🐾 Meet Titus: Evan’s New Guide Dog Companion
Hey friend,
After Evan Wilkerson took that much-needed break last summer, he met his new partner: Titus, a guide dog who changed his life. (If you missed last week's episode, you can catch up on Evan's story HERE.)
This week, we dive into the incredible story of their match, their training, and the new level of independence Titus provides.
The Day Independence Arrived
As Evan and I continued our conversation, he shared some amazing details about the trust and training involved in getting Titus. It wasn't just about walking from point A to point B; it was about learning specific, high-stakes safety strategies.
For example, crossing the street can be complicated if a car blocks the crosswalk. Titus doesn't just know how to go around the obstacle; Evan had to learn to trust her communication to find the safest point to maneuver around the danger. It’s an amazing partnership!
And Titus isn't just a work tool; she's part of the team. Evan explained that when he's training hard in the morning and evening, Titus has her own system: she takes essential breaks curled up safely in her crate. He even had to teach his new college swim teammates how to let Titus do her job when she's in harness but also how to respect her downtime.
Evan's journey holds incredible lessons for anyone seeking more independence:
The True Lesson of Independence: It’s not about doing everything alone; it’s about finding the right tools and the right partners to safely achieve your goals.
The Critical Takeaway for Pet Owners
While we focused on the partnership, Evan didn't skip the safety lesson. He offers essential advice for anyone considering getting a guide dog.
But most importantly, he explains why every dog owner needs to be responsible and control their pets when near a working guide dog. Titus is a life-saving worker, and a quick "hello" from an unleashed dog could mean disaster for Evan. He shares simple, vital tips on how you can help keep them safe.
🎧 New Podcast Episode: Trust, Training, and Titus the Guide Dog
Episode #142: Getting a Guide Dog Made Me Realize This About Responsibility (Part 2 of 3 w/ Evan Wilkerson)
In this essential episode, Evan shares the practical side of getting his first service dog:
- How 25 days of training evolved from simple street crossings to navigating Times Square.
- The surprising way campus navigation went from "every bump and twist" to completely automatic.
- Tips for someone considering getting a guide dog themselves.
👉 Listen to or watch Episode #142:
Episode #142 Webpage
👀 What’s Coming Next
The series finale next week is essential for any parent or student considering college independence:
- Next Week (Episode 143): Evan shares his unique and practical experience navigating life as a blind freshman at a new university. He reveals the specific college accommodations he uses (and the common ones he avoids) to maintain his academic edge. (Look out for a special Etsy Shop Discount Code in that issue!)
Ready to Find Your Path to Independence?
Evan found his partner in Titus. If you're ready to find the right strategy and the right resources to support your child's independence, I'm here to help.
Until next week,
Tonya
