[nagdu] My response

[Merry Schoch]

I posted this to the L.A. Times blog as well as sending it to this woman who is so misinformed.   Below is my response:

Ms. Nachminovitch,

Your comments on the Los Angeles Times blog L.A. Unleashed is full of myths and misconceptions.  It is unfortunate that you have such views, and I am curious how such ideas have been created for you to promulgate such myths.  I am hoping that individuals who read this blog do not buy into these untruths.  I find you comments very offensive; however, ignorance and lack of experience of certain situations can cause one to promulgate such atrocities.  

I  have not only been a puppyraiser I am also a guide dog user.  My first guide is 12 years old, and he will be with me until he expires.  He lives with two other dogs, and when he was working he had many hours in the day in which to play and relax.  One of his playmates belong to my husband, and she is a guide dog as well.  She will be 12 years old in a few months and will also be with us until her life has ended.  Some individuals may not be as fortunate as us by being able to keep their retired dogs, but these individuals do not need to be bashed when they are giving up a guide that they have loved for many years.

I invite you to visit guide dog users and guide dog schools from across this nation.  We will meet in Detroit in July.  Please go to www.nfb.org and find details regarding our national convention.  You will learn so much about guide dog schools, the dogs, and the users.  Most of all, you will learn the immense capabilities of the blind regardless of the mobility tools they choose.

Sincerely,
Merry Schoch