Somehow I asked this question to Ann privately. This is good information for all to know. Warmly, Dolores ----- Original Message ----- From: Ann Edie To: darste2@xxxxxxx Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 10:54 PM Subject: Re: (VICT) Guiding in Snow, was: Block vs. Back-up Hi, Dolores, Usually the streets in bigger towns and cities are cleared of snow sooner after a snowfall than streets and sidewalks in the suburbs. And since there are more people out walking on the sidewalks in bigger towns and more traffic on the streets, the walking paths get tramped down and the snow on the streets gets mushed up faster than in the outlying areas. I don't think they allow snowplows in the city to leave huge piles of snow blocking the crosswalks. So Mona and Cali should have a better chance of finding a more navigable path to the crosswalk than Panda and I have here in the country. I don't think I would want to walk on the street side of the snow banks if there was a lot of traffic and cars parked at the curb. In that case, I would stay on the sidewalk, and just climb carefully over whatever pile of snow was at the corner between me and the crosswalk. Good snow boots are a must for the all-weather traveler! Many blind people also use some kind of grippers on their boots to help prevent slipping on ice and snow, (bear paws?). In some situations, such as when construction or a vehicle parked across the sidewalk completely blocks the way, we do have to turn toward the street and go out into the street to get around the blockage. In this case, the guide takes me to the curb and stops. I give the cue to enter the street when I hear that there is no traffic in that near lane. As we go past the obstruction, I continue to cue my guide to stay as close as possible to the curb. If there are parked cars that we have to go around, again, Panda stops and waits for me to tell her when to go out and around them. And as soon as we can go between parked cars and get back onto passable sidewalk, we return to the curb, where Panda stops until I give her the cue to step up onto the curb and we go on our way. When we're walking in snow and ice, once we get to our destination, it is important to stop and clean the ice and snow out of Panda's hooves so that the snow won't ball up in her feet and make her slip on smooth hallway floors. If it is not too cold and windy out, I would do this just outside the door of the building. But if it is really nasty weather and if there is an area with a rug just inside the door where people clean the snow off their boots, I would clean Panda's feet there. I would carry a hoof pick with me to get the ice out of her hooves. In the city where there is a lot of slush and where passing cars may splash water and road salt up onto the guide's legs and tummy, you would probably also want to carry a towel to clean and dry the guide. Guide dog handlers have to clean the ice, snow, and road salt off their dogs, too, and I think dogs get even messier, because they are closer to the ground. Guide dog handlers also have to get the ice and road salt out of the dog's furry feet, as the road salt can make the dog's feet sore and the ice can cut the paws. So far at least, in my experience, Panda does not seem to be bothered by the ice or road salt on her feet. I look at it this way, I'd rather deal with the ice and snow in the winters of the North, than have to deal with the hot asphalt, threat of sunstroke, and the fire ants of the summers of the South. (I have replied to your e-mail off list, because your message was sent to me, not to the whole list. But if you wish, feel free to forward my reply to the list.) Best, Ann ----- Original Message ----- From: darste2@xxxxxxx To: annedie@xxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 6:03 PM Subject: Re: (VICT) Guiding in Snow, was: Block vs. Back-up Ann, Again what a great solution. Cali also automatically slows when the footing is not good. And, her head goes down to indicate that she is concerned. Good girl Cali. But, your answer also begs another question. Mona's corners are busy and I anticipate that there will be cars parked in the street. So, if she turns to avoid a snow bank and takes us to the next driveway, getting back to the original curb could be a challenge. Firstly, what to do if there is a parked car blocking the return to the corner. And, what is she looking for at the corner. Cali stops at corners whether on the sidewalk or on the street. So, I think she will stop at the corner again. But, that must take you paying attention to know which way to turn to get back. Hmmm,,,, this one could be tricky in Mona's environment. Hope there is snow to navigate in February. I'll have to think up some scenarios to use while in not so warm but snowless Arkansas. Warmly, Dolores ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Listen to 350+ music, sports, & news radio stations - including songs for the holidays - FREE while you browse. Start Listening Now!