WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WITH A GUIDE DOG!

Nearly anyone who has read this BLOGsite knows that I love animals enormously. So, today I have a subject to write about that we all confront, if not somewhat uncomfortably. "What is the best way to interact with a person using a Guide Dog?" I'm serious. Ask yourself this question. "Have I ever felt uncomfortable around a blind person with their Guide Dog?" If the answer is "No", then God Bless You! But if the answer is "Yes", then welcome to the human race! I have learned through personal experience, as a lover of people, that information is key to understanding the special bond a blind handler and a Guide Dog share. It's true.

_____

Labradors are my personal favorite dogs. They are highly intelligent and bond well with the blind. Both the blind person and the Guide Dog go through extensive training to work together as a team. This allows the person to determine the best destination and route while outdoors, maneuvering around obstacles, through crowds, and across streets. Not just any Lab can handle the job either. It takes hundreds of puppy raisers, staffers, volunteers, and donors to keep the team "guidedogging". Even the average "person on the street" has a place in this partnership. You and I can help by remembering these guidelines, and here are just a few I've learned:

_____

First, Guide Dogs should not be petted or disturbed while working in harness. This applies even when the dogs are not working. Ask for permission first.

_____

Second, I learned that if you want to assist a person with a Guide Dog, first ask, "May I help you?" IF your offer is accepted, then offer your LEFT elbow. Never grab the Guide Dog, their leash, harness or the person's arm. Doing so may place them in danger.

_____

Third, never feed a Guide Dog. They have a special prepared diet at home and additional feedings can throw off their work schedule. Aside from these basics, I've also learned a few other helpful things this year already!

_____

Obviously, every city has at least one moron who is impatient behind the wheel of a car. Even with the blind and their Guide Dogs. So needless to say, it is very bad to honk the car horn or call out directions. Handlers listen to traffic flow and other environmental sounds to decide when it's safe to cross a street (Contrary to what many believe, Guide Dogs can't read traffic lights!). But one fact many do not know is that Guide Dog teams have the right of way!

_____

Sometimes a Guide Dog will make a mistake, and a correction is necessary to keep up the training. This could be a verbal reprimand or a leash correction. Handlers have been taught the proper and humane training techniques to maintain their dogs' working standards. You may not perceive it as constructive, but the handler's are well trained and while we may not hear it aloud on the street, the Guide Dogs also get loads of praise when they do the right things.

_____

The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and State Laws explicitly grant the right of access for the blind and Guide Dogs everywhere the public is allowed. They are allowed into restaurants, offices, churches, hospitals and hotels. They travel on buses, in taxis and airplanes, shop at grocery stores, enjoy amusement parks, movies and concerts. Airlines usually will accept a "Guide Dog in Training". A select few will not, so they must check with the carrier first.

_____

Some final points that are cool: Introduce yourself when entering a room, and let the person know when you are leaving. Say the person's name, if you know it, so he realizes you are speaking to him. This is not to sound ridiculous, but I have witnessed this irestaurantsts where a companion jusgets's up and leaves! So...

_____

If you are leaving a blind person alone in an unfamiliar area, give him or her a point of reference, verbally or tactily, such as a counter, wall or piece of furniture.When speaking to a blind person, make an effort to be verbally descriptive. Instead of saying "over there" or "this way", try to give a more detailed picture of things, such as "thirty paces in front of you" or "turn right where the carpet ends".

_____

Back in High School on my Debate Team, I had a friend who was born blind. He was hilarious and often said things like "see you later", or "looks cool, right?". These sayings are just part of our verbal culture -- blind people use these common phrases too!

_____

So that's it for today. Saturday's are layed back in BLOGLAND and I felt this would be a great time to talk about what I myself recently learned! There is a ton of formal Orientation and Mobility (O & M) training. And new teams can take 6 months to a year to develop and learn to work "in sync". It's a little like learning to dance with someone. Compatibility is everything. Thank God for these Canines and the understanding of those of us who encounter them, blind men and women alike. With Guide Dogs they can continue their life goals of independence and mobility.

Enjoy Your Weekend, All!