[nagdu] pros and cons of guide dogs

[Julie J]

Mark,

No idea if this might help your situation, but here you go!

I used a cane for around 10 years before switching to a guide dog.  I still use my cane when the situation warrants it.  Some folks use their dog absolutely 100% of the time and others are closer to 75% and perhaps a few even less.  the thing is that it is totally individual.  I think sometimes we get stuck in this idea that we *must* do things a certain way because everyone else does it that way or because it is supposed to be good for us.  It takes a lot of maturity to decide for ourselves what is best for us in any given situation and how we will manage.  Mark, you are an incredibly mature person in your writing.  Your thoughts are clearly communicated.  You have spent a lot of time figuring out what you feel is best for you.  That shows maturity.

Now my .02 on the pros and cons of guide dogs:
advantages
*a dog can cross a street straight to the up curb
*a dog can identify the best path around an obstacle, often without you even knowing the obstacle was there
*a dog can avoid overhead obstacles, like tree branches
*a dog can indicate an alternate route well in advance of a problematic situation, like construction
*a dog will remember previous routes and will often make suggestions based on previous experience
*a dog can keep a straight line of travel through snow even when it hasn't been shoveled and there is no way for you to identify a path
*a dog can plan ahead and change pace or direction to avoid a collision course with moving obstacles
*a dog can avoid traffic and quiet cars that you probably won't hear at all
*a dog can target a door and take you straight to it through a large open area like a parking lot or an indoor mall
*a dog can learn to identify many, many things and take you directly to them, elevators, stairs, check out counters, specific people, pop machines, empty chairs etc.  the possibilities are endless!
*a dog can learn to follow a person like a waitress in a restaurant or a receptionist in a large office complex
*most of the time you will move more quickly with a dog.  Some very, very good cane travelers will find that the speed difference is not distinct.
*a dog will keep a generally straight line of travel, good for people who veer or have difficulty keep oriented
*there are others, but I think you get the idea!

disadvantages
*dogs are more expensive, food, vet bills, supplies etc.  Most/all? of the programs will provide basic necessities-leash, collar, harness, crate/tie down/mat, food bowls, grooming tools and a toy or two Some programs will help with vet expenses and food.
*dogs require you to keep a schedule.  Some dogs are more flexible than others, but you can absolutely count on at least 4 relief breaks per day, feeding 1-2 times per day, grooming and exercise.
*there is more clean up with a dog than a cane.  You will be picking up poop, washing food bowls and vacuuming or sweeping up loose dog hair
*the first 6 months to a year you may not see all the benefits of all the wonderful things a dog can do because it takes time to develop the partnership.  In this time you will need to teach the dog everything specific to your situation you want the dog to do.  
*the dog may not work out.  Sometimes the dog decides it doesn't want to guide, experiences health problems or it may just not have been a good match.  
*you will have people who are not enthused about the dog.  They might be friends or family who don't want the dog in their car or home.  They might be store owners who refuse you entry.   You will have to be your own best advocate.
*people will come out of the woodwork to tell you about their Rufus that died when they were 8 or their next door neighbors, best friends cousins hair dresser who has a dog just like that or their aged grandmother in a nursing home who can't see so well or where can they get a harness like that so they can take their dog in public too or any other manner of craziness.  Sometimes it is nice that having a guide dog makes you more approachable and sometimes it is a hassle.  Guide dog users also report varying results on the approachability factor.   I put this one in the disadvantages because it is a disadvantage to me.  You might not feel that way.
*everything you do will include an assessment of whether or not it is a good idea to take the dog or not.  Most of the time it will be fine to take the dog.  Other times you may need to come up with plan B.  I do not take my guide dogs to concerts, places where I will be sitting squashed in on bleachers, friends homes that don't want the dog, zoos or funerals.  The reasons for each vary and my list is by no means everyone's list.  
*when the dog retires or is no longer a working guide, you will need to find a home for him/her.  some people keep their dog as a pet others give the dog to a friend or family member and others return the dog to the program for placement.  Ending the partnership can be stressful.

WOW this got really long!  I'm sure others will have more ideas.  Also this is only my particular take on things.  It is most definitely not to be taken as the definitive guide to choosing to use or not to choose a guide dog.  that is an individual decision.  At any rate, I hope it helps you.

Julie