[nagdu] First State Convention

[Julie J.]

I just went to my state convention a couple of weeks ago.  I've been to 
many state conventions, but I honestly cannot remember if Monty has been 
to a NFB state convention.  We go to a fair amount of other blindness 
group functions, so he has been around canes and other guide dogs before.

Monty is okay around regular cane users.  However if we come across 
someone who is really struggling and using their cane in an erratic 
fashion, it does cause Monty some difficulty. In large groups of cane 
users Monty does his best, but sometimes canes will still contact me or 
him.  I don't count this as an error on his part.  It's just a fact of 
working in that type of situation.  again Monty isn't bothered by canes 
touching him, unless the touch is less than delicate.  If that happens I 
try to get him away from the situation and let him settle.  He's fine 
after a bit and we go on about our business.

The biggest struggle I have with working these types of situations is 
always feeling like I'm going in circles instead of where I want to go.  
It's a handler thing, not a dog thing.  The better information I have 
the better I can direct him.  However in a new situation like a 
convention it isn't always possible to know exactly which room I want.  
I try to allow extra time and double check directions and all that, 
still I have pretty much accepted that I'm going to need to spend longer 
getting where I want to go than I like.

Of course you may encounter other guide dogs.  Monty used to be crazy 
distracted by other dogs, but now all they get is a glance.  I am very 
proud of the progress he has made in the dog distraction department.  It 
was the one thing that I thought might jeopardize him being a guide 
dog.  that being said you can't control the other dogs or handlers.   
The hotel we stayed at happened to be pet friendly, so in addition to 
the other guides there were also pet dogs.  We did have an issue with 
one of the other dogs not liking Monty very much, but the handler took 
immediate and decisive action to correct the situation.  Monty was a bit 
anxious about that other dog, so I did my best to keep a fair amount of 
space between them.

Other advise about conventions is really about traveling and not 
specifically blindness group related.   If I'm traveling a long way from 
home I try to remember to pack water.  I have been to some places with 
some odd smelling water that Monty has refused to drink.  I can't say 
that I blame him.  If I forget and he refuses the water I'll buy bottled 
water.  He doesn't refuse the water that often so I figure he has a good 
reason and respect his choice.

I also give more relief breaks than I do at home.  At home I'd guess he 
gets about 6 breaks.  When I travel it's probably more like 8.  Partly 
it's because of the change in schedule, water and possibly his need to 
relieve, but also it gives both of us an opportunity to get some fresh 
air and just relax for a few minutes.  I need that as much as he does 
during long meeting days.

I hope you enjoy your state convention!
Julie