[NAGDU] Convention Relief Issues, was Re: Just a thought

Tue Apr 26 15:28:25 UTC 2016

Actually, if we are going to take our dogs to convention, and if we are
going to allow them to damage the property, thus having the NFB charged for
it, then we should each expect to pay some kind of amount to help offset the
cost of the damage. The children coming to convention have to pay for NFB
Camp; there is a lot of cost to put in the relief areas, plus repair damages
caused. I think at the very least we should be asked for a free will
donation to offset the cost. The relief areas are variously located, and
some will work better than others. My dog did better downstairs outside
wherever the relief area was in Detroit. I just stayed longer there to
encourage his going to the bathroom. I had a dog on a cruise once who did
not want to go on the bare deck as was indicated. That wasn't his training.
For a day and a half he wouldn't; he finally did. I believe with some effort
we can get our dogs to do what we need them to do. It has to be kindly, firm
encouragement, but I think it can happen. Saying it can't is like saying
your kid insists on swinging from the towel wrack so therefore, since you
can't get her to stop, you just have to let her go ahead and do it. Now, of
course, this is only my opinion and not endorsed by anybody.
Cindy

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via
NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 10:10 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>
Subject: [NAGDU] Convention Relief Issues, was Re: Just a thought

Hello:

My issue is that none of my dogs have ever wanted to use the relief areas at
conventions.  They treated the wooden box as an obstacle they should avoid. 
When I tried to to insist they get into the box, it created a lot of stress.

I found it much easier to find a quiet area of grass and all was fine.  NFB
should just add any cost of lawn care into their budget for the convention. 
After all, our poor dogs don't understand why we will not let them use the
grass like they do at home.  I have heard there are products that you can
add to your dogs water or food that will cut down on the acidity of the
urine and damage to the lawn.  I realize as a guide dog handler we are
responsible but, when planning something as large as the NFB convention with
hundreds of dogs, you should expect some extra costs.  Conventions can be
stressful enough on our dogs without having to deal with relieving issues
too.

Sandra and Eva

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Weiner via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 11:26 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Dan Weiner
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Just a thought

Couldn't care whether you find it tiring or not, buddy, that's the reality
I've dealt with.
I realize you have contract obligations and I totaloly appreciate your point
of view but I'm afraid it's either that with one of my past dogs or never
going ot the bathroom, then you will tell me how tiring it is that my dog
relievs himself on a floor of the hotel or concrete.
And yes, I'llclean up after my dog--smile.

Dogs are living cretures, not robots.

Having said that, I realize it's a different perspective when you or the NFB
leadership have to negotiate and deal with complaints and all that and I
thank you for explaining it. But I'm afraid it'll just have to be for those
of us who are having problems at any given convention. Important thing is
for the dog to relieve and in an appropriate area and when we need them to.

Yours warmly,
Dan

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of NAGDU President
via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 10:21 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: NAGDU President
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Just a thought

Dan,

When we get 350 - 400 dogs in one place, it becomes problematic when
everyone chooses to find a grassy place to relieve their dog, since the
grassy area one person chooses is usually the same grassy area others
choose. Urine is very acidic and kills the grass. When that happens, the NFB
is required by contract to pay damages incurred by their conventioneers.
Coupling that with a large number of people using that same grassy area and
not picking up or failing to pick up all the waste creates a very smelly
problem. With all due respect, we are in charge of our dogs, not the other
way around. If our dogs do not like the relief areas, find a way to get them
use to it. We hear the same excuses for not using the relief areas every
year and, frankly, they are tiring. Perhaps if our guide dog users were
required to pay a surcharge for bringing a dog, they would feel the
challenges we feel having to pay for those who act irresponsibly. Of course,
we would never charge such a surcharge, as that would be both illegal and
unethical. But so is damaging another's property by irresponsible behavior.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Weiner via
NAGDU
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 6:50 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Dan Weiner
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Just a thought

Only thing I'll say iis that many dogs don't like the relief areas, I
appreciate that the effort is made to havea designated area, but sometimes
I'd just take a walk outside and choose a grassy area, the important thing
was that my dog relieved himself.
Everyone needs to handle things differently depending on themselves and
their dogs.

Dan the man

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via
NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2016 10:58 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Cindy Ray
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Just a thought

At the national convention there are lots more people and dogs than there
are at, say, a state convention. Sometimes the htoels are bigger, but often
it is harder to get about through the crowds with a cane or a dog. You are
there much longer than at a small convention, like say a state convention on
the weekend. A state convention is a good place to start. But you yourself
have to do things to keep the stress down. None of my dogs has had a problem
much with conventions except crazy Wayne, and in Detroit he did not want to
go in the small relief area on tenth floor, so he chose the carpet. I was
traumatized, but it was what it was. You do have to help to keep down the
stress.
Cindy

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of d m gina via
NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2016 7:36 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: d m gina <dmgina at samobile.net>
Subject: [NAGDU] Just a thought

Pilot shared with the class taking a dog to a national convention could ruin
a dog.
OK I excepted that, where a thought came to mind.
They have a weekend where if you can go to the small convention please come.
My question is this,
A hotel is a hotel. No matter what convention it is.
Why couldn't the same dog stress out as would happen at a national
convention?
Just thinking out loud.

I am seeing my girl grow up.
First we don't like our tail stepped on.
I have tried to get her to put her but under the table.
No way she says, not wishing to do this.
After so many steps on her tail, she was more than glad to turn around.
Interesting for me, or as I call it entertaining.

--
--Dar
skype: dmgina23
  FB: dmgina
www.twitter.com/dmgina
every saint has a past
every sinner has a future

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