[NAGDU] researching about getting a guide dog

[Madison Martin]

Guide dog email lists are a great way to learn about what it's like to get a
guide dog.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via
NAGDU
Sent: December-27-19 10:01 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: cindyray at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] researching about getting a guide dog

Well, I got a dog because it was beginning to hurt my right hand to use a
cane. At first I wasn't comfortable with the dog, for people decided the dog
made me more independent. These people had no idea what I had been doing. I
got rather sick of people wanting to pet, wanting to talk to the dog, alking
about the dog being my eyes, and acting as if the dog's ability to see made
it my superior. Gradually, I came to enjoy using my dogs until the last one.
I had some problems with it wanting to hassle other dogs. Then I got refused
a ride in an Uber. The driver was too cowardly to face me; he just saw the
dog and drove off. I decided that I would just as soon kiss the whole hassle
goodbye and going back to using a cane.
I went back to using a cane. Then people started rushing to tell me I was
going to run into something when my cane would touch it and on and on. I
came to realize through all this that using the dog and using the cane each
had its own set of issues. Then I cane to realize I was missing using a dog.
The main two reasons are that I just love dogs and I walk straighter with a
dog. I had thought I wouldn't get another dog because I'm getting old and
was having trouble walking; now I am still getting old and having less
trouble walking, so I am considering getting another. I haven't applied just
yet because my last dog, when I retired it, I decided to keep. I had given
the others away. I have now decided that I will most likely apply for
another dog, but I will wait until this dog has died. He is 13.5 years old
and still going strong, though there are subtle changes in him that are
likely increasing.
If I were going to apply to a school, I would learn much about what the dog
training school has to offer you with regard to dogs first. Then I would
talk to the ones I favored most concerning whether they have a mobility
program. Also, while I was researching, I might find another way to get some
O&M Skills.
I hope this makes sense.
Cindy Lou Ray
cindyray at gmail.com


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew edgcumbe via
NAGDU
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2019 9:52 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] researching about getting a guide dog

Hi  I am just researching about the idea of getting a guide dog. I know it
may or  may not be for everybody in a sence because of work involved. I like
to hear about people's experiences and ask questions. I  know it is not for
everybody but how do you really know for sure weather it is for you or not
for you you might think as a non guide dog user that it may be an option but
in a sence  may not fully realize what is involved.  I have been suggested
by it i has been suggested by other people i should consider it and stuff
like that in the past and think it would be good idea for me.  but in last
week or so I decided to start looking into it all on my own. I know you do
need good o and m skills. i can walk at least 2 or 3 roots myself.
What is your experience been like with a guide dog would you reckommend
thatdog to those who feel like it would be an option to them?  Would you
feel a guide dog has made you even more independent
over time did you find you were less independent without one?   like
could you compair if it made a difference or not in your life as a blind
person.  and if you have a guide dog why did you even consider getting one?

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