[nagdu] families and our dogs

[Julie J.]

Vent away!  I think families are particularly tough because we have an 
expectation that they will understand us and love and support us.  I mean I 
can easily ignore a stranger in Wal-Mart who says some random thing but when 
my husband says, "your dog is eating the plants again."  Yeah well, that 
stings a bit.   I think because I immediately internalize his comment as, 
I'm not doing enough or I'm not supervising her correctly or I am a failure. 
None of those things are true, but his opinions matter to me.   He didn't 
say I was a failure or not doing enough or anything of the sort, but I 
always interpret his commentary on the dogs in the worst possible way 
because I am a perfectionist.   She's eating the plants not because I am a 
horrible person but because she finds them interesting.  My husband is 
telling me not because he wants to rub it in that I am a failure, but 
because he wants me to know so I can do what needs to be done.  No one can 
ever be as hard on me as I am to myself.

Julie
horrible





Julie
Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog is now 
available! Get the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXZSMOC
Visit my new website on developing courage and living authentically:
http://www.falling-up.com
-----Original Message----- 
From: Mary Wurtzel via nagdu
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 7:54 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] families and our dogs

Hello,



Felix and I just celebrated our third anniversary together.

My family remains rather critical of my handling of my dog.  It is true that
we still have a pretty major problem with scavenging.  Our field rep came
and worked with us.  I am realizing that I must practice food distraction
training on a daily basis.

It is a real problem for us to work a whole lot especially outside.  I have
a balance problem with falling on ice.  Our temps have gone below zero also.

I am quite discouraged right now.  I know I should probably go practice at a
mall.  I seem to be just venting on this list, but if anyone has ever felt
discouraged and can offer a word of cheer, I would appreciate it.



Mary and Felix

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