Then he was paired with Holland who would take him through his graduate years at Irvine and his first years of employment. Squire guided Michael safely through high school and college. The summer between third and fourth grade Michael was reintroduced to Braille and once again fell in love with learning.Īt the age of fourteen, Michael received his first guide dog, Squire from Guide Dogs for the Blind. In kindergarten he was exposed to Braille, but the family moved and his new school in California did not have a Braille teacher. He explored the neighborhood like any other child on his feet, on his bicycle, and with a guide dog. He knew he was different, but he decided not to let it stop him.

Michael says he never felt handicapped or disabled. Faith to him meant a friendship with God. Michael loved to explore the Bible and have discussions with his dad. George taught Michael to love God and in the fourth grade he gave Michael a Braille Bible, King James Version. They raised him at home with his brother and treated him no differently than his sibling. Michael’s parents ignored the doctor’s advice and decided not to send their child to a home for the blind. The practice resulted in epidemic blindness in preterm babies.

The standard medical procedure was to put a premature baby in a sealed incubator and pump in pure oxygen until the baby’s lungs matured. My primary goal is to connect with my readers on a personal level and create content that is meaningful and relevant to everyone’s interests.At six months old, George and Sarah Hingson had a healthy and normal baby boy in every way except one. With that experience came both challenges and inspiring moments that I hope to share with you along this magnificent journey of Sit, Stay, & Blog.

One of my most monumental experiences to date has involved being the first student to ever raise and train a service dog, Pinella, at my undergraduate institution. While attending my undergraduate institution, I involved myself in a plethora of unique activities which undoubtedly provided me with memorable experiences and a motivation to document and share these experiences with others.

In 2018, I graduated with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and in 2016 I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology. Welcome! In a world where time is a valuable, precious component of life, I am ever so grateful for the personal time you are taking to read about me and how I began Sit, Stay, Blog!

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson