My sweetie! Ms Kahlua

She is such a sweet dog!  Furry, friendly, and always remembers me whenever I visit Jilla in London, England.

This past visit she learned very quickly that she needed to nudge me to let me know that she was standing beside me and that she wanted me to stroke her.

Kahlua is as fit as a fiddle! Jilla takes her for daily walks. She enjoys the park near her home and always receives treats from vendors.

She especially enjoys her sausages, but Jilla is very strict when making sure that she does not dive into the garbage bins.

Kahlua loves for me to rub her tunny.  She does not bark. She is a rescue dog! That’s my Ms Kahlua!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award winning sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.
 
If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

 

Scary moments: Howling dogs

Please do not get me wrong.  I love dogs as I grew up with them constantly around me, but whenever they come rushing towards me in the common areas of my condo building, I become extremely scared.

I continue to hope that owners in our condo complex will find a way to discipline their dogs and keep them on their leashes.  For me, it is almost impossible to defend myself when they come rushing at me and I have no idea of their size and which direction they are coming from.  All I can depend on is my sense of hearing to tell me as much as I can decipher.

I believe that dogs these days are not just nervous at seeing a white cane, they also seem to take umbridge against someone wearing a mask.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Anxious moments: When the dogs come barking

 

This is one of the most difficult challenges for me living in a condo and it is only getting more difficult to deal with.

It appears that more tenants are using dogs as companions and service dogs to help them cope with the pandemic.  For whereas I fully understand, it is difficult for me whenever some of these dogs come running at me barking at the top of their lungs!

They are not trained and disciplined enough so that whenever they see someone with a cane or wearing a mask, they simply run at me and bark so loudly that I am almost ready to faint with fear.

Not being able to see them approaching is so fearful and then I have to make sure that I am not too close to them.  This is almost impossible for me to gauge.  

I just wish that owners could be a bit more careful and considerate.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

An unusual and unique dog: Tiger's loyalty

This very beloved dog was always the model of loyalty to the family but especially so to Mom.  He watched over her, guarded her with his life, and even just before he closed his eyes for the last time he lay there looking at her.

Tiger possessed such a very fascinating personality. He would play with us but only on his terms. He was a dog who knew what he wanted and when he wanted it. He ate with gusto, enjoyed food, and loved to chase the birds along the beach.

In addition, he loved to show off his athletic side by outrunning Jeeps whenever he could; running ahead of them on the beach. He would whisk snacks out of my hand, just barely touching my palm as he nimbly jumped and retrieved them. He would scale the half gates and half doors with consummate ease and grace and then just stand there waiting to be praised.

Tiger was tall and muscular. A mixed breed of Labrador plus other mixtures. Light brown, with long legs and a long body. That was our Tiger! Loyal from start to finish!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Wonderful times: Bathing the dogs

You would think that bathing 3 huge dogs would have been lots of problems, but no! They never gave any problems. They would stand quietly and allow us to give them their baths.  Most of the time the water was quite cold but they never complained and never tried to run away.

I loved to spend time bathing them. I would call them and they would come willingly. I would turn on the hose then proceed to make sure that they were well watered down from head to foot.  Then I would soap them with tender love and care and finally I would make sure that they would be rinsed off thoroughly.

Tiger was flat-coated so it was much easier to bathe him than it was for Lion who was very furry. Yella was also flat-coated but smaller than Tiger and Lion. Each dog probably loved being bathed in their own way. It was always so very refreshing when we were done bathing them as they smelled so very fresh and clean.

Just some more childhood memories forever.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Just as she sounded: Meeting my legal coach for the first time

I did not go to meet her with any expectations but when I did meet her I was so very pleased. In short, her voice matched her warmth, welcoming nature, and openness.

I sure enjoyed meeting Davina on that warm end-of-August morning in 2019. Mom and I sat and chatted with her as Ramlall and his wife waited outside for us. Then she introduced us to her adorable little dog, Bella, who was so much like her mistress.

Bella, too, was welcoming and so giving. I can only say that Davina's voice sure matched my perception of her and it was so wonderful for me to have discovered this.

I first connected with Davina in 2016 when she voluntarily agreed to be my legal coach. We have worked well together and although she is a very hard task master, she is thorough and has my back at every step.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

That's my king! Rico's photo

Finally and simply, finally!  And a huge thanks to Carl for having captured the happy little boy!  Now I am able to share his image with my friends!

Carl took two photos of him sitting in the middle of the yard.  Sue loved the colours of his tail and Debra called him a handsome king!  Mom was pleased with how they turned out.

Though I cannot see what he looks like, I have enough of a description of him to form my very own mental  image.  Rico was always a handsome boy in my mind.

Born on July 09, 2016 to Gladys, his mama, Rico was one of seven little ones and he managed to become a permanent resident of our yard.  Everyone spoils him with lots of attention and gives him food second to none.  His favorite guy is Sanchez who we refer to as his dad.

This is our Rico!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

My friend forever: Boyo is still in my heart

He was my favourite dog: gentle but social, a bit of a coward but so very loyal.  I loved him the minute he was born; he was my darling Boyo.

As a puppy he was mine.  As a full grown dog he was the same.  He lived with Granny but I never lost my bond with him.  Boyo was always the preferred one and I think that he knew this.

I remembering rushing home from school to play with him when he was a puppy and then always having him beside me whenever we went to the beach.  We played in the sea, ran on the beach, and had such fun in the house.

I was never able to see what he really looked like but when I received my functional vision, his was one of the first pictures that Mom showed me.  I never got to meet him after gaining my vision because he passed away before I could.

Boyo, my dearest, I shall forever remember your bark, your soft fur and your large head.  Your ability to always make me smile!

Don't go anywhere!  I'll see you some day and we'll once more be together! Until we meet again!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Granny and us: Remembering the seaside shops

These were quaint little shops with such friendly shopkeepers who were always there to serve their customers and then go out of their way to be of help.

In those days I could not see them as they stood in front of me but I sure remember their voices. When they realized that I was blind then here is where they became such wonderful folks to me.

I was just a wee one then but that was okay.  Granny always took me with her to these shops and my cousins came along and of course the dogs followed us all the way along the beach.

Sometimes along the way they got in minor fights with other dogs but Granny was always there to get them out of trouble. Granny would walk quickly, beckoning us to follow.  My cousins always guided me along and as we walked, arm in arm, we would chat, laugh, and steal a few moments every now and then to stop and walk in and out of the breaking waves.

The water was almost warm and the waves were not very large as they rolled ashore.  The air was always fresh and the sun was a glorious one.

When we reached the shop the dogs would accompany us inside and wait.While Granny did her shopping we kids would look around and wait patiently. Then we would walk back home with Granny leading the way and us kids just dying to get home and then get ready to go swimming.

Those wonderful memories, so long ago but still so very fresh in my mind and in the days when my vision was just so limited.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Lingering childhood memories: Remembering the beach houses

These memories shall forever stay with me.  As a child I had the privilege of spending so many joyous holidays in beach houses that were so warm, welcoming and filled with terrific memories.  I can tell you that these houses were always filled with shouts of glee!  Laughter and shrieks!  Noisy kids running to and fro and exciting games being played inside and outside of the houses.

Even our dogs got into it; barking with delight, chasing each other, and running with and after us! Then there were the beaches and the ultimate prize!  The warm waters of beautiful oceans filled with waves of all sizes.

Oh, yes!  Those sunny days filled with cloudless blue skies!  Sandy beaches where we built castles and dug sand pools and made them in so many different shapes!  Fishing in the lagoons and walking in their warm waters.

Racing with the dogs on the beach and us kids simply swimming freely in the sea with Dad watching over us all!

Oh, how I wish those days could somehow return, but alas!  They are gone forever but not my memories!  Beach houses in Toco and Mayaro!  Pictures that shall fill my mind forever and I did it all with precious little vision!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Childhood memories: Battling fever as a child

Weird as this may sound, whenever I had to battle those frequent childhood bouts of fever, it meant that I had to lie in bed for long spells but this gave me a lot of time to think and imagine. 

As Mom fussed with the hot wash cloths and aspirins and generally worried over me, I found time to think and imagine.  Then, as Granny and Dad came in to visit frequently, it also gave me time to appreciate my family so much more. 

I must not forget my brothers and dogs, as well.  Many times Jeffrey, my twin brother, would come into the room and lie on my bed beside me and there he would remain, quietly, sometimes telling me some sort of joke that he had either made up or heard at school. Robert, my elder, would stand at the window close to my bed and would often try to cheer me up by teasing me. 

Ah yes, those faithful four-legged friends!  Yella would often visit and lie close by on the floor under my bed while Lion and Tiger would come in and out. 

As for my time to think?  There was a lot of time to do this and more often than not my imagination took me to so many places: foreign countries, adventures, and yes!  Thoughts of what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Maybe a lawyer or maybe a story teller!  Or maybe a child forever!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Precious memories forever: When the dogs greeted me

Oh, boy!  I can still remember those flailing tails and booming voices of my dogs as they used to greet me when I would come home from school or from anywhere else.  They would be jumping all around me and then leaping to my shoulders to catch my attention but the most memorable moment was when I returned home from England after having spent a year there as a student.

For one fleeting moment I thought that they would have forgotten me but how wrong I was.  No, no!  Not at all!  As soon as they saw me they went crazy!

They barked!  They howled with delight!  They danced and flailed their tails!  And all I could do was to simply stand there and reach out my arms to them!  Ah, yes!  They were my most loyal friends!  My Lion and my Tiger!

Then the whole episode was repeated days later when I traveled to my granny's home to see Boyo and Brownie!  No difference!  Same loyal and loving reception!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

My precious dogs! Each dog had their habits

I am never tired of talking about my precious dogs and oh how I loved each in their own way.  They were my childhood friends and I am very sure that they each knew that I was visually impaired.

Let's start with Yella, the matriarch of our dog family and a fat and sometimes friendly and sometimes not so friendly lady Lab!  She knew that I was vision impaired because each time I came a bit too close to her she would move softly out of my way.  Yella loved her privacy.

She had her favorite foods: green pea soup, chicken Palau, and oh yes! Coconut jelly and boiled chicken.  She had a sweet tooth as well.  Yella enjoyed her regular baths, but most of all!  She would only play with you on her time and whenever she chose to do so.  Dad was her favorite family
member.

Then there was Tiger!  Fiercely loyal especially so to my mom and he was always ready for adventure and excitement.  Tiger was a huge and muscular Lab who also knew that I was visually impaired because he was always there to try and lead me at times.  He was not afraid to stand up for the family, loved the sea, and enjoyed chasing the birds and any cat that dared to come his way.

Tiger loved most foods and meal time was where he drew the line.  He was very protective of his food.  He, too, loved coconut jelly and all kinds of meat.  Tiger was a dog for all times!  He never flinched from his regular baths and was always up for anything that came his way.

Then there was lion; nothing further than being a lion!  A gentle soul with a playful and friendly personality to his family.  He was loving and always ready to play but on the other hand he, too, liked to be alone.  Lion and Tiger were brothers from the same litter, Yella's two sons.

Lion was loyal to all but when it came to stepping forward he would often be standing at the back of the pack barking more loudly then the others.  He was afraid of thunder.  He, too, loved his food and everything seemed to be his favorite dish.  Lion liked to sleep in cool places, enjoyed his regular
baths like the others, and loved to sniff the fresh air on cool mornings and evenings on our patio.

I could write so much more but I'll stop here for now because I think that you have the picture by now.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. 

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Childhood memories: Coming home to the puppies

Yet some more very cherished memories to share with you.  Yes, coming home to the puppies.

There were six of them to start with as our dog, Yella, had given birth to her first litter of happy little puppies.  How I remember rushing home every day to play with them.  My parents had decided to let them have the run of the laundry room and there they were, playing, scrapping, and then trying to climb out of the room.

I would lift each up in turn, pet them, play with them, and speak softly to them.  They were all fat, happy, and oh so friendly.

All six stayed with us for about a month but sadly enough we could not keep them all and one by one they were given away to happy homes.  Then we were left with just two: Lion and Tiger, the favorite ones out of them all.

Then these two little gems started to grow and quickly fitted into our family.  They were the pride and joy of us all!  Everyone loved them. Friends loved them and family simply melted each time they came to visit.

Lion and Tiger became my fast friends and I had a decade of their friendship but then one day it all ended when these two happy dogs left for good, passing on to that dreaded big C disease!

Ah yes!  Memories forever!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

The sandy beach was my world

Yes! As a child the sandy beach was my world and how readily I embraced and endorsed it! With very limited vision in those days I used the sand to help me imagine, create, and dream! I did almost everything through touch and feel and I used my imagination to do the rest.

Yes, I could barely see the color of the sand but in my mind's eye the colors were so vivid and bright. Flashing white, gregarious gold, and forever yellow! Sand castles came alive in my mind and I can tell you that my structures were really out of this world as I really had no idea what a castle looked like in those days. So I imagined my own, along with structures of houses and other buildings. I also used to build huge mountains and it was the same here. Then there were the balls, the cakes and pies, the walls, and so much more!

My brothers and cousins used to help me dig huge pools and I would use my imagination to make them in all sizes and shapes. Then there was the fresh fragrant smell of the ocean and this sure drove me to build even more and imagine along with it!

Then, as the sun shone brightly down on me and my playmates, I would sit there and daydream. Of what I would or could be when I grew up! A lawyer, a musician, a journalist! Of what I could do: Travel the world, make a nice home for myself and my parents, have many dogs and birds! Ah yes! Those wonderful dogs just like our own dogs: Lion, Tiger, and Yella!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

A hotel that gets it

I am always happy to acknowledge the great work of any organization whenever it succeeds in making its services and products accessible to those who are disabled or have special needs.

For this week, my huge congrats go out to the Southway Hotel of Ottawa. This hotel really gets it in every way and here's why.

At the end of February 2014 I booked a reservation to stay with this hotel and from start to finish the service was nothing less than excellent. As soon as I had told them that I was blind because I always do so before confirming my booking, they sprang into action. They went out of their way to reassure me that they provided services to accommodate my needs and as soon as I had set foot in the Southway, I was treated to some of the best services.

They told me that they would mark the door to my room with elastic bands on the door's handle. Their reception clerks went out of their way to explain everything to me and marked my key card in a way that I would have no
difficulty using it to open my door.

They went beyond the call of duty and even had great facilities for those wishing to take their dogs outside. I do not myself have a dog but I was extremely happy to see that my friend could take her dog without having to worry. Their gym was extremely accessible and there was always someone there to help.

Congrats to you, Southway, and to your staff!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Each dog had their feeding spot

This certainly made things a lot easier for me as I knew exactly where to place their bowls of food and somehow they knew where to go as well. There were three of them and during the summer vacation there were two additional ones and they, too, knew exactly where to go at mealtime.

I never had any difficulty taking their feeding bowls to them. I never got the bowls mixed up and I have to say that they seemed to be very satisfied with my service.

I was always certain to make sure that they were there waiting for me when I arrived. They never tried to knock their bowl out of my hand and I was careful enough not to get too close to them when they were eating.

Our dogs were very disciplined and very organized and they never even tried to snatch each others' meal. Good dogs all the way! They shall forever be in my memory bank!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

The four-legged greeters

Yes indeed! They were my four-legged greeters and they were always there to greet me when I came home from school. Each dog had their own way of greeting me and I am almost certain that they each knew in their way that I was blind.

First there was Yella, the grand dame of them all and mother to her two handsome boys, Lion and Tiger. Yella was very reserved and extremely ladylike but there was one very true thing about this lady dog! She never failed to come out and greet me whenever I would come home from school. That is, whenever she felt that she should do it. Indeed, she did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, and on her own terms.

Then there was Lion! A handsome retriever, gentle, clumsy, and who always came out to greet me, that is, most of the time. He would come up to me and then jump all over me with sloppy kisses and sticking out his paw for me to take. Lion had his own way of expressing himself to his loved ones.

Then there was Tiger! The leader of the pack; strong. Mr. Muscles, as I liked to call him, and he just loved to jump all over me and nip at my hands and feet.

Dogs with their very own individual personalities. Each dog in their own way always letting me know that they were there for me. They probably knew that I was blind but that was just okay with each of them.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Identifying my dogs by their voices

Yes indeed! They each had a very unique voice according to the sound in my ears. Their growls and barks were unique and this is how I identified them whenever they were out of my range.

Just like their personalities, each dog's voice was different. Yella had a soft but confident voice and bark. Tiger was much louder and braver. Lion was loud but tinged with timidity. Boyo's bark was medium to loud but tinged with some assuredness and Brownie's bark was simply loud and proud.

Each dog used their voice in a uniquely different way and each barked at various times for various reasons. It almost always used to amaze my family how I could identify our dogs whenever they were out and about. I knew each voice like the back of my hand and I even knew their growls and could easily distinguish them.

I did not have enough vision as a child to distinguish my dogs by sight so I had to depend on their voices. Of course whenever they were within my reach I had no difficulty distinguishing them.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to explore the world of blind persons by visiting www.acb.org.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.

Remembering my dogs

They are always close to me, through the power of my memory bank. They were my most avid listeners, they never turned their backs on me, and I shall always remember them.

Oh, how I still remember the sounds of their voices. Yella, a fat female Lab with a loud but firm voice. Tiger, a male Lab with a voice that resonated authority. Lion, a male retriever with a voice that was filled with a bit of timidity and yet a bit of bravery.

Each dog had his/her own unique personality, but at the end of the day I am very sure they each knew that I was blind. They never complained whenever I failed to notice them lying in the way. As a matter of fact, they often tried to scramble out of my way if they felt that I was coming towards them. That was Yella's trademark. They were patient, eager, and always willing to play games with me. They ran with me on the beach, walked with me in the gardens, and let me give them frequent baths. We frolicked in the waves, ran around the house, and they were my first in line customers whenever I played restaurant as a kid. Ah yes! Those were my dogs and they will forever be remembered.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others about my dogs. Come by any time and visit me at www.donnajodhan.com where you can enjoy my detective audio mysteries.