[nagdu] the GDF ownership contract terms

[Jenine Stanley]

I would like to speak to the terms Marion quoted regarding ownership and the
contract we require for all graduates of the Guide dog foundation. 

Marion stated that his contract said that if the dog was less than 5 years
old, we would require that it come back for evaluation. He also stated that
he agreed to this term in order to get home training and receive a German
Shepherd. 

I wanted to clarify a few things about these statements. I have worked at
the Foundation since 2008 and our ownership agreement has not changed since
then. I was also on class to receive a dog during that time and have a copy
of my own such agreement. The actual term from the contract used for every
graduate of our program receiving ownership states: 

"If within twenty-four months after placement I choose to discontinue use of
the dog as a Guide Dog for the purpose trained, I will inform the Foundation
immediately. The Foundation has the option to evaluate and reassign the dog
to another qualified recipient." 

this contract is standard and is not modified for the purposes of bargaining
or receiving specific services, breeds of dog, etc. Each graduate receives a
copy of this contract in print and on CD in MS Word in the Going Home
packet. The contract is signed by Wells B. Jones, our Chief Executive
Officer, and any other agreements or promises outside of this signed
contract related to ownership are not valid. 

We determine length and location of training based on very individual
factors such as ability to work with a guide dog,  availability of staff,
location of applicant, etc. 

though we try to honor breed and gender preferences, the safety of the team
is the most important factor. If our instructors feel we do not have a dog
of the breed and/or gender that will appropriately match the applicant's
needs, we will not place just any dog of the preferred breed or gender. 

If you have any further questions about our application procedures, please
contact me off this list. Please know that we will not discuss individual
graduates with anyone and that terms for custody versus ownership upon
graduation are confidential and made on an individual basis. 

Jenine Stanley
Consumer Relations Coordinator
Guide Dog Foundation(R)  and America's VetDogs (R) the Veterans K-9 Corps
(R) Providing Second Sight since 1946
371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Office: 631-930-9000,
Toll-free: 866-282-8047
Fax 631-930-9009
 jenine at guidedog.org 
 
To make a donation that can change a life... contact the Guide Dog
Foundation(R) at www.guidedog.org or America's VetDogs (R) the Veterans K-9
Corps (R) at www.vetdogs.org

Visit us on facebook at:
www.facebook.com/GuideDogFoundation or www.facebook.com/AmericasVetDogs

Jenine Stanley
jeninems at wowway.com
http://www.twitter.com/jeninems