[nagdu] Guide dog starter age

[Linda Gwizdak]

Hi Marion,
I agree.  Kids are NOT responsible!  They can't be - not old enough to 
understand the concept!  With service dogs that are given to very young 
kids, the parents are responsible for the dog's care and safety - CCI has 
given service dogs to 9 year old kids.  I wonder how that would work for 
little blind kids and guide dogs?

I knew a woman who got her first guide dog at age 14.  She had proven that 
she was responsible enough to have one.  I think it has to be on an 
individual basis.  Many 16 year olds aren't responsible.  Some 25 year olds 
aren't responsible!

I was 22 when I got my first guide. I grew up having pets and learning how 
to be responsible for their care.  Of course, my parents were the ultimate 
ones who had to make sure we took care of the animals! They had to keep 
reminding us to feed the cats or to change the guinea pig cage.  But we kids 
were pretty good.

Here's what happened when my younger sister didn't care for her pet dog. My 
Mom kept reminding her to take care of the dog.  My sister had more fun 
going out with her friends.  This dog, a Husky, kept running off and getting 
scooped up by Animal Control. My Mom got tired of "bailing him out of jail". 
She warned my sister that if she didn't change her ways and be responsible 
then the dog will be put up for adoption.  My sister blew my mother off.

After having to bail the dog out of Animal Control again, she told the 
shelter to keep him - her daughter isn't caring for him and Mom didn't want 
a dog in the first place.  A family came along and was looking for a dog. 
they liked this Husky and my Mom told them that the dog was theirs if they 
would take good care of him.  Well, my sister came home and found the dog 
gone! She cried and hollered!  But, she learned a valuable lesson:  Mom 
keeps her word and carries out her threats!  My sister is now a very 
responsible person and owns several dogs, cats and horses!

This Husky was a really nice, sweet dog. But, as Husky owners know, they 
have to be securely fenced in their yards and they need LOTS of exercise!

So, guide dog users or pet owners, the bottom line is RESPONSIBILITY for the 
animal's care and well being.

Take good care of all your pups, everyone!

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 4:51 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dog starter age


> Dear All,
>    I had a dog - admittedly a pet - at the age of 9. I am not sure that I 
> was always as attentive to its needs as I should have been! I am certain 
> that my parents had to pick up quite a bit of my slack in caring for my 
> dog! I think a service animal for a 9-year-old is definitely too young! I 
> believe that a responsible 14 year old may be able to handle the 
> responsibility, but not much younger! JMHO!
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "d m gina" <dmgina at samobile.net>
> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 10:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide dog starter age
>
>
>> wow nine?
>> Now I think that is way to young.
>> I know if I had a dog at that age my family would have ruined the dog.
>>
>> -- 
>> --Dar
>> skype
>> dmgina23
>> every saint has a past
>> every sinner has a future
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