Friday, July 2, 2010

Horse and Guide Dog - What Better Best Friends Can I Hope For?


Guide Dog Flynn was born and trained at Guide Dogs Victoria of Melbourne, Australia. He began his career in September of 2008 and has led a brisk and busy career so far.

Guide Dog Flynn and his handler do not depend on anyone to take them anywhere. They use contracted transportation for all their daily rides and walk everywhere else. As much as Flynn enjoys his career, he equally enjoys his time off duty. One of this team's favorite leisure days is spending it with Indie, the handler's horse.

For six months since beginning his career, Flynn stayed at home while his handler spent her day working with her horse. This time was necessary to encourage a positive bond between Flynn and his handler. At the close of the sixth month and when a guide dog instructor was present, the team headed out to the ranch so that Flynn and Indie could finally meet.

This event was a nervous start for the handler. She was very hopeful that her two best animal friends would agree with one another. She knew that there would be the possibility that either one may not take a liking to the other. Flynn was given the opportunity to sniff out the grounds and get comfortable. As he romped around, the handler was concerned that his excitement would make the introduction difficult. Nevertheless, the meeting had to take place.

Flynn's harness was removed for the introduction outside of the fencing. With the handler controlling her horse, the guide dog instructor walked Flynn over to Indie. The instructor and handler then stepped away and held their breath, keeping alert for any sudden signs of danger. To their joy, Flynn approached as if he were exploring something new. He sniffed Indie who stood tall and bold. Satisfied, Flynn looked up to Indie and Indie leaned her head down to him. In agreement, they touched noses and a new friendship was formed.

Since then, Flynn makes regular trips out to the ranch to visit with Indie. Time is spent playing in the pasture and while the handler is working with Indie, he naps on his mat under the shade of a big tree. Appreciating the loyalty and gentleness of her two animals, the handler states, "With Flynn and Indie, what better best friends could I have hoped for?"