[nagdu] Nowhere to go?

Lyn Gwizdak linda.gwizdak at cox.net
Sun Sep 23 17:15:02 UTC 2012


Are you meaning autism - a u t i s m?  Sorry, I've been trying to catch up 
on my over 700 e-mails - been busy!

Sara, I see you are new to the list and are struggling about getting a dog. 
If you are healthy and a normal 20 year old, I can't fathom the idea that 
you are tired all the time and don't like to go anywhere except for 
amusement parks.  I wonder if you have a health problem or depression - 
which can be treated so you can be a normal 20 year old!

I am Lyn and am on my 8th guide dog - Landon from Seeing Eye.  Landon is a 
Lab/Golden retriever cross and he will be seven this fall.  I am 61 years 
old and am quite active in my community.  Landon and I do pet assisted 
therapy at our local Humane Society, volunteer at our blind center, and my 
Democratic Party club.

When I was 20, I was an active young person going to college in Boston, 
walking everywhere - even after my vision deteriorated enough for a white 
cane and then my first guide dog.  Yes, it is hard when you live where 
there's no public transit as I had when I was growing up.  Going away to 
college was the BEST thing I ever did for myself because I had to learn how 
to be more independent and how to travel by myself.

If you are not ready for a dog, you can always cancel.  The dog trained for 
you will just be placed with another student who has similar needs as yours. 
Guide Dogs of the Desert trains students with other disabilities and the dog 
can go to another person very easily.  It isn't like a custom-made leg brace 
that can't go to another person.

Did you go to OCB - can't think of off hand what other training centers are 
in LA.  I think OCB is more near San Fransisco.  Personally, I've heard the 
best reviews about the NFB training centers and know that their mobility 
training can't be beat.  I haven't been to them but know people who have and 
they did very well there.  But please, please, go somewhere for training and 
you may have to move to a city where there is public transit in order to 
live your life - you're just beginning your life!  I wish you well.

Lyn and Landon
"Education creates tolerance towards diversity."
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cindy Ray" <cindyray at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 3:07 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Nowhere to go?


> Don't understand what acthism is.
> CL
>
> On Sep 18, 2012, at 4:20 PM, Sarah wrote:
>
>> i have some Achtism so if they ask questions about my dog I will answer 
>> them but I can easily get people to talk about roller coasters.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:08:29 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Nowhere to go?
>>
>> Only you can decide if you are motivated enough to get out.  People are 
>> not afraid of your cane; people don't know how to interact with you 
>> because you are blind.  I once told my ex-husband that I thought people 
>> wouldn't think I was  normal if I had a dog.  He asked if I thought they 
>> did when I was using a cane; I had to concede that he had made a good 
>> point.  People like dogs, so they will talk to your dog, want to pet it, 
>> and even ask questions about it.  Sometimes if you are skillful, you may 
>> get them to interact with you about other things, but not necessarily. 
>> Of course, I have always had a problem with this myself, some people like 
>> it.
>>
>> Cindy
>>
>> On Sep 18, 2012, at 2:47 PM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> People tell more that I should have the dog because it will motivate me 
>> to get out.  I have to go we've put in a lot of time and the dog has 
>> already been trained just for me.  So I have to go.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:22:41 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Nowhere to go?
>>
>> Sarah, I think you have a lot bigger worries than that.  Your real 
>> concerns need to be that you are able to care for the dog, that you are 
>> going to be able to go explore, that you are willing to learn how to go 
>> places on your own and then do it, which could mean going gainst your 
>> mom.  You are an adult now; you need to take on adult responsibilities 
>> that include flying from the  nest.  And I would discuss what the family 
>> is going to do about the poor laborador's problem.  Your dog will be on 
>> leash probably for a couple of weeks after you come home, or for a few 
>> days anyway, and gradually released from that depending on how it is 
>> adjusting.  There will have to be efforts made by everyone to make sure 
>> that the dog's messes are cleaned up.  You will be expected to take your 
>> dog out on leash to relieve it, especially if you don't have a fenced in 
>> yard, but it is good to do that anyway.  Knowing the habits of your dog 
>> and how firm the stools are helps you to know how your dog is feeling. 
>> There are lots and lots of concerns.  I am wondering if you should 
>> possibly change the date to another time.  I had mentioned it to you off 
>> list, but Julie was right.  One of the centers for the blind might be 
>> even better than an IL Center for you to get the help you need.  I am 
>> concerned about the depression etc.
>>
>> CL
>>
>> On Sep 18, 2012, at 2:15 PM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> I've always had big concerns and worries.  I'm very worried not because I 
>> don't want to go explore, I can't wait to do that there is so many slaces 
>> here to explore we have a zoo within walking distance.  Ikm worried 
>> because we have a handicaped Labrador who can't get around very well due 
>> to a tumor in her spinal cord and partial paralysis.  She can't control 
>> her bowel movements so she goes in the house and I'm concerned for my 
>> guide dog coming into a house where a dog poops and urinates.  I know she 
>> can't help it, but I'm worried.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Vanessa Lowery" <vlowery at dhr.state.md.us
>> To: "the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:27:03 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Nowhere to go?
>>
>> Yes, getting a dog is not only hard work in class, but is equally hard 
>> work when at home.  A person deciding to get a guide dog needs to get it 
>> because he/she wants to, not because family is pushing you to do so. 
>> Granted, as you self-reported, you talked about getting a guide dog since 
>> young childhood, but what is your current take on getting a guide dog. 
>> Are you doing so for you or to satisfay the family?
>>
>> No one is discouraging you from getting a guide dog, Sarah, and being 
>> located in a rural living arrangement is not insurmountable wht a guide 
>> dog.  But you would ahve to take the initiative to find ways to go places 
>> where the dog could be worked.  One person I know lives wiht her husband 
>> in a rural setting, but she is able to take walks in the neighborhood 
>> wiht her dog.  Additionally, the dog gets some work where my friend is 
>> employed, and she and her husband go into town so the dog can get work in 
>> stores.  They also visit flea markets where the dog gets work.  In your 
>> case, you may need to explore if you can do some walking in your 
>> immediate area.  And you need to explore if there is a transportation 
>> resource you can use to get you into town.  I have concerns that your 
>> family thinks that a guide dog is a well-trained pet.  If that is their 
>> perception, I have some real concerns.
>>
>>
>>
>> Vanessa Lowery, LGSW
>> Adult and Community Services Division
>> Adult Services Screening Unit
>> 410-853-3550
>> VLowery at dhr.state.md.us
>>
>>
>> Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com> 9/18/2012 2:12 PM
>> If you are getting the dog for the family, then you should really change 
>> your mind, I think, and get a pet.  Is there any possibility of your 
>> moving? Hou said you were in an independenbt living program for six 
>> months, but now you aren't.  You are twenty; the world is your future, 
>> but you have to help make it happen.  Fear holds us back so we have to 
>> just push through it, getting the help we need along the way.
>>
>> CL
>>
>> On Sep 18, 2012, at 1:08 PM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> I want to just get a pet but sty family all want me to have a guide dog 
>> because I've been talking about it since I was 7.  But now that I'm 20, I 
>> just feel too tired and I don't have that get up and go like I used to. 
>> I kind of just feel like sleeping all day because I live so far away from 
>> Magic Mountain.  I've been everywhere up in this desert lots of times and 
>> we only go shopping once a week.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Tracy Carcione" <carcione at access.net
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:04:27 -0400
>> Subject: [nagdu] Nowhere to go?
>>
>> Hi Sarah.
>> I wonder why you want a dog, if you feel you have nowhere to go?
>>
>> I am old enough to see the glimmer of retirement in my future--not soon,
>> but not impossibly far off, either.  But I think that even after I 
>> retire,
>> I'll have places to go.  I'll still have the usual trips around town--the
>> grocery, diner, pharmacy, shopping...though those won't be every day.  I
>> hope to do a bit of travelling.  And to get out and walk, preferably 
>> every
>> day, just to keep myself fit.  I've had 6 guide dogs now, and every one 
>> of
>> them has done best when they've gotten regular work.  Ben, my current 
>> dog,
>> doesn't require miles and miles a day, and can take one day off a week
>> with no problem, but he still gets squirrely if I don't work him for any
>> length of time.
>> I think my dogs will still get enough work, once I'm retired, but it does
>> concern me a bit.  If I felt I really had nowhere to go, or no desire to 
>> go
>> anywhere, I'd just get myself a pet.  But, being somewhat prone to cabin
>> fever, I don't see that happening any time soon.
>>
>> Tracy
>>
>> Dang it now I'm worried.  I really have no desire to go anywhere.
>> I just fel too tired
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:51:55 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Downtime in class
>>
>> No, I don't do that.  I should, but because I am currently not
>> going much of anywhere, I've gotten out of the habit.  I kind of
>> wish I did, and maybe I'll start.  That's probably one of the
>> reasons I won't get any dogs after this one.  I don't think he's
>> getting a fair shake.  I hope I don't change my mind.
>>
>> CL
>>
>> On Sep 18, 2012, at 11:47 AM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> Cool thanks.  How often do you walk your dog? Do
>> you walk 3-5 miles every day?
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 06:27:39 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Downtime in class
>>
>> Ah, you'll be fine.  It is always exciting before you go for the
>> dog.  I think you are going to have a fine time of it.
>>
>> Cindy
>>
>> On Sep 17, 2012, at 11:10 PM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> That's exciting! I'm still kind of worried, but I'll do it.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:45:16 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Downtime in class
>>
>> His name is Fisher.  Let's see.  I think they brought him to my
>> room.  We walked around the room a lot.  He sniffed me and we
>> cuddled.  At our school, they had us go out on their leisure path
>> with the harness and an instructor attched to him, too, with the
>> leash.  Then later we took them out to relieve and have dinner.
>> He mostly tried to keep him close and see what toys he liked,
>> though I went slow with this.  Some dogs, when you first get
>> them, whine a lot because they hear familiar voices as others are
>> being given dogs by the same instructor.  Some are restless the
>> first night or so when they are with you; I've never had a lot of
>> trouble with that with any of the dogs.
>>
>> CL
>>
>> On Sep 17, 2012, at 6:39 PM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> What's his name? What was it like when you first met him?
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:20:17 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Downtime in class
>>
>> I think they can sense  your moods.  I think they definitely
>> know the difference between stressed and calm.  I have a lab and
>> golden cross.  He is six.
>>
>> CL
>>
>> On Sep 17, 2012, at 6:17 PM, Sarah wrote:
>>
>> that's awesome! I am so excited to have a dog.  Can dogs sense
>> how you are feel, can they sense your moods? What kind of dog do
>> you have?
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:12:22 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Downtime in class
>>
>> \Hi, Sarah, I am Cindy.  You know, it depends on the dog.  I am
>> a firm believer in spending a lot of time in the process of
>> bonding with my dog, especially the first few days.  If the
>> person who trained you is your trainer, they will look to that
>> person for a while, but you will start to see a switch over in a
>> few days.  When you take that dog home, I think the bonding
>> increases because now it has left all it knows behind except you,
>> so it trusts you.  You will have work to do to become a solid
>> team, but your dog and you will have already begun a strong
>> bonding that will only get stronger.  I think the key is a lot of
>> attention, especially at first and mostly from you, corrections
>> when you have to, and lots of praise when the dog does something
>> right and well.
>>
>> CL
>>
>>
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