[nagdu] Another Reason for Having Your Own Harness

[Marion Gwizdala]

dear All,
    Another very important reason for having your own harness is that the school retains ownership of the gear. Now, most schools will not arbitrarily reclaim their harnesses, but I have heard of a few people from one particular school that did do such a thing and without just cause. Since each of these people owned their dogs, the school could not take possession of the dogs, but did repossess the harnesses. In one instance, the school actually went so far as to go to the local police department and assert that the dogs were no longer "certified guide dogs" and, as such, had no rights of access. Fortunately, the police knew better and advised the trainer of that, letting him know they would protect the blind person's legal rights, if needed. This particular school has since changed its ownership policy and now has demonstrated that they are willing to repossess dogs without cause and without due process!
    BTW, in one specific case, the school could not repossess the dog because, at that time,  the individual had ownership and the local animal control, while making an unannounced visit, found no evidence of abuse or neglect. In fact, the official report said there was plenty of food in the house, fresh water on the floor, and the dog's nails were painted! When I spoke with the investigator, he said, "The dog was certainly neither abused nor neglected; however, the trainer was certainly abusive to the individual!"

Fraternally yours, 
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind
813-626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
HTTP://NAGDU.ORG