[nagdu] researching programs

Tue Feb 16 15:36:00 UTC 2010

Wayne,

Mitzi got pretty freaked after awhile at her first convention because of all
the canes, many of which were pretty wild and unpredictible.  /smile/  She's
good with a cane or two working away in her vacinity, but wild herds of them
were just too much!

When we come up to crowds milling in front of us, she will politely slow
down to walk behind them.  Then she kicks in the turbo and zips us right on
through slick as can be so we can leave them in our dust.

Hm...  I'm pretty certain her past life included pro soccer (goalie,
naturally!).  But maybe past Mitzi retired from soccer to a career as a New
York cab driver?  /grin/

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Wayne Merritt
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:39 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] researching programs

Tami,

I've already been amazed at the problem solving ability and ease that
my German Shepherd handles crowds. Branted, we haven't been in any
really heavy crowds, like NFB national convention, yet but I am
looking forward to seeign how she handles those this summer. In the
meantime, if she's in her element or in the zone as some may say, she
does a great job at judging distances and being aware of people and
canes. Since I work at a rehabilitation center, this canes thing is an
issue much of the time. Last Friday, she did a great job of weaving
through lots of people all scattered down a hall that we had to go
through in order to get to my office. Everyone was pretty much
motionless, but a few people did move their canes I believe. Anyway,
my designer dog (called that since her actual name is Gucci), did
awesome. And we even got a complement from my boss when we entered the
office. Turned out he was walking behind us watching my dog. Gucci has
also done well during the crowds from the White Cane Day walks we do
each October in downtown Austin. She can deal with the people being up
close and tight, but she really looks hard to find a way around them,
and if hse sees an opening and sees that there's room, then I'd better
hold on. Sometimes I think she was a highway driver in a previous life
at her aggressive driving.

Wayne

On 2/15/10, Tamara Smith-Kinney <tamara.8024 at comcast.net> wrote:
> Hey, Gary!
>
> Good to see you and hear about the progress you're making on your poodle
> quest.  /smile/
>
> Tami Smith-Kinney
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Gary
> Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 9:44 AM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] researching programs
>
>
>
> Hi mark:
>
> I have two ccomments on this topic. First, you mention you think you will
go
> to seeing eye because they are close and give ownership. These are
certainly
> good reasons to pick  a school but I would recommend that you do some
> research on all the other schools, especially the ones that are relatively
> close to you, to learn more about how the programs are similar and how
they
> differ. This takes a bit of time and reading so  is something that might
be
> better done at a less busy time in your spring for sure. :)
>
> With regards to ownership, I agree that  we should get to own the dogs
upon
> graduation, or shortly there after. In talking to some schools that offer
> ownership after a year or two, they say the main reason they like this set
> up is in case the team doesn't work out for a variety of reasons. It makes
> the return of the dog an easier process. Myself, since I am waiting for a
> poodle, have much fewer schools to choose from. Right now I am waiting to
> hear if they will have a match for me at Canine Vision Canada for their
May
> class. I have decided that, although they retain ownership of the dog, I
> will go to this program. However, I will take opportunities to share with
> their executive director my thoughts  on this matter in hope that they
will
> come to change their policy in the future.
>
> Just my thoughts. Good luck on your search for an appropriate school and
> with all your current projects.
>
> Gary
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Marion & Martin
> Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 1:36 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] researching programs
>
> Mark,
>     Well, you touch on one of my favorite topics - Ownership! I believe
the
> school should transfer ownership to the graduate upon graduation. There
may
> be extenuating circumstances because we are dealing with human nature, but
I
>
> believe this should be the exception rather than a pre-arranged
contractual
> agreement. If blind people have the right to care for their own children
> without fear of social interference, I believe we also have the ability to
> care for a dog! I have never heard a negative argument that could not be
> overcome by an affirmative one. There is no evidence to suggest that a
blind
>
> person is more likely to have unhealthy dogs. In fact, I believe we are
> generally held to a higher standard! The Seeing Eye has always had an
> ownership upon graduation policy and it seems to work quite well!
>     I know of too many instances in which schools have unduly interfered
> with a handler's rights with respect to their dog, using threats and
> intimidation. I even disagree with the retention of ownership of the gear.
> It's just one more controlling string to hold over someone's head. I have
my
>
> own harnesses. No one can take them away from me!
>     My soapbox is getting a little rickety, so I need to dust off the top
> and make a few repairs, and bring up the subject again! I hope more and
more
>
> people would speak up by choosing schools that have more respectful
> policies. Anything less is coustodial!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> marion Gwizdala
>
>
> argument - one that could not be overcome with evidence-based
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mark J. Cadigan" <kramc11 at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 12:50 PM
> Subject: [nagdu] researching programs
>
>
>> Julie,
>> I also love making lists! I have a few questions for you and the list in
>> general. What's the benefit of ownership of the dog verses if the program
>> retains ownership? I hate paperwork with a passion! How best to avoid
this
>
>> seemingly useless task. I like German shepherds, but that is just a
>> preference based on nothing concrete. What breeds of dogs make the best
>> guides?
>>
>>
>>
>>
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