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

Wed Mar 20 17:16:01 UTC 2013

Oh come on.  Jump in.  the water's fine.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kelby
Carlson
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 1:10 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Canes and Dogs, the In-House Checkup

I'll weigh in a little on this discussion, as I am a new dog user and a
member of several guide dog lists.

I work with Guide Dogs for the Blind, and I think their ownership policy is
quite reasonable.  As someone who cares a great deal about these dogs, I
think this is a good step to ensure that the dogs are well cared for and
being used.  Guide Dogs hast strict standards of how its dogs are to be
handled; I can say from personal experience that training is rigorous and
expectations are high.  I can say with equal candor that it is a good thing
most Guide Dog schools cover the costs, as it would be extremely difficult
for an individual blind person to do it themselves.  I certainly never felt
like a "charity case" at Guide Dogs, nor did I feel that my blindness was
portrayed negatively.  Quite the
contrary: getting a guide dog was one step in empowerment and independence
for me, and that is how they treat it.  I have seen what seems to me to be a
certain anti-guide dog sentiment in the NFB sometimes, and it makes me
uncomfortable as my school and my dog have been great sources of help,
encouragement and improved independence.

Kelby

 ----- Original Message -----
From: "justin williams" <justin.williams2 at gmail.com
To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org Date sent: Wed, 20 Mar
2013 12:59:20 -0400
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Canes and Dogs, the In-House Checkup

Oh,  Not really.  I don't have that many pieces of exercise equipment at my
house, and I am in good shape.   I'm not saying they shouldn't 
have it, but
they could improvise.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 12:34 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Canes and Dogs, the In-House Checkup

I wasn't talking about numerous buildings, fancy food and expensive
equipment for the dogs.  I meant that stuff was for the people.  
Sure it's
nice to have a computer room, exercise equipment, a garden with manicured
paths, food prepared by a chef and all the other perks, but are those things
necessary?  I don't think they are.

Julie
On 3/20/2013 11:04 AM, justin williams wrote:
 No, pamper the dogs.  They work hard and they deserve it.  I like the
other stuff you said though.

 -----Original Message-----
 From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
 Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 9:08 AM
 To: Blind Talk Mailing List
 Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Canes and Dogs, the In-House Checkup

 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

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