[nagdu] Getting my first dog later in life

[Carol Osmar]

Hello Cindy, I agree with what you are saying.  In the vast 
majority of cases, the individual is not intentionally being 
rude.

You asked why I am getting a dog at this point in my life.  I 
will explain.

I have spent most of my adult life in the BEP Program.  When I 
had a snack bar I could not justify having a dog lay behind the 
counter for 9 to 10 hours a day.  When I took over a vending 
route I felt it was easier using a cane climbing in and out of a 
truck, pulling a cart and filling machines.  I know there are 
blind venders that use dogs and I respect their choice.  But for 
me, I felt a cane was the way to go.  Also, at the current time I 
live in a rural area with no public transportation, so it is not 
possible for me to travel independently with a dog from here.

Now that I am retired, My husband (who is sighted) and I are 
selling our home in Michigan and moving to a large 55 and over 
community in Florida.  There are many activities in a community 
like this and my husband and I are looking forward to a  busy 
lifestyle.  We enjoy doing many things together but there will be 
times that I will want to do something he is not interested in 
and I want the freedom to go places alone.  I could still do this 
with a cane but I think I will be much more comfortable with a 
dog.

I have RP, so there are several blind people in my family 
including my parents and siblings.  I will be the first one to 
use a dog.  Since this is not the norm for my family, it was a 
difficult decision but I feel sure it is the right one for me.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.

Carol