EMOTIONAL BOND A GUIDE TO INDEPENDENCE.

Byline: DENNIS McCARTHY 

They're bonding right now, learning to trust each other. Taking the first tenuous step to see if this relationship they're embarking on will work.

In the next few weeks, they should know if they're compatible or not. If they are, there's only one thing left for them to do.

Make a commitment. You take care of me. I'll take care of you.

You be my eyes, my protector out in public. I'll be your guardian and companion at home.

Yeah, it's a great love story unfolding right now on the streets of downtown Burbank. Eight visually impaired adults and eight guide dogs finding out if they're meant for each other.

``It's just like a marriage, in so many ways,'' said Steve Burkman, director of training for the Guide Dogs of America center in Sylmar.

``The magic bonding has to occur naturally, you can't force it. There are no guarantees. It has to come human to dog, dog to human.

``And when it does, which is most of the time, it's a beautiful, moving thing to see.''

They arrived last Sunday for a 28-day stay at the 7-1/2-acre Sylmar facility - eight legally blind adults from different areas of the West Coast.

Guide Dogs of America policy prohibits any initial media contact with them because it is a very emotional and private time for these people right now, said Andi Krusoe, admissions and graduate services manager.

``It's a huge step for them, putting their lives on hold for a month to come to an unfamiliar place and live with strangers whose only link is a desire to get a guide dog,'' she said.

``It's scary for them, taking this first step toward independence. That's why we try to shelter them as much as possible right now.''

But Krusoe and Burkman, who make up the facility's lead team in bringing dog and human together, provide a compelling glimpse into what is taking place right now for these eight people.

After two days at the Sylmar facility working with trainers acting as guide dogs would, Wednesday afternoon finally arrives.

``It's our favorite day because it's so emotional,'' Krusoe said. ``Each person goes to their room after lunch, and their dog is brought to them for the first time.

``Some dogs jump all over them, some are standoffish. They're different, just like the people are. We tell them not to worry if the dog won't give them a kiss.

``The dog doesn't know how badly they've wanted this marriage, this bonding to begin,'' she said.

It begins the next morning with a long, straight walk at the Sylmar facility so the two new friends can get to know each other's moves.

That afternoon, they're driven over to the Elks Club hall in downtown Burbank, which serves as headquarters for the next two weeks of city training.

``Downtown Burbank is an ideal training area because it incorporates so much in a small geographic area,'' Burkman said. ``There are outdoor cafes, good public transportation, great buildings, like the City Hall with stairs and elevators, and indoor and outdoor malls, all within a three-block radius.''

They'll hit all the hot spots for a couple of weeks, these new friends. Then, when they're ready, the big test will come.

Crossing a busy intersection - just the two of them.

This is where all the intense training these beautiful Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds have received comes into real play.

``The dog must be absolutely obedient and attentive to its master, but it must also have the understanding that it has the ability and the OK to disobey a command if that command places it or the master in harm's way,'' Burkman said.

It's all part of the trusting and bonding, he says.

After two weeks in Burbank, they'll move on for an additional week in new areas - getting around the inner city on buses, and in rural areas and roads where there are no sidewalks.

If the bonding and trusting goes well, they'll be ready to head home together after a month - ready to make that commitment to take care of each other for the rest of their lives.

Yeah, it's some love story unfolding right now on the streets of downtown Burbank.

If you're interested in more information or helping support Guide Dogs of America, a nonprofit, charitable organization, contact the International Guiding Eyes Foundation at [phone].

The group will be holding a public fund-raising golf tournament Aug. 24, at North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO Trainer Chuck Jordan takes a stroll with Nike, a Labrador retriever, at the Guide Dogs of America center in Sylmar.

Phil McCarten/Daily News