[nagdu] Getting A Dog

[Hannah Chadwick]

Thank you Julie, Lary, Cheryl and everyone else for helping and providing
insightful info; it is definitely appreciated.
The process took over six months when I applied and that was when I was in
my last year of high school. I don't think I have as much time now because
I'm going to start college in the fall of 2012 and I'm also planning to do a
living skills program between now and college.
The list of questions you've provided Julie is definitely helpful. It'll
give me something to think over.
I've heard that Seeing Eye and Guide Dogs for the Blind are two of the best
schools in the country but I'm sure it all depends on personal preference.
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Julie J.
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 9:07 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Getting A Dog

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


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