[nagdu] Getting my first dog later in life

[Star Gazer]

Carol, 
This note made me smile. My grandma lived in a community like you describe,
and she seemed to have a great time. Her sister (not sure what that would
make her to me) said it was like summer break and being a teenager. 
I think you'd enjoy having a dog in this new phase of your life. 


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Carol Osmar
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 6:33 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Getting my first dog later in life

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

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