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

[Debbie Malone]

Thank you for all your kind, encouraging words!

On Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 7:14 PM MARION GWIZDALA <merrys at verizon.net> wrote:

> 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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>
>

-- 
*Debbie Malone*
*InclusionEducation.com *
*Unlikely Dancer* available on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945456477