[nagdu] Julie why a boxer? was re: Boxer guides from Pilot

[Julie J.]

IGDF is the International Guide Dog Federation I think.  If that's not 
exactly right it's very close.  Anyway they are an association guide dog 
programs can belong to.  There are very specific criteria that a program 
has to meet in order to qualify for membership.  I see it as a way for 
the guide dog programs to provide a level of quality assurance.  By 
saying that we meet this set of standards, and someone has been here to 
check, I know a bit more of what to expect.

Julie
On 7/11/2012 8:13 AM, Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC) wrote:
> > From what Bebe says, I'd not be okay with Pilot taking a dog if they *suspect* abuse. Would sure hate to be the guy or gal that got a dog taken away based on somebody's suspicions.
> And it sounds like Pilot will remove a dog during the first year if abuse is suspected, which begs the question of what they'd do after that first year. Is abuse somehow okay then? Are their processes different for handling suspected abuse after the first year, and why would this be?
> Julie what is IGDF and what does a lack of accreditation mean?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
> Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 9:26 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Julie why a boxer? was re: Boxer guides from Pilot
>
> Okay, Monty is a Boxer and lab mix.  From everything I know and what
> Boxer people tell me, Monty's personality is much more that of the
> Boxer, except for his love of food.  I absolutely love the way Monty
> works, his approach, his work ethic, his stubborness, his ability to
> stick by his decisions no matter how dumb I am and his focus on one
> person-me.
>
> Maybe I'm trying to find his clone, but if these qualities are among all
> Boxers, I want one. The sporting breeds are very sociable, happy to meet
> people and make new friends.  I strongly prefer a more aloof dog.
> Boxer's are in the working group and were bred to do work.  Their focus
> is on the work.   I like that.  They also have a short coat that is
> easier on my husband's allergies, especially when we have more than one
> dog in the house.  Out of harness they are affectionate with the family,
> playful and energetic.
>
> My second choice for a guide dog would be a Doberman for many of these
> same reasons.  Pilot is also the only place that currently has Dobermans.
>
> I'll be honest and say that Pilot would not be my first choice except
> for the fact that they have the two breeds I would consider.  I don't
> like that they don't teach hand signals.  I think their way of having
> students relieve their dogs is a bit odd.  They don't train traffic to
> the same level as other schools.  They are not an accredited IGDF
> program.   I'm unclear about their ownership policy.  The GDUI survey
> states that they grant ownership, but it also says that they retain the
> right to remove the dog for various reasons.
>
> It's a lot to consider.
>
> Julie
>
>
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