(VICT) Fw: Guiding in Snow, was: Block vs. Back-up

From: "Dolores Arste" <darste2@xxxxxxx>
To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:39:33 -0600
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








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(VICT) Fw: Guiding in Snow, was: Block vs. Back-up

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