[nagdu] Biological Family Support for Service Animals

[rhonda cruz]

 My family was vary happy when i got my guide dog,

 it was the best choice. i made.

 some family wasn't happy. but i did it anyway,

 it is for my safely.

 and well being.
 i feel safe with my guide dog. she is my best friend.


On Jun 6, 2012, at 7:12 AM, Larry D. Keeler wrote:

> Some folks just don't get what our dogs do that's different.  I was one of those until I decided to get on myself.  Sor some, getting a dog is the beswt choice you can ever make.  Not so much for others.  Our family was mostly supportive although som3e now forget Holly goes where I go and convienetely forgert she is going but otherwise it has worked out very well!
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "NCBootman" <ncbootman at gmail.com>
> To: "the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 10:04 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] Biological Family Support for Service Animals
> 
> 
>> Do you find that relatives you do not live with are supportive or not of your getting a service animal and particularly a guide dog?
>> 
>> I do not live with my family. I have a roommate whom I have lived with for over 20 years. When I first considered getting a guide, I talked with my dad and brothers. There response was unanimously you don’t need a dog. Where would you go that you can’t already go? The negatives went on and on and my brother gave a 30 minute tyrade of how ridiculous this was. But, at the end, because I had countered effectively every point, he gave up and said I had obviously thought about this more than he had and then he began talking about his pet dog! It is as if they are fearful of my succeeding! Every non family person I have spoken to says things like why did you wait so long? I think it is the best idea you’ve had. I think you will have independence that you can’t even imagine today. They have nothing but good and approving things to say!
>> 
>> My roommate is planning to get a Veteran Assistance dog for himself. While the list is about guide dogs, the dynamics are similar. His sister has already informed him that that dog will not be coming to her house! He has tried to explain that this is not a dirty smelly yard dog like she is thinking, but rather a very well trained, clean, teeth brushed, helper that even has the potential to save his life by helping him not process the negative war stuff over and over again. She still does not get it! However, every doctor, Veteran Service employee, fellow Veteran, and so on tells him that it is the best decision he can make and that he has obviously given this serious thought, researched his information, and will be a good handler in their opinion.
>> 
>> Do we both have crazy families? Is this a dynamic that I just don’t yet understand? What is going on here? We both know this is the right move for us and have each other’s full support. We have taken this very seriously and haven’t just hatched an idea overnight. We are moving forward with our lives and becoming the happy independent people we were intended to be! I thought I had lost the independence of when in college forever. I have come to realize that although it will be different, I can have at least a piece of that freedom back. I have never been so excited.
>> 
>> Your thoughts on or offlist are appreciated. dgcnc at bellsouth.net
>> Greg
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