[nagdu] dogs at convention

Wed Jun 10 18:09:23 UTC 2015

Well, I have to say on behalf of impatient blind people that some of them
are so because they are suffering some of the same stresses you are, and
maybe they haven't figured that out yet. And some are competitive, too.
I am not taking my dog because he barks at other dogs, and even though I
keep him on a short leash, so to speak, people scream at me to control him
and the like. Well, who wouldn'twith a bark like that. LOL.
Cindy

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Weiner via
nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 12:18 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Dan Weiner
Subject: Re: [nagdu] dogs at convention

I, myself enjoy having my dog with me most of the time including at
conventions.
1. I just enjoy being  with him.
2. I am better at getting around with a dog in places like that than with a
cane most assuredly.

Of course I think the thread of taking dogs to convention has come up before
and I don't condemn anyone for not taking their four-legged guides.
If you think that:
1. you don't handle crowds and stress well and would get impatient 2. you
think your dog might have some problem with the situation.
3. if you think you are going to be too busy and involved to take care of
your doggie's needs,  then taking the dog might be the wrong idea for you.

I, myself, find the walking, crowds, and inevitable getting turned around
and getting incomprehensible directions from other convention goers and
hotel staff a bit tiring, but it works out well because I have learned to
relax and just say "whatever"--lol when it happens.  If ai realize too, that
my dog has feelings and is not a robot then I cut him slack on things that
don't matter, for example if I see he is stressed, then I just relax for a
minute or maybe go to  my room and have down time and it works out great.

I am deaf in the left ear and to be frank about it, I've found even my
fellow blind people to be rather impatient if I get turned around even if I
have explained it my difficulty...that could engender stress and certainly
did when I was 18 or so....I am not in a race to see who gets around the
best and who is the most independent. I go to conventions to 1. interact
with interesting people. 2. learn something3. 
  feel a part of the  blind movement.

Also, in my opinion, don't be afraid to accept help from hotel staff, or
anyone, sometimes letting someone help you instead of putting pressure on
your dog can be just the trick to get over stress at a convention...these of
course, obviously are my opinions and are given free of charge.
A synopsis of my book-length manuscript is that either decision is the right
one depending on your needs, personality,  ad your dogs needs and
personality.
We hope to see you there.
I will probably go, though I have had an ankle surgery and so far my doctor
wants me to stay off the stupid foot, t, but I do have 25 or so more days to
get back in to shape and I see the doc on the sixteenth..

I remember when I was a kid, or more of one than I am now---smile--I felt a
lot of pressure when around other blind people feeling I had to prove that I
could do things, I feel no such need any more in my life.  Treat the
convention as a learning experience and think of it as a great adventure and
you'll be just fine and as I said, hope to see you there. 

Yours,

Dan and the Parker Pup

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Hingson
via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 10:30 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users';
'Elizabeth Campbell'
Cc: Michael Hingson
Subject: Re: [nagdu] dogs at convention

Hi Liz,

If he is guiding well and since you are good at interacting with him I do
not think you should have any worries. As you know we are the ones who help
keep up our guides' confidence. Keep poised and he will do fine. 

Best,

Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth
Campbell via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 6:02 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Elizabeth Campbell
Subject: [nagdu] dogs at convention

Hi everyone,

I am considering whether I should take Gabe with me to the convention as we
will have a record turnout this year which is terrific. It has been three
years since I attended an NFB convention which was in Dallas.

Gabe is still doing quite well with his guiding although he isn't too
thrilled about spending much time in the heat.

He also has a minor heart murmur which is not affecting his work, but I do
want to be careful with him.

Gabe will be 9 in August, and I think that realistically, I need to look at
retiring him in the next year or so.

Anyway, if folks want to write to me with their thoughts about the Rosen
Center, that would be great.

As always thanks for thoughts and suggestions.

Best

Liz Campbell

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