RALEIGH – The pandemic is making everyday life complicated for all. But for those who are blind or visually impaired – like Raleigh tech worker Garner – it can be even more challenging.
Enter Tracker, a yellow Labrador Retriever, who is her guide dog always by her side, helping her navigate this new normal.
“It’s safe to say that life has changed drastically,” says Garner, who works at LCI Tech. “I’m fortunate to be able to work from home. Of course, since I’m home all the time now, Tracker and I have to come up with different ideas to keep things active for the both of us.”
Shannon Garner, a technology services representative at LCI, and her dog Tracker.
Today is International Guide Dog Day.
In the United States alone, there are an estimated 10,000-plus guide dogs helping their owners ride out this pandemic.
Southeastern Guide Dogs reported an example of a member who has bonded even more closely with her guide dog at home.
“This stay at home order has only strengthened the bond between my guide dog and me,” said Sarah Leger. “Doc Champion seems confused at times as to why we aren’t leaving the house. She loves to work and go places. When the weather is nice, I put her harness on and we walk on our driveway. She definitely keeps us smiling! We’ll all get through this together. I am so thankful to have Doc Champion by my side. She is truly an amazing guide dog and I love her so very much.”
LCI, the largest employer of the blind of America, is headquartered right here in Durham. They have many employees operating in this new reality with their guide dogs.
“Tracker makes me successful by doing what he does best, and that’s working,” says Garner. “I can’t count the number of times he has saved me from walking in front of forklifts, navigate us around pallets on the floor, or from running into my co-workers. He’s amazing, and sometimes I’m even shocked by his extensive abilities. “
Tracker is even trained to receive commands in English and Spanish.
“He has that perfect mixture of friendliness, sweetness, and mischief that makes life so interesting at times. He motivates me to strive to do more, because of the positive energy that he gives me on a daily basis.”
Blind exec: Highlighting digital accessibility is ‘silver lining’ of coronavirus crisis
