[nagdu] Follow-up

Deanna Lewis DLewis at clovernook.org
Fri Apr 19 13:55:28 UTC 2013


Tracy,
I have always had excellent follow up service from Guide Dogs for the Blind. In fact, I am having some issues now that require a follow up, and my field rep is coming next week. There is also a new graduate support center, where you can call in and talk to a live person. They have experienced trainers, a counselor, and people to assist with veterinary questions.
Since there are now 6 field reps working throughout the US and Canada, each field reps territory has grown, and now every graduate has a field rep. The really good thing is that now the class instructors will be able to help the field reps, so they will get to do field work and see how different it is to see the dogs outside of the class setting.
Also, for first time students, they will get a follow up the first two years in person. Then, a yearly call to check in. When the dog reaches age 9 or so they can come out for another follow up to assess the dog.
Retrains, can get a follow up either the first or second year, and then again when the dog gets older.
Of course, if you have an urgent problem or need help, there will be help available. 
I know all this stuff because there was a very informative conference call last night.
So, overall I think it is a good change. Change can be difficult, but it's a way of life. Hope this helps answer your question.
Deanna and Pascal


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 1:09 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Follow-up

The discussion about staff cutbacks got me thinking about follow-up services.  Some people said that in-person follow-up is really only needed for serious problems, and maybe some of us have gotten lazy and called out the field rep for something we could figure out ourselves.  I'm not sure I agree with these opinions.
I like follow-up, at least in the beginning of a new partnership. I always wonder if more prompt and effective follow-up would have saved my shepherd from having a nervous breakdown.  Perhaps I was asking more than he could give, but perhaps there were things I could have done differently.  I do know that a follow-up visit near the beginning of my relationship with Echo made a huge difference.  She was having a left tendency, and I asked if someone could come have a look.  Not a serious problem, but it was really bugging me.  A trainer came out and saw in 5 minutes that I wasn't holding the harness exactly over Echo's back, and it was confusing her.  He fixed my position; I practiced for an hour or so, and the problem was solved forever. 
I stopped being bugged with Echo, and our relationship got a lot happier and easier.
When I got Ben, I also had some follow-up at first.  It resolved some things, and not others, but I was glad to have a bit of help.  I haven't wanted any for years.  I may have someone come have a look, when I start to think Ben is saying he'd like to retire, just to be sure I'm not missing something.  Or I may not.
Anyway, I think follow-up at the beginning, even for problems that don't seem serious, can be really helpful.
Tracy


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