-
Jim Platzer
-
Just Joining In Isn’t Enough
- Published in: Update - Issue 2 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Photo caption:
Jim and Maddy break
into an easy jog several times
during the course of their walk.
Photography by Dean Musser Jr./The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Retirement didn’t mean sitting back and slowing down to Jim Platzer, it meant getting involved in new endeavors. Jim and his Leader Dog “Maddy” became partners while at Leader Dog or “Holidog Inn” as he refers to it in 2005. “We did a lot of walking during our training in Rochester,” he explains. “It wasn’t until we had been together for quite a while that we hit the track.”
Now they are regulars at the Parkview YMCA in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “Most of the time I run by myself on the treadmill, usually 5-6 miles, 3-4 days a week,” says Jim. “But then I’ll harness up Maddy and we’ll do a fast walk on the track with a few bursts of light jogging thrown in. She really likes it.” When the weather is nice, Jim runs outside with a friend. For safety, they tether to each other with a length of surgical rubber which allows them freedom to move separately but together.
But membership at the YMCA wasn’t enough for Jim, he is now on their board of directors and facilitates “Journey to Freedom,” a faith-based program for making change in your life. His volunteerism expanded when he joined the Shoaff Park Lions Club, where he will be the 1st Vice President in 2009-2010 and also the Leader Dog trustee for the state of Indiana.
In 2006, Jim founded the Ft. Wayne Chapter of Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), an organization that raises funds for research to find treatment, prevention and cures for retinal degenerative diseases. He was introduced to FFB by another Leader Dog graduate who is active with the organization in Washington DC.
Recently, wanting to give back to Leader Dog, Jim began speaking on behalf of LDB at Lions Clubs and other social organizations. He is also a member of the Lions Advisory Committee where his unique experience as a Leader Dog graduate gives fresh perspective to the group.
Though many people view retirement, or loss of sight, as an end to their active lifestyle, Jim has never seen it that way. He continues to find new things and new people to bring into his life to keep it fun, fulfilling and meaningful.
Connect with Leader Dog