While her hand gently grasped the handle of the dog harness, the woman confidently approached the podium with her partner expertly guiding her. She spoke clearly for the audience at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as she introduced herself and her partner. "My name is Virginia Mann and this is my partner, Gamay." She slowly added, being careful to enunciate each letter, "Gamay is spelled G-A-M-A-Y."

The audience sensed Virginia’s special relationship with Gamay by the tone of her voice as she spoke with heartfelt gratitude. Mrs. Mann commented that Gamay is her hero because she has helped Virginia regain her independence, and she also saved Virginia’s life. The audience, visitors to the museum’s "Dog Days" event, filled Murch Auditorium with a rousing round of applause as they expressed admiration for the remarkable team.

There are many definitions of a hero dog. There are those who save lives and then there are those that improve the quality of life. In rare cases, a hero dog accomplishes both feats.

Such is the case with Virginia Mann and Gamay, her yellow Labrador Retriever.

Mann became blind due to diabetes in 1997. The permanent, progressive loss of her vision also meant the temporary loss of her independence. During the past four years, Virginia has conquered many challenges. She has made adjustments in her home life, in her contact with friends and associates and in her navigation of her new life’s mission. These adjustments have taken courage, determination and the forging of new relationships.

The progressive vision loss from diabetes leaves sight like "Swiss cheese" due to blood vessels/leakage and retinal detachment.  Virginia can distinguish some material only if all conditions are perfect. Unfortunately, conditions are rarely perfect as she sets about to perform everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

Contact with friends and family members during the early stages of her condition were difficult due to the feeling of vulnerability Virginia experienced whenever she left her home alone. Even though she became proficient using a white cane, leaving the house with only a cane made her feel susceptible to danger. She worried about her personal safety and spent more time at home. Virginia’s self-esteem and confidence faltered, as she became depressed about the impact the loss of vision had on every aspect of her life.

It was very difficult for Virginia’s to come to terms with the fact her vision impairment has made her illiterate. She cannot read. Even though she has a college education in accounting, she is labeled illiterate because she cannot see. Mrs. Mann said, "I may have it in my head, but I cannot read. That hurts me more than not being able to drive and to think by definition I am illiterate."

In 1998, Virginia began to research options, ask questions, and make contacts with people from the Cleveland Sight Center.  She learned that many people enjoyed greater freedom with the assistance of a guide dog.

Virginia decided to apply for a guide dog.  She was accepted by two schools but chose The Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Since 1942, the school has provided more than 7,500 dogs to people with vision loss.

On February 22, 1998 Gamay, a female yellow Labrador Retriever, was born. When Gamay was about eight weeks old, a skilled group of volunteers observed her temperament, desire to please and willingness to learn. Gamay was an excellent student! She was selected to continue in the program and be placed in a puppy raiser’s home to experience life in a family atmosphere and learn basic obedience and social skills.

For nearly a year, Gamay lived with a family on a pig and potato farm in a western state. Gamay’s Junior High School puppy raiser exposed her to farm and school settings, while the adult couple took her to public places to increase her comfort level and reinforce her basic obedience skills.

When Gamay was about sixteen months old, she returned to The Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. to engage in formal training with licensed instructors. For approximately four to five months, Gamay received daily training on campus and in the surrounding community. A Guide Dog learns to:

At the time Virginia was being accepted into the program, Gamay was completing her advanced training. In October 1999, the young dog was paired with Virginia to begin the in-residence training program at the school for 28 days.

Virginia and Gamay learned to work as a team under the instruction of professional staff of licensed instructors. In February 2000, Virginia picked up Gamay and started their new life together.

Virginia has regained her sense of independence with Gamay by her side. Gamay not only guides Virginia on streets, in shopping malls and on public transportation, but she also protects Virginia. Virginia commented, "If a mugger grabbed me in downtown Cleveland, there’d be no way for me to identify them. With my dog, they’d think twice" because Gamay can bark an alert and guard her. Virginia is thankful for the protection Gamay provides.

Gamay’s daily life is now a balance of work and play. When her harness is on, Gamay is devoted to her task. When the harness is removed she knows it is time to play and relax. It is a good thing that Gamay is in excellent condition, because Gamay now needs to keep up with Virginia!

In her new role, Virginia has been the guest speaker for many organizations. Gamay attends all of these events with Virginia. Many of these events are held at facilities that are new to both of them. For example, on April 28, 2001 Virginia was invited to be a speaker at the Working Dogs Weekend at Lake Farmpark in Kirtland, Ohio. As the pair headed to the Visitor’s Center Theater, Virginia had to cross an area where the tractors are driven. An engine was left running in one of the tractors. Even though it was parked and stationary, Gamay would not allow Virginia to cross until the motor was turned off.

To safely reach a destination takes teamwork and trust. Dogs, of course, cannot read traffic signals. So, Virginia must listen to the flow of traffic, determine when she believes it is safe to cross the street, and then give the command to go forward.

On Monday, June 4^th, 2001 a new team from Guide Dogs visited Virginia and Gamay to observe their ability to work together. The group went on a walk in the neighborhood. As Virginia stopped at the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard, she listened for the flow of traffic and believed it was safe to cross. She instructed Gamay to move forward. Gamay did not allow her to proceed because she knew that a car was approaching. Gamay pressed against Virginia’s leg and refused to move forward. The car turned right in front of the curb. After the car passed, Virginia and Gamay safely crossed the street.

 Virginia hugged Gamay and thanked her for doing her job; guiding Virginia to safety. Gamay is indeed a K9 hero!

Virginia takes a leadership role as President for the Lake County chapter. On Friday Aug 3^rd, 2001 she organized the 1^st Annual Vision/Health Fair 2001 at WICCI Civic Center in Wickliffe, Ohio. Gamay attended the event with Virginia.

Gamay, her seeing-eye dog was the key to regaining some of her former autonomy. Gamay, of course, guides Virginia through the urban obstacle course the sighted traverse every day. As a result of this remarkable partnership, Virginia is able to assist others.  

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