[nagdu] Different types of dogs

[Tami Kinney]

Mardi,

Just remember to collect and save some genetic material from Nala.
Cloning technology is improving, and costs are coming down as R&D
expenses are paid off. Unlike the adaptive tech market in a lot of areas
still.  But that's another matter.  I'm glad someone else will admit to
seriously wanting to do that.  /lol/  Blurting that out in conversation
can generate awkward silence broken by strangled stutterings.  I havent'
checked for awhile, but cloning is probably still beyond the means of
the likes of you and I... By the time I need to start looking for
Mitzi's successor, though, who knows? If it is possible for me to take
that route, who knows what I will decide, really?  She's only 5, and
genetic health problems could still show up (I'm in denial about that),
etc.  Physically, she is healthy and sound, except for some early issues
from bugs, not genes.  Her temperament is fantastic, and I love her
poodly brains and even obstinance at work, home and play.  Also, as I
keep telling her, she will be helping me raise herself, so that's
vengeance for me for her puppyhood.  /lol/  She grins and wags her tail
as if I am being silly.  Whether she knows what I am saying or not (I
really do wonder sometimes even when she can't possibly), I get the
impression she generally assumes that if I am talking, I am just being
silly for her amusement.  I then begin to wonder if I am a masochist
when it comes to guide dogs.  /lol/

The greater choice in breed and individual is a big plus to
owner-training.  Except for the part where you're looking for the right
pup from the breed you've selected, which is really nerve-wracking and
can take a lot of time.  Unless you're lucky, which seems to have
happened to me with Mitzi.  Maybe that's another reason I just want to
clone her when the time comes.  I don't have to turn myself into a wreck
wondering if I will find that elusive new prospect in a puppy...  Scary
stuff, that! /smile/

Glad Shaman is doing well and progressing.  He must be pretty adult,
too, by now and building up experience. That's when it starts to be real
fun. /grin/

On Wed, 2011-06-22 at 17:29 -0700, Mardi Hadfield wrote:
> Hi all,  If you need a guide dog and go to a school to get it, you probably
> don't have a lot of choice in what breed of dog you want. You may be able to
> state a preference,but that is no guarantee that you will actually get what
> you asked for. I think that for a first time  dog user, it is wise to let
> the school match you with the dog that they feel is best for you.Maybe on
> your second time you can get the kind of dog you want as you will have the
> experience of already working with a dog. Of course this is just my
> opinion,but to me it makes sense. On the other hand, if you are an owner
> trainer and have a certain preference, go for it!My chosen breed is the
> Siberian Husky. This is not the breed for every one! There are many cons and
> some pros. For me, I needed a dog that could keep up with my power
> wheelchair and my very active life style.A breed that did not tire easily
> and could go all day. The husky fit the bill for me.Since I already had a
> husky service dog,I just trained her as a guide dog. She was a wonderful
> guide but had to be retired early as she got Vally Fever. This is a disease
> limited to the southwest. She died unexpectedly a month after her
> retirement.I was lucky to have found another Husky to train as my next
> guide. This dog has been an exceptional guide dog. She has gone above and
> beyond as a guide dog.I don't expect to find another like her.I wish I could
> have her cloned,but my finances being what they are,well it's just not
> possible. When I was looking for another dog to take over for Nala so she
> could retire, I just could not find a husky that could do the job. After
> trying several that "washed out",I expanded my search to other breeds. I
> found a Belgian Shepherd that had been rescued from a shelter. He was the
> one that worked out. He has become a wonderful guide. We had a few setbacks
> in the beginning but he has worked out very well.To date, Nala,my second
> Husky has been the best guide I have ever had,but with time,who knows.
> Shaman may become just as good. He is excellent when it comes to traffic
> checks, and has already saved my butt several times!  Different people have
> different needs when it comes to guide dogs. Some need fast dogs,some need
> slower dogs. I consider myself very lucky to have found dogs of the breeds
> that I like and had them become wonderful guides.But If I were to go to a
> school to get a dog sometime in the future, I would probably take whatever
> dog they matched me with as it is unlikely that I would get a Husky.Have a
> great day,  Mardi andShaman and Nala,retired.
>