[nagdu] Getting a guide dog

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi RJ.

I decided to get a dog because I love dogs and had wanted one since I
was 10 years old and read about guide dogs.  I had a goal that I was
going to get a guide dog before I went to college, and I did it.
Noone made that decision for me, although a group of people supported
me.  I have had my dog for 3 and a half years, and I have not
regretted my decision once.  For me, getting a guide dog helped
improve my cane skills.  I became more confident when using the cane
and feel like I am a better cane traveler since getting my dog.
Strange...  Maybe, but that's the way it went.  I think having a dog
at my side gives me confidence.

If you would like to work with a dog, then go for it.  Noone should be
making that decision but yourself.  Think about things like the
responsibility, the bond that would come from working a dog, and what
working a dog would look like in your community.  Pray about it, and
I'm sure you'll find the answer.

On 2/6/12, Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com> wrote:
> Vets are familiar with guide dogs. They sometimes think they are really
> amazing; they are just well trained and some of their staff is more apt to
> think that. Some people really think because the dog is a dog it robotically
> does the things you want it to do, but it is still a dog.
>
> Cindy
>
> On Feb 6, 2012, at 7:16 PM, RJ Sandefur wrote:
>
>> Why do the schools tell people guide dogs arn't robots? This I would think
>> is a no brainer. How do you expline to a vet, about your dog? RJ
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry D. Keeler" <lkeeler at comcast.net>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 7:36 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Getting a guide dog
>>
>>
>>> In my case, I just like dogs!  I find the responsibility no big deal.
>>> Well, sometimes the money is squeezed a bit!  I find that I can move much
>>> faster with a dog.  I already move pretty good with a cane but I can run
>>> with Holly!  But, if you don't want the responsibility that could be a
>>> big deal!
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur"
>>> <joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com>
>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 4:38 PM
>>> Subject: [nagdu] Getting a guide dog
>>>
>>>
>>>> I have a questions for everyone on the list. What was it that made you
>>>> decide to get a guide dog? My Family and mobility instructor both tell
>>>> me they do not see a need for me to have one. I live in Okeechobee
>>>> Florida. We do not have any public transpertation. I practually have to
>>>> be driven to church, the store etc. Others from people at church are
>>>> telling me to stop making excuses, and get a dog, but when I tell them I
>>>> am a cane traveler, they accuse me of not trying. I tell them it is a
>>>> huge responcibility, and they tell me that it is just me making excuses.
>>>> Am I making excuses? I do not have the finational means in order to care
>>>> for a guide dog. I'm only just making excuses. What do you as guide dog
>>>> users think? I would have to feed the dog, take it for check ups. It is
>>>> an animal, and it is a responcibility. RJ
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>>>
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>>
>>
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>
>
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-- 
Julie McG
 Lindbergh High School class of 2009, participating member in Opera
Theater's Artist in Training Program, and proud graduate of Guiding
Eyes for the Blind

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16