[nagdu] returning harnesses

[Jenine Stanley]

Dan and All, 

GDf requires that you sign a contract referring to the tack, harness and
leash. We do retain ownership of these pieces of equipment. 

If we do choose to reclaim them, it means that we do not feel the team is
safe and do not want our name, stamped on both harness and leash, associated
with that team. This is an absolute last step though for us. We would have
done everything to help the team be successful before resorting to this
step. 

It is, however, a legal contract and you are obligated to return said
equipment. Other schools also have such agreements. 

As others have noted though, it's not the harness that makes the service
animal. It's the training. People can purchase harnesses from a number of
places these days should the school reclaim their tack. 

I know this situation has happened under some very suspicious circumstances
so I won't say that all schools only reclaim tack as a last resort and that
anyone having this done should really look at his/her partnership with the
dog. That said though, in most cases,  a school wouldn't go to the lengths
to remove a harness if they truly thought the team could be salvaged. 

Jenine Stanley
jeninems at wowway.com