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

[Buddy Brannan]

I agree Julie, that the syrupy obey gooey delivery of a lot of guide dog literature makes me cringe. I also agree that he brings up valid points that should be considered. However, I really don't like the post at all. It goes way too far the other direction, in that his delivery seems to be purposefully confrontational rather than constructive. 

--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: 814-860-3194 
Mobile: 814-431-0962
Email: buddy at brannan.name




> On Mar 20, 2015, at 10:33 AM, Julie J. via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think the post was accurate.  His communication style is a bit on the sarcastic and snarky side, but he's brutally honest with how he feels.  He's also clear that this is his experience and is using the post as a way to process his own feelings and possibly in the process give others some points to ponder.
> 
> I really liked it.  I get a lot tired of the super gooey, mushy sentimental drivel that so commonly surrounds talk of guide dogs.  I'm with Vivianna, guide dogs don't give you independence.  sure they help you express your independence, but freedom and independence are intrinsic qualities.  They are personal decisions or ways of viewing yourself in the world.  They are not things that can be bestowed on another. You have to claim them for yourself.
> 
> I think we all agree that guide dogs are not for everyone.  I think Joe was just a bit more straightforward with the why part than a lot of us are comfortable talking about.
> 
> Julie
> Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog is now available! Get the book here:
> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXZSMOC
> Visit my new website on developing courage and living authentically:
> http://www.falling-up.com
> -----Original Message----- From: Aleeha Dudley via nagdu
> Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 8:51 AM
> To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
> Subject: [nagdu] Fwd: 5 Reasons Why Guide Dogs Are a Terrible Idea!
> 
> 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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