[nagdu] Replacement Dog

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

Susan, 
This is beautifully put!

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Susan Jones
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 11:17 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Replacement Dog

Dear Cheryl,

*Many* of us have had to return a dog, either because the dog didn't
like
the job, or wasn't right for the person, or training came hopelessly
unraveled at home despite graduate's best efforts.

I had a dog who, after a year, made it very clear that she didn't like
the
job.
I had another dog that was such a discipline problem once we returned
home,
and became more so, not less so, and he only was here three months.
Incidentally, both dogs were released from the guide dog program after
evaluation.
The instructors are teaching many dogs at a time, and don't always
notice
issues that become problems later.

If your dog is guide material, she will learn to love, and be loved by ,
somebody else who is right for her.

You need a dog that will help you accomplish what it is you need to do.
If
the dog is more of a hindrance than a help, if you're spending so much
time
& effort on the dog, and the problems you're having, that you can't
effectively do what you need to do at this season in your life, then
it's
time to return the dog, and see about another.
Don't consider yourself a failure.  At best, you have given this dog
some
additional experience, and you have gained some yourself.
You now know a little more specifically what you need in a dog, and what
is
beyond your ability to handle effectively.

I am confident that life will go on, for both of you, and probably
better
for what you have learned since December. 
If you want to write me off list, you certainly may, and I can talk more
specifically, if you like.
sblanjones11 at sbcglobal.net

Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers,
Susan & Rhoda


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf
Of Cheryl Osborn
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 11:03 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Replacement Dog

Hi all,

I have been having a rough time with my new guide dog since I received
her
last December.  I have been considering returning her over the last few
weeks and  have finally made the decision to return her.  I have been in
contact with The Seeing Eye, keeping them informed of our lack of
progress.
So I will be taking my dog back in a few weeks and attending training
for my
replacement dog.

I have such mixed feelings about all this.  I feel so guilty when my dog
comes up to lick my hand or to get some loves.  I also hate to think
about
all the money the school is spending on me throughout this process.  I
can't
help but wonder if I could have handled things in a better way.  I feel
like
a major failure.

Has anyone else on this list had to return a dog?


--
Cheryl in Mexico
chapalacheryl at gmail.com

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