[nagdu] fidelco guide dogs, what do you think of this organization

Thu Aug 18 21:44:59 UTC 2011

Hi Brian,

First, I don't think anyone will dispute that Fidelco has trained excellent teams and has enjoyed a fine and well-deserved reputation. However, with the allegations of the sort that NAGDU has put forth, and I've heard these from more quarters than just here and from more than just Marion's account, the pattern of Mr. Russman's leadership is difficult to deny. I'll say no more than this, not being a graduate myself, but being well acquainted with several and being on the listserv in question. It's pretty safe to say that the discontent here isn't just limited to NAGDU's complaint.

Be that as it may, let's assume for the moment that all of the complaints, all of the problems that have come to light, are blown out of all reasonable proportion, and that Fidelco has acted honorably in all cases, but that NAGDU was hoodwinked into an angry overreaction with absolutely no basis in fact. When all of the facts do come to light, what proof do you have that we will, as you suggest, censor that outcome, and that, should someone attempt to post findings contrary to our position, that such a post would be censored? What proof have you that such has happened in the past? Moreover, how can such a thing be accomplished on a listserv whose membership is open and has no moderation of postings, short of the removal and banning of people who have repeatedly and willfully caused problems? Of course, such problems are a matter of record, and those posts are available and uncensored. So what proof have you that NAGDU will, in effect, rewrite history in this case? 
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY

On Aug 18, 2011, at 4:17 PM, Bryan Brown wrote:

> Marion
> 
> I believe that the information if and when the truth comes out will either be moderated or censored and will not be allowed on the list, I think it would make you Marion  and the rest of the Nagdu leadership look very bad.
> 
> I have well placed  faith in Fidelco and I know more of the facts than you may be aware of. "my sources will remain anonymous" sound familiar?
> 
> Marion  you have been lied to and the longer and harder you push the more foolish you and the rest of the Nagdu leadership behind you  are going to appear. It's a shame that Nagdu has to be guided with anger and paranoia. This could be a well respected advocacy group.
> 
>   B
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 2:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] fidelco guide dogs,what do you think of this organization
> 
> 
>> Bryan,
>>   Just as some say that the organization is biased against Fidelco, so, too, are some of its consumers. You have had a positive experience and seem to slight those who choose to remain anonymous because of their real fears of retaliation. we have given Fidelco numerous opportunities to respond to our concerns and they refuse to do so. Those who have experienced problems with Fidelco have attempted to address them with the administration and the Board of Directors and their concerns have been ignored. Even when an individual asked for an explanation, Fidelco hid behind confidentiality. How is it a violation of confidentiality to not share information with the person themselves?
>>   Fidelco has been offered an opportunity to respond in the Braille Monitor and have refused to take advantage of this opportunity. the comment that is made that, when the "truth of this issue comes to light" you will not hear about it on this list demonstrates the bias you hold and the lack of trust you have in this organization. Whatever the outcome, it will be shared on this list. I am confident in the position we have taken. Why else would we open ourselves up to the possibility Fidelco will take action against us. We would actually welcome it, as Fidelco would then be required to produce evidence that our assertions are incorrect and they cannot do this.
>>   We took extreme precautions to ensure that the information we shared was accurate.
>> 
>> Fraternally yours,
>> Marion Gwizdala
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bryan Brown" <bryanbrown at solarus.biz>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 2:09 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] fidelco guide dogs, what do you think of this organization
>> 
>> 
>>> Reinhard,
>>> 
>>>   I was just recently placed with my second Fidelco dog. I am very happy with the dogs and the service that I have received from Fidelco.
>>> 
>>> There are a few people who have a negative opinion about Fidelco on this list. I encourage you to take a look at the facts. The people who have complained about Fidelco have remained anonymous and none of the allegations have been proven or substantiated.
>>> 
>>> I feel that when the truth of these matters eventually comes to the surface you will probably not hear about it on this list. Many people will be embarrassed and the faith that current NAGDU members have in their leadership will be unforgettably shaken.
>>> 
>>> I am a strong supporter of Fidelco and what the organization stands for. Please feel free to contact me off list at
>>> 
>>> bryanbrown at solarus.biz
>>> 
>>> if you would like to.
>>> 
>>>   thanks,
>>>   Bryan
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "reinhard stebner" <rwstebner at aol.com>
>>> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 8:40 AM
>>> Subject: [nagdu] fidelco guide dogs, what do you think of this organization
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> Good day to you,
>>>> 
>>>> I just joined this list in hopes of getting opinions of Fidelco guide dogs.
>>>> 
>>>> 1) What have you thought  about Fidelco dogs?  I recently say a Braille monitor article about one users bad experience with Fidelco.  I had applied for a dog from them in February and was just approved to get a guide from them.  After reading the article, I have doubts if I have made the correct decision with attending this guide school.
>>>> 
>>>> 2) All of the dogs that I have seen from this school have been very well trained and respond well to their handlers.  I wanted a German Shepherd and did not have time to go to a traditional school.  I have had poor matches from other schools and wanted to give a smaller school a try.
>>>> 
>>>> Any constructive feedback is welcome about guide dogs schools.  I want to make sure I am making the best possible decision and not have issues with he school.
>>>> 
>>>> 
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>>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
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