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THE ROTUNDA VOLUME 77, NUMBER 4
SERVING THE LONGWOOD COMMUNITY SINCE
1920
OCTOBER 1, 1997
A Second Sign of Guide Dog Gives Blind Life at Longwood Student Eyes Around Campus by. REUBEN SKYE ROSE Staff Columnist
T"T"umans are not 3 § the only species M. X which inhabits the Longwood campus. Over head, on rooftops, under treecover, and on electric wire, the hearts of birds sing a different song of life. At least 12 species of birds are seen regularly in Farmville: Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Wren, European Starling, House Sparrow, Carolina Chickadee, House Pinch, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Crow, and Pigeon So, it is clear that Farmvillians (including Longwood students), share their space in this world with other living creatures. Pigeons are often seen on the rooftops of many buildings, and sometimes one might catch them in flight from one building to the next. Woodpeckers have also been spotted from time to time in the act of their repetitious pecking. Not all birds are alike, but they all have something that humans once lacked: the ability to fly. Perhaps, humans have learned something from their feathered friends. Although birds are the most visible sign of life, Longwood is filled with all sorts of species which are
mainly unseen by the Longwood community. At night, another winged creature — often associated with vampires for some odd reason — can sometimes be seen in the shadowy sky: bats. Garter and Black snakes have also been observed slithering across campus occasionally, and Black Rats, up to 1 foot in length, are often found scavenging near food sources such as Blackwell dining hall and Lancer Cafe. In a wooded area near the Wygal Music Building, another song can be heard. A gang of Spring Peepers, American Toads, and Chorus Frogs have set up camp near the music. And the list goes on and on...Opossums, Raccoons, Chipmunks, Field Mice, and, of course, Squirrels have all been seen at Longwood. The most surprising species found on Longwood's campus are the Bobcat, Deer, and Wild Turkey. These three species are seldom discovered on campus, but the fact remains that they have occasionally been found. Are Blue Jays more important than Chipmunks? Are Humans more important than the average Pigeon? Is it possible to distinguish the importance of one species from the next? Or should every living creature be treated equal and able to pursue life, liberty, and happiness....
By. MELAN1E BARKER Chief Copy Editor Many students have seen and met. Trinh La and her partner, Alyssa, the black labrador retriever. After returning home from Preview, La went to The Seeing Eye in New Jersey and met Alyssa. After six weeks of training, La returned home for two days and then moved on to Longwood's campus. Both new to Longwood's campus, Scott Lissaer, Director of the Learning Center, said, "She is adjusting to her dog, htt dog to her, and they to Longwood." Alyssa is not like just any dog. Alyssa has been through extensive training since her eighth week, when she was placed in the home of a volunteer puppy-raiser. Taught obedience and socialization skills, Alyssa then moved back to The Seeing Eye and began her training with a sighted instructor. It is essential that others know proper etiquette when, seeing Alyssa and La working together. While in the harness, it is best to ignore Alyssa. It is important that she is not
addressed, petted, or fed while working with La. "This creates a safety issue," said Lissaer. "Distracting Alyssa is like poking someone m trie eye." All work and no play makes Alyssa a dull dog. When La is holding Alyssa on a regular dog's leash, or when Alyssa is resting at La's feet, it is acceptable to greet Alyssa. However, to avoid distracting the dbg It improper moments, it is probably best to ask La when Alyssa capj&etouched. There are many things that students can do to help La and
with guide dogs and their partners. •As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for leading someone who cannot see. ♦It is okay to ask someone if you may pet their guide. *A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats. *Alfl»ugh guide dogs cannot read traffic signals, they are iesponsibte for helping their handlers safely cross a street. Calling out to a guide dog, or obstructing its path can
It is reasonable to ask La if she needs assistance in finding a certain location. Usually in these cases, La will ask Alyssa to follow someone leading her, or La will take the leader's elbow. It is also important that students refrain from leaving food and utter around campus. There have been cases where Alyssa has become sick from eating food left by students. In one case, Alyssa stumbled across gum under a desk that did not agree with her. . Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.—Access & (located at http://www.i dogs.com/res-meetteam.html) lists many tips for interacting
♦Listening for traffic flow has become harder for guide dog handlers because of quieter car engines and the increasing number of can on the road. Please don't honk your horn or call out to signal that it is ok to cross. ♦When not in a harness, guide dogs are treated much the same way as pets. However, for their safety they are allowed to play with specific toys. Don't offer diem toys without first asking thenhandler's permission. •From time to time, a guide dog will make a mistake and must be corrected in order to maintain its training.
The Rotunda is still looking for staff writers and columnist this semester. If you are interested, please come to a staff meeting on Sunday nights at 8:45 p.m. in Lankford 142