[nagdu] Thinking of getting a guide dog

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

No issue with your pets.
You mention having a toddler and needing to care for him.
You have a couple options.
Since you're also married, your wife and/or grandma or some other family could care for your son while you're in training. Even if you get home training, you'll need another adult around to look after your son while you're learning how to use the dog.  You may be a dog person, but you've never used a dog as a guide so you will need to learn how to do that. It's like learning how to skate and play hockey. You may be good at one but not the other and you have to fully integrate the two. It's a lot of work and a lot of time, though if this is what you want, you can do it.

I used to have a guide dog, and don't anymore. I had a difficult time integrating the dog into my life once I had my daughter.  You may have a different experience because your son is older and because you're a guy. I'm convinced that does make a difference.

Something you will want to think about is the nature of relationship you want with your son and if a guide dog will fit well into that. It wouldn't with my daughter and me. We'd be fine with a pet dog though we don't have the bandwith now to make that happen

As for work, you can always get the time off. Whether you want to, and whether it is a good time for you professionally are two different questions that only you can answer.


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Matt Gilman
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:30 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Thinking of getting a guide dog

Hello everyone,

I am new to this list and I have been considering getting a guide dog for some time now.  I know I have questions but I really don't know what they are.  I have a feeling once i start getting some  replies
I might start figuring these questions out.

I am not sure how guide dogs really work in the sense of feeling edges. For example with my cane I can feel the curb coming up and know where the edge is but with a dog how does this work?  Also the same goes for steps.How will I know if they go up or down with a dog?  With a cane I can feel them and know instantly.  this is just one example of my thinking.

I am totally a dog person and have been for a very long time.  My wife is also a vet tech.  If this doesn't say that we are dog people I don't know what does.  I heard that you shouldn't have a guide dog while  you have other dogs in the house?  I currently have 2 dogs as pets.  Is this and issue?

Thanks for all the help.

Matt.

Matt gilman
www.blindbiketrials.com
Matt at blindbiketrials.com
443-650-8441

Matt Gilman
Www.blindbiketrials.com
443-650-8441
Sent from my talking iPhone. Siri probably wrote this email.

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