[nagdu] Cost of a Service dog

[Raven Tolliver]

As a broke college kid on SSI, I am definitely not complaining about
not being charged for a guide dog. One reason I avoided the Seeing Eye
was so that I wouldn't have to pay upfront. Rather than dropping $150
to obtain the dog, I used that to purchase a dog crate when I returned
from the program.
My class collectively donated to the school. At our graduation
ceremony, we gave a flower to each of the 12 staff that helped run the
class, and we donated roughly $500 to the program. That did not put a
dent in how much it cost to care for and train an individual dog, but
it said ""thank you," and showed that we were all passionate about
giving back.
I am not saying that people should not have to pay to get a guide dog.
I am not saying that any school is wrong for charging. But I am glad I
have an option concerning whether I can pay for my dog or not.
There are a number of factors that would drive me to owner training
before paying for a dog. I see several things that are disconcerting
about guide dog programs in the US, and service dog programs in the US
in general.

-- 
Raven