[nagdu] First dog concerns

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the list!  My name is Julie, and I am also a college
student.  It takes a while to figure out the bond with your dog.  My
dog likes to play, but she also likes for me to just sit and pet her.
Perhaps try sitting next to him on the floor and petting him or
talking to him.  Some dogs like to know that you're there.  You can
even sit by him while you read or listen to a book.

About the traffic...  Keep working in the intersection.  Sometimes
cars don't do what they're supposed to, especially on a college
campus.  Also, you could find a street that isn't so busy to practice
your confidence and trusting the dog.  Good luck!

On 9/5/12, Julie J. <julielj at neb.rr.com> wrote:
> Chris,
>
> I had a very close call with a car.  It was only a few inches away.
> Monty did maneuver me away at the very last second, but it shook me
> badly.  I put on a brave front,got to where I was going and called my
> husband so I could have a meltdown.   That helped me get through the
> immediate feelings of fear, uncertainty and lack of confidence.
>
> After I finished up with my meeting, I had to walk back across that same
> street to get home.  I seriously thought about going a different
> direction or asking someone for a ride, but in the end I knew I had to
> cross it or I would forever make excuses.
>
> It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  I thought I
> might pass out somewhere in the middle, but I didn't.  I also realized
> that Monty is trustworthy and that sometimes stuff just happens.   That
> was a hard, hard realization.
>
> On the first crossing with the close call we both did everything right
> and still the driver ran a red light.  She was going very fast and there
> was little chance that Monty could have reacted any sooner.    I had to
> accept that all I or Monty can do is the best we can do and the rest is
> up to fate.
>
> The only way I know to gain confidence in anything is to just do it.  If
> that means to have someone along at first as a safety net, do it.  If
> that means having a trainer out to get you back on track, do it.  If
> that means going out at 4 in the morning when there is no traffic so you
> feel more comfortable, do it.   Being a prisoner of fear is a really
> awful place to be. I've been there, but there is always a way out.
>
> All my best,
> Julie
>
>
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-- 
Julie McG
 Lindbergh High School class of 2009, National Federation of the Blind
of Missouri recording secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
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