[nagdu] Offset harness handles

[Ann Edie]

Hi, Karyn,

Have you ever tried American Leather Specialties, Dave Shabbot? He made
Panda's harness back over a decade ago, (we are still using it exclusively),
and he made harnesses for many of the guide dog training programs, including
TSE and GDB. At the time, I don't think he was on the web, but he had a
toll-free number. He was great to work with, absolutely wonderful quality,
and very careful, attentive, and fast service. He even made an extra girth
strap for Panda's harness which was a bit longer than the one she needed at
the time, since Panda wasn't finished growing at the time and might need a
longer one later. He was located in Massachusetts. If you can't find him on
the web, you might try a toll-free phone directory. He made an ergonomic
handle for us, and I know he made the offset handles as well. He worked with
the guide dog schools on the designs of their harnesses, and he can custom
make pretty much whatever you want in a harness, leash, etc.

I haven't had any need for repairs or replacement of our harness since it
was made, although I should get a new leash, since the one Panda has was
chewed on many years ago by another horse, not by Panda.  So I don't know if
Dave is still making harnesses. I would be curious to know if anyone tries
to find him, and if so, what your experience is.

Best,
Ann

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Karyn & Thane via
nagdu
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2014 9:40 AM
To: Nagdu
Subject: [nagdu] Offset harness handles

I have not found anyone that makes acceptable guide dog handles. When you
add offset to the mix, unfortunately that seems to bring the options down to
one unless you work with LDS (and like you I WONT after how I was treated in
email communication and friends that had horrible customer service with gear
purchased from them).
I have made mine from cpvc. Its not ideal as they can break but when using
cpvc cement they seem to hold up better for us. I carry a spare in my
backpack just in case though. I have not needed the spare more than a few
times in Thane's career though (been working abt 6 1/2 yrs now). One thing I
do like about working with the cpvc once I got my layout right is that I can
choose the offset amount. Most offset handles are only as much as an
ambulatory person would need which for us would still result in crowding and
the possibility of interference in gait with the wheels on my chair.
Im not sure how we will handle the BLD more flexible handles, but there are
adequate D rings on the harness if we still need our rigid offset one. I
just wish I could find someone who makes rigid offset handles that look more
like guide equipment than plumbing grin I think Mardi has made some from
metal so maybe she will chime in as well here.

Karyn and Thane 


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