[nagdu] plug for your own

[Larry D. Keeler]

Great evqaluation Julie!  That is why I usually speak for the school I went 
to.  Even though Leader is closer and I know they also have some really 
great things going on!  Maybe after our state convention I may write about 
some of them.  They'll be at the convention on November 4th.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julie Phillipson" <jbrew48 at verizon.net>
To: "NAGDU" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 10:05 PM
Subject: [nagdu] plug for your own


> OK I do not intend to set off a food fight here so lets keep this 
> discussion thoughtful and reasonable.  I can give Guiding Eyes a plug 
> because I am a 4 time grad.  Margo can give Seeing Eye a plug because she 
> is a 4 time grad of their program.  No matter which school our dog is from 
> we want to say they are one of the best schools out there.  So Margo and 
> all let me tell you about GEB, I don't say much on this list, because I am 
> tired of hearing all the bad and good points about this school or that 
> school and frankly training program bashing.  Some schools are small and 
> have less history then others but the dogs I've seen from different 
> schools are basically very similar in quality and training.  GEB breeds 
> and trains their own dogs and it shows in the quality and temperament of 
> their dogs.  Seeing Eye also breeds their own as do several other schools, 
> and I know they trade breeding stock between schools even in other 
> countries.  There have been dogs that have not worked out for what ever 
> reason.  Is it the dog or, is it the handler, or more likely it is just 
> the wrong match.  Every school has their share.  GEB visits or is in touch 
> with each of their grads at least once a year not to spy, but to see that 
> you are not having any problems and that the dog is still working safely. 
> Each school has a policy in place concerning ownership, GEB gives the 
> option to apply for ownership after 2 years.  After 30 years of working 
> with a guide dog I have never felt compelled to legally own my dog.  I 
> already do in any way that counts he is my dog and we already have a very 
> close bond and I think that is more important then having a piece of paper 
> that says I own him.  If you ask for ownership it makes know difference in 
> the quality of follow-up services that you get from GEB or in finding a 
> retirement home if you need help with that.  If you retire your dog and 
> find a home yourself GEB will send someone out to be sure it will be a 
> suitable home.  Before you jump on that Marion, there is a very good 
> reason for that. It happened to one of our members, and her retired dog. 
> The home she put her dog in, who were at the time very good friends didn't 
> take care of the dog, once it was discovered,  and after 2 years of abuse 
> GEB was able to rescue the dog who had to be put down in the end because 
> she was neglected and very sick.  If you choose to keep your dog with you 
> after retirement and get a new dog that is OK with them.  geb has a policy 
> of maintaining your dog at a healthy weight and if you do you can get up 
> to $300 per year toward vet. care and other supplies you can buy from GEB 
> at cost from the school,  is you do not maintain a healthy weight you will 
> get $200 so there is a good incentive to help your dog stay healthy and 
> happy and be able to be with you for a longer time.  As I understand it 
> GEB is the only U.S. school that will train world wide.  In my class in 
> April there were 3 students from Brazil and 1 from Spain.  GEB trains dogs 
> for people with special needs IE balance, deaf blind or severe hearing 
> loss, and they have a program for training dogs for children with autism 
> and it has become a very successful program.  I like that the different 
> schools have branched out to serve specialized populations, GDF works with 
> disabled veterans, Seeing eye and I think Southeastern is still working 
> with people who need to use a wheelchair and most of the schools if not 
> all, will try to accommodate other health considerations.  OK I know there 
> are many other GEB grads on this list and others that are members of 
> NAGDU, we don't say much though.  I still have to say it though Margo *GEB 
> is the best*just my opinion though (grin)!
>
>
> Julie Phillipson
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