Guide Dog.

Steel Maiden · 07-07-2015, 09:09 AM

After much thinking and people suggesting it to me, I have realised that a guide dog could help me.

I cannot leave the house alone due to vision / sensory issues. Also I am prone to autistic meltdowns in public, as well as at home.

I am not sure if it would work out. But I think that if I had a guide dog, I would be able to go out for walks alone, maybe even be able to go to the newsagent alone. I would be safer and calmer. I wouldn't be in so much danger due to my vision / sensory problems. And I have heard that dogs trained in autism are good for reducing / preventing meltdowns. As well as keeping me safe and calmer at home.

I know I can get a vision assist guide dog, but I have read about dual purpose guide dogs, so I would hope that a vision assist one would be train-able to help with my autism.

What are your ideas / suggestions?

Also would I be allowed a guide dog in university? I'm pretty sure there would be a lot of restrictions regarding uni. And anyway my tutor would do anything he could to prevent me having a guide dog in uni, because he is very disability ignorant.

sherlock holmes · 07-07-2015, 09:14 AM

If you have a guide dog they are legally allowed everywhere you go. So yes, the dog would be allowed to university with you to everything you do. Your tutor could not refuse it.

Snow White. · 07-07-2015, 01:50 PM

I think its a great idea, if you think it would be something you would like. Would managing a pet be okay for you, with practical things like feeding and toileting and walking?

I certainly think if they can provide a dual-assist guide dog that would be really helpful and could be a great companion for you.

Maybe you could start by making some enquiries or looking it up online, see what it involves. Ultimately it's your decision, you know yourself best if you will likely benefit from it. (I have a dog and she is wonderful for my mental health).

University would, by law, have to let you have the dog with you. As Sarah said above me, they can go anywhere.

Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to do

Steel Maiden · 08-07-2015, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Circus

If you have a guide dog they are legally allowed everywhere you go. So yes, the dog would be allowed to university with you to everything you do. Your tutor could not refuse it.

Thanks that is a relief.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snow White.

I think its a great idea, if you think it would be something you would like. Would managing a pet be okay for you, with practical things like feeding and toileting and walking?

I certainly think if they can provide a dual-assist guide dog that would be really helpful and could be a great companion for you.

Maybe you could start by making some enquiries or looking it up online, see what it involves. Ultimately it's your decision, you know yourself best if you will likely benefit from it. (I have a dog and she is wonderful for my mental health).

University would, by law, have to let you have the dog with you. As Sarah said above me, they can go anywhere.

Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to do

I think the walking bit of the dog would be good as it would encourage exercise. As for feeding, I do online shopping so mass ordering dog food, enough for two weeks at a time, would be possible. Toileting might be hard due to my OCD, but I think I could find a way to cope. I have overcome some areas of my OCD recently.

Thanks.

Those are good ideas, I will have a google. My friend C thinks it's a great idea and he said he will make enquiries online or by phone for me.

True regarding the law.

Only problem is my dad now. It's his house (even though he lives abroad) so it will ultimately be up to him whether a pet can stay in the house. I think he will say yes but he may be concerned about the responsibility required. However I love animals and strongly doubt I would neglect the dog.

Thanks.

Snow White. · 08-07-2015, 09:59 AM

It sounds like you have good insight into what might help you and how you could overcome potential problems, sounds like toileting might be the only problem, buying food online is a good idea and walking together would be fun :)

Good luck speaking to your father, and I'm glad a friend can help you with the phone calls.

Steel Maiden · 08-07-2015, 06:24 PM

^ thanks.

random.swirls · 08-07-2015, 06:42 PM

I have been working with someone who has a dog and it is hard work and fairly expensive. I think overall it is positive BUT do think about it.

People are intrigued by 'working dogs' so will talk to you and ask you questions.
The dog will need walking lots as it's a dog.
It will be around you the whole time
What will happen if you want to go somewhere without the dog
Some people dont know the law around service dogs so may challenge you.

Frankie2014 · 12-07-2015, 03:01 PM

One of my friends was in a similar situation until she got her guide dog Jasper. He has been a life changer in so many ways - and she wasn't particularly keen on 'having a shadow' as she put it but the difference he's made has been obvious. If the pros out way the cons, it is certainly an option to consider. I know of two students and a tutor at my old uni had guide dogs :)

Steel Maiden · 12-07-2015, 06:59 PM

Thanks both. I am still thinking and trying to make my mind up. Uni is a complication.

Steel Maiden · 13-07-2015, 06:51 AM

Yes I admit I'd find looking after a dog hard. Fostering first sounds wise.

Bear · 19-07-2015, 08:09 AM

Just to say not to worry about the financial side of things because these can be covered by the charity

Steel Maiden · 19-07-2015, 08:33 PM

That's good.

My support worker brought her dog to my support session (she only had my session that day). I enjoyed her dog and her dog calmed me down. However I had some OCD issues going on which would probably prevent me from caring for a dog.