[nagdu] waiting time?

[Julie J]

Jessica,

I'm wondering if your wait time might be increased because you applied to so 
many programs?
I have no idea at all how this works, but I'm kinda wondering if each school 
is thinking, "Well she applied to six other programs, so she'll probably 
find a dog somewhere quickly.  We don't need to expedite her application."

When I was shopping for my last dog, most of the programs claimed a 4 to 6 
month range for wait times.   A year was the longest that any of them said 
it might take and GDB claimed as quickly as 6 weeks.   As others have said 
the more flexible you are with the type of dog the faster the process.  And 
also the closer your needs are to the typical guide dog users the less the 
wait.

So my interpretation of all of this is:
6 weeks to 4 months=your needs are average, you are extremely flexible with 
type of dog and travel dates and the stars and moon have aligned in your 
favor.
4 to 6 months=your needs are average, you are mostly flexible with travel 
dates and type of dog
6 to 8 months=you have different needs in a guide dog than the typical user, 
you have more restrictions in what type of dog you will accept or when you 
can travel.  Your luck is not in.
8 months to a year=you have very specific needs in a guide dog. You are 
downright picky in when you will travel or what type of dog you want.  You 
have crappy luck.
one year and beyond=You need a dog specifically trained for your individual 
needs.  You are extraordinarily picky with what type of dog you will accept. 
The stars and moon must be aligned before you will travel.  You are the 
poster child for bad luck.

Just an attempt at a bit of humor! *smile*

Julie