[nagdu] How Guide Dogs Help

[Michelle]

I decided to get Abby because my life had changed so much. I went from a
housewife to working full time and traveling to other cities. I did well
enough with my cane but the companionship of the dog is an added plus. I
take comfort in knowing she is next to me and she loves me and looks out for
me. With her, I get a guide and a friend and never have to travel alone.

Michelle and Abby


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of melissa padron
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 10:56 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] How Guide Dogs Help

Thank you! 

It feels good to know that some schools will work with me despite the fact
that I have usable vision. It settles my fears whenever I consider
applying. 

It took me a while to trust my cane and my ears instead of stressing my
vision. That was an adjustment. And I would have to encounter yet another
adjustment if I were to get a guide dog. 


I greatly appreciate all the advice I've been getting here. It's really
helping me in making a decision. I'm considering things that I probably
wouldn't have considered if I hadn't asked on this list. 

Melissa 


________________________________
 From: Julie McGinnity <kaybaycar at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org> 
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:39 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] How Guide Dogs Help
 
Hi Melissa.

I have some usable vision.  I used to run around my high school
without my cane or dog all the time.  I stuck my cane in my locker
during lunch and just walked without anything.  I did fairly well.  Of
course, if the environment is dark, or it is a place I don't know very
well with lots of stairs, I would not do this.  But I really hated my
cane as a teenager!

All that to say, I got a guide dog, despite my usable vision.  The
school only needed to see that I could use my dog rather than my
vision.  I was willing to do this, and although my vision is useful
for doing things like seeing whether or not my dog is in to something
she shouldn't, I do not depend on it as much.  I attended Guiding Eyes
for the Blind, and they were able to work with me.  Never once did
they object to my vision.

I've heard rumors about some schools objecting because people have
vision, but I don't know if they're true, so I'll let someone else
talk about that.  Honestly, it's all about trusting the dog rather
than your vision.

As for dogs having different strengths and weeknesses, it goes the
same for environments the dogs work in.  My dog does well in crowded
envirnoments with lots of chaos.  I haven't decided if this is because
she spent a year of her life guiding in a high school or because she's
my dog, but in any case, the trainers did a good job of anticipating
what kind of dog I would need.  They take these things into account
when you get a dog--your life style and the kinds of places you
frequent.

Hope this helps answer some questions.

On 1/28/12, William Vandervest <timelord09 at att.net> wrote:
> i would need my cane, but i rarely need to use it
> William And LD Lynard
>
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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

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