[nagdu] Getting a Guide Dog Soon!

[Debby Phillips]

Raven, I think it's great that you were able to save for your 
dog.  But I'm not sure I totally agree with you about waiting.  
For some people, having the dog gives them a confidence boost 
that they need to get out there and do whatever it is they need 
to do.  With the unemployment rate among blind folks at 70% or 
maybe 75% (which I heard recently) surely not all blind folks who 
get dogs, at least in the beginning, are totally financially 
stable.  Since I got laid off in October, I've been looking for 
jobs, have gotten interviews, but then not been selected.  So it 
could be a long time before Helga finds work.  And circumstances 
change for people, too.  When I got my first dog, I was working.  
Not long after that, I lost my job.  I went from having money 
coming in every month to having to apply for SSDI, which is more 
than SSI, but not tons.  Thank God I was able to get through that 
time, and now, I thank God because there's another income besides 
just me to help with expenses for Neena.  So I really think 
people have to make individual choices, and if they need some 
help for awhile, hey, all of us have had help at various times in 
our lives.  And dogs don't have to have the most expensive food 
or toys.  No, I'm not saying they should eat Old Roy, either.  
(Grin).    Blessings,    Debby and Neena