Just back...you won't BELIEVE what I saw!

[MommyPoppins]

We were walking into Epcot last Saturday morning and i saw a seeing eye dog. No big deal....well I looked closer and saw who was holding the leash.......................It was a woman on an ECV!!!!!!!!!! I swear! I couldn't believe my eyes!

 

[jennyl772003]

Are you sure it was a seeing eye dog and maybe not one of those dogs that help people with limited mobility? (can't think of what they are called right now)

 

[ziggystardust]

They are called canine companions. They help out people with all types of disabilities.

My sister works for Canine Companions, they are a great organization that helps so many people.

 

[lovethattink]

I have seen many seeing eye dogs with people who are not sight impaired. Since I am both allergic to dogs and nosy, I asked them about the dog. Usually it is a dog in training. I really have to hand it to those people. They become attatched to the dog knowing they are going to have to part with them once they are trained.

 

[Talking Hands]

Are you sure this wasn't a service dog and not a guide dog?

 

[fanofdisney]

What's an ECV?

 

[Talking Hands]

a scooter (Electic convenence vehicle)

 

[candizfan]

Training a dog for helping people, like seeing eye dogs, is a great opportunity if you like the experience of training dogs.

There are only a few thing you have to train the dog for but most of all you are encouraged to take the dog with you every where you go.

We thought about it when our old dog was not going to live long. We weren't sure if we wanted to get another dog for ourselves right away but I don't like not having a dog.

I would have loved taking the dog to work!

But we ended up falling in love with a big mutt and didn't end up doing it. Maybe next time.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Are you sure this wasn't a service dog and not a guide dog?

My thoughts exactly. It is not at all unusual for persons with mobility limitations to have a service/assistance dog. Service dogs perform a different function than seeing eye dogs, although both frequently do wear a vest &/or harness that may appear similar at first glance. These dogs are trained by groups such as 'Canine Companions for Independence" (we have a more localized group known as 'Susquehanna Service Dogs' in my home area--I support both with annual donations). The dogs assist their owners by picking up dropped objects, answering the phone (bringing the receiver to their owner), turning light switches on and off, etc.. They can significantly improve a person's quality of life, by providing the ability to function with greater independence on a daily basis.

 

[tjmw2727]

We were walking into Epcot last Saturday morning and i saw a seeing eye dog. No big deal....well I looked closer and saw who was holding the leash.......................It was a woman on an ECV!!!!!!!!!! I swear! I couldn't believe my eyes!

Was the PUN intended???

Ok - so I can say so much... but I won't, perhaps you should do a bit of research before making such a statement - a statement that implies judgment on so many levels

FTR I personally find the rolling of eyes insulting - please thank GOD you have the faculties you have to roll those eyes.

Not all assistance dogs are "seeing eye dogs" many assistance dogs help people in so many ways we can't even imagine. Let me tell you that the quality of so many peoples lives have improved by assistance dogs that I give much of my charity $$ to such a cause. If someone's life is improved to the point that they can visit WDW with the assistance of such a dog then you can bet I would not question this - but applaud it.

That said - I am still not sure what your point is, do you care to elaborate us? What about this is funny to you?


TJ/

 

[Mrs.D]

We were walking into Epcot last Saturday morning and i saw a seeing eye dog. No big deal....well I looked closer and saw who was holding the leash.......................It was a woman on an ECV!QUOTE]


We saw her, also. My husband wondered what a blind person would do with an EVC/dog combination. We had to discuss the other types of service dogs.

I just wanted to say, HI!! This is the first evidence that another "DISser" has been at the park at the same time as me!!

 

[tjmw2727]

You know what - the more I think about your post the more angry I get. There but for the grace of GOD we go. Hold those precious babies you have and thank god you can hold them.

FWIW its not your question that makes me angry but the laughing rolling on the floor "icons you have" that really, angers me. If you want to ask why someone with an ECV needs a dog then ask but do it without laughing at them.
Please take a minute and educate yourself and then pass some tolerance on to your family. I am sooooo upset by your post.

If you should ever need some assistance I pray you get it and I pray no one laughs at you for needing it.

TJ

 

[*Fantasia*]

We were walking into Epcot last Saturday morning and i saw a seeing eye dog. No big deal....well I looked closer and saw who was holding the leash.......................It was a woman on an ECV!!!!!!!!!! I swear! I couldn't believe my eyes!

I'm sorry... Forgive me but, did I miss something here? I mean so what is funny about it? Please share.

 

[mrsR123]

with honey than with vinegar, folks.

With all the posts about line jumping, ECV and wheelchair abuse the OP's first thought might have been a "what will they do next" response. ALso, the thought of a blinds person driving anything, even an ECV is somewhat comical at first take.

Why not explain the other possibilities without all the attacks? JMHO

 

[Talking Hands]

I can also tell you that there are several groups that train assistance dogs that bring them to the parks for training. I have seen them at all the parks. My friend's guide/hearing dog was trained by Southeast Guide Dogs which is in the Central Florida area. I know there is also a group that trains service dogs as I have been stopped by them in the parks and given their card in case I decide in the future that I need one. Fortunately improving not declining so it isn't a need at this point.

 

[cindyfan]

I hope you have your flame-retardant suit on!!!!!!!

I see absolutely nothing funny about this!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a nephew in a wheel chair who really wants to get a Canine Companion......
And I am appalled by your post!!

I think you need to delete it before it offends more people!

Sorry...but couldn't hold back!! Vinegar is needed on this one!

 

[minkydog]

Was the PUN intended???

Ok - so I can say so much... but I won't, perhaps you should do a bit of research before making such a statement - a statement that implies judgment on so many levels

FTR I personally find the rolling of eyes insulting - please thank GOD you have the faculties you have to roll those eyes.

Not all assistance dogs are "seeing eye dogs" many assistance dogs help people in so many ways we can't even imagine. Let me tell you that the quality of so many peoples lives have improved by assistance dogs that I give much of my charity $$ to such a cause. If someone's life is improved to the point that they can visit WDW with the assistance of such a dog then you can bet I would not question this - but applaud it.

That said - I am still not sure what your point is, do you care to elaborate us? What about this is funny to you?


TJ/

I have nothing to add. You said it all. As the mother of a handicapped child and the wife of a disabled man, I am very sensitive to the plight of the disabled. It doens't matter why she had a service dog or that she was in an ECV. I am insulted that anyone would find this situation funny.

Boo..hisss....

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I just read this post and am thinking here maybe we could cut the OP a little slack on what she said and how she said it. I am sure she did not mean anything by it, it was something that she probably thought was unusual..

 

[cindyfan]

I just read this post and am thinking here maybe we could cut the OP a little slack on what she said and how she said it. I am sure she did not mean anything by it, it was something that she probably thought was unusual..

Sorry, can't seem to cut slack on this one.
The OP needs to be able to take this feedback and learn to think before posting.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I can certainly understand how those who have people with disabilities in their family could be upset with this thread, I am sure she did not mean it the way it came out.....I am closing it now to avoid any further debate.