[NAGDU] Update On My New Guide Dog

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Rachel.
That's what I remember about my first dog, too.  Walking became fun, instead
of just a means to get somewhere.  I started taking walks just for the
pleasure of getting out and working my dog, and, 36 years later, I still do.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rachel Grider via
NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2016 2:49 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Rachel Grider
Subject: [NAGDU] Update On My New Guide Dog

Hello, Fellow Guide Dog Users:

I have not written in a while because I have been very busy. I brought my
first guide dog Demi home from The Seeing Eye on June 23. She is amazing!

Adjusting to her has definitely been stressful in some respects, but most of
the difficulties have not really been with her but with how other people
interact with her. I get so frustrated when people pet and talk to her while
in harness!...But, so far, most have been respectful of the harness rule
once I have explained it to them. I also get annoyed with people who say
things like (She's OK) when I correct her for sniffing them...

Demi herself has been amazing. She needs minimal correction, and she works
very hard while in harness. So far, she has been with me in rehearsals and
performance, she has been in my studio with students, and I took her camping
with me where we hiked quite a bit. I also stayed in a hotel with her for
one night, and she did great guiding me around the swimming pool.

I consider myself a good cane user, and I used to think I didn't want a dog
because I was perfectly comfortable and mobile with a cane. I realize now,
however, that I am actually more confident with Demi, especially while
crossing streets. I didn't think it was possible, but it is true. Walking
with her is like flying, and, though we still have some bugs to work out and
I am still learning to trust her in some things (particularly stairs), I
feel so much more independent now, and I actually get very excited about
walking places, where before it was more of a chore.

Cheers!

Rachel

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