Teachers Receive A Lesson On Guide Dog Protocol At Newtown High School

By Larissa Lytwyn

While passing through the halls this year, Newtown High School students and faculty will inevitably encounter a coo-inducing four-legged creature with soft fur and gentle eyes.

But Pedro, a chocolate lab, is a class apart from his canine peers. Pedro is a guide dog.

This summer, Pedro and 17-year-old Alex Snow, legally blind senior at Newtown High School, completed a rigorous course through New York-based nonprofit Guiding Eyes for the Blind to become a guide dog team.

Recently, Alex, Pedro, and Kathy Rooney of Guiding Eyes for the Blind met with Newtown High School faculty to discuss how to best interact with Pedro and Alex through the course of an average school day.

While Alex has been long familiarized with Newtown High School’s basic physical layout, he will be able to move more quickly and accurately with the assistance of Pedro in place of his cane.

When Pedro and Alex pass through the halls between classes, Ms Rooney said, it is important to ask if Pedro can be petted or touched.

Sudden movements can distract the team from navigating effectively, she warned. 

One teacher asked to what degree students and faculty could greet Alex when they saw him in the hall.

“It’s fine to say a quick, ‘Hi, Alex,’ just as you would any other student,” said Ms Rooney.

But, like any other student, long conversations in the middle of the hallway could hinder efficient passage.

Moreover, in Alex’s case, such a situation could result in a miscalculated turn or bump.

“Most importantly, we don’t want Alex to get hurt,” said Ms Rooney.

She reflected on how easy it could be for a younger student to approach Pedro.

“After all,” she noted, garnering laughter, “how often do you say to someone, ‘nice cane?’ Never!”

Even when Pedro is harnessed and affixed with signs indicating his function, Ms Rooney said, dog-loving students could treat the signs like a “speed limit” post.

“It’s a general guideline, but if there’s no one in authority around, it could be very easy to not entirely comply,” she said. “The key is constant education. Never assume [you can touch]. Always ask first.”

During his 26-day Guiding Eyes for the Blind course, Alex navigated a variety of urban settings, including White Plains and Manhattan.

Most guide dog recipients are adults, said Ms Rooney, but Alex was an exception.

“It takes an enormous responsibility to care for a dog, especially one with this kind of specific [role],” she said. “Alex is very mature in that respect. He’s also very intelligent.”

Ms Rooney described the special temperament potential guide dogs have to possess, using Ruben, a golden retriever she had brought to the faculty meeting, as an example.

“They have to be of a gentle nature,” she said. “They can’t startle easily.”

One teacher expressed concern over the dog’s reaction to fire drills.

“I’ve actually experienced a few [drills] through the [Guiding Eyes] course,” said Alex.

If people around the dog are generally calm, Ms Rooney said, the dog is less likely to react in a sudden or unexpected way.

Another teacher shared an anecdote about a legally blind person who’d lost physical control of his guide dog.

“That should never happen,” said Ms Rooney. “Under the proper direction, the dogs will always stay physically harnessed under the necessary circumstances.”

Alex echoed Ms Rooney’s words.

“I always have Pedro on his leash,” he said. “He’s not going to go anywhere.”

Some other teachers expressed concern over feeding times and how and when Pedro would relieve himself.

Principal Bill Manfredonia explained that a specific, likely paved, area would be used for Pedro’s personal disposal needs.

Alex feeds Pedro twice a day in the hours before and after school.

Pedro will not be able to play fetch or accept treats during his “working” school hours. 

His primary function, Alex and Ms Rooney emphasized over and over, is to help guide Alex safely and efficiently in and around Newtown High School.

After graduating this May, Alex plans to attend college, living independently on campus with Pedro. The Technology Club member hopes to pursue a career in computer science.

Career Services director Peg Ragaini asked Alex what his special needs might be if he did a senior internship or career shadowing project.

Alex said he did not think he would need any kind of special accommodations.

“The [work] environment would likely be smaller than at school,” he noted, “and I’d have to explain things to fewer people.”

During his meeting with faculty, several teachers said they would aim to dismiss Alex five minutes early from class to make his passage between periods more efficient.

Alex and Ms Rooney said they appreciated the teachers’ time. 

“I think [the meeting] went very well,” said Ms Rooney. “The teachers were all very interested and sincere in wanting to help Alex as much as possible. It’s wonderful to see so much support!”

A student orientation program, again featuring Ms Rooney, is scheduled for 9 and 9:45 am on Thursday, September 2.