[nagdu] An update on me.

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi Deanna,

I'm sorry.  Retirement is never easy.  I hope you are able to get into
the class you want.  Be ready for a new dog...  They're insane.  :)

On 8/19/14, Tracy Carcione via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Deanna.
> Poor boy.  It is hard, but it sounds like the right decision.  Will he be
> staying with you, or going some place quiet to live?
> Hope you can get into class soon.  GDB usually has a short wait time.
> Tracy
>
>> Hi all,
>> I have some sade news to share.
>> I am retiring my guide dog, Pascal in a few months. Over the past year or
>> so he has become frightened of things that never used to bother him.
>> Things like loud noises, heavy traffic, flying, thunderstorms, etc. When
>> he gets upset he has these anxiety attacks, where he will either shut
>> down
>> completely, or move very quickly to try to run away from whatever is
>> bothering him. During these, he will also cry out with a whine so loud
>> it's like a scream. Sometimes, when the attacks occur, I can't tell what
>> triggers them. A few days ago, we were waiting at a bus stop and he had
>> one. At first, these things would occur sporadically, but within the last
>> few months, his fears and anxiety issues have increased. I've worked with
>> several trainers and called the school many times. At first his whining
>> appeared to be behavioral, but then it later became a fear response. I've
>> been working him on light duty (no more than a mile a day) and this has
>> helped. I will continue to work him on light dut
>>  y until he officially retires.
>> Honestly, I've been debating retirement for over a year, but I finally
>> filled out the application in June. It's been a roller coaster of
>> emotions, but I finally made the right decision. I applied to Guide Dogs
>> for the Blind and have been accepted for training. Pascal is from Guide
>> Dogs for the Blind as well. I am not sure when my class date will be yet,
>> but hoping before the end of the year, so I can get the new dog settled
>> in
>> before winter really hits. If I do go before the end of the year, I will
>> be going to the Oregon campus, which I hear is very beautiful.
>> Just wanted to update y'all, and I will keep you posted.
>>
>> Deanna and soon to be retired, Pascal
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>
>
>
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-- 
Julie McG
National Association of Guide dog Users board member,  National
Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
and Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate 2008
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16