4TAB COURIER-POST, Friday, October 24, 2014
cover story
By Jan L. Apple / Photos by Denise Henhoeffer
Clara’s ‘New Eyes’ Offer a Great Sense of Independence
“
When Clare Westlund met Moose, she admits to falling immediately in love. Moose is a 75-pound male Golden Retriever guide dog, a first for the 26-year-old Maple Shade resident who previously used a cane to navigate around town. Blind since birth, Westlund attended a 26day training session this past summer with Pilot Dogs in Columbus, Ohio. She received three days of individualized instruction, followed by extensive training with Moose – creating a bond that continues to strengthen. “I have a greater sense of independence with him than a cane,”said Westlund, who —CLARA WESTLUND earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Georgian Court University and enjoys one might think for guide dogs to be playing acoustic guitar. “I walk faster and approached or attacked. I’m more confident.” A former competitive Westlund hopes that Dusty’s Law will change equestrian, Westlund explains that her cane that. Signed by Gov. Chris Christie in January would often get stuck in storm drains or on 2014, the law makes it a criminal offense sidewalks. Clara’s 17-month-old pup accompanies her outside the home she shares if a dog interferes, harms or kills a guide or Westlund’s 17-month-old pup accompanies with her mom, Cindi. service dog. “An owner can be fined or have her outside the home she shares with her mom, Cindi. Westlund says Moose is at her side when she attends church or to serve jail time,” said Westlund, urging dog owners to secure their public establishments like restaurants, malls or the bank. “If I had to put fences, not interfere with guide dogs and let a blind person know if a price tag (on what I have received), it would be around $65,000,” said someone is approaching. The law was named for Dusty, a nine-monthold German Shepherd attacked by a Pit Bull in 2010 in Woodcliff Lake. Westlund, as training is costly. Moose was given to her at no charge. Although Westlund is more confident, she shared a frightening experience Dusty received almost 100 stitches, lost four teeth and was emotionally she hopes will raise awareness that guide dogs are not ordinary pets; nor are traumatized. Westlund, who calls Moose her best friend, finds this deeply they trained to be aggressive: “They are a blind person’s eyes.” Shortly after distressing. “Moose has already saved my life once,” said Westlund who is currently bringing Moose home, Westlund was walking down a neighborhood searching for employment. The two were at a crosswalk when Westlund street when a larger dog escaped instructed Moose to cross. Instead, he wouldn’t budge, as he realized there from inside a fence and jumped on was a car approaching the intersection. Moose. Westlund was stunned and powerless. She had no idea how to stop the attack. Luckily, her dog was not injured. But he could’ve ABOUT PILOT DOGS been. On two other occasions, dogs Pilot Dogs mission statement is to provide the finest of guide dogs to the without leashes approached Moose. qualified sightless. This service is available without charge, and includes the “Guide dogs can be easily Pilot Dog, four weeks in-residence training, and round trip transportation. Four people were trained with their Pilot Dogs in 1950; and from this humble distracted,” explained Westlund, beginning the program has grown to serve approximately 150 every year. “even if the other dog approaching is friendly. The slightest distraction For more information, contact the organization at (614) 221-6367 or email can cause confusion.” In fact, she kwalker@pilotdogs.com. Pilot Dogs is located at 625 West Town St., Columbus, says, it’s more commonplace than Ohio, 43215.
I have a greater sense of independence with him than a cane. I walk faster and I’m more confident