[nabs-l] dog v. cane

[David Andrews]

Not to be argumentative, but I can travel as rapidly as most any dog 
user.  Whether a dog, or a cane, there is a continuum of abilities.

To me it is mostly a personal preference to use a cane.  One thing, 
about using a dog, which hasn't been said, I think, is that there are 
people out there who are against a dog, and will try and deny you 
entrance to a restaurant, taxi, or other public accommodation.  While 
you have the law on your side, you also need to be prepared to take 
on this prejudice -- in addition to all the stuff we get as blind 
people going through life.

Dave

At 10:57 AM 11/23/2010, you wrote:
>Hi.
>
>I agree with everything that was said.  I too, find that I travel much
>faster with a dog.  It is, however, a huge responsibility.  I got my
>dog in high school, and I discovered that it was a big responsibility
>then.  I was ready for it though.
>
>The best thing that I find about having a dog is the bond you have
>with that dog.  My dog and I are best friends.  We are bonded for
>life.  That is what I love most.  She helps me out, and I take care of
>her.  I love it.
>
>I want to add also that even though you can have your dog find rooms
>for you, you need to know where you are going.  You need to know if
>your dog has taken you to the right room.  A lot of the mobility
>skills that you needed with a cane cannot be forgotten.  I still use a
>lot of the things I learned in mobility training everyday.  Sometimes
>if your dog has an attitude, she will try and take you where she
>thinks you want to go instead of the real place.  Lol!  This doesn't
>happen oftin, and it's easy to correct, but it is something you have
>to pay attention to.
>
>Good luck George!  If you want to talk about having a guide dog in
>high school(I believe you are in high school), you can email me off
>list.

         David Andrews and long white cane Harry, dandrews at visi.com
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