Directions: Read the following passage and answer the questions. This year, I celebrated twenty-five years with a Seeing Eye dog. When I came to “The Seeing Eye’ in 1983, I had no idea how much my canine partner would do for me. I can well remember walking down a country road independently, with a light step and joy in my heart, knowing that Novel- my first Seeing Eye dog- would keep me safe. Since that glorious beginning, my dogs have seen me through two university degrees while living in four different cities in Canada and the United States. These competent and loving guides have shown me amazing skills – keeping me safe from traffic, fallen trees, new places and a host of unseen dangers. I have acquired self-confidence and a faith that anything is possible with my dog at my side. Over the years, my dogs have always been a source of pride and pleasure for me, and I brag about them to my family and friends. Today, the way young Rambo manoeuvres me through the rush-hour traffic is wonderful. But it is all those little things like finding a table at a restaurant, finding empty cubicles at the physical therapy clinic where I work, that can mean so much more. Rambo is my sixth guide who arrived in June 2008 after Ruskin left me. He has already established himself in my heart. He is guiding me through another chapter in my life. I wish to thank all my friends at ‘The Seeing Eye’ for the support they have offered me over the years. I also thank them for being like family, most importantly, being there to train these furry soul-mates so well!
What does ‘canine partner’ refer to?
A trained Seeing Eye dog
Understanding 'Canine Partner' in the Reading Passage
The question asks us to identify what the term 'canine partner' refers to within the context of the provided passage about a person's experience with guide dogs.
To answer this, we need to read the passage carefully and look for clues about who or what the author considers their 'canine partner'.
Analyzing the Passage Context
The author starts by saying they are celebrating twenty-five years with a "Seeing Eye dog". They immediately follow this by mentioning "how much my canine partner would do for me" upon coming to 'The Seeing Eye' in 1983. This directly links the 'canine partner' to the first "Seeing Eye dog," named Novel.
The passage continues to talk about "my dogs" and refers to them as "competent and loving guides" and "furry soul-mates". The author mentions Novel (the first dog) and Rambo (the sixth guide) and how they assist with navigation, safety, and daily tasks.
The term 'canine' specifically means related to dogs or a member of the dog family. Therefore, a 'canine partner' is a dog partner.
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at the given options:
- Option 1: A person who trains dogs. The passage mentions people at 'The Seeing Eye' who train the dogs, but the 'canine partner' is the one working with the author, not training them.
- Option 2: A person who is a walking partner. The 'canine partner' does help the author walk safely, but the passage clearly indicates this partner is a dog, not a person.
- Option 3: A partner at the workplace. The author mentions Rambo helping find cubicles at the physical therapy clinic (workplace). While the dog is a partner *at* the workplace, the term 'canine partner' is used more broadly to describe the dogs who assisted the author through various life stages and locations, not just work. This option is too narrow.
- Option 4: A trained Seeing Eye dog. The passage explicitly links the 'canine partner' to the author's first "Seeing Eye dog" and describes the dogs as trained guides who help with navigation and safety. This definition perfectly fits the role and nature of the author's companions described throughout the passage.
Conclusion
Based on the direct connections made in the passage between "Seeing Eye dog", "guide", and "canine partner", the term clearly refers to the trained dogs that assist the author.
Revision Table: Key Terms Analysis
| Term | Context in Passage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing Eye dog | The author celebrates 25 years with one; Novel is the first. | A guide dog trained to help visually impaired people. |
| Canine partner | Used interchangeably with the first Seeing Eye dog (Novel). | A dog who acts as a partner or companion. |
| Guide/Guiding | Dogs are called "competent and loving guides"; Rambo is the sixth guide, guiding the author. | Helping navigate or showing the way. |
| Furry soul-mates | Describes the trained dogs from 'The Seeing Eye'. | An affectionate term for the dog partners. |
Additional Information: Guide Dogs and Their Role
Guide dogs, like the Seeing Eye dogs mentioned in the passage, are specifically trained to assist people who are visually impaired or blind. Their training involves learning complex commands and navigation skills to safely guide their handlers around obstacles, across streets, and in various environments.
- They act as mobility aids, providing a sense of independence and security for their handlers.
- Guide dogs are partners in daily life, assisting with tasks ranging from simple navigation to finding specific locations like seats or doors.
- The relationship between a handler and their guide dog is built on trust and teamwork, enabling the handler to move through the world with confidence.
- Organizations like 'The Seeing Eye' are dedicated to breeding, training, and partnering these highly skilled dogs with individuals who need them.
Similar Questions
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Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?
What are ice shelves?
What are icebergs?
When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.
The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________
