[Home-on-the-range] getting around in the snow

[Dianne Hemphill]

Hi federationists- most of us find ourselves in a blanket of snow today (and likely for a few more days to come!). I've been listening to tips on getting around in the white, cold stuff on the Matilda Ziegler  and wonder if you have your own techniques for getting about safely? I'm particularly interested in hearing how guide dog users accomplish the  multiple outings they must do for the dog's needs. One of the teaching/training techniques used during travel classes in Iowa, was to use a radio, for example, at the house entrance to mark that return point when one went to the mailbox or corner, for example and the snow had not yet been shoveled ...I recall more than one experience of slipping and sliding down a steep driveway when I wrongly thought I could "carefully" walk somewhere. I have since purchased rubber grips that slip over the bottom of my shoes and sometimes use my cane as a ski pole...what tips do you have out there? Dianne