Guide Dogs

There is no secret how a dog can brighten up your day with a simple wag of the tail and eye gazing. Dogs love to make eye contact with their owner. Often finding that to be no different from a young child looking for quality time and attention. Dogs are made up of several different breeds and come from all over the world. The most unique bunch of dogs are Guide dogs who serve to guide the visually impaired. They are highly trained and go through extensive training to prepare them for their future visually impaired owner. Many reasons why guide dogs are so special include their ability to communicate through eye gazing, their organic kind nature, and their willingness to guide their visually impaired owner safely and comfortably.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs today (Feldman). They are globally known for their beautiful kind spirit, bright golden fur, and their trusted loyalty. Golden Retrievers were brought from Europe to the United States in the late 1800s (Feldman). During the 1800s most Retrievers were used for hunting purposes primarily. Before they received their beautiful name Golden Retriever, they were called Yellow Retriever in the early 1920s (Feldman). In 1974, President Gerald Ford is known for being a progressive Republican congressman (Pruitt) who owned and loved a Golden Retriever named Liberty (Feldman). Her beautiful golden fur was a sight to see. Because of Liberty and her puppies, Golden Retrievers became the top five most popular dog breeds in America (Feldman).

Did you know Golden Retrievers come in different variations of Gold? According to (Feldman) their fur can be straight or wavy and comes in different shades of Gold. Their coat color varies from light to dark shades like a nude rainbow chart. Regardless of the coat color, it is recommended to brush every day for aesthetic reasons (Feldman). Furthermore, Golden Retrievers’ kind gentle spirits and fierce keen attention spans make them perfect for a family dog. According to (Feldman) they are wonderful family pets and love to spend time with people. Golden Retrievers are not big dogs but retain a medium size (Feldman). Golden Retrievers are friendly dogs who get along with just about anything living and breathing on Earth. Golden Retrievers make the perfect addition to anyone’s home.

Golden Retrievers are very reliable dogs by nature. According to (Feldman) they make excellent helpers for people because they are always eager to please. Becoming a Guide dog is one of the many ways Golden Retrievers like to help the visually impaired (Feldman). The relationship between a Guide dog and its visually impaired owner should be taken seriously. According to (King) it must be a partnership when you take on a Guide dog. A visually impaired person could benefit from a Guide dog due to low social interaction. Furthermore, (SA Dog) having a Guide dog at aid helps break down social barriers and pushes the conversation upward with people who would normally feel awkward around a person with a visual impairment.

We all enjoy going out to eat at a beautiful restaurant that has great-tasting food to enjoy. One way a visually impaired person can do the same is by bringing their Guide dog along with them. Guide dogs are trained to assist their owner with getting on with their everyday life in a safe and efficient manner (SA Dog). According to (SA Dog), Guide dogs offer unwavering companionship to their owner. Guide dogs are known to assist their owner with getting around. They can do so much more including fetching, pushing, pulling, retrieving, opening, and closing things (SA Dog). Guide dogs are like guardian angels to a person who is visually impaired.

Golden Retrievers are trained to communicate with their owners through eye contact. Visual orientation toward humans is an essential behavior whereby dogs can engage in various socio-cognitive skills, such as responding to communicative cues (Alterisio et al.). That is so wildly impressive the level of skill that takes to accomplish such tasks that are required of a Guide dog. Eye contact behavioral training with humans was acquired through the early stages of domestication (Murata-Kobayashi and Kuze-Arata). Dogs are known to gaze at their owner when they are hungry or simply want to play fetch. It is likely that dogs that engage in a higher amount of gaze behavior can bond with humans more quickly (Murata-Kobayashi and Kuze-Arata). Guide dogs are special because they can communicate and understand the needs of a visually impaired owner through body language.

Most people when they see a Guide dog immediately want to pet them because of its beautiful appearance.

"The dogs are at work when they are out and about, so stroking them can put them off"

- Garth Evans (King)

What exactly does a Guide dog trainer do? According to (King) they provide training and guidance to help visually impaired people live independently. From birth to graduation, all dogs undergo extensive screening and testing for any possible health issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia and allergies, and follow a rigid maintenance program to ensure each dog has a perfect bill of health when they graduate as a working dog (SA Dog). That requires attentive compassionate bonding and understanding of the future task asked of each Guide dog from their trainer. Taking care of a guide dog or any dog can be expensive and financially hard. The charity organization where you are gifted a Guide dog pays all expenses including veterinarian bills for the Guide dog’s working life (King). That makes taking care of your guide dog less stressful eliminating all expenses.

In conclusion Guide, dogs are trusted to improve a visually impaired person’s everyday life just by bonding through eye gazing. They serve to not only guide but protect their owner from any harm when out and about. Guide dogs play an important role in the mobility upkeep of their visually impaired owner. Their ability to perform multiple tasks at a high level is rewarding. Furthermore, their golden shades of fur are beautiful. Their ability to stay calm and attentive under extreme pressure is impressive. Even if you don’t have a disability with such constraints a Golden retriever makes the perfect dog for anyone who loves kindness and craves intelligent beings around them.

Work Cite

Alterisio, Alessandra, et al. “You Can’t See, When I Do: A Study on Social Attention in Guide Dogs.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, vol. 218, Sept. 2019, p. 104824, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2019.06.005.
Feldman, Heather. The Story of the Golden Retriever. 2000, nvclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/44956268.
King, Mark. “Work: Blind Faith: A Working Life: The Guide Dog Trainer.” Gale.com, 2022, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A267213936/WHIC?u=txshracd2891&sid=oclc&xid=df9a1160.
Murata-Kobayashi, Natsuko, and Sayaka Kuze-Arata. “Attention towards a Handler in Behavioral Tests Contributes to Low ‘Distraction’ in Guide Dogs.” Worldcat.org, 2022, nvclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/9415323532.
Pruitt, Sarah. “9 Things You May Not Know about Gerald Ford.” HISTORY, 12 July 2013, www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-gerald-ford.
SA Dog, Association. “A Very Special Kind of Service.” Gale.com, 2019, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A598587204/WHIC?u=txshracd2891&sid=oclc&xid=968e7659.

Practicing Yoga and the Positive Impact on Overall Health

People who practice yoga, focus on intentional training of the mind, body, and spirit. Typically, a yoga program will consist of a series of movements and/or meditation. In return, the practice has positive results on mental health such as an increase in mindfulness, the promotion of harmony, and holistic health. As well as help with pain management. Throughout this essay, we will see how yoga impacts all these specific areas.

Did you know that educators are implementing yoga in the classrooms to help children practice mindfulness? According to an Educational Psychology Review article, practices of yoga as a form of mental training are intended to generate changes in the cognitive and emotional processes like attention and self-monitoring of negative thoughts (3. Rashedi). Yoga extends beyond just Movement-based Yoga programs. In parts of the world, yoga is practiced as a religion. However, educators borrowed from the concepts to create educational-centered yoga programs. The programs may include multi-step instructions that teach self-discipline, physical postures, moral observances, breath regulation, effortless mediation, and focused concentration. (3. Rashedi) This has led to results that have helped children manage their anxiety. Children learning a mindful breathing exercise to help with stress shows them that they have the choice to feel anxious or not and thus improves their behaviors and relationship with peers. (3. Rashedi)

“Mental Health” according to WHO- places an emphasis on “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community. (1. Cagas) Yoga provides a deeper understanding of this and thus leads to a realization of Self and this helps attains holistic health. (1. Cagas) Some Indian philosophies believe that the mind and body have an interdependence. A certain type of mind goes with a certain type of body. (1. Cagas) Our emotions secrete hormones that influence our bodies. So, we must protect our thoughts, as negative thoughts may lead to disease. Serotonin, Melatonin, and Dopamine are released when we have positive thoughts, and emotions of happiness, peace, and harmony. (1. Cagas) This is why practicing Yoga, helps lead us to a healthier self.

Training the mind and body through Yoga has helped people who are dealing with chronic pain and are looking for an alternative to narcotic pain medications. Many ailments such as chronic lower back pain, persistent pain, and arthritic hands have Yoga on a list of treatment options. (2. Ceniceros) Why? Because Yoga helps with flexibility, conscience movement, and mobility. Pretty simple. According to Dr. Muller, motivated patients can find yoga to be beneficial. (2. Ceniceros) Yoga is used as part of recovery programs for many diverse groups of people. Go to your nearest Army base and you can find a group of soldiers who are practicing some form of yoga in between physical training and field exercises. Or even your local YMCA- and peek in the class, you will find many people (such as me), who partake in the class to help alleviate chronic pain.

So far, we have learned how yoga can be implemented as part of educational programs to help children manage their emotions while learning. As a result, children were able to identify when they are experiencing anxiety and chose to not feel anxious. We also learned how the power of positive thinking and intentional movement leads to a high view of self-realization, thus attaining holistic health. Also, we have learned how practicing Yoga can be used as part of recovery programs for people with chronic diseases which in turn can be used as an alternative to pain medication management.

1. Cagas, Jonathan. “Physiological and Psychological Responses to Different Yoga Styles.” Yoga Mimamsa, vol. 50, no. 2, 2018, pp. 53–59., https://doi.org/10.4103/ym.ym_15_18.

2. Ceniceros, Roberto. “Yoga Classes Positioned As Alternative to Pain Meds; Practice Used in Functional Restoration Programs.” Business Insurance, vol. 47, no. 3, 2013, pp. 0001–0001 https://spclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/4951645833

3. Rashedi, Roxanne N, and Kimberly A Schonert-Reichl. “Yoga and Willful Embodiment: A New Direction for Improving Education.” Educational Psychology Review, vol. 31, no. 3, 2019, pp. 725–734. https://spclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/8671066647

The Evolution of Oculocutaneous Albinism over 100 years

From the 20th century to the 21st century, comparing people who are living with the condition of oculocutaneous albinism and how they are affected by social environments, poor vision, and skin cancer. According to ‘’The Experience of people with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Science, Oculocutaneous albinism is an inherited disorder characterized by the absent or minimal production of a pigment called melanin. As a result, pigmentation is absent from or diminished in the skin, hair, and eyes. (Source 1-i) In addition, so many people from all over the world are living and thriving with this genetic condition. According to ‘’The Experience of people with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Science, this condition is found globally, with a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and in clusters in South America. (Source 1-ii)

A person with albinism unwillingly deals with people staring or pointing their fingers at them in public because of how different they look. The only people who truly understand their condition are their birth family. According to ‘’The Experience of people with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Science, the major challenge faced by people with oculocutaneous albinism in most societies is stigma and prejudice caused by myths, superstitions, and misinformation (Christianson et al. 2006; Winship 2003). (Source 1-iii) A lack of knowledge can suffocate one’s mind to believing we’re alike. According to “The Experience of People with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Science, Link, and Phelan (2001), stigma is usually associated with a deviation from what is normally expected. (Source 1-iv) We all innately gain our self-worth and belonging from our childhood family and friends. It’s typically our community that holds us up in such light. According to “The Experience of People with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Science, (Maslow 1970), family and community play a fundamental role in enhancing the self-concept of people with oculocutaneous albinism. (Source 1-v) Nevertheless If a person with albinism isn’t getting support from their family, friends, and community then they should be able to reach out to the school they’ve currently enrolled inn. According to “The Experience of People with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Science, the school plays a fundamental role in nurturing a sense of belonging in learners with the condition. (Source 1-vi)

The more dominant handicap of occultations albinism is visual impairment. According to “Genetic Basis of Oculocutaneous Albinism” Expert Review of Dermatology, the ophthalmologic defects are linked to the nystagmus, the strabismus, the hypoplasia of the fovea, and the abnormal development of the optic nerves. (Source 1-i) Going outside when it’s sunny and hot is dangerous for someone with oculocutaneous albinism. However, it is recommended to wear a large hat, and big prescription black shades to keep the retina from getting damaged. According to “Genetic Basis of Oculocutaneous Albinism” Expert Review of Dermatology, photophobia can be helped with dark sunglasses and large hats that protect the retina. (Source 1-ii) On the other hand, there are a total of four different mutations of OCA1 that share visual impairment similarities. According to Oetting, William s, et al. “Oculocutaneous Albinism over the last 100 years” Pigment Cell Research, the common features of nystagmus and foveal hypoplasia with reduced visual acuity and ocular nerve misrouting are found in all forms of OCA1. (Source 1-i)

There’s no secret about how the sun can automatically place you in a great mood. However, people with oculocutaneous albinism are deprived of natural endorphins because if they don’t, avoid the sun they will sunburn badly. Ultimately, people with albinism are at high risk for skin cancer. According to Grønskov, Karen et al. “Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, most people with severe forms of OCA do not tan and easily get sunburned. (Source 1-i) On the other hand, the incidence of skin cancer is increased in patients with OCA. (Source 1-ii) In spite of the lack of melanin to protect you from the beautiful sun. It is best you cover up your skin in dark clothing to protect you from the sun. I recommend using sun protection factor (SPF) 100 on the days you feel nostalgic. According to “Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, sunscreens are recommended with at least a sun protection factor of 15. (Source 1-iii)

In conclusion, so many people live with this condition from all over the world. Discrimination is still prevalent in the 21st century. Having a community is vital and will enhance the life of a person with oculocutaneous albinism. Family plays an important role in self-esteem building. Staying indoors and out of the heat is a way of life to avoid skin cancer. Protecting their eyes is key to longevity in eyesight. Even though it might look like a person with OCA has a ton of uphill battles they can thrive and be successful with the right people surrounding them.

Mmuso B.J. Pooe- Monyemore, et al. “The Experience of People with Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Health Sa Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 1 1
https://spclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/7180996940

Rooryck, Caroline, et al. “Genetic Basis of Oculocutaneous Albinism.” Expert Review of Dermatology, vol. 4, no. 6, 2009, pp. 611–622., https://doi.org/10.1586/edm.09.53., https://spclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/7777236033

Oetting, William S, et al. “Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1: The Last 100 Years.” Pigment Cell Research, vol. 16, no. 3, 2003, pp. 307–311.
https://spclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/437580948
Grønskov, Karen et al. “Oculocutaneous albinism.” Orphanet journal of rare diseases vol. 2 43. 2 Nov. 2007, doi:10.1186/1750-1172-2-43
https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1750-1172-2-43