[nagdu] Getting A Dog

[Julie J.]

Hannah,

I've never attended a guide dog program.  I understand, though, that a 
year is about the max length of time they will hold an application.  
After that it's pretty much like reapplying since so much time has 
passed and things tend to change.  I wouldn't worry because they are 
reevaluating your application.  That is the routine procedure.

When you say that you travel a lot, are you talking month long trips to 
Europe, weekend trips to Grandma's, short seminars for work and how 
frequently do you travel?  I don't think going off to take a European 
vacation two months after getting your first guide dog is going to work 
out real well.  A few weekends with family shouldn't be too much of a 
problem though.  The dog will need quite a bit of stability and routine 
for the first few months in a new home, with a new person under new 
working conditions.  It's a lot of changes for a new guide dog.  The 
more structure you can provide, the better.

That said, I don't think any guide dog program expects you to stay at 
home and do nothing for the first six months.  People have jobs, lives 
and families.  Stuff happens and the dog needs to be able to roll with 
it.  It also depends on your particular dog.  Some can handle more 
change than others.  This is something you'll need to be sure to make 
clear to your program so they can match you with a more flexible dog.

Okay now for choosing a program...you mentioned you don't know what is 
important to you because this is your first dog.  Here are  some 
questions you might want to ask yourself.
How far am I willing to travel to attend guide dog training?
Am I willing to accept any breed of dog?
If I have a breed preference does this school have that type of dog?
Do I want or need home training or combination home and away training?
How long do I have to be away from home at guide dog school?
Do I have that much vacation time from work, or can I make arrangements 
to be away for that long?
How long am I willing to wait to begin training? Is this program's 
waiting list longer than that?
Do I need to attend during a particular time of year, like in the summer 
because of school and will this program work with me on that?
Do I have dietary or medical needs that cannot be accommodated at this 
program?
Is ownership important to me?  Does this program grant ownership?
What sort of follow up services might I need?  What is follow up like 
from this program?
What skills do I need my dog to have beyond the basics provided at all 
programs, escalators, find, follow, leash guiding, step refusal, 
additional tasks for another disability?
Can I afford to pay a fee for the dog or purchase transportation to and 
from the school if that is necessary?
Am I willing to pay for transportation to the school?
Do I want to know or meet the puppy raisers?  Is that allowed, expected 
or encouraged at this program?

That is probably overwhelming to you, so I'll stop.  Please don't feel 
that I'm asking you to answer any of that on list.  I just wanted to 
toss out some things as food for thought.  Perhaps it will help you 
figure out which program best fits what you want.

all my best,
Julie