[blparent] A quick guide dog question

[sharon howerton]

Karla, as a graduate of Guiding Eyes in NY and a just completed member of 
the graduate council, I would strongly suggest you contact Guiding Eyes at 
800-942-0149.
guidingeyes.org
where you can apply online. I did interview a graduate who was a first timer 
and did home training because she had young children. We do more home 
training than before. Part of your home interview which is a requirement of 
the application process could involve a discussion of your family situation.
Secondly, as many know, I am an instructor with Hadley and we offer a course 
called Guide Dogs which can be helpful for individuals considering this 
major life change.
Finally, if you (or anyone) would like to discuss this guide dog situation 
with me off list, I would be glad to do so. Mary Jane is my first guide 
obtained when I was 52 and had used a cane for 40 years. Of course, by the 
time I got her, my sons were grown.
Sharon
shrnhow at att.net
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Melissa Ann Riccobono" <melissa at riccobono.us>
To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 2:18 PM
Subject: Re: [blparent] A quick guide dog question


> Have you had a guide dog before?  If so, what school is it from and would
> that school consider in home training for you?  My school did give me in
> home training for my second dog--they normally do not, but I did what
> Rebecca said and must have made a convincing case to them.  Also, some
> schools will look at doing a half and half approach--half the time at the
> school and the other half at home with a trainer.  Again, I don't know how
> they would feel about this if this is your first dog, but it never hurts 
> to
> ask!
> Good luck!
> Melissa
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)
> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 2:31 PM
> To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [blparent] A quick guide dog question
>
> Give Leader Dogs a call, all they can do is say no.
> When you talk to them, explain how you will block out time to train with
> and bond with the dog at home and why that couldn't be done at school.
> They will ask and you will need to have an answer.
> You can also talk to Guiding Eyes, Guide Dog Foundation, and Fidelco,
> Fidelco does only home training, though they also only use shepherds.
> Finally, you need to figure out how your husband's allergies will be
> managed and you will need to know that the dog isn't "done" when you and
> him/her finnish formal training. There is an adjustment period plos O&S
> costs and activities that you will need to do, hence the dog will not
> work effectively.
> My suggestion is to figure out what makes you special, build a sound
> business case explaining how the school will bennifit by doing home
> training and present it
> You also need to be prepared and willing to compromise and figure out
> what your line in the sand will be. I know mine would be "if I have to
> leave my family for three-four weeks, I would say no". That is the right
> now case, that may change over time. Know what is and is not acceptable
> to you, though do listen to what the various schools have to offer and
> think if their solutions will work for you.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Karla Hudson
> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 2:06 PM
> To: blparent at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [blparent] A quick guide dog question
>
> Anyone know of schools that will train you in your home community? I am
> unable to reserve as much time as the schools need away from my home. We
> also have a specific need for the type of dog given that my husband is
> very
> allergic to most dog dander. I am in Michigan and yes we have leader
> dogs
> but I do not see reference to home training on their web page.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Karla
>
>
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