[nagdu] dog ownership policies

[Marion Gwizdala]

Brenda,
    As for your questions about our survey, we are currently in the process 
of developing the questions in an effort to glean the best, most objective, 
accurate information without asking leading questions. I believe we will 
also request copies of any and all agreements that legally bind consumers.
    As for my opinion of Leader Dogs for the Blind, I will respectfully 
decline to offer my opinion. I am currently writing an article for 
submission to the Braille Monitor tentatively entitled Shifting Paradigms in 
the Guide Dog Movement. I will be re-contacting those who have had issues 
with the various programs, securing signed releases authorizing the programs 
to talk to me, and interviewing them, as well. I think it is due time for 
guide dog training programs to be held accountable for their actions and for 
consumers to know about these issues.

fraternally yours,
Marion


 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brenda" <bjnite at windstream.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 11:21 AM
Subject: [nagdu] dog ownership policies


>
> Marion, When you do  your survey, are you going to ask the schools who do 
> not let the handler own his dog immediately why they have such policies? 
> Could you also tell us why Leader revoked or threatened to revoke the the 
> guide dogs?
>
> As far as the comparison about the government taking your child until or 
> unless you proved ability to their specifications, the parents conceived 
> that child and the child is their family.  A guide dog was raised by 
> someone else at great cost and people do not always give a dog the same 
> care and concern as a child.  It is not an equal comparison.  I do not 
> think schools should randomly yank dogs, but it would appear that Leader 
> has had reason to change their policy.  You still can get ownership of 
> your dog from Leader,  just not immediately.
>
> Although I would prefer ownership immediately, I know that I will be a 
> good handler.  Knowing that a school does not award ownership immediately, 
> I would ask them why AND what are the circumstances under which they would 
> revoke a dog.  I would not let the ownership issue alone keep me from a 
> good school.
>
> Other than that issue, what is your opinion of Leader?
>
> Brenda
>
>
>
>
>> Terra,
>>    One thing I strongly suggest is that consumers review the ownership 
>> policies of the training programs they are considering. Leader does not 
>> give ownership upon graduation. During the past year I have had at least 
>> four consumers who have contacted me telling me that Leader has either 
>> repossessed their dog or have threatened to do so. Both the Guide Dog 
>> Foundation for the Blind and The Seeing Eye, as well as some other 
>> programs, transfer ownership upon completion of training.
>>
>> 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: "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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>
>
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