so, this post is mostly what it says, and intended for visually impaired people, because i am looking for a bit of advice. In particular, i would be seeking advice from those of you, who have a guide dog. I want to know, when you got your first dog, where were you living? at home? in halls of residence at some college? in your own apartment/house? Those of you who have dogs and live with parents, i wouldn't really be looking for your stories, because as those of you who have looked at this blog before, know, my first dog came home to a family situation, and this just did not work out, just my situation. I'm thinking of moving out, into a house/apartment share, and then applying for my second dog. Ideally of course, i would love my own apartment, but current economic times dictate that circumstances are otherwise.
Opinions much appreciated, as well as your own stories. Do you think sharing with other people and having a dog can work out? do you think it's necessary for the first year of the partnership for it to just be you and your new guide?
Look forward to reading your responses.
I know you aren't looking for stories from guide dog owners who live at home, but I have just a few thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI live at home with my first dog Ushi. My mum, me, sis and two younger brothers live with me. Oh and guinnypigs and two snakes. Anyway I have made it clear right from the start that it was me feeding grooming and doing most of the care for the dog. This has worked well, and if I know my little two year old brother is running around, I put Ushi upstairs. This is because he drops quite alot of food, and I don't want her getting anything she shouldn't.
I feel that in certain situations, it would be good to live with family if you are young and have your first guide dog. At least for the first year anyway. I think you need the support of others in that first few months, but as long as you make sure that you are doing all the playing/bonding. This might not work in all situations, but as long as the people you are sharing with/living with understand the guide dog rules, I don't see any problems.
I hope this helps, and just thought i'd put my two pennies worth in here.
Also why not try and ask on the iresh guide dog list? I was recommended to join it by someone, but don't post that often.
Take care, xxx.
When I got my first guide dog I was 21 years old and in college, sharing a house with a good friend (and her pet rabbit). I graduated a year and a half later and then moved back to my hometown. There, my dog and I ended up living with my parents (and all of their not-so-well-behaved pet dogs and cats) again for a few months while I sorted out what I was going to do with my life. Unfortunately, that situation was way too stressful for me and difficult for my guide dog. So, I quickly moved to a house where my guide dog and I could live on our own, and I've lived on my own ever since. I eventually moved from that house (because it became too expensive to live there), and my first dog and I finished the remainder of our partnership living together in a cheaper but still nice little apartment. And my second guide dog (that I just got about 7 weeks ago) is also doing very well in this same little apartment that has become his new home.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, being consistent about the rules, schedule, and everything that a guide dog requires has been so much easier to maintain since I have lived on my own. I feel like this second time around, since it's just me and the dog together right from the beginning, we're bonding a lot quicker and resolving any issues much faster because it's just the two of us. No one else is in my living space all the time distracting us from the things we need to do. However, if you live with someone who really understands the time and energy you must spend with your new guide dog, then it can work fine. I know many younger guide dog handlers who have done great with their dogs while living with friends or family, but for me that just didn't work as well as living alone.
I'm not sure that will really help you in any way, but that's my story. Good luck!
Well you already know my situation at home, and it worked fine.
ReplyDeleteI think you can live wherever you want with a guide dog if you are in complete control of the dog and how other people interact with it. It all takes time though, six months to a year for things to really work without being difficult.
thanks so much for all your comments, they're all very helpful
ReplyDeleteI don't have any first hand advice to offer, since I'm not a guide dog owner (though I wouldn't rule it out one day!)
ReplyDeleteI don't see why having a dog in a shared house should be too difficult, otherwise you'd be saying that only single people can successfully have a guide dog, and I'm sure that's not the case! I think the successfulness is related to whether you are going out of the house every day and working together. I would imagine that to be the crucial thing. I'm commenting on this post, rather than your next post, but I think the university plan sounds a great idea, and I hope you manage to get your apartment and a dog in whatever timeframe works out for you! I don't see any reason you can't make it work *smiles*
well as you know i live by myself in a flat and moved out when i was 22 before i got Uma. I was very lucky to find some where to live. I think it has helped create a strong bond between me and Uma, I can stick to my routine without others getting in the way, i live near things like a park and a good vets and at my parents nothing is close by, plus I dont have family members telling me how to look after my own dog, which i love. I think i would find it too stressful if i was still living at home with family, I know it is possible if everyone sticks to the same set of rules and its made clear you are the one in charge! Everyone's different i guess, but thats what works for me.
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