[Nfbf-l] NFBF 2010 State Convention
Sherrill O'Brien
sherrill.obrien at verizon.net
Wed Jun 2 14:53:39 UTC 2010
Hello all,
I, unlike Sherri, didn't need my cane during convention, but I always bring
it as a back-up, just in case. I also like having it in case there's a
tricky entrance or room which is hard to find. I can learn some landmark
with the cane, show it more easily to the dog, and then give lots of praise.
In this way, I reduce my frustration level, and can give clearer
instructions to the dog. I will definitely be doing this in Dallas at the
big Anatole Hilton, where there are steps in the middle of nowhere
Sherrill
!
-----Original Message-----
From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org]On
Behalf Of Jody W. Ianuzzi
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 10:37 AM
To: 'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] NFBF 2010 State Convention
Hello Holly,
Yes, but ALL guide dog users still use a cane too. There are occasions when
we leave our dogs at home for one reason or another and we use our canes.
I have a good friend whose guide dog died suddenly in January and he is
waiting for his successor dog. He has been taking his daily three mile walk
using his cane.
When I go to the beach I leave my dog at home and I use a cane there. I
don't want her to get over heated laying in the sand and I don't want her
picking up fleas. People don't take their dogs to loud concerts or other
places that would be a negative experience for a dog. I also leave my dog
home when going out with friends who are allergic or who don't want my dog
in their home because of allergies etc. When I worked in an office I had my
dog stay under my desk when I had a short trip to the coffee maker or the
ladies room and I used my cane then.
I carry a California Cane Slimline cane with me for this purpose. They even
make a cane holder that fits on a dog's harness.
Using a guide dog does not mean you NEVER use a cane. Cane skills are still
kept up. I also think all dog handlers realize their dogs might get sick or
hurt and they might not be able to work for a while so they realize they
have to keep their skills up.
I had an awesome O&M instructor and I did learn under blindfolds. I do have
hand motion vision but I will close my eyes while working my dog now and
then to double check her skills.
I suppose you can compare mobility to owning a car. some people take
excellent care of their cars and other people just let them fall apart.
As an O&M student I would certainly hope that you would be exposed to more
then a few chapters and a few handouts on guide dog travel. I know my O&M
instructor spent a week at a guide dog school observing and actually walking
with a guide dog under blindfolds. He had a real appreciation of the
information conveyed.
I know I was surprised at how much I am able to pick up through my dog's
harness. I know which foot she is stepping out on by the swing of the
harness and I can even feel her breathing. The amount of information is
amazing. I like the fact that I can cross a busy parking lot and tell my
dog to 'find inside' and she goes right to the door. I do miss the defined
input I got from a cane on stairs but all in all I do like the guide dog
experience better then a cane.
I remember my first solo walk was at a mall where I had never been before.
We were dropped off at a Borders entrance and told to have fun for two
hours. I went in the store and rather then having to negotiate all the
displays my dog just wove in and out until I heard the main mall sounds. I
walked the length of the mall listening and smelling for clues until we
found the food court where we had a snack. We walked from one store to the
next to see what was there. My dog is such a girl and as we passed each
store opening she would slow down and turn her head to see what shopping
experience might be there. When it was time to leave, I just told her to
'find outside' and we walked right back to the door I had come in at
Borders. I am a fast walker and so is my dog. She is like driving a race
car.
I don't go to the mall often but when I do my dog remembers I like the
Hallmark store. Rather then having to find the entrance she will pause in
front of the store. If I tell her to go in, she weaves right back to the
scented candles. That's my girl!
JODY
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