[nagdu] First Time Guide Dog User

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi Gloria.

I'm so excited for you!  I got my first dog 3 years ago, and there is
really nothing like it!  Just remember to have a little fun.  Yes, you
are there to learn how to work a dog, and that is the most important
thing, but there must be time to chill.  Get to know the people in
your class.  You will meet people from all over the country, and like
someone else mentioned, some of them will be second time or third time
guide dog handlers, so don't be afraid to ask about their experiences.
 If you are worried about certain things, don't be afraid to talk to
the trainers about it ahead of time.  It's a lot better than trying to
be confident and completely flaking out.  Been there, done that...

Also, try to get some sleep.  It's hard when you're running around and
learning so much to even think about sleep, but if you can, take a nap
here or there.  Good luck!  I'm sure you'll do fine.

On 7/17/11, Tami Kinney <tamara.8024 at comcast.net> wrote:
> Gloria,
>
> Welcome to the list and to the wide world of guide dog users. I always
> love hearing from people off for their first dog; it's just so exciting
> and I can never wait to hear of their ongoing adventures.
>
> If you're coming in a couple of weeks, Iw ould advise you to bring your
> raincoat. And boots, good wet weather socks, a few sweaters, perhaps
> even long johns. If you're looking for a break from summer's heat, you
> will be coming to the right place! Or maybe by then we'll be having
> summer or sojmething here?
>
> My name is Tami (Tammy, in case you're using JAWS), annd I live in
> Portland, Oregon, not far from GDB's Oregon campus. I am working my
> first guide, a 5-year-old owner-trained poodle named Mitzi. We're out in
> the burbs these days and don't get into downtown much to do city slicker
> work, but you'll be training in some great areas where Mitzi and I also
> did some of our more advanced city and other training. Portland's a
> great town, except for the part where it's the place where the sun don't
> shine. /lol/
>
> Best wishes for you and your soon to be guide dog!
>
> Tami
>
> On Sun, 2011-07-17 at 16:14 -0500, Gloria G wrote:
>> Hi,
>> My name is Gloria and I live in Iowa. I will be a first time guide dog
>> user once I began training at the Guide Dogs for the Blind school in Organ
>> in a couple of weeks. I am both excited and nervous about this new
>> relationship with a guide dog. I was told by a friend of mine about this
>> list serve and became very interested. I am hoping someone could give me
>> suggestions on how to best prepare for a guide and things I should be
>> aware of that I might not have thought of. I am grateful for any help that
>> can be given.
>> Gloria
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-- 
Julie McG
 Lindbergh High School class of 2009, participating member in Opera
Theater's Artist in Training Program, and proud graduate of Guiding
Eyes for the Blind

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16