[Blindtlk] Guide Dog then Came

Tue Jun 2 14:51:16 UTC 2009

Hi Diane,

When I received my first guide I had only been blind 9 months.  At that time 
the school told me I had been the first student to attend that had only been 
blind for such a short time.  You are correct that these dogs are not 
trained to attack or guard us; however, dogs are a deterrent to  crime 
whether they be with you on the streets or in your home.  When I was 
learning to use a white cane I took my pet with me on her leash because of 
the crime deterrent factor.

I have always loved dogs so deciding to use a guide dog was based on this 
fact as well as the crime deterrent.  Was I very knowledgable when I made 
this decision, no, but I am glad I made the decision to use the dog.  There 
are a few things I have notice with myself as well as with other guide dog 
users.  The fact that the dog will go around obstacles instead of you 
finding them with your cane and then going around the obstacle seems to make 
travelling with a dog, for some, easier.  I, personally, believe that one 
should have good cane skills to be a good guide dog users.  It is evident 
when watching some guide dog users that their skills in both modes of travel 
is poor.

Back to comparing the two modes.  Dogs can be trained to find things such as 
doors (glass buildings can be tricky), chairs, bus benches, trash cans, etc. 
This skill can be helpful especially in unfamiliar areas.

I have travelled without a dog for 1 1/2 years. I am going to start Grad 
school in the Fall and was told yesterday, yeah, that I would have my new 
guide before then.  I am using the dog because of the deterrent factor, late 
classes in not so good of an area of town, but also because I am once again 
ready for the responsibility, companionship, but most of all using this mode 
of travel.  When I use a dog and trust the dog, I don't have to focus as 
much on avoiding obstacles, curbs, etc.  I let the dog handle that.  Lazy, 
maybe (big grin)!

Dogs are not for everyone.  There is more work and responsibility when using 
a dog.  Can't hang the dog up on a hook when you get home!!  Canes don't 
break your heart either.  Dogs have the expense factor as well.

JMHO and experience,
Merry
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Graves, Diane" <dgraves at icrc.IN.gov>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 8:09 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Guide Dog then Came

> Good Morning to All,
>
> I don't mean to shift the focus at all.  Please continue to submit
> answers to Anthony's question, but I would also be interested in
> reversing that question. I do know this is a touchy subject for some, so
> please understand that my interest is genuine, and I'm asking solely for
> my own informational purposes and mobility considerations.,
>
> I am wondering what types of things have prompted someone to go from
> cane use, to dog use, and why it is that they have come to prefer the
> dog  method.  What is it that you get from a dog that you don't feel you
> get from a cane?
>
> I have considered the switch before, and my main reason was the barrier
> I thought it might put between myself and all the crazies out here who
> are  up to no good.  Of course, we all know that these dogs are not
> trained as attack dogs or anything remotely like that.  But most of the
> uneducated sighted public doesn't know that.  Most people think that
> they are. So I thought it might offer some protection in that realm.
>
> But of course, we would probably also agree that things get a little
> more complicated when you have to deal with the responsibility of, and
> the introduction of a dog into your life, and the lives of others and so
> forth, so I  have always elected not to take the plunge.  But I'm just
> wondering, from a mobility standpoint, what do you all see as the
> advantages, or, disadvantages of a dog versus a cane.
>
>
>
> Diane Graves
> Civil Rights Specialist
> Indiana Civil Rights Commission
> Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
> 317-232-2647
>
> "IT is service that measures success."
> George Washington Carver
>
>
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Anthony N. Colon
> Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 6:59 PM
> To: NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List
> Subject: [Blindtlk] Guide Dog then Came
>
> Hi, has anyone out there gone from using a guide dog to just using the
> white
> cane?  If you have would you share your reason for doing so?
>
> Thanks,
> Tony
>
>
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