[nagdu] My first guide dog and a question

[Jewel]

Hi everyone, 
I would like to introduce my new guide dog, Faye. She is a black lab who will be two in October. After twenty eight days of intensive training at the Guide Dog Foundation, we are home and adjusting well. We took our first neighborhood walk yesterday, which turned crazy when the sky opened up and rain poured down hard! Good thing she isn't afraid of storms! We got inside as soon as possible because the rain was compromising my orientation, and took a cab the rest of the way. Thank goodness I had a towel with me as Faye got soaked, though I had my poncho, so only my feet and my pants got soaked. That rain was so uncalled for! 
Today, I am going to walk her to the bus stop and back, and tomorrow we will go on the bus, probably to the pet store. This week, we will take on the mall, a shopping area called Cameron Village, and will go briefly to my college campus. We will work more on the college campus next week, 
So, those are our plans. My instructor at GDF has recommended a follow-up next week, so an instructor may be here to help with getting Faye used to the college campus. She is really a great dog, though, and I don't foresee her having any problems. 
I do have one question however. I lack confidence when walking with her, especially in new areas. I know my lack of confidence will affect her work negatively, and I want to continue working on that. My main worry is falling, which happened once while at school. Does anyone have suggestions on how to build my confidence? I know practice is important, but I want to get better about this quicker. 
Yours, 
Jewel and Faye 

Sent from my iPhone