[nabs-l] 5 Reasons Why Guide Dogs Are a Terrible Idea!

[Darian Smith]

Hi all,
 Thanks  Joe for sharing this.

 If   your aim in the subject line is to get one’s attention than I’sure you’ve done it.  
 Knowing what I know, seeing what I’ve seen and understanding what I do, It seems like a very important thing to think about, the considerations   surrounding  getting a dog  guide.
  There are many reasons why people might decide that a dog might be the best mobility tool for them (Yes, the dog  is an animal, but consider that when they are in   harness they are as much a travel tool as a cane would be. 
 A cane requires far less   moving parts in it’s usage   than a dog might,  and yet the dog  requires that you interact with your  physical environment  much less than a cane might.
 I  personally know of folks who love dogs, but would not    go to train for a guide   because of the responsibilities that come with the puppy.  I also know of folks who have gotten a dog guide  though otherwise they wouldn’t have a dog in their lives. 
  I think  that though  I  may oversimplify the topic,  there       
      ). are many reasons why a blind person may have either a cane or dog in their lives, though I personally believe that a solid  foundation in the former can be absolutely key in maximizing the ability to work the latter, there’s nothing wrong with deciding to get a dog.
 What I think Joe points out are valid reasons  why if you don’t really think it through then getting a dog guide could be a bad idea.  it’s not a  dig  and I doubt it  destroys  the image  of guide dogs, their owners and the schools they come from.
 This, however is just my humble opinion on the matter.
  Best,
 Darian 
      
         
  
> On Mar 19, 2015, at 5:26 PM, Joe via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> If you're blind, you obviously read Braille. Your hearing must naturally be
> superior to your sighted peers, and of course you have a guide dog! Right?
> 
> Well, that last may not be as pervasive as the first and second. Someone
> recently told me the number of guide dog users has actually declined in my
> millennial generation. I have no evidence proving this one way or the other,
> but for the general public, to see a blind person with a guide dog feels as
> natural as butter and toast.
> 
> Thing is, I'm not so sure guide dogs are right for everyone. Or, maybe I'm
> just projecting my own uncertainties onto the rest of the community?
> 
> Last November I took the first step in the application process to return for
> a second Seeing Eye dog. It's been more than three years since I lost Gator,
> and even though I've gotten around just fine with a white cane, I am
> approaching what feels like the final years with sight, however minimal that
> sight might be. I admit it's unnerving if I sit still long enough to
> contemplate total blindness. NFB philosophy be damned, and the thought of an
> extra set of eyes to help me navigate the world does bring a measure of
> comfort. But, is it enough to go get another dog?
> 
> In no particular order, here are reasons why a guide dog would be a terrible
> idea:
> 
> Read more:
> 
> http://serotalk.com/2015/03/18/5-reasons-why-guide-dogs-are-a-terrible-idea/
> 
> --
> Musings of a Work in Progress:
> www.JoeOrozco.com/
> 
> Twitter: @ScribblingJoe
> 
> 
> 
> 
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