So, after last week’s post, you’re probably expecting me to start with some point on which I have begun to differ in my thinking from that of The Seeing Eye.
I hate disappointing people. So, here goes.
I love dog parks.
Not the most controversial statement ever, unless you’re a TSE grad. The Seeing Eye’s advice when it comes to dog parks is that they are a risky endeavor for the blind. A large open space with no tactile contact with your dog, lots of other dogs you don’t know running around, who may or may not be vaccinated, have good temperaments, or knowledgeable and responsible owners…anything could happen, and by the item the blind person realized their dog was in trouble, or was the trouble, it might be too late. And even if they did realize it in time, would they be able to safely traverse the distance to the dog(s) in question, and do something about it?
This is a reasonable set of concerns. But these concerns are predicated on a fear of the unknown. I don’t care to live this way. I also don’t choose to eschew all reasonable caution, so let me present a more nuanced perspective on dog guides, the blind, and dog parks. If you choose the tried-and-true avoidance philosophy, I won’t judge you. I’ll even defend you to those who might. Each person’s risk tolerance is a combination of environment, tools, nature, nurture, resources, and a host of other factors, a highly individualized calculation I won’t presume to evaluate. Here’s my calculation.
I can’t get to a dog park on foot. There aren’t any near where I walk. I have to hitch a ride with someone. So, I’m never at a dog park without a sighted person. My former roommate and her dog come and pick me and Greta up most Saturday mornings, and we four ladies drive to a dog park downtown that has very good reviews. I’m guessing that reviews on dog parks wasn’t a thing when TSE authored its policy. It takes time to update every thought and idea you have to adjust for the changing world, and even more to evaluate whether or not you should update. No judgment there.
So, we drive to the dog park, get the dogs out, pack up our folding chairs and thermoses and knitting projects, and enter the “airlock,” a dedicated unleashing area. Once through there, we release the dogs to race around the large, open grassy area to their hearts’ content.
My friend is very knowledgeable and responsible when it comes to canine behavior and safety. I can trust her eyes and my ears to pick up any signs of doggy trouble, and she can race to the rescue and knows what to do if there are any temperament issues. After a year, we’ve had no problems. We’ve made an effort to – with proper social distancing – get to know some of the other puppy parents there, get to know their experience levels, get to know their dogs. We have a community.
As for vaccines…well, if your dog is vaccinated, check with your vet but you shouldn’t have anything to worry about if your dog is properly vaccinated.
I believe life is better when you give people the benefit of the doubt. I have experienced that dogs behave well unless you give them a reason not to. And I have support. I choose to take Greta to the dog park, to let her embrace her doggy heritage with a fluid pack of happy canines, exercising and enjoying all the endorphins that come with it. It’s been great to see that Greta’s tendency to bark at dogs while working (a behavior I’ve employed a trainer to help with) stems from an intense desire to play rather than anything untoward.
And, because I love you, my readers, here is a cute video of Greta helping me with my knitting.
