Scott.Howell@f521.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Scott Howell) (10/31/90)
Index Number: 11382 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] >To: Vixen to: all >I'm so glad to hear that your pup is opening so many new social doors for >you! I sure found that to be true when I got my first dog, and happily, it >has never changed!!! >People treat you like a normal person when you're using a dog. I have to >say, that even though I'm an out going person, the cane made me feel very >much alone, because people just didn't have normal conversations with me >that often when I was using a cane. >Ofcourse, people who knew me, that was a differentstory, but as far as >meeting new people while using the cane, it was acward. >Then I got Tika, my first wonderful dog, and all that changed--THANK GOD!!! >So, I know exactly what you are saying when you talk about that aspect of >having a dog! >And, isn't it great that you can say "find the whatever" and your mut will >do it!!! >Yep, nothin like dog travel,is there? Is this true?! I have heard most say that they feel a dog makes you look rather dependant on an animal to get around and where as a cane makes you look more confident and dependant. How about some imput. I have intertained the idea of getting a dog, but just can't seem to wait all the pluses and minuses. I would gladdly take info from both view points as long as it doesn't become a major topical war.hahah Scott -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!521!Scott.Howell Internet: Scott.Howell@f521.n109.z1.fidonet.org
Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (10/31/90)
Index Number: 11389
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Barb,
Oh no, not that! Our Barbara, a plant person! Yikes! What next!
Well, yes, I bet that will make piggy feel much better! heheh!
Yes, you know something Barbara, you are very right! Already, I
have been experiencing the very same phenomenon that you described!
People do talk to me much more easily and not like they are talking
to a blind person now that I am using a dog! I thought it was just
my imagination! But yes, people do seem to react to me more as a
blind person when I am using a cane.
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen
Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.orgWilliam.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (10/31/90)
Index Number: 11395
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
V> Yes, you know something Barbara, you are very right! Already, I
V> have been experiencing the very same phenomenon that you
V> described! People do talk to me much more easily and not like
V> they are talking to a blind person now that I am using a dog! I
V> thought it was just my imagination! But yes, people do seem to
V> react to me more as a blind person when I am using a cane.
Vixen,
Yes, despite the fact that the cane users here have already
commented that this isn't the case, and even though the dog is a little
more obvious than a cane, I've found this to be the case too!
My theory on this, for what it's worth, is that even though to us
the dog is foremost our guide, and secondarily a member of the canine
species, to a lot of winkdom, they see a dog first and a guide only
after the fact. Since many of them have dogs themselves, they recognize
immediately that they share at least this one thing with you.
On the other hand, it's not too often you run into a wink tapping a
white stick out in front of their every step!
Willie
... BlinkTalk, Dr. Deb and Silver in Pittsburgh!
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!William.Wilson
Internet: William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgVixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (11/02/90)
Index Number: 11475
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Willie,
Yes, your comments on why people seem to respond to me now more as
a person than as a blind person, since switching to a dog,
certainly does make sense! Of course you right, while the winks
don't use long canes or even understand how we use them, they do
have dogs, just as you say!
In fact, a number of the people who have come to talk to me and
comment on my dog, make it a point to tell me that they have a dog
or dogs at home themselves and then comment on Tobys looks and
demeanor. I think you are right, they seem to be seing me as a
person with a dog first and a blind person with a guide dog
second!
Most often, after discussing dogs, we began to talk a little about
ourselves. While I would never ever put down or belittle using a
cane, as I was a good cane user myself, it does in fact seem quite
true, that winks seem to find me much more approachable now that I
with Toby. I would go so far as to say, that my blindness has taken
quite a backseat to Toby. And that, does not hurt my feelings any,
if you know what I mean!
I especially love the joy that the little ones get by seeing Toby
and find that the younger ones all the way up to ages 11-13 do not
even seem to realize that I am blind!
It is a most interesting and fun phenonemon!
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen
Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.orgBarbara.Akin@p0.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Barbara Akin) (11/02/90)
Index Number: 11471
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Scott, I would be most happy to tell you about my feelings about using a
guide dog. While I would say that a dog is deffinately NOT for Everyone,
I would say that they are a wonderful thing in a person's life who
really wants a dog, and who are willing to be responsible for the care
and love of one.
What I said to Vixen is most definately true, and I would Never go back
to using a cane!!! I have used a dog for the last 15 years now, and I
can tell you, it is one of the best decisions I ever made!
I am a very independant, active person, and traveling with a dog for me,
is a true joy!!! I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Because most people like dogs, a dog can be a social advantage for you
too. They are definately an ice breaker. In other words, people will
often start talking to you because of your dog, and ofcourse then, the
conversation gets around to what ever.
If you are considering getting a dog, you can write to me in Braille, or
send me a tape at the following address and I'll be happy to talk with
you about it.
Address- Insight International Inc.
3106 North 42 St.
Phoenix Az. 85018.
Phone- 602-956-1459.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!114!15.0!Barbara.Akin
Internet: Barbara.Akin@p0.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org