[nabs-l] Guide Dog or Cane? Which do u recommend and why?

Fri Nov 1 04:50:32 UTC 2013

Tyler,
You make some good points, and I guess it all boils down to personal preference. However, only speaking for myself, I think I'm with Arielle on this one. Obviously, for you, avoiding obstacles without even knowing they are there is an advantage… And more power to you. However, one of the things I love most about my cane is the way is the way it shows me all the obstacles in my way, Which often turn out to be superb landmarks later, and then I can decide how I want to deal with them. In all sorts of familiar and unfamiliar environments, from my tiny studio apartment all the way to the streets of New York City and everywhere else in between that I have navigated ever since becoming a competent traveler a couple years back, this characteristic you describe as one of the cane's main disadvantages is, for me, one of the things I love most.
Best,
Kirt

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 31, 2013, at 8:02 PM, "Littlefield, Tyler" <tyler at tysdomain.com> wrote:
> 
> They are only more superior in one way obviously, and that's due to the money factor you just point out, which really isn't an issue. My guide does an amazing job of getting me from place to place and all I have to do is give him lots of attention and buy him food and the occasional bath (the bath because I don't want to do it myself). I don't really think that's to much to ask.
> 
> Here's my two cents on it.
> 
> First, having a dog is fairly useful socially, but there are drawbacks. Mainly that you have to be willing to say no if someone wants to pet your dog sometimes. Second, I've had people talk to me and just ask about O'Mally without bothering to even get my name--there was actually a shirt someone had once that said "I'm with the dog." I heard about it in draining and never really got it, but I'd love to find that shirt now, as it's really true. Your guide will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention--some of it wanted, some of it unwanted. There are a few issues to be aware of, however.
> 
> First, there are taxis that will just zoom right past you or won't come if they know you have a dog. Obviously this isn't right and people can scream about it (and there are measures being taken to prevent the issue), but it is still an issue.
> Second, there are people who will not like your dog's fur all over their car if the dog sheds to much. You need to work out something with your roommate if you live on campus and all that as well. It's not a huge drawback, just something to keep in mind.
> 3) There are obviously a lot of responsibilities that come with having a dog. whether or not you think you can handle them is totally up to you.
> 
> I honestly believe all of these are factors worth considering. For me, the companionship and awesome work of O'Mally far outweighs the cost of food and thus the cane is obviously not superior. I think one of the most amazing bonuses to traveling with a guide is that you are able to navigate around obsticals without even knowing they're there. I heard this over and over before I got O'Mally, but I never really thought about it to much. Thise irritating poles and chairs on sidewalks and moving people are much easier to navigate--there's honestly nothing better than walking through a mall and your guide zooming you inbetween all sorts of people and stuff you would have usually gotten hung up on with a cane. You are able to train your guide to find stuff as well, which is incredibly nice--no more walking down a wall trailing for that random class in the middle of the hall with no landmarks near by in a huge group of people all socializing right in the middle of the hall.
> 
> Hope this helps!
>> On 10/31/2013 9:07 PM, Joshua Lester wrote:
>> I agree!
>> I'd say that canes are more superior, because they're less expensive!
>> Blessings, Joshua
>> ________________________________________
>> From: nabs-l [nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Kirt [kirt.crazydude at gmail.com]
>> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 8:03 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Guide Dog or Cane? Which do u recommend and why?
>> 
>> Haley, I am the cane user and, while I have not ever experienced a guy dog, i'm pretty convinced that I'll stick with my cane for the rest of my life unless something drastic happens to change my mind. It just works very well for me… And, you know that saying about if it ain't broke then why fix it? That being said, I don't think either method of travel is inherently better than the other, it's entirely a matter of personal preference and style. That being said, I would strongly suggest that you have good travel skills and are competent with the cane before you even consider getting a dog. Again, canes x are not superior to dogs in and of themselves… but the majority of people I know get dogs do it because their travel skills are not up to par and, like it or not, I dog probably won't fix that problem. I would strongly encourage you to get quality training with the structured discovery travel method and then decide what works best for you at that point. If that happens to be a dog instead of a cane for the majority of your travel, more power to you. Just make sure you are a competent traveler before you make that decision.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Oct 31, 2013, at 6:05 PM, haley sumner <haleysumner at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Hello fellow Nabsters,
>>> I am in the process of deciding whether or not to get a guide dog in about a year and a half, right before I go to college, and am still unsure whether i should go through with this or just stick with the cane. What do you all recommend? Which do you feel is better travel-wise, social-wise, etc. I am looking forward to hearing about your experiences and preferences.
>>> Thanks,
>>> Haley Sumner
>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Take care,
> Ty
> http://tds-solutions.net
> He that will not reason is a bigot; he that cannot reason is a fool; he that dares not reason is a slave.
> 
> 
> 
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