[nagdu] Appeal denied, service dog will not be returned to Utah man

Sun Feb 27 05:06:57 UTC 2011

Shock collar? Just the thought shocks me. I'm troubled about using Bernie's 
prong collar, yet I do, but, to use a shock collar? My dog would crumble.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lyn Gwizdak" <linda.gwizdak at cox.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Appeal denied,service dog will not be returned to Utah 
man


> Quite interesting article and the reader responses.
>
> This is another thing to show that ownership needs to be given to the 
> disabled person. There are ways to take dogs away from real abuse or 
> neglect situations.  Glad I own Landon!
>
> Maybe CCI has some points as well. Because of the very long waiting list, 
> people receiving service dogs really need to be using the dog as trained. 
> Tough call. Shock collars????  I would think these would create a problem 
> in a sensitive dog.  I don't know of any service or guide program that 
> condones them.
>
> Lyn and Landon
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ginger Kutsch" <gingerKutsch at yahoo.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 9:55 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] Appeal denied, service dog will not be returned to Utah 
> man
>
>
>> Appeal denied, service dog will not be returned to Utah man
>> Published: Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 4:16 p.m. MST
>> By Viviane Vo-Duc, Deseret News
>> http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367506/Appeal-denied-servic
>> e-dog-will-not-be-returned-to-Utah-man.html
>> 16 comments     PRINT | FONT + -  SALT LAKE CITY - A man who had
>> his companion dog taken away will not be getting him back any
>> time soon.
>>
>> Dr. Gael Yonnet's service dog Elon was taken away a month ago by
>> Canine Companions for Independence - the organization that
>> partnered him with the yellow Labrador retriever.
>>
>> At the time, the organization said Yonnet's lifestyle and job
>> were endangering the dog because he didn't keep Elon on a leash,
>> especially on trips to the mountains.
>>
>> Gael Yonnet, Family photo
>> Dr. Gael Yonnet, seen with his service dog, Elon, in December of
>> 2009, was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident in 2006. In 2009,
>> he received a service dog from Canine Companions for
>> Independence. The organization recently took the dog away from
>> Yonnet.
>>>From the archive
>> .Man's companion dog taken away in Utah; organization said dog in
>> danger - Feb. 4, 2011
>> http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705365793/Mans-companion-dog-t
>> aken-away-in-Utah-organization-said-dog-in-danger.html
>>
>> Yonnet said he understood their concern, especially after hearing
>> the dog was not on a leash at all times. But he claims Elon was
>> never in danger.
>>
>> He submitted an appeal, which included an iPetition with more
>> than 5,000 Utahns supporting the dog's return.
>>
>> In a letter sent to Yonnet, Corey Hudson, CEO of CCI, said after
>> reviewing the details of the case the staff had good reason to
>> believe Elon's safety was in jeopardy and to take the dog back.
>>
>> "You repeatedly allowed Elon to be off lead in unenclosed and
>> urban environments, which is a serious safety concern for CCI."
>> Hudson said.
>>
>> He also said Yonnet was very confrontational and, at one time,
>> had a electronic collar on Elon, which was a serious breach of
>> CCI's standards for treatment of its dogs.
>>
>> Yonnet can appeal the decision to the national board of Canine
>> Companions for Independence, which he plans to do.
>>
>> Elon is currently being taken care of by a foster family, which
>> Yonnet says doesn't make sense.
>>
>> "He doesn't need a loving foster home," he said. "What he needs
>> is his loving home, his own family, which is me."
>>
>> In March of 2006, Yonnet had a snowboarding accident, which left
>> him paralyzed from the waist down.
>>
>> He said Elon was trained to assist him with tasks, such as
>> switching lights on and off, retrieving objects from the floor
>> and opening doors.
>>
>> While he has been offered another service dog from a different
>> organization, Yonnet says he just wants his "baby" back.
>>
>> E-mail: vvo-duc at ksl.com
>>
>>
>> COMMENTS (17)
>> lost in DC | 4:05 p.m. Feb. 25, 2011
>> West Jordan, UT
>> too bad the dog is valued more than the person
>> Recommend Recommendations: 5 Ute Fan In Utah | 4:34 p.m. Feb. 25,
>> 2011
>> West Jordan, UT
>> The man breached the contract he had agreed to with the company.
>> I don't blame them for taking Elon, I would have sooner if I had
>> invested so much money into a dog. They make it pretty clear that
>> the dog is not yours when they lend it to you.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 5 Sarah B | 4:50 p.m. Feb. 25, 2011
>> SLC, UT
>> I agree with Ute Fan. This is a highly educated adult who is
>> fully capable of understanding and following the rules. It takes
>> alot to train these dogs and there is a great need. If he can't
>> play by the rules, then he doesn't get to play. The fact that he
>> abused the dog by using a shock collar is grounds enough to take
>> the dog away.
>>
>> I'd have much more sympathy if it was someone who was also
>> mentally impaired. Rebellion gets no sympathy from me. He made
>> his choices, despite warnings and now he has to deal with the
>> consequences.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 4 Jim A | 5:09 p.m. Feb. 25, 2011
>> Porter Ranch, California
>> I have a conflicting opinion here. First, CCI doesn't charge for
>> their dogs so point 1 for CCI. Second, the use of a shock collar
>> on a service Dog is reprehensible under any circumstance. If this
>> gentleman did in fact use a shock collar on this dog, that would
>> be grounds for removal in my book. As for the off-lead part, that
>> kind of depends. Sometimes a Service Dog's tasks require him to
>> be off lead for a short period of time, and in a city atmosphere
>> it could be very dangerous for the dog to be off lead. that said,
>> if he was letting the dog off-lead in the mountains when hiking,
>> as originally reported, I see less of an issue with it.
>>
>> All in all, assuming the facts presented in this story are
>> accurate, I have to support CCI's decision. These animals cost
>> way to much to train for someone to be mistreating it with a
>> shock collar or taking unnecessary risks it in a city
>> environment.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 3 UU Fan | 5:25 p.m. Feb. 25, 2011
>> Salt Lake City, UT
>> I agree with Sarah. Dr Y wants his "baby" back but takes no
>> responsibility for the fact that he is the reason that the dog
>> was taken away despite repeated warnings. Off leash, shock
>> collars, I'm appalled. I'm glad the organization is able to
>> monitor the health and safety of their graduate teams and proceed
>> to do the right thing.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 4 Beth38 | 7:05 p.m. Feb. 25, 2011
>> Brockton, MA
>> I am so glad that CCI cares enough about their dogs to remove
>> Elon from such an irresponsible and vindictive man. He learned
>> the rules during his two weeks at training to get the dog. He
>> KNEW that the dog would remain CCI's dog, for reasons exactly
>> like this one. He SIGNED a contract stating that he agreed with
>> everything set forth in training, and with the understanding that
>> they maintain ownership. Instead of working with the school when
>> given opportunities, he CHOSE to ignore them and yet he cried
>> foul when the dog was removed. Instead of handling this in a
>> mature manner privately with the organization, he has chosen to
>> lie to the general public about the situation on his numerous
>> webpages as well as attempt. Anyone who wants to read the truth
>> can visit CCI's website. And to those of you who humanize dog's
>> emotions and think that poor Elon must be so sad: dogs don't
>> think like we do. They don't mourn people. They don't look back.
>> Think about it. Do you think Elon mourned his puppy raiser when
>> the "good" doctor got him? Um. No.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 4 DisabilityAdvocate | 8:22 p.m. Feb.
>> 25, 2011
>> Alexandria, VA
>> Regarding "Anyone who wants to read the truth can visit CCI's
>> website", would you go to one half of a dispute to get unbiased
>> information?
>>
>> Regarding the arguments regarding the contract, it does not state
>> that the dog has to be on leash at all times. It does say that
>> local leash and licensing laws need to be followed, and they
>> were. Further, the ADA provides for service dogs being off leash
>> but under voice control.
>>
>> Dr. Yonnet is an inspiration to many disabled people. To take
>> away a paraplegic's dog because he was off leash on rural
>> mountain trails and in the hospital is sad. To further show
>> pictures on your website (as CCI has done) of other dogs off
>> leash in various environments and in another hospital makes this
>> even more concerning. How is Dr. Yonnet's hospital and recreation
>> more dangerous than that of other CCI graduates?
>> Recommend Recommendations: 7 Krizzle | 12:09 a.m. Feb. 26, 2011
>> Sandy, UT
>> To UoU Fan: Gael did in fact take responsiblity that a certain
>> times he did not have Elon leashed (of course many of those times
>> were due to safety reasons). Cesar Millan has in the past
>> supported the use of shock collars. They are a great use for
>> obedience training if used properly. And to Beth who thinks
>> everyone is consumed at humanizing Elon by associating them with
>> human emotions: animals do mourn. Elon knows he's not with Gael.
>> He's not receiving the same love and devotion that Gael gave him.
>> Elon was never in trouble.
>> Too many times I see animals out there being abused, neglected,
>> taken advantage of. And Gael who treats this dog with the utmost
>> respect gets him ripped out of his arms. CCI has done good for
>> many people but this one situation they've handled horribly.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 ADA prevails | 12:54 a.m. Feb. 26,
>> 2011
>> Eastport, MD
>> (1) There are numerous pictures on CCI's own web site and CCI's
>> own videos that show dogs leash free outside; some of which are
>> clearly in public areas. There are clearly two standards: one for
>> CCI and one for Dr. Yonnet. This does bring to question CCI's
>> motives or prejudice, perhaps?
>>
>> (2) CCI's leash requirements are a violationws of the Americans
>> with Disabilities Act (ADA), which provides latitude on leash
>> requirements for persons in wheelchairs. And, ADA prevails unless
>> a state law or contract provides more freedom for the person in
>> the wheelchair...not the dog. The law protects the disabled
>> first.
>>
>> (3) I could not, in good conscience, recommend that anyone get a
>> dog from CCI given the way they have treated Dr. Yonnet. It was
>> obvious in the pictures that Elon was very happy with Gael. It
>> was also obvious how much Gael loved Elon. To break these two up
>> has now devastated both Gael and Elon. It is absolutely cold and
>> heartless the way this was handled. I would never suppport nor
>> encourage supporting CCI given this case. CCI has no heart if it
>> can do this.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 Beth38 | 12:55 a.m. Feb. 26, 2011
>> Brockton, MA
>> Being an inspiration to disabled people has nothing to do with
>> this matter. And honestly, I am a disabled person and he sickens
>> me with the poor way he has chosen to deal with this issue. The
>> dog is not his and never was. He had numerous opportunities to
>> work with the school to take care of safety issues and he didn't.
>> He didn't follow what he was told to do by the school that loaned
>> him this dog.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 2 Sharon Kenzer | 1:37 a.m. Feb. 26,
>> 2011
>> Eastport, MD
>> Dr. Yonnet and Elon were a family and an inspiration to so many
>> people, including the veterans that were patients of Dr. Yonnet.
>> While dealing with their own disabilities, it was extremely
>> inspiring to see the full life that Gael was living with Elon.
>> Elon inspired Gael to be active again, which gave hope to so many
>> patients dealing with their own disabilities. Elon gave such
>> comfort to many people, including patients, but mostly to Elon.
>> To think that CCI would repo this dog for a fear of what could
>> happen is tragic. Would one keep a child on a leash? When one
>> fully reads Dr. Yonnet's explanation of what transpired, which
>> has been consistent, there is no doubt he exercised good judgment
>> for Elon's safety at all times.
>>
>> Last, comments by CCI supporters repeatedly refer to their leash
>> requirements, however, there are CCI videos and CCI pictures
>> where dogs are leash free in public areas. The more I read about
>> this, the greater the injustice perpetrated on Gael and Elon. I
>> don't believe for a minute that Elon isn't suffering the loss of
>> Gael. CCI should return Elon.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 Love Dogs | 1:50 a.m. Feb. 26, 2011
>> Tarzana, CA
>> I applaud Canine Companions for Independance (CCI) for their
>> decision to remove Elon from Gael. Tbe public statement from CCI
>> can be read on their website on this issue....and for sure, it
>> appears that they do not make a decision like this on a whim,
>> only one in 500 dogs partnered are taken back. It is sad to learn
>> that Gael chose to go public in such a dishonest and arrogant
>> way, and now loose his dog. In my heart I was praying that he
>> would have the sense to listen and talk to the amazing folks who
>> trained Elon, and appreciate the tremendous gift he was given.
>> His refusal to respect this highly trained dog after he received
>> it and his continued arrogant public threats lead me to applaud
>> CCI for their final decision. Thankful for what this amazing
>> non-profit does to help so many disabled Americans....
>> Recommend Recommendations: 1 Ann Mc Dowell | 2:10 a.m. Feb. 26,
>> 2011
>> New York, NY
>> Gael and Elon were an inspiration to so many of the patients in
>> the hospital, particularly the veterans with disabilties and
>> traumatic brain injuries who were Gael's patients. They gave so
>> many people hope that they could live fully active lives.
>>
>> CCI's Form 990, as filed with the IRS for 2009, Schedule O
>> Supplemental Information (page 34) stated:
>> "TAsks performed by instructors at follow-up visitation include:
>> 2) Correction of any problems that may exist;
>> 5) Making certain that the dog is doing the commands initially
>> taught, and that they are still needed; and
>> 6) Beginning the process of teaching new commands, if deemed
>> necessary.
>>
>> Gael requested additional training from Simi in late December of
>> 2010. When a date was set for 1/29/10, Gael was looking forward
>> to meeting with Simi as he was told it was to help with items 2,
>> 5, 6 above. In fact, Gael took the day off from meeting with his
>> patients in order to train with Elon. Instead, Simi offered no
>> training or education and quickly informed Gael that they were
>> there to take Elon. That's the last time Gael saw Elon; tragic
>> for both Gael and Elon.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 SanB | 4:36 a.m. Feb. 26, 2011
>> Jupiter, FL
>> I have been following this story closely, and still feel that CCI
>> and Dr. Yonnet can resolves the issues at hand. Through all of
>> the anger and emotion (and we ALL have acted out in both) the
>> bottom line is, CCI raised an awesome companion dog, Dr. Yonnet
>> has bonded with Elon, loves him dearly, and was not abusing the
>> dog. I have read in earlier posts, Dr. Yonnet has set out to
>> acquire a new leash (made specifically for people in wheelchairs
>> that are active) that will allow him to take Elon on his mountain
>> trips, which will take care of the safety concerns as expressed
>> by CCI. I have to agree with DisabilityAdvocate above, I have
>> browsed CCI's website, and have seen the same pictures with other
>> dogs off leash, so are those dogs getting ready to be repo'd as
>> well? We have all experienced loss, and death, and have probably
>> even uttered the words "I'd do anything to get them back".
>> Fortunately, in this case, there is still time to get them back,
>> with a very clear mutual understanding of what is expected. Just
>> Love!
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 Angelo John Stevens | 6:51 a.m. Feb.
>> 26, 2011
>> Fort Belvoir, VA
>> I am going to be polite, after fighting a school system in VA who
>> seems to feel they can have a policy that Names ADI, an affiliate
>> of CCI as the sole God to all Dog training and certifications, I
>> have to say I see something fishy with CCI and ADI, more so when
>> an agency feels even with all the good they do, that they are
>> above the law.
>> They have rules which are not enforced across the board, and seem
>> to pick and choose who they enforce them on, based on how much
>> aide and or help that person can give to their fund rasing
>> efforts, their 50,000 dollar dogs does not mean their better dogs
>> then a 20,000 dog, plain and simple.
>> Servioce Dogs should be controllable on and off a leash, because
>> facts and nature dictate there will be places and times these
>> dogs need to be off leash in order to perform their functions.
>> ADA and DOJ have already stated they agree leashs are not
>> required for certain instances where it is unsafe to use a leash,
>> however if dogs can be controlled either with voice, or hand.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 Angelo John Stevens | 7:06 a.m. Feb.
>> 26, 2011
>> Fort Belvoir, VA
>> I am still curious why CCI retains owner ship of the dog yet
>> claims they give dogs for free, giving implies you no longer own
>> that which is given, should not the term instead be, We loan
>> service dogs to persons, but at any time may remove that dog if
>> we CCI feel you are too dangerous for that loaned dog to be in,
>> and then we will lie to you to meet at a mall, in order to train
>> you and your dog, but instead will take the dog from you, and not
>> ensure you the disabled person will get home safely, and threaten
>> you with the police as well, lets not also forget these are the
>> same people that want to work with wounded warriors and veterans,
>> our suicide rate is high enough in the military we do not need
>> CCI re-poing dogs from them to add fuel to that fire.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0 1000observer | 9:59 a.m. Feb. 26,
>> 2011
>> Alexandria, Va
>> First, CCI makes perfectly clear that they retain ownership of
>> their dogs. It is in every agreement that every graduate,
>> including the person in question, signs before accepting a CCI
>> dog. If you don't like it, don't accept a CCI dog. There are many
>> people on CCI waiting lists willing to accept the terms CCI has,
>> and if you accept a CCI dog, and not the terms CCI has, you are
>> taking that dog away from someone else who might have benefited
>> from a CCI dog. Another SLC TV site has a story posted and on it
>> is a link to the letter from CCI to Dr. Yonnet. After reading
>> this letter, any sympathy I had for the doctor on this issue has
>> disappeared. I leave it to everyone to read the letter, but it
>> seems from the letter that CCI did everything it could to solve
>> the issue at hand, and it is not just about leash and off leash
>> rules. Shame that Dr. Yonnet and his supporters prefer to attack
>> CCI than work with them to find a solution.
>> Recommend Recommendations: 0
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