[nagdu] Biological Family Support for Service Animals

[Jenny Keller]

My step-Mom knew that a dog would be the best thing for me, and she was right, even though I couldn't trust Brooks fully because of his issues.  

The school I'm going to however, has financial assistance for most costs of the dog, so I feel better about trying again.  

Not to mention that the school I'm choosing has a better reputation than the last one.  

Jenny
On Jun 19, 2012, at 9:20 AM, Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC) wrote:

> Hmm, maybe your stepmom picked up on your hesitation or things that are impossible to convey in an email.
> 
> On the other hand, things like cost and grooming and hair in the house are valid concerns.  It's perfectly okay to say "I choose to spend my time and my money doing other things".
> 
> You can get help with anything, but help doesn't make every situation tenable.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jenny Keller
> Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2012 2:41 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Biological Family Support for Service Animals
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> When I started losing my sight, I kicked around the idea of getting a dog for a long time.
> 
> My Step Mom, who is a dog freak to begin with was supportive when no one else was.
> 
> finally, after backing out of the dog idea a few times, and she had taken me to a doctor's appointment one day, she said to me "I know you've talked about getting a guide and backed out, why?"  I couldn't really answer her questions well, I just told her that it was because of all the things I would have to handle with getting a guide.
> 
> she asked me what those things were and I told her, things like the hair in the house, grooming, cost, etc.
> 
> She then said, "OK, I've heard your excuses, now give me legitimate reasons."
> 
> I couldn't give her any other than the ones I gave her, so she told me that I knew I would get help with all that and that those were excuses at best.
> 
> I said I agreed with her, and that she was right.  She then asked me, or rather said to me, so when are you going to fill out an online application, when you get in the house right?"
> 
> that was just the kick in the pants I needed.
> 
> though I have gone through hell with guide dogs, and never could fully trust Brooks, I don't regret it and I can still hear those words over four years later, as she can barely speak now due to the ravages of alseimer's.
> 
> those are one of the many conversations I can clearly remember, and will always remember, as she slips away from us because of that horrible disease.
> 
> Most of us don't have that support, and my father was not supportive at all, but I thank GOD for Diana, one of the few people in my life that supported me through just about anything.  without her, I would still never have had the opportunity of working a dog, no matter how bad the trust issue was.
> 
> At least I know now, that some day, I hope, I will be able to fully trust a dog.
> 
> Jenny
>  p
> On Jun 14, 2012, at 5:17 PM, Julie J. wrote:
> 
>> Greg,
>> 
>> I'm still catching up since being out of town.  Sorry if you've already gotten more info than you know what to do with! *smile*  Here's my contribution.
>> 
>> It honestly didn't occur to me to discuss my using a guide dog or doing the training myself with anyone in my family, excepting the people I live with.  When I started using a cane many years ago this is the same approach I took then.  I simply incorporated the cane and then the dog into life as it seemed relevant, logical or natural.  I never made a big deal out of it.  To this day I honestly have no idea what some of my family members think of my blindness or my dogs.  It doesn't keep me up at night wondering.  I feel like it's my decision and really doesn't concern them.  That's just me though and how I usually do things.  I don't ask their advice on purchasing a home, getting married, or where to go on vacation.   It's not that I don't care what they think, it's more that I'm just comfortable making those decisions on my own and don't feel that their input would be helpful.  I'm not explaining well, but I hope it's a bit understandable.
>> 
>> All the best in getting it all sorted out,
>> Julie
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nagdu mailing list
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jlperdue3%40gmail.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rebecca.pickrell%40tasc.com
> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attachments or files transmitted with it (collectively, the "Message") are intended only for the addressee and may contain information that is privileged, proprietary and/or prohibited from disclosure by law or contract. If you are not the intended recipient: (a) please do not read, copy or retransmit the Message; (b) permanently delete and/or destroy all electronic and hard copies of the Message; (c) notify us by return email; and (d) you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of the Message is strictly prohibited.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jlperdue3%40gmail.com