(VICT) Re: Non-verbal cues-ideas needed.
- From: Sheila Styron <sheilastyron@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:50:06 -0500
Dear Sandy,
I don't have a lot to add to the nonverbal cues which have already been
posted here, but I often use and prefer them to verbal ones. About three
and a half years ago, I had botched thyroid surgery and suffered for a
couple of months what you are currently undergoing. I will never forget
being in Sacramento trying to testify on a bill, unable to speak at
times and also gasping for breath when my pipes collapsed and closed
off. I of course was the only one at the table without a working
microphone as well. So I can somewhat relate to your unenviable
situation, and my heart goes out to you. I think getting Alex to react
to nonverbal requests will be a breeze for you, and I wish your return
to good health.
Sheila Styron, President
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
816-363-3172
sheilastyron@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: vi-clicker-trainers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Infinitepaws@xxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:06 AM
To: vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: (VICT) Non-verbal cues-ideas needed.
Hi all, I have been off list for a bit because of a new neuro disorder.
In a
nutshell, my breathing and vocal cord functions are out of sync and it
makes
me have a hard time breathing because my vocal cords cut off my breath
in
mid-breath and I make sharp noisy wheezes every 1-3 seconds. It also
chops up my
talking because of the sudden need to gasp. Probably it is related to
my eye
spasm disorder but they arent sure. The "reset" mechanism in my brain
isnt
working right for either problem.. anyhow, that leads me to my next
question..one of the treatments they are discussing is to partially
paralyze my vocal
cords. This will mean that I cannot talk or will have some difficulty
talking. Since the drug is only temporary, it will have to be repeated
every few
months for the rest of my life..causing the voice issue each time. It
is scary
though because if I react with swelling like I did when they used it
around
my eyes the last time, it can be life-threatening..we are going to try
a trial
run on my bad eye on Monday..
Do you all think it would be possible to retrain Alex with some
non-verbal
cues? What cues do you use verbally and do you have any ideas of how to
cue
them non-verbally?
I am trying hard to maintain my optimism and humor but it is damn
hard.. At this point I would choose being non-verbal to the incessant
difficulty
breathing and the noise ,embarassment of the stridor. People are
downright mean
sometimes. I have been ridiculed and demeanedthe past two weeks by the
public,my coworkers, my primary care Dr, the ER nurses/interns and the
public on
busses and trains...Public Ignorance is hell for the person who knows
what is
happening but cant control their own body. I finally told one person,
who
nastily kept asking me why I kept making that noise and that it was
creepy.. "I
cant control it and thanks for your show of compassion!".. I hope she
stops
and thinks next time she is so rude and insensitive. Then again, I am
losing my
faith in humanity.. cynicism is setting in..
Sandy Foushee
Infinite Paws-Abilities Training and Service Dogs
Teamed with Alexandra Guide/Service Dog
Colorado Service/Assistance Dog Club - Trainer.-
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