[nobe-l] Religion and Guide Dogs

[sarah at sarahblakelarose.com]

Hi Tara.
I suggest contacting the student's parents to discuss this. I am in a doctoral program and will be attending another student's dissertation defense where several of the guests will be Muslim. I asked if it will be a problem for me to have my dog guide present and have been assured that they understand working dogs but are not allowed to have pets. The parents may need to educate their child about your dog and help him to understand the difference within their religious practice.


Rev. Sarah Blake LaRose
http://www.sarahblakelarose.com
Accessible instruction in Biblical languages

-----Original Message-----
From: NOBE-L <nobe-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tara Abella via NOBE-L
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 8:46 PM
To: National Organization of Blind Educators Mailing List <nobe-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: taranabella0 at gmail.com
Subject: [nobe-l] Religion and Guide Dogs

Hello all,

Right before the beginning of the school year I broke my ankle and as a result I was unable to work my guide dog, Aladdin until this week. I have a student whose family practices Islam, and my student has mentioned that although he likes Aladdin, he is not supposed to have contact with him due to religious beliefs. Most of the time, this shouldn’t be an issue because I keep him tied down behind my desk or in the carpeted area. My concern is that while walking with him or during other times where he is not on tiedown, he may brush against my student or he has been known to give a little sniff or lick in passing. If anyone has had this experience and would be willing to share how you balance your right to travel with your dog and your student’s religious believes, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Tara Abella



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