[nagdu] a couple questions

[Marion Gwizdala]

    One unique aspect of GDF is that they will cross-train a dog for other 
disabilities. BTW, they not only provide guide dogs, they also train service 
animals for other disabilities. I am a GDF consumer. I am very pleased with 
my dog, in spite of the fact that I have an issue with his competitive, 
dominant spirit. It only is an issue when my wife and I work together, as he 
seems to forget he is a guide dog! I am working out the issue, though, 
letting him know who is the head of this team and who is ultimately the 
dominant one! (grin) At 100 lbs., it sometimes takes a strong hand to keep 
him in line. That's one of the reasons we were matched together. (I trained 
police dogs in my previous life!)
    Though I agree, in theory, that all programs are essentially good ones, 
I have some serious issues with the practical implementation of this theory 
by at least three programs. I am encouraging two of them to join us in at 
least the 20th century when it comes to their philosophies of the capacities 
of blind people and how we are treated. The third - The Eye Dog Foundation - 
I have completely written off and am working diligently to shut them down!

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



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "solsticesinger" <solsticesinger at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] a couple questions


> Both my dogs have come from GDF. They really emphasise good matches, so, 
> if you have any sort of special need or preference, you might find that 
> you wait longer than you might at another school. Class sizes are small, 
> 12 or under. One of the things I most appreciate, aside from having been 
> given two really excellent dogs, is the fact that GDF teaches leash 
> guiding. So, the dog will guide you even if it's not in harness. This has 
> come in handy on more than one occasion.
>
> Shannon and Caroline
> Are you a fan of women's music? If so, join me, each Wednesday evening 
> from 7-10 eastern, for The Eclectic Collection: a Celebration of Women In 
> Music. Point your media player to:
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> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Terra Syslo" <tlsyslo at yahoo.com>
> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 12:44 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] a couple questions
>
>
>> Hi. I am in the process to start applying to guide dog schools, and I 
>> think
>> I have it narrowed down to 2 or 3 schools I'm looking at. Can anyone give 
>> me
>> some information as to your experiences with Leader Dogs for the Blind? 
>> I'm
>> also considering GDF and maybe Seeing Eye. Thanks for any info.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>
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