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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: RE:VIXEN IN DOGGIE LAND
Message-ID: <15178@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 26 Oct 90 03:26:30 GMT
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Index Number: 11300

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hi Donna,

Well, Toby's first home leash relief took place in a pacthy area of
both dirt and grass while I stood by with my trusty baggie in my
hand. Toby had no trouble going though. In fact, he quite felxible
about changes in his relief schedule. If he has to go, he will go,
no matter how schedule me might be.

I would like him to go on the asphalt or concrete here, but since
this aprtment complex doesn't regularly water down such areas, I
take him too that patchy area which is located right behind one of
the complex trash bins, which makes it nice. I am hoping that the
new complex I will be moving too will allow me a better and safer,
meaning much closer to people, relief area.

Our first week at home is going very well and toby is just flat
amazing people with his excellent behaviour in public places and on
the street. We have been to a number of resturaunts, grocery
stores, pet stores, and all kinds of places and he does just
excellently. Gosh, these dogs do some amazing things.

As a new user, I am still amazed when he executes such commands as
Find the elevator, find the stairs, or Forward follow someone. He
has even done find the car in crowded parking lots. I am so
thrilled with him right now. Does it ever wear off?

Yes, I will admit, he does have a couple of negative tendencies now
and then, like he will occasionally bump me, but one good
correction and that is done with for the day and ocassionally he
will decide he wants to walk slower than I do and start sniffing
things until he gets a really strong Hop Up and that usually does
the trick. But mostly, he is just awesome. I just can't get over it
all yet. Plus he is so full of love and affection and so silly when
he is not working. Although, very well behaved. Vixen definitely
good a good one heheh!

No, my class didn't make me nuts really. It was hard, the hours
long and I thought the month would last the entire year at times,
but it was quite an experience. There was laughter and tears and
frustration and exhaustion and being ill now and then and a great
deal of stress. but the outcome was well worth it all.

The training was am superbly excellent. My instructors were
terrific and I think I left the school feeling pretty confident for
a beginner and armed me with a pretty good bag of tricks and
instilled the idea in that if something isn't going right, go back
to the basics.

I have to admit that I was pretty much the class comedienne and I
had a lot of fun. I also had a good class in that wwe were'nt all
hating each other by the third week. I think that is partly because
we had a classmate who insulted and angered anyone he could at any
opportunity that it brought the rest of us closer together. He
really shouldn't have even been in the program. He had only been
blind a short time and his mobility was horrible and hept stepping
on peoples dogs and bumping into everyone and everything and call
people names. It was unreal.

For those that know Mike Del Ross and how he wheels his chair up to
the Louding Lounge and then the day room for lectures, will be
pleased to know that our class was playing practical jokes by the
end of the week and we snuck into his office and took the wheels
off of his chair!

It was a great experience Donna, although I super glad to home and
on my own now and hope my Toby will be able to work with my for
many many years! I will give Toby your hug because he just loves
affection and attention!

Keepin' the faith!

.                          Vixen

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