[NAGDU] How do you stay mobile with a guide dog?

[Joy Relton]

Hi Parham,

You make me smile with your sense of humor. I live in Portland Oregon. We do have sun but there are a lot of days which are overcast or cloudy. Oh yes, we do get a little rain (smile) I try to make my walks with my dogs fun for both of us. So, I put on my rain coat, my dog's rain coat as appropriate and my rain/snow boots as appropriate. Oh yes, I put on a smile and go forth. If you ask my neighbors who occasionally walk behind us, I will sing little march songs to keep the focus on the job. My dog's tail goes up and she prances along. Try it. Songs from Jungle Book, nursery rhymes, or old pub songs work well. OF course, I have a few neighbors who are sure that I am certifiable. If you are not a singer, try a little conversation. For example, when there is a piece of equipment across the street that my dog is concerned about I'll say "isn't that a funny noise?" It's all about letting your dog know that you are a team and they have an important job to do which you are here to support them with and that you appreciate. Let's face it, we all like a little "at a good girl" now and then.

Have a great day!  

You get out of life what you put into it. Do it with a smile and with a dog guide!

Joy with Vicky who is sleeping at the moment but ready at a moment's notice to go out again and explore our new neighborhood.


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Parham Doustdar via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 4:46 AM
To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Parham Doustdar <parham90 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] How do you stay mobile with a guide dog?

Hi all,
As a prospective guide dog user, I’m curious how you all stay mobile with a guide dog. Do you go on hikes together? Do you go on city walks? Do you find that your daily walks have helped you go out more?
I’m curious about this because I live in the Netherlands where it’s dark and cold in the morning for like 8 months of the year, haha. I think that the accountability of caring for a guide dog will also make it a no brainer to get some sunlight (when it exists) every day. I wonder if this has actually been your experience, and what you all found on the other side of having a guide dog and going out more.
Thanks a lot,
Parham
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