[nagdu] guide dogs

[Tamara Smith-Kinney]

Jennifer,

My family is far enough away that I can just roll my eyes at their attitude
toward "that dog."

My friends, on the other hand, are always really great about making an
effort to discuss how to include Mitzi in mutual plans.  This makes me so
happy and even more crazy about my friends than I usually am.  /smile/  They
were even that way when Mitzi was a pup learning to behave herself before
the start of actual guide dog training.  Of course, most of my friends were
recruited by her at the dog park, so they were all pretty dog-oriented to
begin with.  Even my non-doggy friend went out of her way to include Mitzi
in our joint travel plans and to include her in invites to her apartment.
Well, until they got a cat for the daughter and the cat instantly declared
Mitzi "Enemy Number One."  /smile/

My roommate now announces travel plans by saying, "Okay, get your dog
dressed and let's go."  /smile/  Then again, we're saving up to by a motor
home or travel travel trailer for his dog so she can travel with us.  When
we plan new activities (in the hopes our budget will support them), he
always considers Mitzi's comfort.  We want to get to a symphony one of these
days, and we always discuss whether Mitzi would be safe and comfortable in
the seating arrangements and how the noise would affect her.  I love it.

You will probably be surprised to learn how the people in your life adjust
to your dog's presence as your partner.  Your family may still come around,
too.  /smile/

As for those others who take exception to "that dog" and always try to
convince you to leave "that dog" at home, you find yourself deciding you
don't really need to hang around with them anymore.  Life is too short!

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Jennifer L Finley
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 12:12 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] guide dogs

Oh, well I have all ready told them that my dog goes where ever I go.  My 
family has all ready started saying, when can the dog stay at home?  I told 
them that they better get use to this because I am not leaving the house 
without the dog.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "d m gina" <dmgina at samobile.net>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 7:17 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] guide dogs


> Reading your messages, you will have to get a tough skin with your new 
> dog.
> Your family is out to ruin your dog and they will if you give them the 
> first chance.
> It seems to me they have no respect for your feelings, this is normal for 
> many families.
> We are here for you when this happens.
> Now if I understand correctly you are on your own, so I would just say if 
> they don't respect you, then you don't need to do anything with the 
> family.
> yes they will decide for you when you can and can't take the dog with you 
> for  Arron's so just keep this in mind as well.
> I am not out to be harsh here, where you need to take a huge stand.
> You need to know you have to correct your dog in front of the family when 
> needed.
> Eye contact is one of the first things a dog looks for.
> Because the trainer starts off with eye contact.
> Then they start working the dog with out eye contact since we blind folks 
> are not able to do this for the dog.
> Just giving you thoughts to think about.
> yes it is good to read what all we can and can't do, but just know if you 
> are not strong to stand up to your family then let me be the first one to 
> say forget getting a dog.
>
> -- 
> --Dar
> skype
> dmgina23
> every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network.  Visit 
> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> nagdu:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jenniferfinley%40emba
rqmail.com 


_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/tamara.8024%40comcast
.net