[nagdu] Accommodations specific to guide dog teams

[Linda Gwizdak]

Hi Jewel,
I think many airports are providing a dog relief area due to many people 
traveling with pet dogs and service dogs.  This is a good thing.

In restrooms, I generally use the "handicapped" - large stall.  Sometomes, I 
have no choice but to use a small stall having to leave my dog outside it. I 
hook Landon's leash around my ankle so he stays put.

As far as riding the bus.  I come from the standpoint that I have just as 
much right as anyone else does - I pay my fare like everyone else. I try to 
make sure Landon doesn't visit people - keep him on a very short leash! If 
there isn't space under the seat due to a wheelwell, I have him sit up 
between my knees with his head on my knee.

If someone pulls a hissy fit over my dog's presence, too bad.  They can move 
or get off the bus!  After all, they are the one with the problem, not me. 
My responsibility is to keep Landon under strict control at all times while 
on the bus. I rarely have this sort of problem anyway but it occassionally 
happens - they usually move somewhere else on the bus away from me and my 
dog.  No worries! (grin!)

We do have to remember that dogs are usually banned from many public spaces 
and we have to respect that by having our dogs under control AT ALL TIMES 
and clean and groomed - just like we are taught at guide dog school.  If we 
do this, most people will not have a problem with our dogs.  this has been 
my experience at least!

Jewel, I see you are new to the list.  Do you live in the US or England? 
What kind of dog do you have and what school was it trained at?

I'm working my eighth dog - sinse 1973.  The last four being from The Seeing 
Eye.  We live in San Diego and work as pet assisted therapists for a 
hospital and two programs of the SD Humane Society.  Landon and I enjoy this 
work very much.  Landon is a 4 year old Lab/Golden cross and he is red.

Take care,

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 7:19 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Accommodations specific to guide dog teams


> We have talked about APPS, quiet cars, and the white cane laws. All of
> these are important for blind people in general. I am curious now,
> what sorts of accommodations do guide dog teams specifically feel are
> important?
>
> I have seen the need for a "relief area" in airports, at hotels, and
> the like. What other accommodations do guide dog teams use
> specifically? Do you have any trouble walking in certain areas with
> your guide dog? What about using the restroom (do you use the large
> stall so your dog can come in, too?) On the bus, do you ever need to
> ask for an accommodation because there is no under-space? If someone
> on the bus doesn't like your dog being there, do you require the
> accommodation of being allowed to remain on, or do you just get off if
> they go crazy about it?
>
> I know this a broad topic, but I would love to see people's thoughts.
> What would you like to see? It doesn't have to be something already in
> place or already being fought for. What do *you* want/need?
>
> Hoping for a better conversation (and some education),
> Jewel
>
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