[nagdu] Drop-offs

[Julie J.]

I have had three drop offs while I was learning cane travel.  I can say that 
the first one was quite nerve racking, but the rest were not that bad, even 
though they were much tougher locations.

The first was to a place that I was familiar with and could walk back to the 
starting location. The second was a place that I was somewhat familiar with 
and had to take a bus with one transfer back.   the third was to a place 
that I had never been to before or since.  I ended up walking probably close 
to a mile and then taking a bus with one transfer back.  If I could have 
found someone to ask directions from sooner there would have been much, much 
less walking.  But you can't predict pedestrian availability all the time. 
*smile*

I have not had a formal "drop off" with any of my dogs.  I have traveled to 
new places, new cities, and have gotten lost  more times than I'd like to 
admit. *smile*  I'm very glad for the drop off experiences because they 
prepared me for how to deal with being lost.  I don't hesitate to go new 
places.  I'm not afraid of getting lost.  I don't doubt that me and my guide 
dog can work together to get to where we need to go regardless of if either 
one of us knows where we are.

For me the drop off experience was a huge confidence builder.   I don't 
think I would be even close to the place I am now with travel skills had it 
not been for the drops.

I might have to incorporate a drop into Monty's training.  It would be good 
for both of us.  It has been a long time since I've challenged myself like 
that.

Excellent topic Jeanine!

Julie