[nagdu] Beaches and dogs

[Marion & Martin]

Jonathon,
    Even though and individual may not "feel comfortable" bringing their 
guide dog to a beach that does not allow pets, the bottom line is that this 
would be their choice. Both the ADA and most state laws would allow the 
access should one choose to bring their dog. I, for one, have no problem 
taking my guide dog to the beach out of harness. As I have mentioned in 
other posts, I also have no issue dropping into a store while on a leisurely 
walk with my dog out of harness. My dog is still a "service animal", whether 
in or out of harness, and I am still a "qualified person with a disability" 
who has the legal right to be accompanied by a service animal in any place 
the general public is allowed. My retired dog would leash guide and my new 
dog will be trained to do the same. the harness, like any other sort of 
identification, is not a pre-condition for access.
    Again, the bottom line is that we have the legal right to be accompanied 
by our dogs in any place the public is invited. We also have the 
responsibility to keep our dogs under control. this being said, everyone 
should allow themselves the joyful, healthy experience of going to the beach 
and let their dogs have the same experience!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jonathan Lyens" <jonathan at lyens.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 12:52 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Beaches and dogs


> Dan,
>
> Living in California, we have lots of beaches that are not restrictive
> about dogs or no. Turbo, and my career change Sheppard Louie, love the
> beach. They really flip out, and enjoy being "dogs" on the beach.
> Further, Louie is older, and the Vets say running in the sand is
> actually good for his back.
>
> But, for a beach that does not allow dogs, I would not bring my guide to
> do the same recreational type play. I have never worked my guide on the
> beach. I have never even had Turbo in harness on a beach. So, if your
> beach does not allow pets, I probably would not feel comfortable
> bringing my guide on that beach. But, if you plan to actually "work"
> your guide, have at it!
>
> As a side note, I really suggest bringing your guide to play on a beach!
> Dogs love being on sand. There is so much fun to be had. Find sometime
> to let your dog run into waves over their head... they'll come back.
> And, they'll be the better for it!
>
>
> Best-
>
> Jonathan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Dan Weiner
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 4:18 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Beaches and dogs
>
> Hi guys.
> Well, I wanted to think of a more clever subject line, but it's later in
> the
> day and my coffee was a long time ago.--smile.
>
> A friend with a guide dog is coming to Florida and she asks about
> beaches.
> Her cousin, whom she's visiting near Miami, , told her about public
> beaches
> where dogs aren't aloud and asked if that applied to her guide dog.
> I'm assuming it doesn't, but you know what they say about assuming
> things,
> it makes an you know what about of you and me--smile.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Dan W. and Carter
>
>
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