New Day

Hutch gets a new companion – his guide dog.

Sequel to: Sunrise

Hi.

My name is Gordon Wainright Samuel of Logan. Long name, I know, but it represents a line of pure stock that is much respected and honoured in my world. My mom was a champion in every way, and although I never knew my dad, I’m told he still lives a productive life back in New York.

I guess I displayed some uncharacteristic traits as a youth, or didn’t quite have the markings and stature needed to succeed, so I ended up here in San Rafael, Calif., training to be something that both scares, and challenges me at the same time.

There are five of us here right now, working our little hearts out to meet the demanding training schedule. It’s not that bad I guess. We’re well looked after, even pampered in some respects, but we’re on a 24/7 schedule that requires repetitive, one-more-time, let’s–do-that-again type of stuff that is drilled into us over and over and over again. Gets so frustrating and boring at times that I just want to take off and run until I drop. But our trainers seem knowing and caring people who sense when enough is enough, and allow us some down time. Good people.

It wasn’t hard for me to recognize the various commands, signs and signals we had to learn, but developing the patience to just stand and wait; to develop that sixth sense of danger approaching, and to think of the person I was working with first, that definitely needed some work.

My first instinct has always been to go on the defensive and stand my ground, protect my territory. I earned a lot of demerits at first, but I think I’m seeing the light now. Being responsible for someone else, being their guardian and guide, so-to-speak, is slowly displacing the “I” in my life, and I am beginning to understand and take pride in the skills I have.

We’re almost through our training now, and as I haven’t been kicked out, I guess they think I can do the job. Pride has replaced independence in my heart, and I think I kind of strut my stuff now, head high, moving with grace and confidence.

Rumour has it a new client is coming in tomorrow, and one of us will hopefully be partnered with a life-mate. It really is like being mated. We have to not only like and respect each other, but are also willing to turn our lives over to the care of the other. Not sure if I can do that. It’s an awesome responsibility that requires I give up everything to this person. I’m kind of excited about it in a strange way. At least it would get me out into the world again. May the gods be kind.

At 9:00 a.m., myself, my trainer, and the Unit Leader are gathered in the ‘Sun’ room, with it’s widely placed, comfy furniture and casual, relaxed atmosphere. I’ve been bathed, brushed and fluffed to an annoying extent; you’d think we were meeting the President or something.

Two men enter the room, and all heads swing their way. The tall light-haired one is carrying a cane, so I know he’s the client. He seems a tad tense and awkward, stumbling a bit when directed around a chair, but suddenly calming when his companion rests a hand on his arm and whispers something to him. I have excellent hearing. “Love you, babe,” is what he said.

The light ones companion is an interesting mix: slightly shorter, with dark curly hair and I read swaggering confidence off him, tinged now with definite nervousness. Don’t think he likes me much. Don’t understand why not. I’m a gorgeous specimen of Golden Retriever, with blood lines, and champions, going back generations. I’m smart, young and strong and get along with everyone. He’ll learn.

The Unit Leader takes charge and I am led forward to meet light hair. He smells good, and is open and relaxed now, allowing his large hands to ruffle through my hair. He brings his face right into mine, almost as if he can see. I can’t help but burrow up against him, licking his face, tasting him.

“Hey, that’s my job,” the dark one says mischievously, and I turn to give him the once over, still locked to the light one’s side. I like him; he has that little boy sparkle in his eyes, and his whole face and demeanour radiate trust and strength. This could work.

The light one is holding my head, fingers gentle as they explore, almost as if reading me, as I read him.

“Gordon Wainright Samuel of Logan,” he says, and then laughs with a delightfully secret kind of laugh.

“What, Hutch?” asks the dark one.

Light continues to laugh, and when he gets himself under control he gets up and holds the other’s face just as he did mine.

“Gordo, Starsk, Gordo!” and after the dark one takes in his meaning, they fall together, laughing harder.

It was just that simple. Now, I have a Master. I’ve passed, and gained a new friend, well actually two I guess. And a new training period begins.

Not sure I like that ‘Gordo’ thing though; it’s kind of demeaning to one of my breeding and lineage.

We are formally introduced.

“Gordon, meet Ken Hutchinson.” I set my paw into his open hand.

“How do you do, Gordon. Nice to meet you, sir,” says that soft, compelling voice. “I’d like you to meet my life partner, David Starsky.”

‘Life partner? What’s that all about?’ but my attention is diverted as Ken Hutchinson reaches out a hand that is immediately grasped, and draws David Starsky in.

David Starsky looms over me, looking hesitant and unsure. I can almost see his mind churning through thoughts and emotions that the speed of my acceptance by Ken have generated. In a very short space of time however, he grins softly and comes down to meet me, staring into my eyes as if seeing my very soul. He ruffles my neck energetically.

Very softly, for my ears only, he says, “You have to take care of him for me Gordon. I trust you to do that.”

I have never in my life glowed before, but I think I did then. He trusted me with something very precious to him, I could tell. I lowered my head and nudged his arm, then looked my promise into his eyes. He gave me a light cuff, and then rose.

We all left together, me responding to the hand that now held my harness. It was an amazing feeling.

Over the next four weeks, Hutch, as I came to know him, and I worked hard to co-ordinate our moves and signals; that we work together, and in sync, was vitally important. He had to know that he could rely on me to see what he could not, and to react to any signal I gave him. I had to recognize his signals and interpret how to best complete the commands given.

Deliberate traps were laid for us as we worked, and each failure increased our link and understanding, but those failures were surprisingly few as a sixth sense seemed to guide us.

The real test between us was working the streets. Hutch got uptight our first few times out, and I can’t say I blame him. Noise from traffic, children and adults on the street, construction, businesses, bikes, (office buildings were a real challenge), etc. surrounded us, and it was difficult to concentrate, to focus on what the other partner may be saying.

Hutch had the added stress of being on his own, being in control, after relying only on Starsky for so long. For, despite Starsky’s best efforts, he was not allowed in on this part of the training. This was between Hutch and me, and I think he was a bit put out, reluctantly leaving each day after a brief visit. But I soon came to understand what ‘life partner’ meant, if their greetings and goodbyes were anything to go by. How did they keep breathing through those long kisses? And there was a decided musk wafting off both of them by the time Starsky left. I had vague memories of what need had been aroused between them.

When graduation day came, I was as proud as punch. We were a working team, had learned to be partners and to be family. Our final trip out was also a goodbye, to the city, the people and the Center. We were entirely on our own, allowed to go wherever we wanted, no backup. Except, following discretely behind, he thought, was Starsky. I doubt he realized that he could completely disrupt this final test, but, neither Hutch nor I was going to tell, we were going to show off.

Hutch gave the command, and off we went, following our usual pattern to leave the grounds and head into town. We took minor detours here and there: into a store for gum; a local cafa33; for coffee and a muffin–Starsky stood across the street trying to be inconspicuous; stood a few moments at an intersection while Hutch decided between left, right or cross the street. As usual, people, especially children, wanted to talk, and pet me, which Hutch firmly denied. No distractions for either of us.

We ambled around town for another half hour or so before heading for the park, and lunch. Tony, the hot dog/ice cream vendor, always had a biscuit for me to enjoy once we were seated at our bench. Five minutes later, Starsky had silently purchased his own cone and sat about ten yards from us. Hutch whispered in my ear, “I’ll bet he got a chocolate, raspberry cone. You think he’d be better at tailing a suspect wouldn’t you, Gordon? That’s why I love him so much, he’s always with me. Once we’re home, he’ll be better, I promise.”

Hutch raised his head, listening.

“Dawn. How nice to see you. How have you been?”

Our new friend, Dawn, chuckled warmly.

“Ken. I’m fine thank you. It’s such a beautiful day I couldn’t resist having lunch in the park. Hello Gordon, how are you?”

Dawn was familiar with the routine, and didn’t just barge in, sit down and take over. She waited quietly for me to nod at her, and Hutch to release my harness and invite her to join us. I sank down at his feet and listened as they talked about their day. Dawn was a nurse, and she seemed to let go bit-by-bit as they talked. It was a nice relaxing interlude. Hutch gave a real laugh as he pointed Starsky out to Dawn and replayed the morning for her. As we rose to leave, Dawn expressed genuine pleasure on our graduation and wished us both well.

As we left the park to return to the Center, Starsky picked up his pace and joined us.

“Hi, Starsk.”

“How’d you know it was me?”

“I could pick you out in Times Square on New Year’s Eve babe. Why are you here?”

An embarrassed silence ensued as Starsky thought up his answer.

“I just had to Hutch; had to see for myself that you were really ready, that Gordon could protect and help you. Sorry.”

“And now?”

Big smile on Starsky’s face that I’m sure Hutch could sense, and I’m sure he could feel the bounce as Starsky went ecstatic.

“You were terrific, Hutch. Aaa…mazing! Marvelous I’m so proud of you I could bust. We are going out on the town tomorrow night and have one hell of a celebration. Got to show you off, and Gordon too.”

Nice of him to include me.

We continued on our way in silence, although it wasn’t hard to pick up that Starsky had something else on his mind. Hutch let him stew for several blocks, crossing the street twice before entering a small bar for a drink.

Contentedly sipping his beer, Starsky asked “You ready for work on Monday?”

“Yeah, I think so. Gordon and I will go down there on Thursday to sign the final papers and get acquainted with the place. It’ll be fine babe, promise.”

More contented sipping of beer.

“You want to tell me now what’s bothering you Starsk? I can tell you’re dying to.”

“Well, um…”

“Spit it out, Starsk.”

“O.K. Who was that lady in the park? You sure looked friendly, and she seemed to know you quite well.”

Hutch laughed that joyous, pure, all’s-right-with-the-world, laugh that lit you up inside. Both Starsky and I bathed in its glow.

“Jealous, babe? After all this time.” Hutch reached out and ruffled the dark curls.

“Well, when she left the park, she walked by me and gave me this great big smile and waved. Why’d she do that Hutch, huh?”

Hutch roared, practically falling out of his chair. I was beginning to get concerned we’d have to carry him home.

“The lady’s name is Dawn. We met at the park the first time Gordon and I went there. She’s a very interesting lady who knows all about the program and was just being friendly. I can have friends, can’t I Starsk?”

“Of course you can dummy,” said Starsky. “So, what’s next Hutch?”

“Well, Gordon and I will go back to the Center and get all prettied up for the graduation tonight. Did you bring my suit?”

“‘Course I did. It’s all laid out in your room; also brought a new collar for Gordon with his name engraved on it.”

See, I knew he’d come around and like me. Nobody can resist me. We are going to knock ’em dead tonight. Twenty-seven days training at the Guide Dogs for the Blind center were over for us, and tonight I would get to see my new home and start a whole new life with Hutch, and I might as well admit it, Starsky too. It’s going to take us quite a while to train Starsky, but we can do it.

Epilogue:

It’s been three months since Hutch and I left the center, and I think things are settling down now. Well, at least as much as they can with these two. They both seem like trouble magnets, one thing after another.

When Hutch and I went to work that first Monday, I thought I had it good: quiet office with lots of windows and only two extra chairs to navigate, nice people who regularly stopped by and who quickly adapted to the ‘no interference’ rules. Hutch has this wonderful, spunky, take charge assistant who rules us all. Nothing gets by her, and she makes sure Hutch doesn’t get so wrapped up in his work that he forgets about me–Starsky has to do that too. Her name is Minnie and she just sparkles and radiates caring and love.

I guess I should explain that Hutch’s job involves counselling young people in trouble with the law, and that’s where the trouble sometimes comes in. My hackles go wild with the odd one. I can’t ignore the hate and wildness that pours off them, and have to warn Hutch with a tiny growl. He doesn’t like me to interfere, which I understand, but sometimes the guy just can’t see beyond his own heart.

The first time anything happened, it established new rules for all of us, and Hutch and I added to our vocabulary.

A young man entered the office and sat down with cold contempt and controlled anger. Immediately I rose to my feet, my hackles raised. Hutch ordered me back down, but for once I could not obey. This guy was a threat to my Master; I knew that, and remained on the alert.

The guy examined the office and its contents, then spent several minutes carefully glaring at Hutch. He shifted in his seat, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a knife, playfully tossing it from hand to hand.

“What can I do for you, man?” the harsh voice demanded, dripping sarcasm as he leaned forward, testing Hutch’s response.

“Carlo, why don’t you sit back and relax. I just want to have a talk with you before we get down to the business of preparing a report for the Courts. And for Christ sake put that knife away before I have you hauled out of here and back to jail.”

Hurray for Hutch! I thought for a minute there he was ignorant of the danger. I should have known better. All Hutch’s other senses had been heightened when he lost his sight, and both Starsky, and his training sessions, demanded that he use them. It was obvious to me that they formed a natural part of him now, and I relaxed a bit.

What neither of us was prepared for was the young mans volcanic eruption at the mention of going back to jail. He sprang from his chair, knife magically back in his hand and reaching across the desk.

“No way, you blind bastard. No way are you sending me back. You, with all your papers and words. What do you know about it, about me? You know nothing man. I go where I want, and do what I want.”

His whole attention was focused on getting across that desk to Hutch, who had pushed his chair back in reaction, but remained seated.

My whole training warred with my natural instincts. I wanted to charge the guy, defend my Master, but stood quivering, waiting for a command, low growls that couldn’t be controlled illustrating my frustration.

“Gordon, Stay. Stay.”

Stay? How could he say that? Was he nuts?

His calm, commanding tone seemed to reach the young man as well as me. He paused in his frantic efforts to reach Hutch as if processing what the command meant to him. He nervously glanced at me as if seeing me for the first time, and I must have presented quite a sight: ruffle and hackles at full alert; attack stance taken without thinking, all energy and strength lowered into the haunches; eyes tracking his every move, and small menacing growls still coming.

He wavered, and Hutch waited. The young man was intelligent enough to realize he had nowhere to go, but wasn’t going to give up his attitude.

“O.K. O.K,” was all he said as he sat back down, just as Minnie quietly opened the door, asking an almost silent question.

“Hutch?”

“It’s O.K. Minnie. Carlo and I were just getting acquainted.”

Her small ‘sure’ said it all, but she left just as quietly.

“Now, Carlo. Shall we start again?” said MY MASTER, the boss. “First of all, meet Gordon, my trained dog and guardian. Secondly, please put the knife on the desk and leave it there when you go. No weapons will be allowed in this office in the future. Next, leave the attitude at the door; I’m not impressed. I’ve seen and heard it all Carlo, and you, my friend, are old news. I’m here to listen; listen to you, your mother, your girlfriend or anyone who cares about you. I will prepare my report based on what you tell me, and on what the charges against you are. You want a chance, you work with me, if not, leave now.”

I think Hutch understood from the beginning that this young man was lost, but he did his job, knowing Carlo probably wouldn’t be back.

Of course, it didn’t take long for the incident to reach Starsky’s ears. There are no secrets. And, as expected, he went ballistic for what seemed like hours. I’m sure I blushed as Hutch exaggerated my contribution, and Starsky demonstrated his gratitude. I never had a better steak dinner.

One of Starsky’s demands was that I be trained in police dog attack tactics, but Hutch argued that that wasn’t my function and would seriously interfere with my duty to him. The subject was left open, but I agree with Hutch. Starsky had yet to accept that, basically, Hutch was fully functional and capable of doing his job, while I had just experienced the courage and intelligence that drove him, and was extremely proud of him and myself. I had held to my training despite the grave threat, and for the very first time I think I accepted my role.

Starsky came to appreciate Hutch’s new strengths when, several weeks later, our home was invaded by an old enemy, in the dark of night. The situation was resolved without injury to anyone as the two partners fell into old habits without thought. Again I had to restrain my natural instincts and respond only to Hutch’s whispered commands, but Hutch was in his element and more than did his part.

The lights burned long after the bad guy had been hauled away as they talked, and later, the words and sounds of love sealed a new beginning, a new day.