Flat out Flash newsflash – June/July

I have had lots of adventures since March and have really settled in to life with Lindy and Aunty Polly.

We went to another show at Canberra Theatre, Rediscovering Music by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, an opening of the new section at the War Memorial, and lots more.

We have continued to practice our travel from home to the Canberra Blind Society (CBS) to join in various activities. I especially enjoy the book group as I get to catch up with my Guiding friends while the humans discuss the books they have read.

To get there we have to walk 1.5km from home to the bus stop, then take the bus into the city and after that we have to cross 3 busy shared crossings to CBS. The section in the city is the most challenging. I have managed to navigate around scooters, advertising frames, tables & chairs from cafés and even street people yelling abuse on the street! Instructor Claire shadowed us and gave me a Gold star for good guiding.

We even managed to educate people along the way. We came to an intersection and a man called out, ‘Wait here for a bit’. Lindy didn’t know he was a police officer until instructor Claire explained that there’s someone up the street having some mental issue and other officers are helping him. Lindy suggested to the police officer that, when he speak to a blind person, he introduce himself as a police officer first and then give the relevant information.

Puppy raising family visit and holiday

Flash sitting in front of his puppy Dad and Mum and Lindy all kneeling down — Flash with his puppy raising family and Lindy

My puppy Mum and Dad dropped by Bruce to see how I was getting on and to meet Lindy in person.

Then at the end of March when Auntie Polly was going to Wollongong for a triathlon, she dropped me off to stay with Debbie and Mark. I was so excited to see them and my old home and had a lovely three days there.

First plane trip

I had my first plane trip in May when Lindy had to go up to Qld for a friend’s memorial.

It was just like getting onto a bus except I got my own seat – well I got the floor space in front of my seat. I slept through the flights. These magic aeroplane doors changed temperature each time we took off and land. The first plane trip got us to warm weather, then the second plane trip got us back to the cold Canberra weather!

Lindy walking in a long black coat with hood and with shoulder bag with Flash dressed in a winter jacket in harness beside her — Lindy and Flash setting out on a training walk on a cold, foggy morning in Canberra.

Warm Winter Jacket

Luckily I have a winter jacket to keep me warm when walking with Lindy.

When I run with Aunty Polly, then I am warm enough without the jacket.

Lindy’s knee prevents her from doing more than a fast walk, so I keep my jacket on to keep warm.

Trying out my winter coat – walking with Lindy

Dragon boating

Lindy has been selected for Australia’s first para dragon boat team (Para Aurora) and is off to compete at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Germany (competition 14^th to 20^th July). She and great friend Jing are in the team together and have been training so hard. A few weeks ago I thought I better see what this dragon boating is all about. Lindy had a go at steering the boat while I was sitting in front of in charge of all the team members.

Lindy steering a dragon boat of paddlers on the lake with guide dog Flash sitting in front of her supervising — Lindy steering and guide dog Flash in charge of a dragon boat on the lake.

Last Saturday on a cold, windy and rainy day, Auntie Polly was taking me for a quick walk beside Lake Gininnderra after visiting Belconnen Mall when we came up to a man walking with my brother Fitz. After our initial excitement we stood there catching up while Auntie Polly talked to Fitz’s handler Michael. Fitz has become a therapy dog. You never know who you bump in to when out on a walk. Michael was able to tell Aunty Polly all about the F litter and even showed her a picture of us all with our mum Lottie. Michael knew about how two of my sisters had got on and was thrilled to learn that I was a fully trained guide dog, just not working while Lindy is away dragon boat training.

Flash meeting by chance his brother Fitz and his handler Michael at Lake Gininnderra — Flash meeting his brother Fitz by chance along with his handler on the shores of Lake Gininnderra

Flash's mum Lottie lying flat out with eight black and one blond puppy plus a teddy lying asleep all around her in a pen — Flash’s mum Lottie and her litter of nine.

Which one is Flash in both photos?

Filming to promote National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA)

I accompanied Lindy to do some promotional filming at NFSA a couple of weeks ago. These photos and videos are to promote NFSA as an accessible venue for conferences, functions and also a great place for tourists and family outings. I met people with wheelchairs, family with children and conference users.

I happily repeated some of the walks while the photographers were busy adjusting their camera angles to get the best shots. I am sure we will put the link up once NFSA puts it up in their promo.

Flash flat out on the carper with Lindy seated at her computer behind — Flash flat out with Lindy seated at her computer behind him

Now I need another ‘flat out’ sleep after dictating this newsletter.

Please keep warm if you are in the southern hemisphere over winter or stay where you are if you are up north.

Woof Woof
Flash Hou

(until I get my own email address, you can contact me via Lindy’s email)
lindy@lindyhou.com
Tel: 0402 113 836 / +61 402 113 836