[Blindtlk] Canes and Dogs, the In-House Checkup

[Julie J.]

I think the answer to protecting the dogs is two fold.  First I would 
like to see a more in depth background investigation of the blind 
applicant.  Do a criminal background check, require more references, ask 
the neighbors...whatever it takes.  Adoption agencies place children 
into homes surely we can figure out a way to more accurately know what 
sort of situation the dog will be placed into.  Secondly, I think there 
are already agencies in place for dealing with animal abuse, the police 
and animal control.  I don't see any reason why these agencies can't be 
used in cases of neglect or abuse.

In regard to cost and the blind applicant absorbing the cost of the dog 
in order to own the dog outright is an extremely valid point.  We have 
to stop expecting everything for nothing.  I like the Seeing Eye's 
concept of charging the student.  I do wish that the cost had increased 
over the years with the cost of living.  It has been $150 since the 
beginning of the school in 1928.  I think that's the right year.  $150 
was a very different sum of money then and now.

I also think that guide dogs can be raised and trained for substantially 
lower sums of money than $60,000.  If you look at the various guide dog 
programs and how much each claims it costs to train a dog, the numbers 
vary widely.  All those buildings, fancy food, excessive equipment and 
other niceties cost money.

Julie