Hi Nicole it’s bliss Choi and I just wanna tell you I’m a huge fan of your videos even though you haven’t been posting a lot of your videos and 2024 but I just introduced you to another friend of mine who we are currently in buying training together and I would love for you to just reply to my comment right now I don’t know if you can see it but I want you to send me your email address and possibly your phone number if you’re able so we can communicate and contact and be friends thank you
@Sarah-zb8cq5 ай бұрын
Hi I love the rainbow head collar does your friend make them to sale
@stevehofmaster42926 ай бұрын
Great video I, loved it❤
@frankteunissen611811 ай бұрын
Dogs, working dogs, tend not to take too kindly to being pensioned off. I’ve had tussles between my dogs, no-one was hurt, for primacy of place when walking to heel in the field. Also, major pouting if Stinker (i.e. the newbie) was told to go for a retrieve.
@SweetpeaSweets Жыл бұрын
I’m glad I found this channel. I went blind around the time I gave birth to my 1yr old daughter. I really appreciate the narration.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Oooh, hi Sweetpea! Thanks for commenting…. So, about a year ago! Was your vision loss unexpected or due to a known condition? That doesn’t make it any easier, I know. I hope you’re finding some resources and services in your area to help you adjust to blindness and gain skills and confidence to be your best, most confident self. Big hugs, and welcome. I swear I AM trying hard to get content made and out, it’s just been a slow process and a wacky few years.
@SweetpeaSweets Жыл бұрын
@@theblindmomnextdoor it’s was unexpected and I didn’t know how bad it had actually gotten until just recently. I just graduated O&m and have applied for a guide dog through GDB. Still not sure about vr. I enjoy your videos.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
It is FANTASTIC that you were able to get O&M training!! Congrats on your GDB application, that’s exciting!! I don’t know what state you are in, but VR can be a HUGE help as you work toward adjusting to your blindness and determining what your future will look like! It sounds like you have exciting possibilities ahead! ❤️
@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084 Жыл бұрын
Do you have any advice for getting used to Holding the harness as apposed to the railing we’re going upstairs and for making sure your dog doesn’t get too far ahead when you’re just holding leash going down
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Hmm. I hadn’t thought of this because my guide dog works on my left so I typically still hold the railing on the right when going up stairs. When we go down, I hold his leash, not his harness, and they’ll adjust to you…. I don’t try to slow him down, he’ll self-correct and adjust if he’s going significantly faster than I am, because that would be uncomfortable for him and he’d respond to the sensation of his leash tightening. I suppose you could try a command for your guide to slow down if you have one.
@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084 Жыл бұрын
@@theblindmomnextdoor my dog works on my left as well, but we were told in training not to use both the railing and having them guide at the same time. I don’t actually have a word to slow down. I mean I say steady when she’s guiding, but that uses harness pressure as well. Maybe I’ll try to make one for when she’s just healing
@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084 Жыл бұрын
Do you know if those kind of scanning devices are the same at majority of retail stores where the item number and where it goes are readable by screen reader.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I do not know. I do know that the actual program was/is proprietary to target, not the devices used or the accessibility features I had enabled, but the retail/merchandising program is proprietary.
@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084 Жыл бұрын
@@theblindmomnextdoor So it’s own by target as a company
@afronabdo3774 Жыл бұрын
Would you say that Figgy is a fast walking dog? He looks. Fast from here. You’ll look awesome by the way.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Thanks Afron!! He is a fast-paced dog, but he is not the fastest guide dog I’ve had. Megan, my second guide dog, was like a freaking race car, it was insane!!
@afronabdo3774 Жыл бұрын
@@theblindmomnextdoor is that the one that worked for a few months? Are you going to ask for a fast pac dog e next time as well?
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Megan worked most of a year. She experienced severe allergies in our area. It was so difficult to let her go, but she’s healthy and happy living with her puppy raisers and doesn’t experience allergies that at all. I will ask for a dog with a very similar pace to Figaro. So, likely faster than average, but NOT the fastest and unable to be experienced as a slow pace. Part of that for me is that I can walk fast when I’m on my own, but I spend a lot of time with my family, and I don’t want to be thirty feet ahead of my husband and kids all the time. 🤣
@mamablubird Жыл бұрын
Do you have a video that shows some of the items that GDB sends home with your guide?
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I believe I talk about that in the Guide Dog Fear video!! Basic Guide Dog Gear : Daily Tools for a Working Guide Dog kzbin.info/www/bejne/joLCq5usgZmbpNE
@afronabdo3774 Жыл бұрын
This video just came across my home screen. I just saw that you went to the same rehab school that I went to. I had Melody for braille as well. I live two blocks away from that facility.😊
@SlugcatEmporium Жыл бұрын
There's a big amphitheater in a park near me, kind of like the big "exercise" staircase you talked about. Going up or down means multiple sets of 3-5 stairs each. It's always fun for my guide to get so much praise for each bottom and top stair! 😂
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
LOL. I bet!! That sounds like a really cool outdoor theatre/show space!!
@taengkwamariesturgell4938 Жыл бұрын
I always love your guided content
@nancydriessen594 Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I was so curious and now I know, thank you so much!!
@megandmauiguidingpaws Жыл бұрын
Loved it I live in the MN area and I always like knowing that there are other guide dog users in our area. I would love a video of times maybe he made a mistake. I feel like sometimes people think our guides are perfect and i know like Maui made a mistake the other day It’s cool that you are back.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Oh, he made mistakes even in this video lol. He got distracted by my husband once, some smells once…. They’re dogs first!
@megandmauiguidingpaws Жыл бұрын
@@theblindmomnextdoor Maui is my first guide dog so I am still getting used to it even though I had dogs in the past. Maui made a mistake being distracted by another dog because it looked like a dog that had attacked her twice it wasn’t that dog but I just for me I feel pressure to make sure she is perfect and that’s not fair to me and its really not fair to her they have bad days too. You were one of the videos in the past that helped me decide to get a guide dog. I appreciate your videos.
@afronabdo3774 Жыл бұрын
Yellow awesome. I love the Audible pedestrian signal. I don’t trust it 100%, but 90% is enough for me.😊
@dinahakim7114 Жыл бұрын
Hey it’s good to have you back it’s been a hot second. Hope I get to see more videos of you in Figaro
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Thanks’. The pandemic really kicked our family’s butt in terms of just living life day to day and finding my way back to this has been a challenge! I’m so excited to be back though!
@davidhartline9172 Жыл бұрын
Have you noticed how your guide won’t step forward until your foot is on the first step when going down stairs?
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I can’t say I’ve noticed it! But, I wouldn’t doubt it either lol. I suspect that’s part of his training!
@EminayDrackoness Жыл бұрын
I am legally blind (I have some vision with back lit things like phone or computer, but its not great. ) and I have a guide dog in training. I would love a video showing how a guide dog should ride a public city bus. Like how they should board, guide to a seat and where they sit on the bus as well as how to get off the bus.
@mamablubird Жыл бұрын
Hi Nichole. I have a question. I’ll be going to GDB soon. I chose to train at the San Rafael campus. My husband and son want to attend graduation after watching this video. So my question is, do we leave training the day after graduation? We are trying to gage which day they should fly in to meet me.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Congratulations on attending training at GDB soon! Typically, students graduate and leave campus the same day-but I would REALLY encourage you to just give a call to your campus and ask 1. When you graduate. 2. If you are scheduled to leave campus the same day. And 3. If they’ve opened graduations to family, friends, and the public since covid…. I do not know if they have or not, and training for students during the pandemic has been VERY different than pre-pandemic!
@mamablubird Жыл бұрын
Hello, I will be going to GDB soon to get my very first guide. Your videos are so helpful for prepping and just getting an idea of what’s to come. Thank you.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Congrats!!! And you’re so welcome!! ❤️❤️❤️
@jennifervandertook5296 Жыл бұрын
Hey Nicole, I just watched your video about when you received the Garg you were matched with during your training. I hope you and Kim end up being together permanently. I agree it is a good thing not to announce the dogs information until you know that you will be well suited for each other. Good luck with the rest of your training and hope to hear the good news soon.
@amelialillie2125 Жыл бұрын
So my boyfriend is getting a dog there right now and I have seen so many people just have tie downs instead of crates. But his dog has a crate. I am just curious if there is a reason some times it’s a crate and other times it’s just a tie down.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
While we’re in training, GDB has both a tie down and a crate available for students to use with their new dog. They encourage us to utilize both as we get accustomed to our new dog and the dog gets used to us. In our day to day home life, we used a tie down immediately after training while Figaro was earning more freedom and establishing proper house behavior in our home (dogs are known not to generalize rules very well with different locations/places/people). And, we’ve utilized a crate when we were working at target and he would have his breaks while I used my cane to work. For the most part, at this point (he’s been in our home and my partner for over five years now), it is extremely rare we need wither tie down or crate for Figaro, but he doesn’t resist either when we do utilize them.
@jennifervandertook5296 Жыл бұрын
Hello there, I just watched your video about whether or not a guide dog is best for you. I am seriously considering getting a guide dog in the future, but I’ve never had one before. I agree with you that using a cane is a lot more effort worthy than a dog. But I am looking forward to the companionship and ability to independently travel on my own better. Keep up the good work in the excellent videos.
@jennifervandertook5296 Жыл бұрын
Hi there, I just started watching your KZbin channel a few days ago. I love watching blind individuals work with their guide dogs. I was wondering what school you attend to get your guide dogs. The reason I am curious is that I am planning on getting a guide dog in the future. Keep up the good videos in educating the public on blindness and guide dogs. How are you
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Hi Jennifer! Welcome! Figaro and I graduated from Guide Dogs for the Blind whose primary campus is in San Rafael, CA. I have trained with each of my guide dogs on GDB’s Oregon campus so far.
@jennifervandertook5296 Жыл бұрын
Hi there, I just started watching your KZbin channel a few days ago. I was wondering what school you go to to get your guide dogs. The reason I’m asking is that I am planning on getting a guide dog in the future. Keep up the good work in educating the public on blindness and guide dogs.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Congratulations to you on plans to pursue a guide dog! It’s like nothing else if you decide it’s right for you. My guide dogs have all been through Guide Dogs for the Blind out of San Rafael, CA. I’ve trained with all of them on the Portland, Oregon campus!
@taengkwamariesturgell49382 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I was typing in braille so it made a few errors. I meant to say, this is very interesting, I enjoyed the video very much!
@taengkwamariesturgell49382 жыл бұрын
this is very esting! i oyed this o very ch!
@SlugcatEmporium2 жыл бұрын
Hello! Glad to see another video from you. 😊 I used to cashier at Target with my guide dog, but I was never brave enough to get her a name tag (I'm kind of nervous about strangers knowing her name). Getting to learn about other teams working at various human jobs is so cool.
@theblindmomnextdoor2 жыл бұрын
I TOTALLY understand that! I have friends who don’t share their guide’s name at all, or they share a false name. This fits for us, or it did lol. I haven’t worked for TGT since the pandemic started, but I loved my experience there and LOVE the team we worked with.
@nancydriessen5942 жыл бұрын
That was very interesting to watch, thank you for making this video!!
@nancydriessen5942 жыл бұрын
Yes, you’re back after 2 years!!
@theblindmomnextdoor2 жыл бұрын
At target or with content? I’m just starting to make more content again, so that will be coming! With target I stopped working with the pandemic start and likely won’t return at this time.
@theblindmomnextdoor2 жыл бұрын
Also, if there’s content you’d like to see (specifically) just let me know! ❤️
@nancydriessen5942 жыл бұрын
@@theblindmomnextdoor I meant the content! I’d love to see how figaro and you walk stairs and things?
@theblindmomnextdoor2 жыл бұрын
We can do this, no problem.
@megandmauiguidingpaws2 жыл бұрын
So nice to know you r back making content I finally got my guide Maui
@MidniteYell2 жыл бұрын
I 💞 Figaro!
@theblindmomnextdoor2 жыл бұрын
He’s the Best Boy!
@lisawinckelmans56782 жыл бұрын
Honestly I just wish people would talk to me as a person first but it’s just not the case. I love that you are making this video and talking about this. I hope people understand and will actually listen
@mamablubird2 жыл бұрын
Can you tell me what you are sent home with when you get your guide dog? I’d like to travel with just a carry on but I’m not sure if I need bigger luggage.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I guess it depends on your needs during training. I wouldn’t be able to pack just a carry on for guide dog training, but I’m sure some people can. You need clothing appropriate for the weather and your own tolerances, though at GDB you’d have access to laundry facilities in your dorm if needed, so you could pack less clothing. There’s just not loads of down-time to do extra tasks.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I guess it depends on your needs during training. I wouldn’t be able to pack just a carry on for guide dog training, but I’m sure some people can. You need clothing appropriate for the weather and your own tolerances, though at GDB you’d have access to laundry facilities in your dorm if needed, so you could pack less clothing. There’s just not loads of down-time to do extra tasks.
@sharronhoffman4432 жыл бұрын
Hello my name is Sharon. Yes I am getting a guide dog I leave for guide dogs for the blind May 8, 2022 Mother’s Day what a wonderful day it will be. Can you please direct me to where you got that travel blanket I love that idea I watch your videos all the time thank you and please make more videos
@mamablubird2 жыл бұрын
This was perfect! Is there a second video?
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I’m going to have to watch this video-I suspect I talked about making a second video and didn’t?! Lol. I’ll check on it!
@sharronhoffman4432 жыл бұрын
Nicole you are just too cute I am also blind but I am totally blind I am due to get my guy dog hopefully in April or May don’t know if it will be in San Rafael or Oregon but I am excited I hope you get this message I would love to talk to you about my journey my name is Sharron Hoffman
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Sharon!’ You must have gotten your guide since?! If you get the chance I’d love to hear about your experience!
@cilukba19253 жыл бұрын
Nice and inspire video...thanks for share this video...i tink can be inspire for my small laundry businness at kuta mandalika lombok indonesia...laundry today or naked tomorrow.. Moro Constantin Riung - KZbin...so gratefully watch this video🙏🙏🙏
@seankendrick78623 жыл бұрын
Rules must be different in America to what they have on Australia in Australia we get an extra seat for a guy dog
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Nice! Yeah, our guides kennel under the seat in front of us. It can be tight, but it’s usually a pretty good fit!
@alejandragutierrez2203 жыл бұрын
Ohh I'm so happy hearing you had so much fun!!! I love the fact that videogame companies are starting to make progress in terms of accesibillity, everyone deserves to enjoy videogames! 💞💞
@taengkwamariesturgell49383 жыл бұрын
Can you try and explain the Urgo handle? Does the handle part where you hold on come off the dog like on their right side? Is it offset?
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
So, it’s not that it’s offset exactly, it’s more like the part I hold onto as the blind handler is angled a little, so that it’s more like my arm would be naturally bent when walking. The original handle made me hold my hand/wrist/arm very straight and it caused a lot of discomfort in my wrist as I recall.
@shays95953 жыл бұрын
I'm scared to learn how to cook I dont want to burn everything or myself lol but I have to eventually
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
I totally understand this! There are a lot of techniques and tools to use to keep yourself safe, and I’ll admit I’m scared of burning myself also. I’m more scared of cutting myself because I have a clotting disorder and am on lifelong blood thinners, so I’m suuuuper cautious when cutting food. It’s very empowering to learn alternative techniques of blindness for cooking and other activities so that you can feel confident and find out what you do and don’t enjoy!
@farelheart50313 жыл бұрын
Hi, I noticed that we have not seen any videos from you for about seven months and I always found them quite enjoyable and great for entertainment and information about your guide dog. I hope everything is well with you. Are you posting on another service besides KZbin? In any event take care and I hope you’re well the Lord bless you and your family.
@vvalle33183 жыл бұрын
Hi:)..I’m new to your beautiful channel and I enjoy very much watching your beautiful video and the music is so relaxing:). Thank you so much for taking the time to post this beautiful video..... I know is not easy, But you make it look so easy enjoy your beautiful walk with your beautiful service dog.
@A_Wee_spook3 жыл бұрын
I love that you have your vidoes described!
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
It’s not perfect, but I do try to describe as much as I can!
@paul196446914 жыл бұрын
Figaro what an amazing dog! Thank you for sharing! Dogs are truly amazing animals! Also, Diana and I would like to invite you to a live stream blind Community open Panel chat and discussion. This Sunday September 6th 2020 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. I hope I see you there! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZKWpKl8opqDp7c#menu
@kaseyg6374 жыл бұрын
I want to get a guide dog but I think I will be denied one because I don't use a cane. But I am considered legally blind. I would love a companion with me because I have anxiety about going in public alone.
@theblindmomnextdoor4 жыл бұрын
My first suggestion for you is to seek training to properly use a cane. If your functional vision I doesn’t impact your mobility enough to need a cane, or to be willing to begin using a cane consistently, you likely won’t qualify and possibly don’t need a guide dog either. Separately, a guide dog or service dog is and does so so so much more than offer companionship and security. They are highly trained and have so much responsibility and so many people contributing to their success both in terms of time and effort, but also in massive amounts of money. Please consider that as part of your decision making process also. If you really do want a pet for a companion and perhaps to help with your anxiety at home, there are MANY animals seeking a loving home capable of providing for them who will by their very nature give you love, companionship, and support. ❤️.
@paul196446914 жыл бұрын
Thank you Nicole for taking us for a walk with Figaro! What an awesome dog! Please join Diana and I August second 20/20 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time for a live blind community panel and chat discussion. The topic is. Are you a hero? Here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqLHZmmla5Z5mNE
@johnbgrayiv21204 жыл бұрын
What kind of treats do you give your dog? I was introduced to the idea of a support dog at Hines Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Figaro’s “treats” or food reward are actually just a portion of his day’s kibble. In rare circumstances, he’ll get a high value food reward, but that’s mainly if we’re in a really difficult working situation or he’s learning a new complex task. He loves food reward-it’s a little like a paycheck with some added cheerleading. 😂
@johnbgrayiv21204 жыл бұрын
Do the award treats add weight to your service dog?
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
No, his food reward is a portion of his day’s kibble/food. ❤️
@johnbgrayiv21204 жыл бұрын
AMAZING! I am trying to decide I’d a service dog is for me. I don’t have any feeling in my feet and am constantly tripping over curs. Me wife usually tells me where the steps are. At one she doesn’t remember to tell me about small pot holes that can twist my ankle. She oftentimes tells me, “see I’m better than a guide dog. They can’t tell you where the pot holes are. I don’t use my white stick because it sets me up for aggressive people to aggravate me.
@theblindmomnextdoor Жыл бұрын
Man, I’m so sorry to hear about your experience with your cane. 😰. I definitely value my cane as a tool when I’m traveling without my guide dog. My husband will sighted guide me also, but I don’t like to feel dependent upon him sighted guiding me. Everyone does what works for them though, you know? And if what works for you and your wife is for her to sighted guide you and audio cue you to the areas your feet might encounter or have trouble with, then that’s great! Do you have neuropathy in your feet? That has to be so frustrating!