[NAGDU] guide dog question

Wed Apr 10 15:35:55 UTC 2019

I wasn't going to weigh in but what Sherry says really resonates with me. Once I left Luna home because a friend's husband didn't like dogs and didn't want one in his car. He's not a public accommodation so it was his choice and my choice to leave her at home while we did the part of our hanging out that required a car. Before I went into class, I already had tickets to see Carmen at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago where I lived at the time. I ended up giving my tickets away because while she would have been fine with the show, it was just a few days after she was home and I did not have a relieving area that worked well yet. I wasn't going to put her in a situation where she had to relieve and there were no options and she was so very new. I love the theater and take her to shows often as long as they're not rock concerts. I've opted not to take her to a couple that I would take her to if I did it over again now that I know it would have been fine. These are judgment calls and the safety and well-being of your dog is very important. They have no choice but to rely on us to make the best choices we can for them.

 Melissa R. Allman
Senior Specialist, Advocacy and Government Relations
The Seeing Eye, Inc.
P.O. Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963-0375 (mail)
10 Washington Valley Road, Morristown, NJ 07960-3412 (deliveries)
973-539-4425 ext. 1724,     Fax:  973-525-1081 mallman at SeeingEye.org  

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sherry Gomes via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 11:01 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Sherry Gomes
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] guide dog question

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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