[nagdu] Fwd: 5 Reasons Why Guide Dogs Are a Terrible Idea!

[Danielle Burton]

I have to agree with Rox on this one I think. I did not like his tone so much but his points are true. I went into getting a guide knowing the disadvantages. However, traveling with a cane was very stressful for me because of mild to moderate hearing loss. Although I can cross streets safely I still lived in constant fear of quiet cars not just electric but those really quiet ones you can't hear unless they're right there. Obviously, when I know I cannot cross safely I ask for assistance from a member of the public but while I'm waiting on that assistance I can be assured that my dog is looking out for me while we wait at the curb and will get me out of the way if a car does by some crazy reason come off the street. I also have a britle bone disease so falling down could result in multiple injuries for me. My dog is not trained for counterbalance, however she has done it on her own the few times I did trip over my own feet on some steps.   For me her saving me a trip with doctor is a benefit as well as metigating multiple disabilities. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 20, 2015, at 9:51 AM, Aleeha Dudley via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Just curious what you all think. This article greatly upset me, especially given the subject line. But I wanted to see what you guys thought, as the responses on the list that I saw this on our very mixed.  
> 
> If you're blind, you obviously read Braille. Your hearing must naturally be
>> superior to your sighted peers, and of course you have a guide dog! Right?
>> 
>> Well, that last may not be as pervasive as the first and second. Someone
>> recently told me the number of guide dog users has actually declined in my
>> millennial generation. I have no evidence proving this one way or the other,
>> but for the general public, to see a blind person with a guide dog feels as
>> natural as butter and toast.
>> 
>> Thing is, I'm not so sure guide dogs are right for everyone. Or, maybe I'm
>> just projecting my own uncertainties onto the rest of the community?
>> 
>> Last November I took the first step in the application process to return for
>> a second Seeing Eye dog. It's been more than three years since I lost Gator,
>> and even though I've gotten around just fine with a white cane, I am
>> approaching what feels like the final years with sight, however minimal that
>> sight might be. I admit it's unnerving if I sit still long enough to
>> contemplate total blindness. NFB philosophy be damned, and the thought of an
>> extra set of eyes to help me navigate the world does bring a measure of
>> comfort. But, is it enough to go get another dog?
>> 
>> In no particular order, here are reasons why a guide dog would be a terrible
>> idea:
>> 
>> Read more:
>> 
>> http://serotalk.com/2015/03/18/5-reasons-why-guide-dogs-are-a-terrible-idea/
>> 
>> --
>> Musings of a Work in Progress:
>> www.JoeOrozco.com/
>> 
>> Twitter: @ScribblingJoe
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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