[nagdu] Seeking information, new member interested in getting a dog guide

[Larry D Keeler]

Well Candy, in my experience a guide dog can be a great thing! I live in Ann 
Arbor and am working my first guide. I didn't decide to get her until I hit 
my forties. I have been totally blind for most of my life. I live in the 
city and guide dogs work well in the city or in the country. A few things to 
remember. First, when chosing a school, ask a lot of questions and look at 
all of the school contracts. Also, some schools like Pilot, the one I got my 
dog from offer different breeds than some other schools. Make sure that the 
school has what you want. Having pet dogs doesn't mean you can't also have a 
guide dog. When I braught Holly home, I also had a little goofy dog. They 
had a little bit of a shaky start, about an hour and now get along great! I 
take both out for relief together. Of course, having a guide dog is like 
having a pet but with more responsibility. You have to make sure that they 
don't go potty in public or eat off tables and keep them more groomed than 
you might your pet. This is because folks in school and on the job will look 
at both you and your dog. If you like to walk alot or go lots of places, 
your dog will love it as well! I use mine in the city, in the country and 
just about every public situation you can imagine! We've even been to see 
the mayor on a couple of occassions! There is a whole lot more to say so 
I'll let others on the list fill in more but lastly, don't plan on throwing 
out your cane! I use that thing when its to hot, cold, or just really 
difficult to bring your dog.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Candy Berg via nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2014 2:14 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Seeking information,new member interested in getting a dog 
guide


> Hi All,
>
>
>
> I  just joined this mailing list in hopes of getting some information
> regarding dog guides and schools. I  am totally blind, been so all my 
> life,
> I've always wondered about switching from cane travel to dog guided travel
> but with school, busy career, etc., I  never fully explored this option. I
> want to do so now. We live in a  rural area, so my travel needs don't
> involve heavy traffic situations, more open areas (rural roads and 
> beaches)
> which seem to me would lend themselves particularly well to dog guided
> travel. I  love dogs and have always had them as pets; I  know a  dog 
> guide
> is a  completely different relationship and responsibility. The other 
> reason
> I'm investigating dog guides at this time is that my last pet dog died a
> few months ago, so I  don't have the issue of introducing a  dog guide 
> into
> a  household with a  pet already in residence.
>
> I would appreciate anyone's input on my situation, including thoughts 
> about
> schools; I'm especially interested in programs with some community 
> training
> element given the nature of where I  live and my travel needs. Any input
> would be welcome, or suggestions where I  might research all this further. 
> I
> live in northern California.
>
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Candy
>
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