[NAGDU] guide dog question

[Sherry Gomes]

Most schools that I know of will have a little leave your dog alone practice, but still, it's different when you are home. I always try to think, what will be best for me, and what will be best for my dog. Years ago, when I used to perform in large productions at Christmas, I'd take my dogs to part of the show, but the second half there wasn't room for her in the set, so I left her in the director's office. Now, my dog goes most everywhere with me, except when I have dental appointments and certain medical appointments. This is my personal choice. In 2002, I saw Paul McCartney and my friend and I, also a guide dog handler, had puppy raiser friends we knew dog sit while we went to the show. I was glad because it was far too loud and crowded to have been safe for my dog or for the people around us. On the other hand, I have season tickets to the musical theater complex in the state where I live, and I take my dog with me to all the shows. She loves it, knows her way around, and they all know her. I left her with a friend for Hamilton, because I was worried about cannons and gunfire, but she could have gone, and next year when I see it again, she'll go. It's usually based on circumstances for me. When I was younger, I left my dog home a little more, on purpose, to keep them comfortable with it. Now I almost never leave my dog home alone.

Sherry



-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dan Weiner via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 6:57 AM
To: Madison Martin via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Dan Weiner <dcwein at dcwein.cnc.net>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] guide dog question

Interesting discussion. I'll just repeat what others say that it's your judgment call... I, for example sometimes take my dog to places that other handlers don't, and I know handlers who take their dogs to places I don't--smile.

I would agree with others that the first few weeks or months you should really work on the bonding, but also, it's good for you to have a dog that you can leave for a bit. I know we humans love it when our dogs are overjoyed to see us as  it makes us feel special i know it does do that for me--smile. but, honestly you're better off having a dog who will take your leaving   for a while  in his stride and not show anxiety. Parker would prefer me to be here, but when I leave him he takes it in his stride and just sleeps and I'm happy about that...the only way to do that I think is gradually get them used to being left alone...i tend to leave me dog more than I did at the beginning of my dog guide using life...

Now,  I've met some handlers who bring their dogs to dog shows and horse shows, I don't know  if I would or not, I have no idea...here again, depends on you. I see no problem with  leaving your dog if necessary and I am glad you asked.

  as it's a good question for discussions nd we all have different approaches.


Dan W.

dcwein at dcwein.cnc.net
skype: danw9703

On 4/9/2019 9:10 PM, Madison Martin via NAGDU wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I know that guide dogs are legally allowed  to accompany their handlers
> everywhere, but I was just wondering do you have to take your guide dog with
> you everywhere, or is it okay to leave them at home sometimes (as long as
> you aren't gone for too long)? The reason that I ask is because here in
> Brandon we have several horse shows as well as two dog shows, which I
> absolutely love attending, but since I'm interacting with other animals, I'm
> not sure how a guide dog would feel, and honestly I'm not sure that I want
> to bring my guide dog with me since I'm going to be around and interacting
> with  other animals. I also do horse-back riding lessons once a week. What
> do you guys think, if I do get a guide dog, should I bring them with me to
> these places, or should I leave my guide at home and use my cane instead?
> Please be 100% honest. Look forward to hearing back from you guys! Thanks
>
> Madison
>
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