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

[Matthew Dierckens]

I would have to agree with Aleeha and Min here.
As a soon to be handler, I found this post rather offensive and someone disturbing. Now, I understand that a dog may not be ideal for everyone, but there are better ways of letting people know that having a guide dog isn't always going to be cake and roses. If I were to read this, say, 6 years ago when I was first becoming interested in getting a dog, I would definitely be put off by reading this and would be second guessing my decision. There is a large difference between writing an opinion piece, and just plain garbage.
Just my two cense worth.

God bless. :)
Matthew Dierckens
Certified Assistive Technology Specialist
Macintosh, Windows and IOS  Trainer
Personal Email: matt.dierckens at me.com

> On Mar 19, 2015, at 21:29, Darian Smith via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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