[nagdu] Guide Dogs of America

Wed Jan 13 18:22:24 UTC 2010

Hey Jessica, great news and good luck.  You'll enjoy GDA. Do you live in 
California?

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jessica Pitzer" <rolosgirl at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 6:10 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America

> Update!
> I talked with Andi via email today, and I'm pinceled in for the April
> 11th class.
> It appears it will  be a 3 week retrain class at this point but that
> isn't confirmed.
> This week she will be contacting my references, and doctor which
> shouldn't take to long and we will be doing my video later this week,
> probably a walk to the bus stop and then something down town I haven't
> decided what yet.
> After that she says next week or the week after an instructor will
> call and talk with me baout everything and then I'll find out for sure
> about everything.
> I'll keep you all posted but that's what i know right now.
> I did send them my wish list for what kind of dog I'd like btu I was
> very open about saying I'm open to whatever they think is a good
> match.
> Later,
> Jessica
>
> On 1/11/10, Linda Gwizdak <linda.gwizdak at cox.net> wrote:
>> Julie,
>> I've only seen GDA dogs here in California although, I'm sure, they have
>> graduates in other states. Yes, they are a small school. they train about
>> 6-12 students on class.  I don't know how many classes they have per
>> year.They have a small campus in Sylmar, CA.  They do their city training 
>> in
>> Los Angeles - including their subway!  LA had no subway when I went to 
>> GDA.
>>
>> The school is smaller than GDB and larger than GDD that's Guide Dogs of 
>> the
>> Desert. GDA - Guide Dogs of America - started in the late 1940s by an 
>> older
>> man with the Machinists Union. He was a worker in that union and he 
>> became
>> visually impaired. At that time, most schools refused to take older 
>> people
>> for their first guide dog.  So the man and his union started their own
>> school!  they are small and cozy with lots of individualized attention 
>> from
>> the instructors.  Alot of their training is in the city of San Fernando, 
>> and
>> in Sylmar.
>>
>> I don't know what changes have occurred there sinse I was there in 1990. 
>> I
>> did see one of their graduates today at a craft class but didn't really 
>> talk
>> to her - I assist a deaf volunteer in her helping people who are learning 
>> to
>> knit.
>>
>> HTH!
>>
>> Lyn and Landon
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Julie J" <julielj at windstream.net>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 4:15 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>
>>
>>> Thanks!  It's a small school and rarely comes up on the list.  I admit I
>>> know nothing about GDA.  So if the people who have GDA guides would like
>>> to share on list I would love to read about your experiences too.
>>>
>>> Julie
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Linda Gwizdak" <linda.gwizdak at cox.net>
>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 1:08 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>>
>>>
>>>> Julie,
>>>> I was a graduate of GDA in 1990.  I know two people here in San Diego 
>>>> who
>>>>
>>>> have GDA dogs and they are happy with their dogs and the school. I know
>>>> there are some listers who have GDA dogs - hey guys, talk to Jessica!
>>>> (grin!)
>>>>
>>>> Lyn and Landon
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Julie J" <julielj at windstream.net>
>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:58 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Jessica,
>>>>>
>>>>> Holy cow! You've had some insane dogs.  I agree biting is way over the
>>>>> line in what is acceptable.   Boxers are by nature very high energy, 
>>>>> so
>>>>> I doubt it was just that particular one.  But biting, I absolutely 
>>>>> could
>>>>>
>>>>> not deal with.
>>>>> I hope GDA is just what you are looking for.  I don't know of anyone 
>>>>> who
>>>>>
>>>>> has gotten a dog from there.  Could you ask them to put you in touch
>>>>> with a graduate?  That seems reasonable to me.
>>>>> Hopefully there is someone on the list who will be able to provide 
>>>>> more
>>>>> info.
>>>>>
>>>>> Julie
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> From: "Cindy Ray" <cindyray at qwest.net>
>>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 3:02 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Some of the questions, of course, are relevant only for information.
>>>>>> For
>>>>>> instance, I know that my school does most if not all of what you are
>>>>>> asking
>>>>>> and does have set commands. But as for dog/cat distractions,they are
>>>>>> something that I am continually having to work on with the dog. If 
>>>>>> they
>>>>>>
>>>>>> get
>>>>>> serious, I may need to have them send someone out to help me. There 
>>>>>> is
>>>>>> always the potential for a bad match. What policy does Guide Dogs of
>>>>>> America
>>>>>> have on ownership? Is there a fee? Where do they get their support?
>>>>>> Those
>>>>>> are more questions that could be of importance. Do they have their 
>>>>>> own
>>>>>> stock
>>>>>> or do they get the dogs in other places? Not sure why GDB would be 
>>>>>> too
>>>>>> big.
>>>>>> They have two campuses, but the class size would be similar, or are 
>>>>>> you
>>>>>>
>>>>>> just
>>>>>> concerned about paper pushing and the like? Just curious. I think it 
>>>>>> is
>>>>>>
>>>>>> good
>>>>>> to ask questions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Cindy Lou
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "Jessica Pitzer" <rolosgirl at gmail.com>
>>>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 2:37 PM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No, I received my first and second dogs from pilot dogs. I choose not
>>>>>> to return because when I went their the first time I had a dog that
>>>>>> continuously bit my hands and arms and was not controllable, then I
>>>>>> got a chocolate lab who developed a skin disorder, and chased our 
>>>>>> cats
>>>>>> and in working when she saw a cat or dog she'd lunge, and then stop
>>>>>> working altogether. Then I got a boxer who had horrible behavior,
>>>>>> biting, and way way to much energy so have decided a better school
>>>>>> with a better reputation would be good for me. GDA tells me they have
>>>>>> kennel cats test the dogs with cats, do intelligence disobedience,
>>>>>> more in the matching process, etc. all of which Pilot didn't do.
>>>>>> I just wanted to know the answers to those questins for general info
>>>>>> and to get others experiences. I also wanted a school that wasn't
>>>>>> across country so being near seattle, that gave me GDB, GDDI and GDA,
>>>>>> GDB is jsut to big for my liking, GDDI had a 2 year waiting list and
>>>>>> when I called GDA, Andi was so nice, and helpful it just seemed the
>>>>>> perfect place.
>>>>>> Jessica
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 1/10/10, Cindy Ray <cindyray at qwest.net> wrote:
>>>>>>> Is this your first dog? If not, where have you gotten dogs before?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Cindy Lou
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "Jessica Pitzer" <rolosgirl at gmail.com>
>>>>>>> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:24 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>> I'm wondering if there is any GDA graduates amongst us.
>>>>>>> If so, I have questions.
>>>>>>> You can either answer here or send me a private email, or add me to
>>>>>>> msn at rolosgirl at gmail.com
>>>>>>> 1. Did you keep a blog of your experiences.
>>>>>>> 2. Does your dog have any issues with cats?
>>>>>>> 3. Can you describe your harness, AKA how it releases the belly 
>>>>>>> strap,
>>>>>>> any reflectors, how the handle connects, etc.?
>>>>>>> 4. What did you like and dislike about the school?
>>>>>>> 5. How long did you wait to get in?
>>>>>>> 6. Did you feel your dog was a good match?
>>>>>>> 7. Any recommendations for going there?
>>>>>>> 8. Can you give me an overview of the facilities, common areas, 
>>>>>>> rooms,
>>>>>>> etc.?
>>>>>>> 9. Can you describe to me what happens from when you get there until
>>>>>>> you get the dog?
>>>>>>> 10. Can you describe dog day to me and how they introduce the dog to
>>>>>>> you, what happens after that up until your first work out?
>>>>>>> 11. Are there any hallmarks of the program, AKA visits to specific
>>>>>>> places that always happen?
>>>>>>> 12. Was your dog well trained in all types of environments?
>>>>>>> 13. How does your dog do with food distractions?
>>>>>>> 14. How about cat/dog distractions?
>>>>>>> 15. What all commands are used.
>>>>>>> 16. How is your dog at home? Do you use a crate, tie down, both?
>>>>>>> If I think of more questions I'll post them but these are the ones i
>>>>>>> have right now.
>>>>>>> I'm doing the application process now, hoping for an April or July
>>>>>>> class. I've asked for a female yellow lab, we'll see!
>>>>>>> Jessica
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cindyray%40qwest.net
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rolosgirl%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cindyray%40qwest.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/julielj%40windstream.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/linda.gwizdak%40cox.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> nagdu:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/julielj%40windstream.net
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nagdu mailing list
>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nagdu:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/linda.gwizdak%40cox.net
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nagdu mailing list
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> nagdu:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rolosgirl%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> nagdu:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/linda.gwizdak%40cox.net 