[nagdu] Soul Searching

Sun Jul 8 18:14:20 UTC 2012

This is another part of tolerance for us all. When I was able to attend 
convention in the past as a cane user, I had the same problem as a human. 
Numerous canes found there way between my legs, whacked my ankles, and so 
on. My sighted friend said that was the most different experience he had 
ever had to do a constant dance to try to keep from getting tangled in 3 
thousand canes lol. That's a whole lot of dogs and canes and we as 
individuals have to remember that we are all different and at different 
skill levels and unless somebody is intentionally doing harm, just let it 
pass. I count it as a memorable experience and would take nothing for those 
cane dances lol.

Knowing what my sighted friend said, we must also be patient with the dogs. 
They work hard all the time, but, they must think we're crazy if we want 
them to do good in that. So, bring a whole box of Patience hats to the next 
convention--note to self. Cause they will be needed.

Greg
From: Laurel
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2012 1:54 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Soul Searching

Hi all,
This was my first convention with Stockard. I had a great time, but
have one complaint. For the record, let it be known, I can't stand it
when cane users stick their canes between my dog's legs and under her
belly, and force her to back up or take other action to get away from
them. I especially can't stand it when the cane user than gets mad at
me, because "my dog should keep me from running into the cane." First
of all, you walked right into my way. Second, you were the one who
stuck your cane right under her belly, like several inches up where it
was touching her. I mean seriously people, really.
Anyway, that's it from me. I realize some people might accidentally
bump a dog with a cane by accident, that's cool. I'm talking about the
people who either aren't paying attention, or know what their doing
and do it anyway.
Laurel and Stockard

On 7/8/12, rhonda cruz <rhondaprincess at gmail.com> wrote:
>  i think i'm independent. with my dog.
>  i feel more safe.. with her.
>  then a cane  .
>  and i enjoy using  my guide dog.
>  more people like talking  to me. smile.
>
>
> On Jul 8, 2012, at 9:58 AM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
>
>>
>> Hi cindy, I am sorry to hear about the troubles with your pup at
>> convention. I guess what bothers me even more than the trouble, is that
>> another handler would be rude to you about your pups troubles. I heard
>> others at convention being rude to guide dog handlers. People who use
>> canes, have no tolerance for us or our dogs. Its very sad. But I also ran
>> into handlers who were not aware of what their dogs were doing, who would
>> get stepped on, ran into, or hit. Perhaps that is something we as a
>> division need to dicuss at our next convention, is tolerance of guides 
>> and
>> the handlers. We still have alot of NFB members who think that by us 
>> using
>> a dog, we are not independent, or we are lower in rank than them because
>> we choose to use a dog. We as nagdu must change that attitude or 
>> thinking.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> just my two cents
>>
>> Marsha drenthSent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jul 7, 2012, at 10:25 PM, Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Some of those who judged me were, in fact, other handlers. However, one
>>> particularly vocal one may have had some experiences that had created
>>> fears for her beyond what my dog was doing. But, Bibi, thanks. I do
>>> appreciate your kind words.
>>>
>>> CL
>>>
>>> On Jul 7, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Criminal Justice Major wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi, Cindy,
>>>> Despite the rough parts during convention, I'm glad you had fun though.
>>>> Perhaps the reasoning for Fischer's growling or barking may be a sign 
>>>> of
>>>> stress and probably being too enclosed.
>>>> I remember one time during an ACB/GDUI convention four years ago in
>>>> Louisville, KY, I came across a guide dog team where the handler seemed
>>>> friendly and she was good for keeping on her dog.
>>>> Once we all got into an elevator, her dog started growling and despite
>>>> hard corrections and quiet, nothing worked.
>>>> She seeked help and advice from a GDF instructor.
>>>> I recommended her to do that since they were the ones who trained her
>>>> guide dog and they would know what's best.
>>>> I was honest with the handler, explaining that I was sensing her dog 
>>>> was
>>>> enclosed and didn't like the feeling of being cornered.
>>>> Here comes the real truth.
>>>> One thing I, wish, is people who aren't dog handlers would stop judging
>>>> a handler unless they see both the team working at all times.
>>>> Just because a dog may bark or growl doesn't make a blind or other
>>>> individuals with disabilities bad handlers, especially given that they
>>>> are trying to really work hard with their dog.
>>>> Yes, a dog's bark can be scary, if you're not expecting it.
>>>> For those who were trying to claim that you're not controlling your 
>>>> dog,
>>>> how about they stop, put themselves in ours or the dog's shoes to see
>>>> how they feel when they stress out.
>>>> i'm only saying this because I've had moments where I've just had to
>>>> stop and think about Odie's feelings on how or what he feels.
>>>> Once I started doing that among talking to him, it helped the two of us
>>>> more.
>>>> Also, please don't blame yourself for this happening as you had no idea
>>>> how your partner was going to react and it's possible that he just may
>>>> not like huge amount of activities like crowds and being enclosed by 
>>>> too
>>>> many other dogs.
>>>> When you do place a call to TSE, I do hope they will be able to help 
>>>> you
>>>> out and be honest with sharing your feelings.
>>>> The more you're able to communicate, the better it will go for all
>>>> involved.
>>>> Please keep us posted on how it all goes and if there's anything I can
>>>> do to help or offer suggestions or advice, feel free to write me off
>>>> list at:
>>>> orleans24 at comcast.net
>>>> Again, you're not a bad handler and things like this can happen to
>>>> experienced users too.
>>>> Bibi
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>
>>>
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>>
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>
>
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