[nagdu] Toileting Harness and Nylon Work Harness

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Karla.
Welcome to the list, or out of lurkerhood.  BTW, I work in New York City,
and live in north Jersey.  I have a young lab/golden cross named Krokus,
from The Seeing Eye.  He is my 7th guide dog.
I bought a nylon harness for my previous dog Ben.  I bought it from
PawPower, who are no longer in business.  I like it because it's light, and
I felt Ben was more comfortable on days where he had to wear his harness all
day without much of a break.  I also like the removable handle, which makes
us both more comfortable in small spaces like taxis.  However, I feel like
the handle attachment is not as rigid as it on my leather harness, so I
don't get the same feedback through the handle as I'm used to. Also, I had
to be sure to pull back on the handle to increase the feedback, which I
guess I'm not doing so much with the leather harness, for better or worse.

I too would be interested in knowing where to get a relieving harness, as I
can't find mine anywhere.  I don't anticipate needing it any time soon, but
it's handy to have.
Tracy, Krokus, and Ben

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of jaynewy4--- via
nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2015 12:21 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Toileting Harness and Nylon Work Harness

Hi all:

First, I think it would be polite to introduce myself to the list.  I am one
of those people who reads the list but who does not post, usually.  I do
enjoy being kept abreast of news from my fellow guide dog users, so thanks.
I  also want to thank everyone who provides useful tips and advice.

I am a retired university professor in New York City working with my second
Poodle guide dog from Pilot Dogs.  My current guide, Dottie, is a cream
Standard, who will be two years old this month.  

My last guide, Woody, was a huge Royal Standard chocolate poodle, who greyed
into my pewter knight, but he had some stomach problems due to medication
given to him in a futile attempt to save his life.  Dottie also has a
sensitive stomach, but most of her problems have been solved by using a
simple grain-free food and probiotics.  However, like many New Yorkers who
live vertically, my building has halls covered with rugs, and there will be
an inevitable time to have to get her out of the apartment, down the
elevators, and into the relief area in time.  I know you have all been
there.  If not, you are oh-so-lucky.  It also sounds like a good precaution
for a long flight, no matter how carefully you have prepared your guide.

I have two questions for the list:

1) I would like to purchase a toileting harness and read the past
discussions on it and on T-bags, but I cannot find a site to purchase
either.  Would someone kindly direct me with a reply offsite or onsite as to
where I can purchase one as well as the bags?

2) I am also considering the purchase of a nylon harness as an alternative
or addition to her current leather/metal one.  My main objection to the
current one is that it is heavy.  Also, though it is as snug as possible, it
does tend to lean to one side.  She weighs only 45-48 lbs, though a Poodle's
size also seems to expand and contract as their hair grows or gets clipped.
There is rather a large gap on the front of the harness, as I think it was
designed for a gal with the chest  and back of a Labrador.  

So I would appreciate advice or comments on the pros and cons of a lighter
harness and where to buy one or have one made for her.  And I would also
appreciate advice on getting her current harness to fit better--maybe a
chest pad?  

  My email is jaynewy4 at aol.com if anyone prefers to reply privately.

Many thanks!

Karla and Dottie

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