad – beside all of us.
A dog’s loyalty and devotion are a rare and valuable gift. Mike’s service to Brad and our family will not be measured in miles, but rather in the gifts he gave us – selfless loyalty and unconditional love. Our hearts ache and we are incredibly sad that he is gone, but we will forever be grateful for the way Mike changed our lives.
Good boy, Mike. Good boy.
by Keri Coots
