[Blindtlk] Guide Dog then Came

Tue Jun 2 16:03:37 UTC 2009

Hi Diane,
I just retired my first guide after almost ten years a few months ago. I
used a cane proficiently for many years before that. One of the main reasons
I decided on a dog at first was the fact that they can be trained to find
things. Of course it takes a LOT of practice for that to happen. I am
deciding to get another dog because of that and because of the speed. There
are a lot of storefronts where I live and many chairs, tables, bikes, etc.
and I'm sick of finding them with my cane every three steps. One of my
favorite things my dog could do was "outside" from anywhere in a building. 

As for disadvantages, I honestly believe that the bad-intentioned crazies
are deterred by a dog, but the bible-thumping, "you're amazing" crazies seem
to flock to a dog a lot more. When you use a dog everybody and their mom is
an expert on the subject and not afraid to let you hear their own personal
advice about what you should or shouldn't do to your dog, what to feed your
dog, etc. You will get the same litany of questions every day about your
dog. Most people will say your dog looks exactly like theirs. Some friends
will have problems with you bringing your dog. Especially the ones who are
telling you it's a great idea to get one now. Frankly I liked my dog better
than those types of friends. As I have experienced it, the disadvantages are
all social. 
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Graves, Diane
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 5:10 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
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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