[Fists] Words of advice...

[Dragon Singer]

                 Hi Gang,
         Wayne K9DI es Sequoia here.  Stephanie (my XYL), Sequoia (my 
Leader Dog) es I will most likely be attending FDIM 2002!!  However,  I 
want to take a few minutes es acquaint U my brother es sister hams of some 
necessary rules of engagement when U encounter a dog guide team (Not all 
trained dog guides [generic legal term] are Seeing Eye Dogs [this title is 
reserved for dog guides that have graduated from The Seeing Eye (TSE) 
school in Morristown NJ]).  I'm doing this to avoid aggravation to everyone.
                 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:
Rule of Engagement #1:
         DO NOT pet a dog guide without first a.) asking the handler, or 
b.)  Having an invitation from the handler. {sidenote: ask the handler not 
the people with the handler.  We're blind not deaf, dumb or stupid (grinz)}
Rule of Engagement #2:
         DO NOT talk to the dog.  If the dog gets distracted one of us 
could get hurt.  If I get hurt, I'll heal, but if Sequoia gets hurt it 
might end his guiding career if not his life.  Ur endangering a $25,000.00 
investment by Leader Dogs. {sidenote: If Sequoia had graduated from  TSE 
the investment would be $50,000.00}.
Rule of Engagement #3:
         DO NOT under any circumstances ever, EVER, feed a dog guide human 
food (it makes them sick).  {Sidenote: especially chocolate.  It WILL KILL 
THE DOG!}  These dogs are on a very strict es regimented diet es schedule 
so that they can be in public.
Rule of Engagement #4:
         DO NOT under any circumstances grab ahold of a dog guides leash or 
harness.  It's akin to someone from the passenger seat grabbing the 
steering wheel of a car driving down the road.  Also please be VERY careful 
when walking around a dog guide at rest.  Ask es I'll teach U the "Leader 
Dog Shuffle".      Corollary to Rule #4 DO NOT give my dog commands!  That 
is one of the most irritating behaviours (next to petting without asking) 
the general public seems to insist on doing.
         Yes I know Sequoia es most working dogs are extremely handsome, 
but they have a job to do.  They are living breathing creatures, but they 
are also prosthetics just like a pair of glasses, a fake leg or arm.
           There are also some common sense things to remember when Ur 
around a blind or visually disabled (To HELL with being PC) person.  When 
we ask for directions please don't point.  We can't see where Ur pointing 
at.  If U are sight-guiding a blind person NEVER, under any circumstances, 
take ahold of them, instead offer the blind person Ur elbow.  Also if Ur 
sight-guiding make sure to allow clearance for the both of U.  DO NOT 
shout, we're blind not deaf (in most cases anyway).
         I try to be friendly, but being interfered with really gets on my 
nerves (not to mention that interfering with a dog guide team is a felony 
in most states).
         I'm asking U to spread the word so that we all can have a safe 
enjoyable time at FDIM. 72 es MOO/OO
de
Wayne K9DI
         P.S. Any comments?

Respectfully and Sincerely Yours,

Wayne M. Scace

k9di@arrl.net
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