[nagdu] Owning a guide while allergic to dogs

[Steven Johnson]

Noah, 

As you may already be aware, Poodles are no longer the preferred choice for
persons with allergies, as they are not hypo-allergenic as previously
thought.  This basically means that poodles are equally subjected to dander.
Most dog guide handlers significantly reduce dander by simply
brushing/grooming daily.  However, the good side is that a number of
schools, now test both the dogs and students and match accordingly.  Many
breeds, including the ones you have mentioned, are determined to have less
allergies for their human handler, and in fact, very minimal.  However, the
key to keeping one's dog's dander controlled, is again daily grooming.

Hope this is helpful.  You may want to contact TSE to inquire if they do
this or not.  

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Noah Beckman
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 7:06 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Owning a guide while allergic to dogs

Hello all,
                I am sure the topic of my thread has been discussed at
length before, but since I am a relatively new member to this list, I beg
your patience in rehashing it so that I can gain further insight into this
issue.

                Let me tell you a little bit about my situation.  I
fervently want to ditch the cane in favor of a canine, but, unfortunately, I
am allergic to dogs.  I would describe my allergies as relatively moderate,
with the worst reactions (runny nose, mild eye irritation, and congestion)
surfacing while I am in the prolonged presence of certain breeds.  However,
German Shepherds are the only guide-dogesque breed I have (1) been around
long enough to make a conclusion about their effects on my allergies and (2)
ruled out as the breed for me on the basis of said conclusion.

                I have my sights set on The Seeing Eye.  I found out
yesterday that The Seeing Eye discontinued boxers (the breed with whom they
traditionally matched allergic students in the past) and, although they are
looking to start training with poodles soon, the waiting list of students
desiring this breed is extremely long, thus making my prospects of poodle
puppy procurement poor for at least a couple of years.  Since I would like
to acquire a guide dog as soon as I am able (May of 2014), and The Seeing
Eye is my only school of choice, my breed options are limited to labs,
golden retrievers, and lab-golden crosses.

                Although any input on this issue would be appreciated, I
would especially love to hear from anyone on this list who (1) is allergic
to dogs and (2) possesses a lab, golden, or lab-golden cross.  What are the
effects of your dog on your allergies?  What do you do, if anything, to
limit your dog's effects on your allergies?  What made you decide that the
positives of getting a dog transcended the negative impacts such would have
on your allergies?  Do you have any additional advice for me?

Thanks a lot,

Noah
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