[nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?

Tracy Carcione carcione at access.net
Fri Jun 19 13:00:17 UTC 2015 

These kinds of decisions don't need to be forever, either way.  A person can
decide not to have any more dogs, then, a few years later, decide that
things have changed and they'd like to use a dog again.  Or a person can
decide to use a dog, then decide it's not really for them and give it back.
Either way, it's OK.  People are allowed to change their minds, or not.  So
often, it seems to me that people decide one or the other, then feel like
they have to stick with it forever, even if it's not working for them.
People can get married, divorce, and perhaps re-marry, so to speak. These
aren't decisions to be taken lightly, but they're not irrevocable, either.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via
nagdu
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 10:09 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Cindy Ray
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?

I love my dog and have mostly enjoyed the experience. I especially like
going to conventions with them. Not the NFB so much but things where there
aren't so many. Actually, I didn't mind conventions with the dogs until this
one. And I think some of his issues get magnified at convention because he
isn't getting out as much, so I am doing him a favor to not take him, though
he loves to fly, and he rather likes hotels. LOL. And as for my decision,
I've given it a great deal of thought and, Raven, I appreciate that you
respect and understand my decision. I can't say I never wobble on it,
especially as that day grows closer, but I really think that at this time it
will be what I need to do.
Cindy Lou Ray


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Raven Tolliver
via nagdu
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 9:04 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Raven Tolliver
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?

Cindy,
I didn't intend to knock your decision, I just added on to what Dan said. I
read your post on the other thread about Fisher being your last guide after
I posted.
I see your decision is about how a dog fits into your lifestyle and what you
are physically able to handle, and not about a pure evaluation of mobility
aids apart from their mobility-irrelevant aspects.
None of us would sacrifice having a dog if we didn't have to. But I think it
is a wise and responsible decision when you realize that it just isn't for
you anymore, regardless of your reasons.
Working with living beings is tough. This kind of work requires your heart
and soul , and there's much more time, money, and energy invested. I
understand completely why it is a deal-breaker for a lot of people, or why
some people decide they don't want to do it anymore.
These dogs, as wonderful as they are, are a lot of work. And if a person
feels like that work is taxing, bothersome, burdensome, or overwhelming,
then it is great that they realize that for themselves.
--
Raven
Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
www.1am-editing.com

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

On 6/18/15, Cindy Ray via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I have to say that my decision is not based on garbage from my school. 
> I know that they will have me back there if I choose to come, and we 
> haven't had this discussion. I have made this particular decision on 
> my
own.
> Cindy
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson 
> via nagdu
> Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 8:20 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Cc: S L Johnson
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?
>
> No, No, absolutely, never!!!  I hate using a cane and will never use one!!
> I love the additional freedom,  independence and confidence I have 
> with a guide dog.  The strange thing is that years ago, when I first 
> lost my sight, O&M instructors always asked why I wanted to bother 
> with a dog since I am such an excellent cane user.  I had to tell them 
> that I just love having a dog.  I do worry because due to my multiple 
> sclerosis I have found myself in a wheelchair a few times over the 
> years and none of the guide dog schools will train a dog to guide 
> someone using a manual wheelchair.  I was worried last year when I 
> retired Tara because my walking had gotten worse.
> Although
> many schools didn't accept me because I could not walk fast enough or 
> for long distances but, I never gave up.  Fortunately Pilot Dogs 
> considered that I'd been a guide dog user for 40 years and would 
> benefit from having another dog.  I don't get out as much as I'd like 
> but, Eva is wonderful when we do get to work.  I hate to hear people 
> say they might not get another dog because they don't get out as much.
> Don't listen to that garbage from some schools.  Keep trying until a 
> school will take you for what you can do, not deny you because of what 
> you can't.  There are always ways to work around hand, arm shoulder, 
> back and leg problems.  As I did, you can request a dog with a very 
> light pull.  Eva is actually a help with my balance.  I've never 
> fallen with her and if I use a cane, I do lose my balance quite often.
> I have lots of medical issues and will never consider life without a 
> guide dog.
>
> Sandra and Wonderful Eva
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cindy Ray via nagdu
> Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 7:54 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: Cindy Ray
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?
>
> Well, I honestly don't think this should dissolve into yet another 
> discussion of the flaws of a cane because people are passionate about 
> it, it honestly may not be on topic, and it doesn't leave anybody 
> feeling any better. BTW, if my hand gets any worse, I may have to 
> rethink the whole issue because I got a dog because of pain in my 
> hands, so we'll see.
> Cindy
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Weiner 
> via nagdu
> Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 6:46 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: Dan Weiner
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?
>
> Points  well taken Cindy, or is it Sindy.
> But I think I'd concur with Raven. Frankly a cane is just a stick, you 
> can get the same effect from waving a branch in front of you. Now some 
> of you won't be happy with that...too bad--lol
>
> Even if I don't have a dog some day I will always be willing to tout 
> it's benefits.
>
> Dan the opinionated
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Raven 
> Tolliver via nagdu
> Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 7:04 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Cc: Raven Tolliver
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Would I ever give up having a dog?
>
> As long as I can care for a dog, I'm having a dog. I have committed my 
> life to working with dogs, training them and caring for them, and I 
> wouldn't trade it for anything. There will be hard times, frustrating 
> times, and heartbreaking moments, but none of that could ever outshine 
> what my dog means to me and how dogs make me feel. Those moments only 
> strengthen me, our relationship, and relationships I will form with 
> dogs up the road. When you get through those tough times, it's all 
> worth it.
>
> The Golden Guy has changed my life. Not only was he a motivator for me 
> to be more independent, but he put me on the path to natural living, 
> and also to working with dogs. I love going to a job where I am 
> surrounded by dogs, in constant contact with them, and I get to 
> educate people about caring for them.
>
> Also, I don't think it's improper to say a guide dog is a better 
> mobility aid than a cane. It's like saying a car is a better mode of 
> transport than a bike. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, but 
> when you consider which tool has more capabilities and features, only 
> one comes out on top.
> It's my opinion; I'll take bullets for it.
> --
> Raven
> Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
> www.1am-editing.com
>
> 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
>
> On 6/18/15, Dan Weiner via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Well there is no definitive proof that my mind isn't mush already--lol.
>> Well look, sometimes over the twenty-one years I've had dogs I say 
>> "my god, what a pain"--lol.
>> This is when the puppy is sick and I have to worry about vet bills, 
>> or when I deal with idiots giving me access issues.
>> And the feeling of sadness or loss when I have to put down a beloved 
>> dog is just hard to take.
>> I do love dogs more than I can say and I get pretty darned attached.
>> Each tme I've had to retire a dog I say to myself "maybe you want to 
>> take a break for a while?" but then I get back in the saddle again 
>> pretty darned quickly, or is it the harness?
>>
>> Having said that though, when it's working great it just works great 
>> and I get such a thrill from walking with my dog and I do enjoy 
>> having my dog's company.  I think looking back on it that getting a 
>> four-legged mobility aid and buddy changed my life for the better no 
>> question about it. I knew when I was in my early twenties I had to do 
>> something about my mobility.  The cane wasn't doing it for me, though 
>> since people seem to get sensitive on this subject I'll add the 
>> proviso that I'm talking about myself and not trying to allege the 
>> cane isn't a good mobility tool--smile
>>
>> A guide dog accompanied by your own determination and motivation to 
>> make it succeed, can do wonders.
>> I think I have mentioned numerous times that I only hear out of the 
>> right ear and this can play havoc with your sense of orientation.
>> If you have the right dog, once you start to bond and work well the 
>> dog can really help you compensate for veering and take initiative 
>> and it's just a wonderful experience I think the only time I might 
>> say let's just not do this any more if I indeed really couldn't walk, 
>> I mean not just limited walking but no walking at all...or if I lived 
>> in some country where having a guide dog is a bad idea...I'm looking 
>> in to traveling so I do think about hose things.
>>
>> I've been abroad with my dog to several countries and sometimes it's 
>> touch and go in places without access legislation or where the 
>> culture is not a dog-friendly one..
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> .
>> Cheerful regards to all,
>> Dan W. and the big lug, I mean Parker
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darla J.
>> Rogers via nagdu
>> Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 9:34 AM
>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>> Cc: Darla J. Rogers
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Krokus is at the vet
>>
>> I agree, Debbie; it will be hard-so my mind better be mush--to give 
>> up the guide dog life style.
>>
>> Darla & Handsome Huck
>>
>>
>> Darla J. Rogers M.S.
>>
>> Djrogers0628 at gmail.com
>>
>> When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."
>> / Wayne W. Dyer
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nagdu mailing list
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nagdu:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/dcwein%40dcwein.cn
>> c
>> .net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nagdu mailing list
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nagdu:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/ravend729%40gmail.
>> c
>> om
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/dcwein%40dcwein.cnc
> .net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cindyray%40gmail.co
> m
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/sljohnson25%40comca
> st.net
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/ravend729%40gmail.c
> om
>

_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cindyray%40gmail.com


_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/carcione%40access.net

More information about the NAGDU mailing list