[nagdu] Quick Question

[PICKRELL, REBECCA M (TASC)]

Mark, 
How do you feel on this subject and why do you feel a given way? 
I got my first dog shortly after high school. She started college with me and completed it with me too. 
Looking back, I don't know that it was the right call. 
I had a few friends that could not adjust to me having a dog. Irronically, now that I am no longer using a dog, these people are back in my life. One friend and I had the breakup from hell. The dog was only part of the reason why. We are friends again and looking back, I'm sorry for all the time we lost. I have missed him.  

My rationale for getting my dog when I did was that everybody I met would know me as having a dog and could either accept or reject the package. 
Looking back, I'm not sure this is logical. We all change over time and friendships change over time. 

I'd almost urge you to wait, but this is only because of my experience.  Interestingly enough, I met my husband when I had a guide dog. He isn't really a dog person and we still got together. So if you're not sure, I'd wait. 
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lisa Irving
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 4:32 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Quick Question

Mark,

I applaud
 your maturity, your willingness to seek feedback.

As an incoming freshman you will incur many new responsibilities. It's a lot 
of work to be a college student. It's work whether you are blind or sighted. 
The fact of the matter, it's even more work when you are blind. Keep this in 
mind as you weigh your options.

I think back to when I was a freshman, back in the 80s.  I think I could 
have handled caring for my guide dog. What I likely would have had trouble 
with is not letting my dog become everyone's toy. I think I would have had 
difficulties living in a dorm and setting boundaries with room mates.

There are a lot of us on this list who want to see you be successful as a 
student as well as being a guide dog handler. Both are huge jobs that take 
determination, consistency and some tenacity.

Lisa and Bernie ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark J. Cadigan" <kramc11 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 8:09 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Quick Question


> Hi all. This is Mark with a quick question. Feel free to respond either on 
> or off list. I will be attending college at Suffolk University as a 
> freshman in Boston this September. I have been accepted to attend the 
> Seeing Eye July class. My question is, should I get a dog now, or should I 
> defer it for a year and go to the training the summer before soft more 
> year. I can see the merits of both, and just curious as to your thoughts.
>
>
>
>
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