Guidedogs
Practicing journalism nowadays can be ruff. So journalists need to be tougher and ruffer than whatever obstacle stands in their way. I'm Ernie, the "Boss 'Dog" Consigliere at Journalism Watchdogs. I serve as your liaison to our 'Dog pack, and I am here to help. My job is to ensure that no story leaves this 'yard without my 'Dogs giving a pitbull-like effort to improve it. As journalists, you pick important topics for community discussions and deliver impactful stories about those topics.
- Determine what kind of feedback you want on your draft, and then CHOOSE one or more of the 'Dogs and their specialties by selecting an image or checkbox.
- Copy and PASTE your draft story into the text box by the "CALL IN THE JOUR 'DOGS!" button. The more complete the draft, the richer the feedback you will receive.
- Press the "CALL IN THE JOUR 'DOGS!" button.
- Read the feedback, and use it to make better Journalism. Repeat as often as necessary.
When Grayfriar reads a description, he really is reading its structure. What is this sentence saying to the listener? How does it fit into the larger picture being created? How could it be more efficient? How could it be more clear? Grayfriar is a great 'Dog for establishing your storytelling building blocks.
Greyfriars Bobby was one of the most-loyal dogs in history, and our Grayfriar was named after him.
Crumstone Irma has heard it all before. And that's a good thing. She is a voracious listener to Audio Description, and if something you are trying to describe has been described by someone else in some other situation, she probably can recall it. She doesn't think that Audio Description should be repetitive. But she also doesn't think the wheel needs reinvention.
After the London Blitz in World War II, Crumstone Irma was a famous dog (a German Shepherd) who rescued nearly 200 people from fallen buildings. Our Irma is a Sharpei, coming to the rescue when we need some sample Audio Description as our guide.
Balto is all about getting the job done. When you are in a pinch, and you need something now, call on Balto to get the descriptive juices flowing. Balto has been trained on the Access Hound style of Audio Description, in terms of format and approach. He doesn't describe yet at the level of human describers, but he's catching up quickly.
The historical Balto was a famous sled dog with many twists and turns to his story. Our Balto is a pug, because, we love pugs.
Peritas is all about strength in writing. He drools over strong descriptions, delivered with an active voice, concrete nouns, and verbs that go beyond the state of being. He wants descriptions that evoke a state of seeing, in terms of Audio Description that helps him seeing someone doing something.
Alexander the Great had a favorite dog. Its name was Peritas. It was probably a mastiff. Our Peritas is a similarly strong breed, as a Doberman.
Argos has been on many grand adventures. He has seen it all, traveling the world and back again. From those experiences, he has an intense curiosity that can help to prompt ideas for writers of Audio Description. If your description can fully satisfy his questions, then it probably will please others, too.
Odysseus had a faithful dog named Argos in The Odyssey by Homer. Our Argos is a tribute to that memorable world traveler.
Sallie Ann Jarrett, 35, works as an Audio Curator and Cultural Consultant Guidedog, who lives in New York City but frequently travels to artistic destinations in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, etc. She became blind as a teenager. She was born with congenital glaucoma, which made her completely blind at age 14. She loves her memories of colors and other visual cues that can convey abstract ideas and provoke complicated emotions, and she cannot get enough of nonfiction history books.
The historic Sallie Ann Jarrett became known as a Civil War symbol for the Pennsylvania infantry. Our Sallie Ann is an adorable terrier mutt who knows how to dress up for the cause.
The Notorious D.O.G. is the stage name for a DeafBlind Guidedog, 23, who lives in Savannah, Georgia. He was born with limited hearing and vision, which gradually diminished as he grew older. His parents, community leaders, instilled in him a strong sense of identity and pride in his heritage. He attending a specialized school where he learned tactile American Sign Language (ASL) and Braille. He graduated from a college program focused on communication and adaptive technology.
The Notorious B.I.G. has one of the greatest rap pseudonyms, and it also is really close to D.O.G.
Toto, 45, grew up in a small Midwestern town, where family traditions and tight-knit communities shaped her early years. Her lineage includes a mix of German, Irish, and Scandinavian roots, but much of her family history remains a mystery to her. She is a single mother to three children — ages 6 to 17 — and managing her low vision means juggling frequent appointments and advocating for accommodations at work and in daily life. She works as a customer service representative for an online retailer.
Toto in The Wizard of Oz was a dark-furred Yorkie, but our Toto is a mutt terrier with white fur.
Gidgit, 72, is a whirlwind of energy and curiosity. Retirement hasn’t slowed her down and neither has her fading vision. She loves to hike the trails near her home. She organizes neighborhood cleanups, volunteers at the library, and attends every town hall meeting. If there’s a cause or event, Gidgit is the first to sign up, bringing her unique blend of enthusiasm and practicality. She loves theater, lectures, and concerts, always looking for performances with excellent Audio Description.
Our Gidgit is all about being spunky, like namesake dogs throughout the world who were known for their high energy and enthusiasm.
Laika, 15, is a tech-savvy gamer, blind from birth, who spends most of his time immersed in online multiplayer games. He loves the challenge and creativity of gaming, often playing with strangers online rather than hanging out with peers in real life. Despite his preference for solitude, Laika has a kind heart and often goes out of his way to help others in the gaming community, like explaining strategies to beginners or offering encouragement during tough matches.
Laika was a famous Soviet space dog, one of the first animals to circle the planet.