[FLAGDU] {Spam?} Re: {Spam?} Guide dog problems

Sat Mar 13 00:13:55 UTC 2021

Great job Debbie! My husband just said too bad he didn’t know you three years ago. Meaning, he would’ve mentored you to be the nag do president! And what he means by know you, is knowing your strength, determination, and fearlessness!

Merry C. schoch,LCSW

> On Mar 12, 2021, at 7:03 PM, Debbie Malone via FLAGDU <flagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear FLAGDU family,
> 
> I am saddened by the resignation of Marion Gwizdala. He has been a
> powerful, intelligent leader in the NFB for many years. His knowledge of
> the rights of guide dog users and advocacy skills will be missed. As the
> new president of FLAGDU I admire and respect Marion’s decision.
> 
> The removal of Rev. Susan Blake’s beloved Didi is just deplorable. The
> Southeastern Guide Dog representative, Deanna Miller, misused her power.
> She showed no interest in working together with Susan. It appears her goal
> was to take the dog no matter what. Rev. Blake should never have had to
> experience this trauma.
> 
> Unfortunately, Rev. Blake’s scenario is not unique. In April 2020 Les
> Demer  had his dog taken although he had already begun remedying his dog’s
> overweight problem voluntarily. Southeastern attempted to remove Mike
> Bowmer’s dog for weight issues but was unable because of Mike’s
> self-advocacy. There seems to be a pattern emerging.
> 
> The fact that SEGD gets paid $5k for an adoption puts a suspicious nature
> on the motivation for removal of guide dogs. The scenario is the same. A
> representative from Southeastern arrives unexpected or with none or very
> little notice. They claim the dog is overweight. They take the dog,
> claiming abuse. The dogs have been with the handler for a long time. The
> bond is severed suddenly. There is no opportunity for remediation or for
> the handler to defend themselves. It appears to be intentional with an
> ulterior motive… money.
> 
> The slow, disinterested response of NAGDU and the NFB is disheartening. We
> are a consumer organization. Why has this consumer issue not been taken
> seriously? Why the lag in response? Guide dogs are being torn from their
> “owners” with no consequences. Why does this not warrant immediate, strong
> action? The NAGDU board chose not to assist Les and has lagged in their
> response to Rev. Blake’s situation.
> 
> The abrupt removal of a guide dog without notice, evidence of abuse, and
> due process is appalling. Our dogs provide us with independence,
> confidence, and safety. Stripping apart the bond formed between a blind
> person and their guide dog has devastating effects for both the handler and
> the dog. This type of separation is abuse. Southeastern is winning by
> intimidation.
> 
> Yes, I said it. Southeastern Guide Dogs is abusing, intimidating, and
> manipulating their consumers. The fact that they did not give advance
> notice of the aforementioned visits demonstrates their intention to
> initiate the element of surprise, putting the guide dog user at a
> disadvantage. Not being willing to allow due process or fully investigating
> abuse suspicion prevents the handler from rectifying any potential problem
> or defending themselves. This takes away our voice and our value. Abruptly
> separating a team is emotionally and physically devastating for both
> parties.
> 
> Claims of abuse should go through the animal control officers. They are the
> ones to determine abuse or neglect, not a guide dog training program. If
> there is true abuse or neglect, they can remove the animal.
> 
> Another important consideration is ownership. Each guide dog training
> program has their own rules. When a dog can be repossessed, the handler is
> always vulnerable, diminishing the individual’s confidence and
> independence. There should be uniformity. We should have full ownership
> upon completion of the training program. A school should never be able to
> repossess a guide dog whenever and for whatever they want.
> 
> When searching for a guide dog training program, we need to be proactive. Check
> the contract carefully before enrolling. Be sure you get full ownership and
> there is a process if problems occur. Find out about after graduation
> services. If they won’t let you read it in advance, it may not be the
> program for you.
> 
> If someone from Southeastern or any other training program comes to take
> your dog without due process, don’t let them. Do not give them your dog,
> even if they claim to only be taking it to get weighed. You might never see
> your dog again. In addition, do not sign anything. You are guaranteed what
> you are signing. Don’t voluntarily give up your dog. Fight for due process.
> 
> We are aware of three instances with Southeastern guide dogs. If we are
> aware of 3 cases in Florida, there are probably more. There are many blind
> individual guide dog users who are not members of NFB who will not hear of
> these instances. Let’s get the word out in what channels we have access to.
> We must offer support, show a pattern with more circumstances, and plan a
> course of action.
> 
> Please reach out to me with any ideas, instances, or concerns. Let’s work
> together to bring about change.
> 
> Debbie Malone
> 
> FLAGDU President
> 
> -- 
> *Debbie Malone*
> *InclusionEducation.com *
> *Unlikely Dancer* available on Amazon at
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945456477
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