Alaina Gott and her guide dog Sable

Going back to in-person school and negotiating pandemic-related rules can be anxious enough times for all students.

Section:Gallery

Sun., Oct. 10, 2021

Alaina Gott, a 15-year-old at North Central High School, previously had to negotiate new boundaries with a white cane, but her guide dog Sable serves more than just a safe way to navigate a school hallway. Her dog also encourages friendly interactions and a sense of independence. "When people see a white cane, people tend to avoid you, but when they see a dog, they're more excited to talk about the dog and want to talk to you," Gott said.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Alaina Gott, a 15-year-old at North Central High School, previously had to negotiate new boundaries with a white cane, but her guide dog Sable now serves more than just a safe way to navigate a school hallway. Her dog also encourages friendly interactions and a sense of independence. "When people see a white cane, people tend to avoid you, but when they see a dog, they're more excited to talk about the dog and want to talk to you," Gott said.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Alaina Gott, a 15-year-old at North Central High School, previously had to negotiate new boundaries with a white cane, but her guide dog Sable serves more than just a safe way to navigate a school hallway. Her dog also encourages friendly interactions and a sense of independence. "When people see a white cane, people tend to avoid you, but when they see a dog, they're more excited to talk about the dog and want to talk to you," Gott said.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Alaina Gott, a 15-year-old at North Central High School, previously had to negotiate new boundaries with a white cane, but her guide dog Sable serves more than just a safe way to navigate a school hallway. Her dog also encourages friendly interactions and a sense of independence. "When people see a white cane, people tend to avoid you, but when they see a dog, they're more excited to talk about the dog and want to talk to you," Gott said.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo