[nagdu] my preferences list to GDB

[Sherry Gomes]

It so happens that the dog with the terrible house manners was also the most
incredible guide dog I've ever had, and the most bonded to me in some ways.
But there were times she was one heck of a struggle, due to her house
manners. Not to mention the half a dozen times she had to be rushed to the
vet because she ate something dangerous. And yes, I dog proofed the heck out
of my house, but you'd be amazed what she found. and sometimes it was
because a visitor would forget Bianca's tendencies and leave something
dangerous at dog level. I'm happy to say that Petunia has wonderful house
manners.

sherry



-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione
via nagdu
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 10:56 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [nagdu] my preferences list to GDB

Sherry, thanks for sharing.  I too make lists to send with my application,
but I have taken some things for granted, which I see you have not.  Next
time, I'm taking your approach.
For example, I have taken "excellent house manners" for granted.  Who
wants a dog with poor house manners?  Who wants a dog that counter-surfs,
or tears things up, etc?  I should think it goes without saying, but I'd
be wrong. What are they thinking?!
Tracy


> Hi,
>
> Someone asked if I'd mind posting this. I almost never delete anything I
> write so I was able to find it. Here it is. I'm happy to explain anything
> on
> the list if it's not clear.
>
>
> Needs and wants and absolute deal breakers:
> Needs:
> 1. Easy to manage
>
> 2. Initiative: able to learn new places quickly and remember them
>
> 3. able to learn quickly what kinds of surfaces and obstructions can cause
> problems for me and to watch for those. Such things include wheel chair
> ramps, driveway slopes, cracks or rough places in sidewalks, garden hoses.
> It is almost impossible for me to get up on my own if I fall, and such
> things can cause me to stumble if I hit them wrong.
>
> 4. Reliable and consistent off leash recall.
>
> 5. Excellent house manners
>
>
> Wants:
> 1. Affectionate, loving, cuddly, playful with a touch of silly
>
> 2. Type to bond very tight, likes other people but mostly wants me.
>
> 3. able to be comfortable under my desk for long stretches during the work
> day.
>
> 4. Good around children and other animals, particularly other dogs and
> cats.
>
> 5. Able to be comfortable around music that might be heard in places like
> church, live theater and some concerts.
>
> 6. Comfortable on possible long car rides.
>
>
> Deal breakers:
> 1. Dog distractedness to the point of any lunging or hard pulling when
> working. A look doesn't bother me, but reacting can cause me to fall.
>
> 2. Poor off leash recall. I have a yard and eventually want to be able to
> let new dog out there without having to worry that the dog will not come
> when I call.
>
> 3. Destructive house behavior. Lived with that many years with Bianca and
> had several emergencies both with me and with her raisers. never want it
> again.
>
> 4. No relieving in harness or in the house ever. Of course, unless a dog
> is
> sick, but other than that it is not acceptable.
>
>
> Sherry
>
> "The day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our
> friends
> and break all bonds of fellowship, when the age of men comes crashing
> down.
> But it is not this day! This day, we fight!
> By all that you hold dear, by this good earth,
> I bid you, STAND! Men, of the West!"
> Aragorn, Lord of the Rings, Return of the King
>
>
>
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