[nagdu] Working indoors during the harsh winter

Fri Feb 27 16:38:54 UTC 2015

Raven and all,
When the weather is yucky, I typically will take my dog to stores like Target and Wal-Mart. We also visit the grocery store, pharmacy and occasionally the mall. I love the suggestion of going to a Downtown area, as the sidewalks are almost always in better shape. You could also go to an outdoor shopping center or outlet mall, they are a bit less maze-like. Heck, I even can give my dog a good workout at a hospital or in a large Doctors office. If you really want to challenge the dog, visit the pet store. 
Even if you just go to dinner with someone, walking from the car to the restaurant and around inside counts as a bit of exercise, smiles . 
Hope this helps. 
Deanna and Pascal

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via nagdu
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2015 11:21 AM
To: 'Tracy Carcione'; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Working indoors during the harsh winter

Hello:

I hate working in the malls.  The worst thing is all the noise from very loud music.  In the mall near me, they have loud rock music out in the halls and food court.  Also it seems that every store also has their own very loud
music blasting.   Th result is that you cannot even hear to use any of the
sound clues we usually depend on for orientation.  You also cannot hear what anyone is saying if you do stop to ask for directions.  I've found the same annoying problem in department and grocery stores too.  I wonder why they think it is a good idea to blast the music.  I find all that noise very disorienting.  Also, I am sure it is a problem for anyone with hearing loss.
When I do go out to find somewhere to work my dog during bad weather, I usually go to Target.  The store is very large with lots of space where Eva and I can walk around for as long as we want.  This Target has a  Pizza Hut and Starbucks where we can take a break and have a snack.  The only downside of this is that my goofy golden thinks we always have to stop there.  I was in Target last week with my sister and she wondered why Eva kept trying to take us toward the snack area.  Eva thinks she's the boss and can decide
where we go   

Sandra and Eva

Sandra and Eva

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via nagdu
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2015 9:59 AM
To: 'Julie J.'; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Working indoors during the harsh winter

Julie J, I feel like you do.  Luckily, there are some small stores around here I can browse by myself.  But I don't usually go unless I actually might get something, and, even locally, walking around means climbing over some ice-banks.  Krokus isn't getting nearly as much work as he should, when I don't go into the City.  He is, however, learning to push me left or right to get around those ice-banks, which is good.
We have some giant malls around, but it means taking a bus and waiting in the cold.  And I find them extremely confusing--big, noisy places with halls going in every direction.  Not much fun, without someone who can tell which way to go and what's what.
O Spring, come soon!
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via nagdu
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2015 6:47 AM
To: Raven Tolliver; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Working indoors during the harsh winter

No ideas for you, but I will be interested to see what others come up with. 
I left my job in November to do freelance.  Some weeks have been busy with meetings and teaching and whatnot, but then I can go a couple of weeks with practically nothing.  We don't have a mall here.  The biggest indoor retail store is probably Wal-Mart and that requires a driver to get to.

Also, does anyone else feel like you have to buy something when you go to a store by yourself?  I wouldn't at a mall because there are nonstore areas to walk in, but in any of the small local shops that I frequent, I feel like I should buy something because I am getting assistance to browse their store. 
Obviously I do not always purchase stuff, but the pressure is there.  am I alone?

Congratulations on your graduation Raven!
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: Raven Tolliver via nagdu
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2015 4:27 AM
To: nagdu
Subject: [nagdu] Working indoors during the harsh winter

Hi!
Does anyone have ideas for places to work your dog during the harsh winter.
Currently, I work from home. I have graduated from college, so no more hustle and bustle between classes, and needless to say, the winter here in Michigan is a pain in the posterior. I don't wanna have to work in ice, snow, wind, and frigid temps if I don't have to, but I would also like to continue working the Golden Guy.
He gets plenty of exercise from play. Believe me, we have a giant backyard, and he goes out there to play in the 2 feet of snow out back, but I know how much he loves working, and it's good just to keep that up anyway.
I went to the mall the other day to work him, and he does great. I just wish I knew of an alternative. Malls are like mazes, and I find them a bit stressful to navigate. I've been spoiled by online shopping. Lol!
If they are the best option, I will bite the bullet and do it. I understand this is more about my dog than me.
Any ideas?
--
Raven
You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

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