CHristina: Welcome to the taking the lead podcast, where we empower people to be unstoppable. I'm Christina Hepner with my cohost, Leslie Hoskins in Timothy Cuneio. It's a busy time right now for us here at leader. Dog is no Leslie.
Leslie: Oh my gosh. There's so much going on. Which, I mean, let's be honest. It is always busy and leave [00:00:20] our dock.
There is always something going on, but I would say. Exciting thing we have going on is prepping for our camps this summer. Uh, this summer we're going to not only have our virtual summer experience camp, which is something we've only been able to offer the last two years, but we're also going to be opening up our in-person summer experience [00:00:40] camp.
So two ways to join camp this year, and we're really, really getting pumped. Those applications are already rolling in.
CHristina: Yes. And I am excited. I've heard so much about it. This would be my first experience. Seeing it virtually and on campus. And I heard it's really cool because the teens get to come on campus and then they get to work with a guide dog and the white [00:01:00] cane and all of that sort of stuff.
So I'm excited to witness it.
Leslie: I mean, we do all of the things. We go rock wall, climbing, zip lining. Um, sometimes we've gone. Kickball tandem bike riding. Honestly, the best part though is just that kids are coming from all over the country and coming on our [00:01:20] campus at leader dog and getting to know one another.
I mean, so many times like Timothy has mentioned in his story, he didn't know anybody else who was blind. And a lot of that is that similar for our campers. You know, they don't know any other teens like themselves who are going through the same thing. So it's so nice to connect, whether it be virtually or in person, you know, and kind of make those friendships and those support [00:01:40] networks.
CHristina: That is so awesome. And then they get to grow those friendships for life to, oh my God.
Leslie: Thanks to social media too. I mean, they stay connected, which is really fun, but I
CHristina: spoke LinkedIn, Instagram, all that funds. Yes. Am
Timothy: I too
Leslie: old? Am I too old? I'm sorry, Timothy. Unfortunately the, uh, the virtual camp is for 14 [00:02:00] to 17 year olds.
And I think you're just out of that age bracket and our in-person camp is for 16 and 17 year olds only. I know it's a close call, Timothy, maybe next well, Timothy.
CHristina: We'll plan our own like camp, you know, like,
Leslie: you know, like you can join Timothy, which I think you [00:02:20] are planning on his dinner in the dark. That is an adult activity.
That's happening.
CHristina: Yes. Virtual this year, but we're getting the kids and stuff together and there are still tickets available because now you can attend from anywhere I'm attending in my sweats at home with my
Leslie: dog. That's the debate, right? People are going [00:02:40] dressy and having like a really nice classy night in other people are going to be sweats and a hair in a ponytail.
Yeah, sweat, Timothy. What will be your tire? Oh,
Brett: I'm,
Timothy: I'm gonna get me a, at least a tie on, I guess
Leslie: that's what pants don't tell
CHristina: nobody
Leslie: best [00:03:00] of
CHristina: both worlds. That's what I say. Um, also, so, you know, we have so much going on with the events. That we're planning for it and happening now, but the most exciting thing is we have an email address.
So if you guys have a questions or
Leslie: ideas for our podcast, [00:03:20]
CHristina: it's taking the lead at leader, dog.org. And that will, we'll put that out on social media as well. Um, but yeah, you can email us and ask us questions or submit things that you want to hear on this podcast.
Leslie: Absolutely. We're super excited about that.
Yes. And you [00:03:40] can get those dinner, dark kits still online at our website leader, dog.org, as well as find those camp applications. So if you, or you know, somebody who is blind or visually impaired who's anywhere between 14 and 17 years old, please do have them check out our website. It is the most fun camps ever.
Um, I've been honored to be a part of on the last, [00:04:00] oh my gosh, this will be my eighth camp and it is. Honestly, such a fun fun week. So we look forward to hopefully meeting all these new kids. Okay, well, along with all that exciting news, we also have a wonderful guest for today's episode. We are excited to introduce you to another one of our leader, dog clients who is matched with our [00:04:20] 20000th guide dog named legacy.
Yes, I know. So.
CHristina: Followed legacy's journey. And now you get to hear about a Brett Bowman. I got to meet him when he was on campus and he was recently here and legacy is his first guide dog. So we're so excited to hear more about his story. I'm so
Timothy: excited to [00:04:40] welcome Brett to the podcast. Brett, tell us about yourself.
Brett: So, this is my first leader dog that I've gotten. And the first thing I was saying is the legacy is my heart. He is my everything. Um, I love him so dearly. Um, [00:05:00] but you know, um, I recently just went blind about two and a half years ago. Um, I actually lost my sight from having a double lung terrace client. Um, and about two weeks after that, um, that's when I lost my sight.
Um, since then, you know, I been, [00:05:20] I took a year off school and everything that kind of just, you know, chatting and, you know, trying to get used to my new life and trying to evaluate myself and say, you know what? Where should I have, you know, I changed when I was doing for what I was going for. Um, cause I was actually [00:05:40] going to school to be a commercial pilot.
So I had to totally change up everything. But, um, um, I'm super excited about where life is going and um, you know, having this all happen, you know? Um, it's not perfect, but it's made me so, so, so [00:06:00] appreciate that. And I appreciate all the things around it. And, um, one of the biggest things I will say is getting legacy has changed my life.
He's been the best thing that's happened to me since our last. Um, he really has helped me so much. Wow.
Leslie: That's [00:06:20] an incredibly, um, impactful story, Brett. Uh, and so, so drastic and so quickly. So two and a half years ago, you went in for a double lung transplant and then lost your vision a couple of weeks after that.
And so in those two and a half years before getting legacy, um, what was it that kept you going, how did you stay motivated or [00:06:40] encouraged or, or what were some of the things that, um, influenced you along the way?
Brett: Right. Right. So I would say the biggest thing is, is, you know, having a really amazing family and mom and dad are my everything too.
And they're, they always push me, but they know, you know, what to [00:07:00] say. And, you know, right. When it happened, you know, it was really hard, but you know, it took me, I would say a couple of months. And I think that, you know, to kinda just acclimate and say, you know what, this is my new life. This is just how I got a roll of it.
And, you know, as soon as when I was in the hospital, [00:07:20] actually, um, there was an O and M instructor, uh, as soon as I lost my sight there and they put a can in my hand and said, you know, you just got to go there for a while and figure it out. And he said that the best thing that will ever happened to you is to get a guide dog.
And I was like, I want to, I mean, you can get a dog to this. I didn't even know you. [00:07:40] And, um, I was like, I want to get a dog. He's like, well, you're not ready yet. You know, you gotta keep, you know, you gotta be waking certified and, you know, you kinda, you need more time. And I was like, okay. So, um, I kept pushing me, you know, and, um, oh, and, um, and then I, um, linked up a liter dog [00:08:00] and got on the list and then, you know, they came, evaluated me and said, I need a little bit more time with ONM.
So I kept doing my ONM stuff. And then finally, um, Uh, you know, I, uh, I was ready to get a good guide dog, you know, and you know, we're getting legacy and it's been an amazing process, [00:08:20]
CHristina: but I mean, two and a half years, some people who go through events like that in something you went through, I think that's amazing how short of a time I'm think about, you know, people that go through.
Other tragic events or things like that. And it takes them years. So, you know, it [00:08:40] shows that you had that support system, you had an orientation and mobility or a white cane instructor there to help you and you have these resources. And I think it's so important to know that they're out there because you said, like you just said, you didn't know, you could get a guide dog until.
Told you. And I mean, Leslie, [00:09:00] I think we hear that all the time at leader dog.
Leslie: Oh my gosh. I know. Just listening to your story. I was so excited to hear that already in the hospital, they were handing you a cane and introducing you to orientation and mobility in that white cane training. So many times like Timothy has shared, you know, he went so many years, almost half a lifetime without even knowing these skills exist and or where to get them.[00:09:20]
So I'm delighted to hear that you have that support, um, and that your family was encouraging and that you found leader dog on top of it. Um, and, and came to leader dog to start your journey with legacy. So we do want to talk a little bit about what training is like on our campus in Rochester Hills. So we offer a guide dog training in a couple of different [00:09:40] formats, but you came and spent three weeks with us on our campus in Rochester Hills.
Can you tell us what was that?
Brett: Yeah. So I mean, everyone that lead a dog is amazing army buddy. Um, so I came to the three weeks and I'll tell you that three weeks of the only three weeks I've ever been away from my home. [00:10:00] So it was, you know, different. I'll tell you what those three weeks changed my life forever in a good way.
You know, when the first couple of days, you're just kind of, um, making sure that you know, the dog and you're walking with your king and doing routing, you're kind of just making sure that the dog that [00:10:20] they picked for you. Is there any dog, um, you and your instructor and, um, and then on gay three or four, that's when you get your dog.
That is the most exciting day to day. You know, that's the day that you look forward to and. I was so [00:10:40] excited because I didn't know anything about legacy before I say, until we eat a dog, you know, um, I just, now I'm following all the social media stuff and everything. So when I heard about legacy, when I was there, um, someone was like, you know, there's this dog named legacy.
And I was like, what? I was like, I didn't know. There was a dog named legacy. I was like, that is the coolest thing for a dog. [00:11:00] And, um, this can, that, um, was next to me. Um, and he's like, I want him to, I was like, I want them to, you know, I said, this is a cool dog. And, um, I had no idea that I was getting like a C and.
Later, you know that next day, you know, [00:11:20] they tell me what dog I get and I'm getting legacy and he's running in and he melted my heart and I've never loved something so much in my life. And he is just so grateful and he's got this little spunky, you know, personality, but when you put that harness on him, he's ready to go.
And [00:11:40] is. He it's so incredible how you can train a dog to do these things. Um, but I would say that, you know, the whole process itself there is a three week is, you know, you get a lot of training with the dog and whatever situation that you're going to be put in at home. Um, [00:12:00] you're going to do it in training and they're going to make sure of it.
And they're going to make sure you're ready to go home with that dog. And, um, I would also say the food is really good.
It's really good. It's really, really good. Um, and I would say everyone, all the RAs, they're just all [00:12:20] amazing people. Yeah. You can't go wrong. Lead a dog is the absolute best. And it sound
Timothy: so while you're at leader dog, we've got other clients there and whether it be for Owen getting a guide dog, what was that like with you?
Cause I loved it. Cause you were there with familiar with people with the same problem.
Brett: Yeah. And that's so [00:12:40] like you, you were saying, you know, you didn't know anybody that was blind before. I didn't either. So I grew up in, um, a city where there is no one even blind. There went to my high school. I played high school football, my whole life and everything, since I was young, I didn't know anybody that was blind.[00:13:00]
And then after that, um, you know, I knew people that had, you know, that were deaf, but no one that was visually blind. So going into leader though, Looking and seeing everyone that, you know, has the same problem that you do. It it's something that you can bond and you can talk to people about, they kind of [00:13:20] understand what you're going through.
Um, I actually met someone through. Yeah, I, there's a couple of people that I still talk to you to this day. Um, and, um, it's, you know, friendships that I'll have forever now. So it's just incredible. The bond that you'll have with people, your dog, um, even your [00:13:40] trainers, you know what I mean? I mean, It's amazing.
Leslie: I love hearing that, but I think that's one of my favorite things about leader dog as well, and clients coming in, whether it be for ONM or guide dog training, that's where you can learn so much just from other clients, you know, tips and tricks on using your phone tips and tricks for going, you know, and cooking in [00:14:00] the kitchen or.
Um, orientation, different things. Of course your instructors are there to teach you all the technical skills with the cane and with the guide dog, but honestly just kind of making that community and that support network of people who get it. And so, you know, you can pick up the phone and call somebody and just say, you know, today was, today was hard and they're going to [00:14:20] understand on the other end, that is so meaningful.
So I am so glad that you built those relationships.
CHristina: And we also have an alumni page on Facebook. Alumni's are a part of, and I love going onto that and seeing how they're all connecting together. So not only are they connecting over the phone, but they have this whole [00:14:40] group, private group on Facebook where they can talk to each other and they post questions and pictures of their dogs.
And sometimes I'll just go on, um, and look, cause I monitor it and look and see what people are talking about and connecting about it. Such a great thing. And it, Brett, did you feel, you know, after those three weeks [00:15:00] on campus and you and legacy where, you know, heading home, how did you feel? Did you feel prepared to take on this new journey with legacy?
Brett: Right. So as soon as I got legacy, I was like, oh my gosh, this is, you know, I was so excited, but the biggest thing, like you said, you know, w was I ready to go home [00:15:20] at first? I was, I was not because there were certain things I haven't done with it yet. But I would say by the end of that three weeks, I was so comfortable going home.
And I was so excited to go home and do my routes that I've been doing with my cane in places that I used to go with my kids. Um, but doing it with a dog now and [00:15:40] just transitioned from McCain to dog. And, um, it's so much easier with a hug. It's so much easier with the dog. Um, but yeah, I was by the time those three weeks are done, I was totally ready to rock.
Leslie: And so you went home with legacy, which I want to be clear legacy. I mean, all of our dogs guide dogs are a big deal, but legacy was our [00:16:00] 20th, 20000th dogs. So when we're talking about like, because see there's a, you know, there's a following kind of behind legacy already. Cause we were really promoting the 20,000 stock.
CHristina: What page? Instagram? Yes. And
Leslie: so, so you went home with. Which was also, um, puppy raised by some of our guide dog mobility instructors. So there was [00:16:20] kind of a trio guy, tolerability instructors.
CHristina: I know you got to meet your puppy raisers when you were there.
Brett: Yeah. Oh, that, oh yeah. You know, I don't cry a lot, but that was something that made me cry.
It's just amazing. You know, how someone can be, [00:16:40] you know, they can take in a dog like that, which I would find very hard to get. And I mean, you create that binding, you know, they're training them up, but, um, and I talked to them, you know, and they heard my story and you know, I, um, I, this is what they love to do.
And it, it, you know, when they see that [00:17:00] dog go out, it helped me, you know, it makes them feel good. They said to me, you know, that's why they do it, but it's just so truly amazing how. Someone can open their whole and open their heart to a dog like that and train it and then be able to, you know, give it up.
I think that that is incredible because not [00:17:20] everyone could do that. Um, not everyone can do a leader dogs and doing, because it's just it's the whole, whole organization is amazing. And like I said, it's, um, it's changed my life for the best. So tell
Timothy: us, what's like going to work with.
Brett: So I, okay. So I go to [00:17:40] work at, I work at target.
So a typical day is me and legacy getting there at seven in the morning. Um, me and him, you know, he takes me around and, um, I clean like in electronics and I clean all the freezer doors every day. It has to be clean. And then me and him walked back up [00:18:00] front. Then we do carts and not pushing cards, just cleaning.
I'm like, you know, I, you know, I lined them up in a line that way guests, when they come in and just grab him and, um, take him and go, um, a new legacy do with it. And people were like, oh my God, he's so beautiful. And I'm like, thank you so much. [00:18:20] And he loves the attention and he loves people. He says, uh, he he's been great news, so many, so calm, you know, he's, he can be energized when he needs to, he can be very energetic.
And when it's time to just take it easy, he's, you know, he just can chill out. So I love him so much. [00:18:40] So it's boiled
CHristina: love that. I know you worked at. Obviously before you got legacy as well. So what does that difference like from, you know, before having legacy to now working with legacy every day?
Brett: Yeah. So I would say I actually, and my manager was telling me this, [00:19:00] that, um, like cleaning lines.
I do a lot more efficient. I actually shave off about a half hour of time because I guess see, you can move a lot quicker. We can, you know, I move a lot quicker at legacy than I did with my cane. Just cause you know, it, it just is how it is and [00:19:20] he is so sure of himself and we'll navigate around, you know, there's sometimes there's objects that, um, change, you know, they change stuff and put different things in the middle when they came, you know, you kept, you gotta have, you have to hit everything that kind of.
But with him, he just goes [00:19:40] around it and we go on her own and he, I targeted him to go to these certain areas. So, um, he just knows what we do. Cause we have a routine down. I've done it so many times then now that it's just like second nature and, um, it's amazing. And it, it actually, it makes, it makes my life so much easier [00:20:00] if that's what it does.
It makes your life so much easier.
Leslie: Yeah, well, as if I didn't already love target, it makes me love target even more, nothing excites me more than target. So I so happy to hear that. Um, they have been so accommodating and such a wonderful place [00:20:20] to work as well. That's awesome. That is awesome. And so now does legacy have to have to wear the, uh, the red polo as well or
Brett: so that's so funny.
So he actually has a target scarf viewers. And he wears a name [00:20:40] tag that says legacy.
Leslie: Yeah. You'll have to send a picture. I can
Brett: do that. I can do that. I got that.
Leslie: That is awesome. And so you and legacy have been working together for how many months now? It hasn't been too long right now. [00:21:00]
Brett: No about two months.
Yeah. So not too
Leslie: long. What would you say? I'm just curious, like, what's the most surprising things since you've got home from class you're on your own, just you in legacy, what is something that you've been most surprised by?
Brett: I would say how, again, the [00:21:20] efficiency you are doing things like, you know, um, I have a grandpa that lives about a mile away from where I live and me walking with a cane.
It takes me a while and when the dog I can do it, I can make it there. And probably 15 minutes, which is pretty [00:21:40] quick. Um, with me walking, it might take me over an hour just because of, you know, navigating around, but just, you know, I get placed in so much quicker. And then of course I got a buddy with me in 24 7.
No, when I'm in the house and I hear a sound or whatever, he's going to check it out too. And you know, if someone's coming up [00:22:00] to the house, you know, he just, he he's like a second person with the eyes in, uh, either, you know, he may love you so long conditionally and, um, yeah, it's surprised me how efficient everything is with him.
You just, you, everything you [00:22:20] do with became, they're going to do a lot quicker with it.
Leslie: Yeah, that is definitely one of the biggest differences, you know, between traveling with a cane and with a guide dog, a cane is to detect obstacles and objects in your past. So, you know, oftentimes you are running into that, that park bench or getting that crack in the sidewalk.
Um, so it does take a [00:22:40] little bit more time to travel versus with a guide dog. You know, guide dogs are meant to take you around those obstacles. And of course, that's gonna make you travel a little bit faster and it really is a personal preference. Some people have a really hard time holding onto a guide dog harness and trusting a dog, you know, cause with the cane, you're a little bit more in control, [00:23:00] obviously.
Um, and so handing over the reins a little bit to that guide dog, of course we know it is a complete team effort and you don't just hold on and go. Um, you're you're doing a lot of work there as well. And I do love hearing, you know, the differences between the cane and guide dog. And just once you go through that cane experience and you have the cane skills, it's sometimes like [00:23:20] upgrading to the Mercedes, if you will, and getting the kids to the car.
And, you know, that kills me to say as an O and M instructor because I'm pro over here. But I, I totally understand, but like
CHristina: Timothy is mentioned before. You got to keep those skills, keep them
Timothy: up.
CHristina: Yes.
Brett: Yeah. Yeah. See, [00:23:40] definitely. Yeah. Yeah. So I leave that to, yeah.
CHristina: Bad. It's good to know. Leslie is smiling big over here.
You know, she's very happy to hear that you're keeping your skills up to you went back to school. You said you had to change direction. So what are you going to school for right now?[00:24:00]
Leslie: That's awesome.
CHristina: So your big sports fan.
Brett: Yeah, I am. Yeah. Well, I like working with athletes and injuries and trying to get people back to, you know, um, be able to get back on the field or whatever their, you know, whatever it is. [00:24:20] Some people are just like, you know, big into training and getting them back into, they can get, do their workout some more.
Um, you know, um, so that's, that's what I'm going to school for. I'm actually, um, right now I'm in clinical, so I have different rotation, neuromuscular. I'm actually going to be [00:24:40] double board certified in neuromuscular, massage and therapy.
CHristina: That's
Leslie: amazing. So what's, what's the dream job for you and legacy?
Where do you want to.
Brett: Um, I actually already have a job offer lined up that I'm going to be taking, um, [00:25:00] uh it's um, with a private practice that deals with a professional athlete. And, um, we, uh, we do a little bit of to headache, which got I qualified with that, but then your, unless you're, um, uh, dealing with people that have chronic headaches migraines, I'd be able to take care of that.[00:25:20]
CHristina: That's amazing and congratulations.
Brett: No, thank you. Thank you so
CHristina: much. Love that, Brett, is there anything else that you want to add about, you know, either your journey at liter dog or, um, anything you want to share with people?
Brett: Yeah, I would say, you know, if [00:25:40] you're, you know, someone that, you know, using a chain right now and, you know, you're thinking about getting the bag, but you're just not sure, you know, I would say, go for it.
You know, I would say just the dog I would, because it will change your life and it will change your life. These [00:26:00] dogs love you. So unconditionally. And they are so amazing out in the world, doing all these different things that you need them to do. You know, if you have to work, you know, those school or whatever, you know, um, legacy does everything in me and he is, he makes my life easier.
And [00:26:20] that's what I would tell you that you want your life to be UV and getting their guy, diaries, guy, somebody, one of those.
CHristina: That is amazing. And I just want to mention, I know so many people followed legacy's journey. Well, now you can follow legacy and breadth Sterny because we're leaving that page up on our website and we're going to add this podcast on there.
And I was actually able to be there when Brent and [00:26:40] legacy met and I filmed it. It should be already out on social media by this point, and it will be on the website as well. So you guys will be able to view that meet and greet with. It was so cool to see. I mean, Brad explains it here, but I loved being able to witness that.
So, um, you can learn more and not only [00:27:00] follow legacy, but now follow Brett's journey too on our website as well.
Leslie: Well, thank you so much, Brett, for joining us today and thank you so much to all of our listeners. Yes. For joining us today on the taking the lead pod. I'm Leslie Hoskins with host Timothy Cuneo and Christina Hapner.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Brett and legacy's [00:27:20] story. Please join us next week. As we continue to dive in the world of blinds. Yes. And
CHristina: a reminder, we now have an email address. So if you have any questions or ideas, you can send them to
Leslie: taking the lead at
CHristina: leader, dog.org. And if you liked today's podcast, make sure to hit subscribe and you can check us out wherever podcast
Brett: stream.[00:27:40]