On September 14, 2000, breeding stock mom, Whistler, gave birth to her first litter, destined for greatness as Future dog guides. At six and a half weeks, the puppies were taken to Leader Dogs for the Blind to be issued to puppy raiser families for their first year of life. Named after the movie, ‘Remember the Titans’, by his raisers, Titan spent this time near Detroit, Michigan. He was accepted for four months of formal training in October of 2001 beginning an adventure that would last a lifetime.
Titan entered my life on February 13, 2002; just three short weeks after losing my first Leader Dog of more than seven years, Mississippi, suddenly to cancer. For eleven and a half years Titan was my constant companion. While working at Family and Children Services, he guided me safely daily on the ten block trek to and from the bus line. St. Bartholomew’s nursery children shared many stories and tea parties with him. Titan carried our wedding rings down the aisle in 2003, accompanied me on an Alaska cruise, and was a great ambassador for Leader Dogs and Lionism. He was the constant in my life through two national moves, a second college degree, and plenty of shopping trips.
On August 30th, I bid a tearful farewell to my Golden angel. I am in the process of applying for a successor Leader Dog. Even though both of my Golden Retriever Leader Dogs own my heart, there is room for one more. I thank the Augusta Lions Club for affording me the opportunity to have such independence and completeness of life that comes from the human dog guide bond. Adventure number three will be coming soon.