[nagdu] The Response I received from PETA

[wcmerritt at gmail.com]

Out of curiosity, what exactly is a "human assistance program?" What
humans are trained for what tasks? Does this mean that my everyday
sighted guide needs to go through this program in order to guide me
effectively? Hmm. And, how do these "human assistance programs" fit
into PETA's jurrisdiction?

Wayne

On 1/15/09, Merry Schoch <merrys at verizon.net> wrote:
> Here is the response I received PETA:
>
> Dear Ms. Schoch,
>
>
>
> Thank you for your e-mail. Please allow me to respond on behalf of Ms.
> Nachminovitch. We appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with
> us about Ms. Nachminovitch's comments on the Los Angeles Times "Unleashed"
> blog, and we apologize sincerely for any offense this interview may have
> caused.
>
>
>
> What we wished to communicate in this interview was that dogs, guide dogs or
> not, are affectionate animals who crave contact, play, and love from their
> human families, and we encourage their guardians to give it to them and make
> the best choices they can when considering bringing an animal into their
> home.
>
>
>
> It is our hope that guide dog guardians (as well as anyone who cares for a
> dog) do provide only the best care, and make every effort to keep their dogs
> even after their "retirement.' It is encouraging to hear that both of your
> dogs will have a home with you forever. We understand that it is impossible
> for some people to keep more than one animal, whether for assistance
> purposes or not, due to rental companies' and landlords' arbitrary (and
> often discriminatory) policies. We often hear from people whose living
> situations leave them unable to accommodate their beloved animal companions,
> and our hearts go out to them.
>
>
>
> To clarify, we do not campaign against using guide dogs, but we do answer
> honestly when asked our stance on them. We encourage alternatives to using
> animals, and feel that human assistance programs are more appropriate than
> trained animals for helping people who have disabilities. Please know that
> we hold no animosity toward people who opt to work with assistance dogs. We
> know that most people who make this choice genuinely love their dogs and
> give them only the best care.
>
>
>
> As an animal rights group, however, we cannot remain silent when there is
> even the smallest chance for an animal to suffer-to do so would be a
> betrayal of our members and a disservice to the animals we strive to
> protect.
>
>
>
> Thank you again for your letter and for the opportunity to address your
> concerns. We appreciate your feedback.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Heidi Parker
> Mail Coordinator
> The PETA Foundation
> http://www.PETA.org
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: Merry Schoch [mailto:merrys at verizon.net]
> Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:10 PM
> To: Daphna Nachminovitch
> Cc: nagdu-request at nfbnet.org
> Subject: L.A. Times Blog Post - PETA
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
>
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