[NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Sandra.
I've had 7 dogs now, and most of them have enjoyed going new places.  Get
out of that old rut, oh yeah!  So long as they don't sense that I feel
anxious or lost, they're very happy to see new places.  Like others have
said, just let the trainers know you enjoy travel and need a dog who will
enjoy it, too.  

One of the things about having a dog is you have to get used to people
talking about dogs wherever you go.  Sometimes they talk to each other, and
sometimes to me.  Sometimes they tell me things my dog has already told me,
like we're at some steps.  Other times, they expect the dog to do
everything, including reading traffic signals.  And they almost always think
the dog is bigger than he actually is, and that he won't fit somewhere, when
really he can fit a lot of places.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sandra Gayer via
NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2019 4:44 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Sandra Gayer
Subject: [NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to the list and I use a long cane. I apologise in advance if
my questionshave been asked before or seem dim to all of you seasoned
guide dog owners.

I know guide dogs are taught to guide you around obstacles and find a
clear rout but, what if there is no clear rout?

I use walls, rails and other edges to know where I am. However, I know
that guide dogs are taught to walk in the centre of a path. Does
anyone find this disorientating? I get a, sort of, no man's land
feeling when I'm in open spaces. Is this something you learn to get
used to?

I'm a Singer, an Actor and a Broadcast Presenter. I travel to new
places quite a lot. I have read that guide dogs thrive on routine.
Does that mean that the guide dog wouldn't perform well in new
environments?

I'm wondering if anyone has come across a person using a guide dog but
using a cane on the right side? I just don't see how else I could get
information about the ground; slight rises, dips, there is shared
curbing in the UK, where I live, and although this means there is no
curbe, there is a slight difference in texture to the ground. Also,
things like changes in relief are communicated easily through the
cane.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Very best wishes,
Sandra.

-- 
Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.

Soprano Singer
www.sandragayer.com

Broadcast Presenter
www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html

Actor
www.visablepeople.com

Voiceover Artist
www.archangelvoices.co.uk/content/sandra-gayer

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