[nagdu] traveling at convention with a cane versus a dog

[Charlene Ota]

Before I had my dog, I used to think it must be awlful to take a guide dog
to convention because of all the crowds. However, since I've had my dog, I
have really appreciated having him at conventions as it has often made it
much easier to get places. This year the hotel was confusing no matter
whether you use a cane or dog, but I found that it made life easier having
the dog hands down! But you do need to make some concessions in order to
consider your dog. The crowds at the ends of general sessions could get
particularly bad and so I found it better for the dog and probably myself as
well to get a head start and leave a little early.  That leads me to think
that it might not be a bad idea if we developed a little pamphlet of
suggestions for people attending conventions with their guide dogs, a little
survival guide like thing.

Charlene 

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Marsha
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 4:40 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] traveling at convention with a cane versus a dog

Hello,
Although I am a guide user, I did not have my pup at convention. Using a
cane at this particular hotel was hard. Not only because the hotel was
confusing, but because the hotel was laid in a circular fashion. I can not
tell you how many times I went in a circle. The circles looked the same to
me, and if things had been in a way that following a route would have been
easier. I have very good canes skills, but this hotel was just confusing.
And spoke to many sighted people who got lost, so I really do not think it
was a sighted or blind issue. Now on the other hand, I am glad in a way that
I did not have my puppy. It was a stressful week, with a lot of canes, a lot
of people. The elevators were very very crowded, and very little space in
the general sessions to spread out. So it is kinda depends on the dog and
the handler, if it had been easier to have a dog or a cane.  

But I am very very very happy to see that we had so many pupps at convention
this year. As a organization we are growing and that is a wonderful thing!
marsha



-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Sherri
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 9:24 AM
To: Multiple recipients of NFBnet nagdu Mailing List
Subject: [nagdu] traveling at convention with a cane versus a dog

Hi Merry and Marion,

First I want to commend both of you for a great job with NAGDU at
convention. I unfortunately missed the business meeting, but the other
meeting was great. The speakers were particularly interesting and I enjoyed
learning more about dog massage.

I have a question. Both of you attended the convention without dogs. What
for each of you was the most striking difference in navigating, traveling,
etc.? Though the dogs get stressed, I find it much easier getting around
places like the Ren Center with my dog than with a cane. Just wanted to
know.

Did you two attend the council of dog guide school's reception? I did not
see you there. SEGBY and some other schools were there that did not attend
the NAGDU meeting. The reception was very nice.
Sherri

Flmom2006 at gmail.com

Check out the link and send your used cell phones to help the blind

 


 

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