Paws for Thought - Jennifer Doherty
Anyone over 16 can apply for a dog and students planning university or college often ask us whether guide dog ownership is really feasible alongside student life. So we are delighted that Jennifer Doherty joins us as a contributor to talk about the things to think about if you are considering applying for a dog. Jennifer, 23 began her inspiring blog Paws for Thought to record her experiences working and training with her first guide dog, OJ and since it began Paws for Thought has given invaluable insight into life as a guide dog owner.
"I was sure from a very young age that I wanted to work with a guide dog. I have always had pet dogs at home and never felt comfortable or confident using the cane. I imagined that I would finish school, and go to university to study for a degree with a guide dog at my side. Unfortunately the matching process and waiting list doesn't always go as smoothly as we might hope, and I had an unusually long wait for my dog.
Needs and lifestyle
A guide dog isn't suitable for everybody. Choosing to train with one should take a lot of consideration beforehand. Owning a dog is a lot of hard work. You can't just put it away when you come home, like you would with a cane. It needs to be fed and groomed, and taken to the vet for regular checkups. You also need to play with the dog and make sure that it has a happy and relaxed life when it is not in harness. You have to clean up after it, and keep up its discipline and training so that its behaviour is socially acceptable at all times.
I would encourage any student who is thinking of applying for a guide dog to think very carefully about the responsibilities that come with it. Dogs are matched to fit into a person's lifestyle as much as possible. A dog is matched to its owner according to their weight, height, walking pace, personality and whether they will be working in a busy or quiet area. However a guide dog owner still has to make some adjustments to fit the dog into their life. It is not always practical to bring a dog everywhere with you. Busy environments such as pubs and nightclubs with loud music are out of the question.
If you are not fortunate enough to have someone stay with your dog while you are out, you will need to consider the dog's needs when it is left alone. Dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time. If your dog can stay by itself for a reasonable amount of time, it will be happy to do so, and you will always receive a warm welcome home on your return. You can't stay out all night and return home sometime the next day to feed the dog. It would also be foolish to think that you can go out and get very drunk and expect the dog to guide you home.
It is important to consider where you will be living with your guide dog. If you live with other housemates, they need to accept that you are the dog's handler. They must never overfeed the dog or feed it scraps from the table, and your dog should always know that you are its master.
During my three years at university I was lucky enough to have a personal assistant to help with my course work, and a brilliant group of friends to socialise with. I could come and go whenever I wanted, and only had the responsibility of looking after myself. On the other hand, I didn't have the independence to travel exactly where I wanted when I wanted, and a guide dog would have given me a lot more freedom and confidence.
Working and living side by side
I applied to two different guide dog organisations before I was matched with my dog. Instead of becoming frustrated at the long waiting time, I learned to make use of it to prepare as much as possible. I planned and practiced routes that I would regularly take with my dog. This made the transition from white cane to guide dog much easier and smoother. I completed my degree and had just managed to get a job when I was called to come for training. I know that I could have been much more independent and confident at college, but I wouldn't have the same beautiful dog that I have now.
Owning a guide dog should be an enhancement to your mobility and quality of life, and should never be a burden. It is a good idea to speak to other guide dog owners, and meet somebody from a guide dog organisation to talk about your situation. In the end, nobody can make the decision only you. If you are sure that being a student and a guide dog owner is the right thing for you, then you can benefit from a very independent student life."
We would like to thank Jennifer for writing this article for the student site. Don't forget to check out Jennifer's blog Paws for Thought.