[Ag-eq] OT question

[Jody W. Ianuzzi]

Hi Nella,

Yes, she is a German Shepherd.  I absolutely love shepherds and I would
never consider any other breed.  We raised and trained shepherds in the
1980s.  They are so smart and sassy.  I just love the way they talk.  My dog
has an incredible sense of humor.  

I got her from Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Hartford Connecticut.
Fidelco breeds only German Shepherds and that is one reason why I chose
them.  They also do in community training which is so wonderful.  The traner
came here and in 19 days we worked one to one in all the unique areas here
which makes so much sense.  

A few years ago Fidelco trained people nationally and in Canada.  Due to the
economy they are only training people in New England now.  I know someone
whose Fidelco dog died suddenly in January and he is still waiting for a
successor dog.  The woman who established the school just died last week and
there are many changes happening to the school.

I know GDB isn't training GSDs any more which is a real shame.  You can
request a shepherd from some schools but it isn't guaranteed.

To tell you the truth, my next guide dog is going to be self trained.  When
my present guide is about ten I plan to get a male puppy and train him from
the start. I have even picked out a name.  He will be named Walker, a
perfect name for a guide dog and for a Chuck Norris fan.  <GRIN> I am
starting to check out breeders.  I went to the German Shepherd Dog Club of
America and went to their breeders list.  This is how I found our pups 30
years ago.  Of course back then I had to start in the library, now I just
went on the internet.  I know several people who got great dogs from GSD
rescues too.  

Have you ever thought of training your own dog?

JODY

There are two email lists that you might be interested in, one is for GSD
guide dogs and the other is for self trained guide dogs.  There is a list
for Fidelco too.  They are all through Yahoo Groups.