[nagdu] $150: Then & now

[Angie Matney]

Hi Rebecca,

It's more complex to me than feeling more invested in the partnership because I had to pay for Yani. I think I like the arrangement more for its secondary effects. When a TSE employee was making her way down the hall collecting dog payments, I 
had to smile. I can't help but wonder if the fact that we pay *something* doesn't influence student-staff interactions in some way. I want to add that my trainers at GDB were great folks, but the TSE model is a little different. The staff call the main 
building "the house," instead of the dorm. This makes sense, since administrative offices are located in the same building. In some ways, the atmosphere was more like a hotel than a dorm. I wonder if the fact that staff know we pay something (albeit 
a small amount) for our dogs has influenced the social structure at all. 

Angie


On Wed, 4 Mar 2009 13:08:20 -0500, Pickrell, Rebecca M (IT) wrote:

>These posts are interesting. 
>Maybe it's me, but I still am not feeling the "I'm required to pay so
>this is more important". 
>What *would* give me a sense of value though, and this is probably only
>me, would be to be heavily involved with raising a puppy. It would be
>good, and I don't know how to define "good" for me to see the
>incremental process from puppy to guide dog, or even potential guide
>dog. 
>I'm sorry guys, I'm just not getting the self-respect, dollars and value
>linkage. 
>How do those of you who weren't required to pay a little for your dogs
>feel?  
>I do appreciate those of you who have responded for doing so.