[nagdu] Pros & Cons of Advance NoticeRe: Dogs and Taxis

Sat Jul 30 13:42:50 UTC 2011

hi Marion,

I never tell the cab company that I have a dog, and fortunately, I've had 
little difficulty in getting cab service.

However, I had an incident recently where I was waiting for a cab. The 
driver called me and asked if I had a dog. It was hot,  and  I had been 
standing outside for a while. Without thinking, I said yes, as I thought he 
was trying to locate me. The driver then said, oh you need a special taxi 
for your dog. I responded that he had to pick me up. He refused. Another cab 
came.
In the meantime, I filed a complaint, and the driver was suspended for four 
days and was required to go through another training session for new 
drivers. So, I hope he learned his lesson.

Liz and Gabe
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 5:06 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Pros & Cons of Advance NoticeRe: Dogs and Taxis

> Dear All,
>    During one of our conventions in Louisville, Sherrill O'Brien, Merry, 
> and I walked to the Kroger that was a few blocks from the Galt House. 
> After grocery shopping, not wanting to carry it all back, we called for a 
> cab. When the cab arrived, the cabbie said he could only cary four 
> passengers and the three of us each had a guide dog. He asserted we could 
> not all fit. The three of us and our three dogs - one lab, one Viszala, 
> and one Shepherd/Collie - all loaded into the vehicle to prove him wrong! 
> Though he didn't want to take us at first, I think just the fact that we 
> all fit amazed and amused him!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Michael Hingson" <info at michaelhingson.com>
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 12:06 AM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dogs and Taxis
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I am not sure why space has anything to do with it.  Even in smaller
> vehicles there is room for a guide dog unless you have several passengers.
> Front seats move forward and since most all vehicles have bucket seats or 
> a
> split bench the dog could sit on the floor on the side where the seat 
> could
> be moved forward the most.
>
> Also Larry, you help make the point about why not to disclose the presence
> of a guide dog since it can and does lead to needless arguments.  We need 
> to
> be and are about change in attitudes.  If we don't give people time to 
> make
> up rules and excuses we have a better chance of being role models in the
> eyes of most drivers and travel oriented companies.
>
> By the way, I say "transportation oriented companies" because the same
> principles apply to airlines, hotels etc.  I have tried many experiments
> over the years where I decide to indicate that a guide dog will be
> accompanying me just to see what happens.  I find often that I encounter
> much more difficulty with advanced disclosure than when I do not say I use 
> a
> service animal.
>
>
> Mike Hingson
>
> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
> "Speaking with Vision"
> Michael Hingson, President
> (415) 827-4084
> info at michaelhingson.com
> To learn more about my upcoming book, speaking topics and speaking
> availability please visit www.michaelhingson.com
> Thunder Dog is now available for early ordering on Amazon!!!
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>
>
> for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
> http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Larry D. Keeler
> Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 8:08 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: [nagdu] Dogs and Taxis
>
> I tell folks at the cab company or others out of consideration for space.
> If they refuse Then I get ugly!  I also have the advantage of living about
> 100 yards from our major cab company, well I can just go down there and
> complain!  Or maybe put some Holly presents on there doorstep!  Most 
> folks,
> when they see how well Holly behaves they love picking us up!  I do have a
> probblem with the way dispatchers put out the call about transporting a 
> dog!
> It sort of depersonalizes us.  Also, sence I have had to transport my pet,
> who does behave but not as well as Holly, I imagine that some confussion
> could arise about whether the call involves pet or service dogs.  I 
> usually
> don't tell restraunts, hospitals or anyone else though.  I figure unlike 
> me,
> most folks are not blind and can see Holly doing her work.  They can
> obviously see how well she is traind as well.  Any questions and I also 
> have
> her ID which I carry right along with my own.
> Intelligence is always claimed but rarely proven!
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