[nagdu] Happy Story

Sun Apr 1 02:54:26 UTC 2012

 that's wonderful! smile.

 i like hearing great stories.

On Mar 31, 2012, at 6:58 PM, Juanita Herrera wrote:

> Natalie, I totally agree with you. As soon as I had the dog switch
> occur I felt Anise was just the dog for me. I felt much much safer
> with her for some reason.
> 
> On 3/31/12, Natalie <nrorrell at qwest.net> wrote:
>> Oh, definitely.  My trepidation totally diminished when I got Liam.  I'll
>> never forget D-day.  The trainer brought Liam into the dorm room and took
>> him around to get acquainted with his surroundings.  Then, on putting on his
>> leash and giving him to me, the trainer said, "He's a very special boy.
>> Take care of him, Mama."  Then he left us to our rapport-building until the
>> initial heeling exercise.  I'll never forget that as long as I live,
>> especially since it has proven to be true.  I know now, as I did then,
>> thanks to said experiences, that it's not about how long the dog works or
>> why the dog was reissued.  Just like with people, it's what's put into the
>> relationship that determines what comes out.  I love my Liam, and I couldn't
>> have asked for a better match.
>> Best,
>> Nat and Liam Joshua
>> 
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Peggy" <pshald at neb.rr.com>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 6:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Happy Story
>> 
>> 
>>> Always keep in mind that instructors know what they are doing, trust in
>>> the school you are attending ... my current dog was a reissue and she is
>>> fantastic!!
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Natalie
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 6:39 PM
>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Happy Story
>>> 
>>> Hi Juanita,
>>> That is so awesome, and I know you're pleased.  I love when things work
>>> out
>>> well between one and her or his guide dog and the trainers get to see it
>>> happen, especially when there was an initial mismatch or trepidation
>>> around
>>> a reissue.  Liam was a reissue and before I'd gotten him, I'd had
>>> trepidation.  Not knowing why the dog was reissued, how long the dog would
>>> be able to work, were contributors to that trepidation.  However, with the
>>> situation of Liam's previous handler passing on suddenly and certain
>>> experiences in my life that have made me more open-minded, it is evident
>>> to
>>> the GDA field rep as well as others who know Liam and me that we were a
>>> match made in heaven.  Congrats to you, and may that love and mutual
>>> partnership keep on throughout eternity.
>>> Best,
>>> Nat and Liam Joshua
>>> 
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Juanita Herrera" <juanitaherrera1991 at gmail.com>
>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 12:31 AM
>>> Subject: [nagdu] Happy Story
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> Hello All!
>>>> As a lot of you know, I have only had my guide dog, Anise, for a
>>>> little over two months. When I first received her, I was terribly
>>>> afraid that things weren't going to work out with her and I. I was
>>>> terrified because during training I had to switch dogs. The dog I had
>>>> before Anise during training became afraid of heavy traffic, and she
>>>> would run away from me while I was getting ready for  crossings. My
>>>> instructor felt that it would be best to switch my dog because the
>>>> areas I am usually in are congested with traffic. The switch between
>>>> dogs was extremely difficult for me and it affected me emotionally.
>>>> Upon leaving the program, I felt that the time I had spent with Anise
>>>> wasn't enough to determine whether or not we'd be a successful match.
>>>> However, GDB has supported me 100%. Immediately after I returned home
>>>> from training, they sent my instructor to my home area to observe
>>>> Anise and I, and to review any concerns I might have had. She was down
>>>> in California working with me for a whole week, and I feel that helped
>>>> me tremendously. My field representative has also kept in touch with
>>>> me via phone, and just last week, Anise and I met up with him. He told
>>>> me that we are doing great as a team, and that he didn't find any
>>>> issues. Honestly, I feel that the switch between dogs was the best
>>>> thing that could have happened. Although it hurt me when it happened
>>>> now I realize that Anise was truly the dog for me. We are doing great
>>>> with bonding, and we seem to be adjusting quite well to each other. As
>>>> for the dog I had before Anise, I'd always have a difficult time
>>>> controlling her. She would refuse to listen to me. Now, I realize that
>>>> things happen for a reason. Well, just thought I'd share this with
>>>> everyone.
>>>> Best,
>>>> Juanita And Anise
>>>> 
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>>> 
>>> 
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>> 
>> 
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> 
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