[nagdu] Dog Attack Update

Steven Johnson blinddog3 at charter.net
Tue May 29 23:50:10 UTC 2012


Rebecca,
The other thing, which I think I might have posted, is the assumption that
this dog is going to be alright.  I can agree with their immediate
assessment, but when we look at the longevity of the dog's career, and more
specifically, what the potential for this dog to develop PTSD-like symptoms
over the next few months, is where the greater concern lies from my
viewpoint.  After being hit by a tornado last spring as most know, my guide
seemed alright and she worked what seemed to be fine.  However, over the
course of the next weeks and months, I started to notice certain things that
she had not done and really started developing fears that we can only
assume, go back to the day the tornado hit as she was upstairs when it all
happened.  From what I saw, the Michigan interference law is somewhat lax
and I believe provides a penalty of $500, but nothing else.  This law was
first established way back when Leader Dog was an infant training program
which is quite interesting to think about.  It was last updated a little
less than 20 years ago, again, from what I read, and feel that it falls
short of a good criminal law that essentially should protect us from such
attacks.  I am very disappointed in how the city handled this situation, and
even hope LD pursues criminal charges.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 9:39 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog Attack Update

        Excellent point Steve.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Steven Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:11 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog Attack Update

Rebecca,
I guess it would be on the same level of being hit by a car whether a quiet
car or not.  We don't expect it, and when it does happen, it is a reaction
as it is definitely difficult to be proactive about something that we have
very little if any warning that a traumatic experience is about to unfold.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 12:20 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog Attack Update

        I wonder about this.
The spokeswoman said "We don't encounter this very often". Who is "we" here?
I can believe that the school doesn't encounter many dog attacks. Yet, dog
attacks are something we all fear. I have to wonder where this is coming
from and if the math bears out the fear.

To generalize, what are the odds of being killed in a car wreck or even
injured. Do we fear it? Why or why not?

I kind of think the spokesperson down played how serious dog attacks can be,
and also what your average Joe with his dog can do to prevent them.


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Steven Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 8:18 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] Dog Attack Update


A guide dog is back to work after being attacked by a pit bull Saturday on
Main Street in Royal Oak.

"The dog is showing no lasting effects," said Rochelle Kniffen, director of
communications and marketing for Leader Dogs for the Blind of Rochester
Hills. The blind client and instructor working with the dog are also doing
fine, she said.

The pit bull broke loose from a 10-year-girl staying with the dog in the
sidewalk cafe of the Burgrz restaurant, 410 S. Main.

"I heard the girl scream and looked up to see the pit bull scrambling after
a seeing eye dog and a blind man who were passing by," Lana Louys of
Wyandotte, who was dining at the restaurant's outdoor area, told the Daily
Tribune. "The pit bull pinned the (guide) dog to the ground and had it by
the throat."

The girl's mother, 41, of Jackson left her daughter alone with the pit bull
on a leash, according to the Daily Tribune report.

"We do not run into this type of situation very much at all," Kniffen said.
"It is not a common occurrence."

Leader Dogs for the Blind trains dogs in Royal Oak several times a month.
The golden retriever had already completed four months of instruction and
was paired with a client.

Clients come from all over the United States and stay for one month working
with a guide dog, Kniffen said.

"We like Royal Oak, especially on a Saturday with nice weather, like last
weekend," Kniffen said. Downtown Royal Oak offers guide dogs and clients an
opportunity to train among crowds on tight streets and get familiar with
railroad crossings. There are also plenty of distractions, such as other
dogs, squirrels, sirens, fire trucks and the enticing small child with an
ice cream cone.

"We train the dogs to stay focused," Kniffen said. "We try to introduce them
to as many environments and situations as possible."

Another reason Leader Dogs for the Blind likes to train in Royal Oak is the
friendly storekeepers, Kniffen said. "They are very much open to having the
dogs, which makes it that much easier for us," she said.

Royal Oak Police Lt. Tom Goad said officers who repsonded to the incident
found no injuries to the dogs or people involved. The animal control officer
who is investigating the case did not immediately return a call for comment.
Goad said he expects some sort of enforcement to be issued.

"You have to be able to keep your dog under reasonable control," Goad said.



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