[nagdu] dogs at convention

Wed Jun 10 18:44:25 UTC 2015

I have always taken my dogs to convention.  Each dog shows stress
differently, so if you are good at reading your dog, then you guys
will do fine.

I completely agree with Dan's reasons.  I would like to add that at
NFB convention if you do ask for help, the UPS volunteers and hotel
staff are extremely well-trained.  They won't grab you or treat you
badly.  As I remember they even give you their names.  The NFB does a
fabulous job training people so that dealing with the ignorance of the
misinformed doesn't happen at convention.

As for impatient blind people...  Yeah, it happens.  My first dog had
an issue staying under chairs.  I would put her under a chair only to
find that she had sneakily pushed her way out from under it moments
later.  I got yelled at a couple times because of this, but we all
miss things.

I look forward to seeing you at convention.

On 6/10/15, Cindy Ray via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I think that the more I've thought of it, the more II've come to the
> conclusion that because he doesn't get out as much as he once did, it may
> be
> too stressful for the dog to go. But the barking at other dogs things adds
> so much stress, especially when you are the one the people are yelling at.
> And of course it is always always your dog's fault. So I decided he and I
> would be in better physical and mental health for him to stay home. This
> will be the third year I haven't taken him. Last year I almost did; then I
> turned out to be delegate, and I decided that since this was a first for
> me,
> I should not add that stress to my plate.
> Cindy
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Weiner via
> nagdu
> Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 1:16 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: Dan Weiner
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] dogs at convention
>
> Well I'm sorry you've gone through that experience...I do my best to be
> nice
> to all as I can tell you I've been on the receiving end as you have and it
> isn't pleasant so I try mybest but of course none of us are perfect.
> One of my dogs was very distractable and boy did I get yelled at at
> convention one time, so these things happen and we should all try at least
> to be pleasant and helpful, but we're only human so I do know what you
> mean.
> But, not that it is dog related, let me giveyou an example.
> iI enter an elevator, I'm the only one...another person comes in walking
> fast, they say; "can you push the button for floor thirty, you're near the
> buttons".
> Dan says I'll do my best, but it takes me a while to find thirty.
> I say "sorry, it's taking me a while"
> And the lady says "well don't you know how to read Braille"
> Now of course any segment of the population has it's rude element, and it
> usually increases as convention progresses.
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via
> nagdu
> Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 2:09 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: Cindy Ray
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] dogs at convention
>
> 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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-- 
Julie McGinnity
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri second vice president,
National Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President
graduate, Guiding Eyes for the Blind 2008, 2014
"For we walk by faith, not by sight"
2 Cor. 7