March question

[Robert Stigile]

Hello All,
My name is Robert Stigile, a member of the NAGDU Board of Directors.
It's time for March Madness, and Spring Baseball.
I am hopeful, that many of you, will provide discussion regarding whether or not you're Guide Dog goes with you when attending sporting events?
I have taken my Guide Dog to Baseball games, as well as some football games in the past, however, it can be stressful taking your guide dog to a sporting event so not everyone does so.
I look forward to hearing what people decide.
Sincerely,
Robert Stigile Board member
National Association of Guide Dog Users

[Haylie Gallacher]

I generally do take my dog to baseball games. I make sure that when I get a dog and am filling out the application to make mention that I attend as many baseball games I am able to and am matched with a dog that does not have a problem.
Haylie

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[Al Sten-Clanton]

Greetings!


I don't go to a lot of sporting events, but when I do, I usually take my
dog.  I did not take my first dog to the Boston Celtics game I went to
in 1979 or 1980 because it was inside, and I expected it to be louder
and harder on the dog than, say, a Red Sox game.  I'm not sure how much
easier being at Red Sox games was for my dogs than that Celtics game
might have been, but they seemed all right afterwards.


Al Sten-Clanton

[Ann Chiappetta]

I do not attend games but I do take my dog to the theater and to the classical music shows, plays and musicals and events where I know the noise levels are not deafening. I don't take my dog to rock concerts and haven't ever taken them to out door fireworks shows, either.

Though my first dog retired at age 7 and my husband took her hunting and she never was afraid of the hunting rifles or shotguns. She was a natural with retrieving waterfowl.

Wags --
Annie and Iowa


Ann M. Chiappetta, MS
President, Friends In Art, Inc.
pres...@friendsinart.org www.friendsinart.org
914.393.6605
www.annchiappetta.com
"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out."
- Ray Bradbury

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Stigile <rsti...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 2:53 PM
To: dis...@nagdu.org
Subject: [NAGDU-Discuss] March question

[Brent Franklin]

Hello Robert,

I have taken my guides to many sporting big events.

I've found the dog doesn't stress with all the noise, I'm lucky in that they
take it all in their stride.

The biggest issue I've encountered is having enough room for my guide to fit
under my seat. With people coming and going all the time and how squashy it
can be getting my dog under the seat nicely can be a bit of an issue.

Cheers.

Brent.

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Stigile <rsti...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 3 March 2026 6:53 AM
To: dis...@nagdu.org
Subject: [NAGDU-Discuss] March question

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[Haylie Gallacher]

Another thing I do at Great American Ballpark when I can is sit in the very back. Two reasons, first is I don't have to worry about the very narrow stairs and other people going in and out. Second is they are your regular chairs like at a doctors office back there.
Haylie

[Morgan Estes]

Hey everybody! I haven’t brought Ivan to any sporting events because I’ve only gone to one since I’ve been home with him and that’s unusual for me plus I was worried about him not fitting since I go to a big school. However, we might be taking a day trip to nyc over my spring break so Ivan will be going to his first Broadway show. Any tips and tricks for this event with a semi new guide dog? (Ivan and I have been together since July). I love Broadway shows so hopefully he’ll do well.
Warm regards,
Morgan A Estes


> On Mar 3, 2026, at 2:54 PM, Haylie Gallacher <hayli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Another thing I do at Great American Ballpark when I can is sit in the very back. Two reasons, first is I don't have to worry about the very narrow stairs and other people going in and out. Second is they are your regular chairs like at a doctors office back there.

[joy.r...@icloud.com]

Hey,

My apologies, but I've lost the name of the person who asked for suggestions in taking your dog to theater events in new York. I took my 50-pound lab-golden cross to two shows last summer in NYC and had no problems. Over the years I softened a bit on the idea of allowing people to give me more advanced time to get seated or to ensure that I arrive in sufficient time to allow me some time to allow my dog to guide me through the various stairs, halls and rows. I stated how much she weighs to give you an idea that my current guide is fairly petite so she fits under seats pretty well. Having said that, I like to tuck my dog tail first between my legs and under my seat. I place my feat in front of her front paws to add protection. Since she is a very shiny dark black dog she tends to blend into the carpeting. Once I am seated I stay alert for others coming to the row so that I can stand to let others through. I ask whether they are comfortable stepping over her (since she is compact) or, I ask that they give me a minute to move my dog and I out of the way as much as possible to give them space to go through. However, occasionally, depending on the size of the patron, I may need to step out of the row entirely to allow the person(s) to pass through. A pleasant smile and polite interaction usually works well. It doesn't hurt that Vicky is this petite little girl with a very cute face who looks up as if to say "hi, nice to meet you". Also, I am very careful to ensure that I keep full attention of my dogs body and feet by the placement of my feet and by tucking her leash under my thigh. As I have matured, I have found that extra time in advance of the performance allows me to progress with my guide with cool confidence allowing him/her to progress with confidence and encouragement. A phrase you will hear me say (not part of the Seeing Eye commands) is "good girl or boy! You can handle it, figure it out" when they seem to be hesitant about progressing.

Good luck! May you enjoy many more performances on the court, the ice, the field or the stage for years to come.

Joy with Vicky who is now 7.5 years old and has been my seventh partner for the past six years

[Morgan Estes]

Hi Joy!
Thank you so much for the tips and tricks! Ivan is 58-59 lbs depending on the day so I think he’ll fit by my feet pretty well. He likes to lie on my feet so I think we should be ok on space. Good point about arriving early which I do anyways to get my AD pack. I’ll be going with my parents so I think with me being aware of where he’s at and some sighted assistance we’ll be fine with others getting in and out of rows. I’m excited for my first Broadway show with Mr Ivan!
Warm regards,
Morgan A Estes and Leader Dog Ivan (my first dog and March 23 marks 8 months together)


> On Mar 3, 2026, at 6:50 PM, joy.relton via NAGDU Discussion Group <dis...@nagdu.org> wrote:
>
> Hey,