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

[Cindy Ray]

Melissa Ricobono sp. wrote an article a while back about whether or not to 
take a dog to convention. Michelle Drole (sp) sent it to a Seeing Eye 
list--the reunion one--and I found it very helpful. I, personally, came very 
close to not taking my dog. I've had him seven months; he had had 
clostridium, though he got a lean bill of health before I would bring him; 
and I thought he seemed a little extra aggressive toward other dogs. When we 
got to convention he was no more aggressive toward dogs than others I've 
had. After a few ((two or three) days, I got him to go into the boxes. He 
seemed pretty unflappable for his first convention, and I praised him a lot 
for his work, and also praised him a lot after I had errantly corrected him. 
He really had a blast and was as energetic the last day as the first. The 
crowds; the less than good relieving opportunities, the poop on shoes, and I 
could think of leaving him behind in the future. But things were much better 
than they were a long, long time ago. I would still think long and hard 
before taking a dog. I think that decision that must be made each year and 
made carefully. I'll remember toys next timet hough as Fisher wanted to 
steal toys from Rhoda when I visited Susan Jones' room. LOL.

Cindy Lou