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

Mon Oct 23 17:02:48 UTC 2023

Hi Josh,

I see how you think that I am misinformed about what guide horses are legally permitted to do. My point is that it is not as natural for horses to lye under tables or airplanes as it has become for dog guides. 

Also, I'd love to find the dog who will just "go" in a specific place. This latter response is with tongue in cheek.  

The bottom line is that, whatever choice anyone makes it should be based on solid facts and information and assessment of ones personal life needs and preference. Then, once the decision is made, go forth and make the most of whatever paartnership you choose to create. I support partnerships with horses and dogs equally and will advocate on the behalf of any partnership. I especially want all partnerships to be made with appropriate training and respect in the use of whichever guide you choose. Oh yes, enjoy your time together, after all, that poor horse or dog is stuck with you with all of your quirks, faults and bad habits. (smile)

Joy with Vicky who isn't talking thankfully or would undoubtedly have a thing or two to say about some of my habits or faults.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Josh via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 9:37 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: joshknnd1982 at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] How do you stay mobile with a guide dog?

Actually I think that your information is a bit incorrect. According to Ann Edie and Mona Ramouni who both have guide horses, Small 24 to 30-inch tall minis can go into all the places you mentioned, and quite well. Malls, restaurants and planes are no problem. Well planes wouldn't be a problem if it was 5 years ago and we didn't currently have service animal issues in general regarding taking them onto planes. You wouldn't have to search for the horse's deposit of waste. It would be trained to go in a certain spot on cue just like a dog, in a certain area. It would also be house-broken and thoroughly desensitized similar to how police and cavalry horses are desensitized. Around here, vet costs would be around $300 or so per year, farrier would be $50 or so every two months, and feed would be $25 or so per month. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Joy Relton via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 11:49
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Joy Relton <joy.relton at icloud.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] How do you stay mobile with a guide dog?

Each of us have to make a decision based on our life style. My problem with a guide horse is that they are not naturally the kind of animal to go into shopping malls, restaurants, or planes. I love to walk, especially in areas that are quiet and have less traffic. I love the feeling of the wind through my hair and being able to move gracefully and freely through the area. I love my ability to orient with a dog. To be honest, though, I love dogs. They are my favorite people. Their love is unconditional. They are not motivated to do anything except either what you ask, or occasionally what their instincts say would be fun. I grew up with horses and I love to ride, groom and pet them. I love sitting in my house with my dog curled up on my lap on the floor and playing with her. Whereas horses play it would be mostly less close. Besides, if you have a dog, they have to go to the bath room. You would find that taking them out affords you the opportunity to keep things cleaned up and monitor the dog's health. I wouldn't like searching for the guide horse's deposit very much even though I have done a little shoveling over the years. Also, check out how much it will cost to feed your guide horse and the veterinarian bills and availability. My dad loved, raised and broke horses but he called them "hay burners" for a reason.

Again, it's your decision. It has to be based on your personal choices and life style. I would urge you to try to get in contact with people in your area who have dog guides and see how their life works with their guide. Again, I would research the costs and responsibilities of owning a horse and a dog. I would research to find out what issues that you may or will have to deal with in taking them into public places. I could see a horse being an advantage for a certain life style and for living in more remote places like Yellow Knife in Canida.  

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Josh via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 7:59 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: joshknnd1982 at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] How do you stay mobile with a guide dog?

After thinking about things a bit more, I'm also afraid if I get a dog, since it would live in the house with me, it may not motivate me as much to get outside and spend as much time outside with it, working a guide dog. Now compared to me getting or probably training my own guide horse, the guide horse would live outside, making me have to go outside more and spend much more time outdoors to begin with. And since I'm in PA, that would include shoveling or snow-blowing more snow in the winter so I would have a path to its shed at the top of my back yard. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Susan Jones via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 09:23
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: sblanjones11 at sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] How do you stay mobile with a guide dog?

Having a guide dog definitely motivates me to get out and walk when I otherwise might not.  
I also attend to my own exercise needs, apart from working my dog.  

Susan & Topher

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Parham Doustdar via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 7:46 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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