[nagdu] The Response I received from PETA

Sun Jan 18 19:27:34 UTC 2009

Would you folks please drop it.  You are making me paranoid, and I don't
even have a dog(kidding).  The goal of terrorists is to preoccupy and
divert.  You are allowing them to rent space in your mind gratis.  You seem
to be enjoying this tumult.  Get on with your life, Please!!!

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of MS S TILLETT
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 10:14 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] The Response I received from PETA

There is another article against assistance dogs in todays NY Times in the
magazine section.  I think this whole PETA thing has sure set off a lot of
negativity about service dogs.  It boggles the mind.  

Sue, and Wonder 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Merry Schoch 
  To: nagdu at nfbnet.org 
  Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 3:29 PM
  Subject: [nagdu] The Response I received from PETA

  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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