[nagdu] SOme more questions/ Thinking of getting a guide dog

[Julie J.]

Ownership is an individual  thing.  Some people don't see the point and 
don't care if they don't have ownership.  Others are adamant that they 
must have total ownership.  I lean heavily toward the total no strings 
attached ownership model.  For me it is a trust issue.  If the program 
trusts me enough to place a dog with me, then that shows they trust me 
enough to care for the dog and I should be given ownership.  If they 
don't trust me, then don't give me a dog in the first place.  Now with 
that said, I am seriously considering going through Gallant Hearts for 
my next dog.  They are going with co-ownership for their graduates.  
That's pretty common in high end show dogs, but completely unknown among 
guide dog programs.  Honestly I have no idea what co-ownership means on 
a practical level.  that will be something to figure out before I commit.

Another thing to be watchful of is that some of the programs say they 
give full ownership, but their ownership contract will contain a clause 
something like they can remove the dog for various reasons including 
unsafe work, abuse, neglect, underutilization of the dog.   To me that 
isn't true ownership.  If I own the dog, then I own the dog and the only 
people who can remove the dog are law enforcement officials.    I don't 
think I would be quite as adamant about my views if I haven't heard so 
many stories of people having their dogs removed because they were 
overweight, had some health issue or were reported by random strangers.  
Yes, these occurrences are not frequent and are not the norm, but they 
do happen.  It feels like an abuse of power to me.  If I go to a program 
and bring a dog home, I want to feel empowered to move forward with my 
life.  I do not want to be worrying about what the program thinks about 
this or that thing that I'm doing with my dog and if they are going to 
come and remove my dog.

Your second question was about length of training.  GDB is doing two 
week training classes.  Fidelco, Freedom and Gallant Hearts are doing 
only in home placements.  Most of the rest of the programs will do in 
home training on a case by case basis depending on your circumstances.  
Generally you have to be a graduate of that program or sometimes just 
have had a previous guide dog, but asking wouldn't hurt.

The actual cost of the dog is generally free or $1.  The Seeing Eye 
charges $150 for your first dog.  A very few of the programs do not 
cover travel expenses to and from the training class.   Once you get 
there though, everything is free.   I do not know of any government 
programs that will help with any costs associated with guide dogs.  
There are many charity organizations that will help out with unexpected 
vet expenses though.

HTH
Julie




On 8/19/2012 7:48 PM, Matt Gilman wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> Thanks to everyone for all the good info with my last email.  I think it cleared up some confusion that I had.
>
> Now I am  on to the next part…  I was doing some research about the process of applying to get a guide dog.   I was told to make sure that whatever service I use  allows me to take ownership f the dog at the end of the training program.  does anyone have suggestions on this?  I am not sure which services wouldn't allow you to take owner ship of the dog at the end.  It seems strange to me that they would want to keep the ownership of the dog when I would be the person with the dog.  It's kind of like renting a dog or at least that's the way it seems.
>
> The other question I have is I have is it seems like many of these training programs take around 3 weeks to do.  Plus you have to go away to do the training.  Is there any training service that comes to your area?  The main reason I ask is because I have a family with a 2 year old son that I take care of.  I also work 40 hours a week.  I don't really know if I would be able to miss that much time all at once.  I might be able to be away for a week or 2 but not 3.
> Also what kind of cost are there to go through the training program?  If there are costs that you have to pay out of pocket to get a guide dog, is there any state assistance or federal assistance?  I live in Baltimore Maryland.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I am not talking about costs of owning a dog as I already know those from owning 2 dogs already.  I am thinking of the training cost and possibly fees to the organization.
>
> Thanks for any info.
>
> Matt.
>
> Matt Gilman
> Matt at blindbiketrials.com
> www.blindbiketrials.com
> Skype 'BlindBikeTrials'
> lvsr01 at gmail.com
> I am motivating the world because of my blindness while riding a bike.
>
>
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