[nagdu] Fear of a crossing and the area around it.

[Deanna Lewis]

Hello,
Here is some info about a situation that I am having difficulty with and would like suggestions and help on how to work past this...
I live in a suburb that is very walkable. I can walk to work, a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, and a few restaurants. I love to get out and walk, but this one area is causing a big problem for us. I've been walking in this area for almost a year, but have only lived here for about 8 months.
At this one intersection, which is pretty busy there is a McDonalds attached to a gas station. The intersection itself is not bad, there is an audible pedestrian signal, which helps a lot. But, just past the intersection is the entrance to McDonalds. There are several cars that turn in and out of that driveway. I treat it as a street crossing, having Pascal stop when we reach the driveway, then we listen and make sure it's ok to cross. Even though I have very good mobility skills and pay close attention, we have had some traffic checks and close calls at that entrance, due to drivers not paying attention. I try to stay calm and cool when doing this crossing, but it's really affected Pascal.
When we head in that direction and approach the main crossing, he will start to balk up. He will walk super slow and pretty much refuse to walk. I've tried Hopp up, praise, leash gestures forward, food rewards, and much more but it doesn't seem to help. Sometimes, the only way to get him to go is to drag him. I've even tried to use my cane and heel him past this area. We haven't had any close calls lately, but the problem appears to be getting worse.
I've called GDB and worked with my field rep and an O & M instructor on this a few months ago. Of course, when someone is with us, he is on his best behavior and works perfectly. I really would like someone from GDB to come back out and work on this with us, but I don't think they will consider it very important. They wouldn't send anyone a few months ago.
If I could, I would avoid this McDonalds entrance at all costs, but I need to pass by it in order to go to several places. And now Pascal is slowing down and refusing to move several hundred feet from the area, so I don't think I can walk on the opposite side of the road to avoid it, he still seems to fear that general area. I'm at a loss. It really restricts my mobility as I would like to take him with me, but with his reluctance of this area, I am tempted to leave him at home while I do my shopping. A lot of times we go this way after work, so I can't just leave him at work either and use my cane.
Any ideas on how we can get him past his fear? Or things I can try?
Thank you all so much! And Happy New Year!
Deanna and Pascal