[nagdu] Getting my first dog later in life

[rhonda cruz]

hello carol, i wish you all the best in training.
 it is like camp.
 for students and dogs,
 it is fully worth it.
 i got my first dog in my early 20's,
 and we are still going strong,
 we have our days, but i would never go back to using a long wite cane.
 maybe between dogs,
 but  the jurney, is great.



On Jun 25, 2013, at 3:33 PM, Carol Osmar wrote:

> 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
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rhondaprincess%40gmail.com