"It felt like I was flying!" That's the response most often uttered by first-time Seeing Eye dog users. ACB conventioneers will have the chance to experience that sensation firsthand. Seeing Eye instructors will be out in force during the entire convention, providing what's known as "Juno walks" with an imaginary dog called (you guessed it!) Juno.
One highlight of the convention will be a special presentation by Seeing Eye graduate Mike May on Sunday, July 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. Blinded at the age of 3, Mike went on to break world records in downhill skiing, work for the CIA, and become a successful inventor and entrepreneur (his company, Sendero Group, produced the first talking GPS for people who are blind). A book about his life, "Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See," will be released in late spring, and a movie based on the book is being produced by Fox 2000. Mike will discuss his journey to success and will sign copies of his book. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the food and an exciting presentation by Mike.
On Wednesday, July 4, at 7 a.m., The Seeing Eye will host its annual graduate breakfast. Grads are encouraged to bring along a friend who might have interest in The Seeing Eye. They'll hear all about recent and upcoming developments at the school and meet the new president, Jim Kutsch. Please let us know if you have special dietary needs.
Registration for Juno walks is available at The Seeing Eye's exhibit booth or at the school's hospitality suite (check the convention program for the location of our suite). Please refer to the ACB registration packet to pre-register for Mike May's presentation or the graduate breakfast.
Visitors to the suite or the booth can enter a variety of raffles, competing for fun and exciting door prizes. A lucky winner will have a chance to name a Seeing Eye puppy!
A special notice for Seeing Eye grads -- check the suite schedule for details on beginner and advanced lessons in clicker training for your dogs. This form of operant conditioning uses a marker signal (clicker) and positive reinforcement to modify your dog's behavior.