[nagdu] Beyond the Obvious...How Does Your Guide Assist You?

[Julie J]

Yup,  I was in the pharmacy yesterday picking up meds for Kiddo and the 
cashier asks me where Monty is.  I haven't been in there in months, but she 
always remembers Monty's name.  I'm really tempted to ask if she remembers 
my name, which she doesn't because I've never told her, but so far I've 
remained polite.

I don't mind casual conversations about the dog while I'm standing in line, 
riding the elevator or sitting in a waiting room somewhere.  It's idle 
conversation that passes the time.  I do get severely annoyed when I'm 
trying to conduct some sort of business and the person  keeps getting 
distracted by the dog.

I can't think of a single conversation about the dog that has resulted in 
some sort of long term business acquaintance or other beneficial 
relationship.  Mostly people seem to want their curiosity satisfied and then 
we part ways never to meet again.

I'm taking this workshop on body language next month.  I'm very curious to 
see how body language might affect approachability.  I wonder if that might 
be part of the reason that some guide dog handlers are approached more 
often, offered more help or experience more access issues.  I think there 
are a lot of factors that figure into the equation, but body language might 
be one way we could steer the situation into an agreeable direction.  it 
will be interesting.

Julie