Just Beginning

Jan 07, 2011 16:05

I started my application about a year ago. It took so long because I needed to track down quite a bit of paperwork. I'd just moved from New York to Florida, so doing that wasn't easy ( Read more... )

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Comments 10

lilmizmombassa January 7 2011, 21:51:06 UTC
Hi there. It's awesome news that you're ready and willing to get a guide dog. I've been partnered with Laser, my male yellow GDF lab, for 4.5 years now. It's one of the best decisions that I've ever made ( ... )

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moonlitxmelody January 9 2011, 22:37:37 UTC
It's most definitely okay if you friend me! I'll gladly friend you back ( ... )

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soprano1790 January 7 2011, 22:58:40 UTC
Hi. Congratulations! Getting a first guide dog is so exciting! I went for my first dog 2 and a half years ago. I had a great time! I didn't go to GDB, but I have heard nothing but good about their school.

When your in training, it will be difficult, lots of walking, different aspects of your training that you need to memorize, and of course getting to know your new dog. Just try and relax. Make some friends, and let yourself chill once in a while. It really is an awesome experience! I'm sure you will have a great time and receive the perfect dog.

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moonlitxmelody January 9 2011, 22:43:47 UTC
Hi! It is really incredibly exciting. Heck, I don't even know when my date is and I'm already bouncing off the walls as if it were tomorrow!

I'm ready for the hard training. The GDB website made no illusions to the contrary; it will be very difficult. Stressful to a point, though it doesn't have to cow me I think. I mentioned in a comment to another responder to this post that I have a habit of getting very nervous. I'll probably be extremely nervous the first time I walk with my dog. It's a new experience and someone will be watching me. That's kind of frightening. But I'll just have to learn to trust my dog. To trust that it will lead me properly instead of holding myself tensely back for fear it'll kill me.

LOL! There'll probably be bumps and bruises, but I'm used to those. I read all these guide dog tales and I want that independence, that bond, that amazing experience for myself. It's a dream.

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soprano1790 January 10 2011, 03:14:28 UTC
Don't worry about it. Everyone is nervous when they have to walk with their first dog. Not even walking... The first day we got our dogs a couple years ago, we had to take them to dinner with us. We just healed them on leash(they didn't guide us), and we had to keep them(the dogs) under control while we ate our first meal with them at our sides. Let me just say, I didn't eat much that night. Every time I picked up my fork, she was sniffing something she shouldn't have, or she had broken her position on the floor. It's hard for the first couple days, but it gets easier and easier, until you just realize you have a guide dog, and it's a part of you life ( ... )

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moonlitxmelody January 10 2011, 05:18:31 UTC
Oh I don't doubt it! It all sounds so amazing, even if it means not eating a whole lot during our first dinner together. I've heard about the separation issues. Poor pups. It's all so amazing. I wish I could find a play-by-play of how things work at GDB, but I've yet to discover that. Hence why I wanna write one in my blog when I get there. XD. Well, as much of a play-by-play as anyone could have. After all, I won't remember every single thing from day to day. XD

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pawpower4me January 8 2011, 00:18:36 UTC
Congrats on your first dog. Doing your research is a very good thing. Make sure to have comfortable well broken-in walking shoes. When you get a chance to rest, do it.
Enjoy!

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moonlitxmelody January 9 2011, 22:47:02 UTC
I certainly did research. *smiles* It was so interesting. I bought new sneakers last year that are broken in but not ratty or anything. The most comfortable things ever. They're actually made for walking long distances and have a bit of a spring to them and a padding between the foot and the bottom of the shoe. It's like walking on air. *smiles*

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pawpower4me January 9 2011, 22:48:48 UTC
They sound awesome. What are they called? I may have to invest in a pair.

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moonlitxmelody January 9 2011, 23:23:17 UTC
Oh man! I'll have to get back to you on that. I don't know and I can't see the box. I'll have to wait till I see my mom next so she can let me know. But I know we got them at Bell's. It's a store here in Florida. They're just wonderful so I'll definitely find out what they are!

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