[nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Steve & Shannon Cook
cookcafe at sc.rr.com
Sat Nov 2 13:45:16 UTC 2013
As far as Fidelco calling consumers when they are 5 minutes away is
incorrect. Everytime a person from Fidelco comes to see me they have called
a few weeks in advance to schedule an appointment. There are others here in
my state with Fidelco dogs and they have done them the same way. You can
believe it or not.
Steve Cook
Today I married my best friend.
The one that I laugh with, live for, love.
October 11, 2003
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of National
Association of Guide Dog Users
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 10:20 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Tai,
I would actually prefer to respond on-list, as I believe it is
important for consumers to be aware of such things. I have had a few
consumers from Leader tell me they were told that, if they did not trim down
their dogs they would be removed, even when the vet asserted they were at a
healthy weight. I also had a couple whose harnesses were repossessed by
Leader because an official from the Florida Division of Blind Services
complained that their dogs were acting out aggressively. This official told
Leader that the couple had been expelled from the Orientation and Adjustment
Center because of their dogs' aggressive behavior, an assertion that was
untrue. Someone also filed a complaint with Leader that this couple were
neglecting their dogs, something that was investigated by the local animal
control. I spoke with the investigator from animal control and he said there
was no evidence of abuse or neglect and, in fact, the dogs toenails were
painted. In his words, "People who abuse or neglect their dogs do not paint
their nails!" In spite of the fact that there was no objective evidence of
abuse or neglect and that the assertions of the DBS official were untrue,
Leader repossessed their harnesses. BTW, the DBS official was reprimanded by
a demotion.
I recently had a Southeastern consumer tell me that a trainer made a
surprise visit to him and, a day or two later called to tell him that, if he
did not slim down his dog, they would repossess it. This, in spite of the
ownership policy in place at SEGDI.
Then, of course, there is the case I wrote about in the April 2011
issue of the Braille Monitor in which Fidelco repossessed a woman's dog
after she made several attempts to have a trainer help her with some fear
issues her dog was experiencing. I have had a number of Fidelco consumers
tell me about similar incidents, however, they were unwilling to pursue them
for fear of retribution. I have also been told it is a common practice of
Fidelco to call consumers and tell them they are five minutes away and want
to inspect their dogs. If they object, they are reminded of the clauses in
the agreement that state, "I agree to allow Fidelco's representatives to
inspect the dog and to survey my care and treatment of the dog at any
reasonable time" and that violation of the agreement is cause for
repossession of the dog. I assume Fidelco believes five minutes notice is
"reasonable"! In my opinion, the Fidelco agreement speaks for itself on this
topic! As a law student, what would you say about such an ownership
agreement? I would say that it is ownership in name only with none of the
rights and privileges normally ascribed to ownership! I would also say that,
if one were to challenge Fidelco's right to repossess a dog after
transferring ownership, the agreement would not stand the test of a legal
challenge.
Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 1:00 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Marion,
Which schools have been known to arbitrarily interfere and repossess dogs?
If you'd prefer to respond to me off list, please do so at
taiablas at gmail.com
Thanks.
Tai
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of National
Association of Guide Dog Users
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 11:42 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Mike,
The issue is not one of "handing out pets" or "protecting an investment".
It is one of dignity, respect, and accountability. Ownership carries with it
certain privileges, among them the avoidance of arbitrary interference by
those who fail to recognize the ability of the blind, believing their rights
preempt those of the blind. No matter how you dissect this issue, the
unwillingness to transfer ownership is founded in an archaic paternalistic
attitude that cannot be justified by any objective evidence.
As Vice President Hingson stated and is our experience in light of
the numerous instances in which guide dogs have been removed without cause,
ownership is the only rational policy if one believes blind people should be
treated equitably with our sighted peers. Though Fidelco asserts they
transfer ownership after six months, their agreement is far short of true
ownership. Since when does a car dealership have the right to repossess a
dog at their sole and absolute discretion. I know there are those who will
argue that a dog is diferent than a car; however, under the law, a dog is
property no different than a car, in spite of the fact that it is a living
breathing animal. In fact, following this argument to it slogical end, how
much more attached does one become to a living being that offers
unconcditional love an acceptance. After becoming attached to such a being,
should we not have the right to protect ourselves from arbitrary, unjust
interference from an organization that will result in an emotional bond
being broken without cause?
Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc.
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789 (Office)
888-NAGDU411 (Hotline
President at nagdu.org
www.nagdu.org
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 7:20 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
A lot of time and money gets infested into producing a guide dog. Its silly
to try and pressure companies into giving complete ownership to the handler.
If it doesn't work out in six months or a year or even two then, depending
on reason, that dog could go back to the company and eventually go help
someone else.
Why turn such an investment into someone's pet when it could be so much more
for someone else.
I personally don't agree with the bill of rights. People should just
understand their school of choice. Its not our decision. Its theirs as a
business. If we as consumers don't like it then we have other schools to
pick from.
If i ran a school id probably do the same thing. Its protecting an
investment and smaller schools cant afford to hand out pets.
JMO
Mike
> On Oct 31, 2013, at 9:45 PM, "Michael Hingson"
> <info at michaelhingson.com>
wrote:
>
> Hannah,
>
> The problem is that what we define as full ownership is not what the
> schools usually mean. The Seeing Eye is an organization that provides
> ownership. I am not as familiar with Pilot, but Chantel indicates that
> Pilot also does give ownership.
>
> Other schools have different contracts that may or may not grant full
> ownership, and that may require that if a guide retires within some
> length of time the school may demand that the guide be returned for
> retraining or for some other purpose. NAGDU has passed resolutions
> calling on all schools to provide full ownership of guide dogs upon
> graduation, and that same position is stated in NAGDU's Guide Dog
> Consumer Bill of Rights. Most guide dog schools are living in the
> past and are as a result paternalistic to one degree or another. They
> do not see the tide of aware consumers which is turning against them
> and which is demanding the same rights given to other citizens in
> other
training situations.
>
>
> Best,
>
>
> Michael Hingson
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hannah
> Chadwick
> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 7:22 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: [nagdu] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
>
> Chantel,
> Thank you for the correction.
> Can someone please define complete ownership when it comes to guide
> dogs? I mean, if we get complete ownership, then doesn't that mean I'd
> get to keep the dog no matter the age when that dog stops working? I'm
> just curious since I was told that I had to send my dog back to the
> school because she didn't work out but she was only 3.
> Thank you, hannah
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chantel
> Cuddemi
> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 7:08 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>
> Hanna,
>
> Pilot Dogs gives us graduates full ownership of our dogs upon
> graduation from the program.
>
> Hope that helped,
>
> Chantel and Motley of Pilot Dogs.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hannah
> Chadwick
> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 7:56 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>
> Yes, GDB can provide more financial help if needed. I think that
> larger schools tend to have more follow-up services because they have
> more funds as well as trainers. I don't think Pilot gives complete
> ownership, but I could be wrong since that wasn't one of my concerns
> when I applied. Pilot also trains boxers and Dobermans in addition to
what Raven mentioned.
> On one hand I think that it is important to have a breed preference,
> but on the other, I think it is the training that matters the most.
> There are good things and bad things about every breed of dog. The
> work you put in is what you will get out. The more effort you put
> into your dog will mean more success with your team. When you get
> your dog, please remember that the bonding process takes between 6
> months and a year. As in my earlier email, please feel free to email
> me off list if you want to know about Pilot or Guide Dogs for the Blind.
> Good luck, Hannah and Spritzie
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Raven Tolliver <ravend729 at gmail.com
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org Date sent: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:39:50 -0400
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>
> Hi,
> I attended Guiding Eyes for the Blind primarily because I wanted an
> adult dog. As a person who never owned or handled a dog before, I
> thought it important to have a dog that was physically and mentally
> mature, and had established mannerisms. I wanted a golden retriever,
> and goldens and German shepherds have a better work ethic as adults.
> This has been proven in studies of guide dog programs and service dog
> programs.
> I also chose GEB because of the financial assistance. Students are
> allotted
> $200 annually, and if your dog is 10 pounds within their target
> weight, the student is given another $100. There is also an emergency
> fund, but it can only be used once during a particular dog's career.
> The GDB grads can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think GDB gives more
> financial assistance than this. Grads from that program can explain
> the
logistics better.
> As far as what breed of dog is best at guide work, that depends on the
> person. I have always adored the gentle nature and laid-back
> temperament of a golden, and I would not want to live with the high
> energy and quirkiness of a typical labrador. German shepherds are
> very serious about their work, but they have high energy requirements.
> All
> three breeds are extremely loving, loyal and obedient if you bond with
> them properly. All three breeds have double coats, so they both shed
> a lot. I do not know as much about the other breeds put out by Pilot
> dogs, but people have success with them, so you would have to ask the
> handlers of poodles, dobermans, and Vieszlas.
> You have to decide for yourself what you like or don't like in a dog.
> And the personality is just as, if not more, important than breed.
> Also, know that if you are picky about breed that it may take longer
> to find you the right dog and get a class date. I was fortunate that
> my golden was available so soon after I applied, but I knew that being
> choosy might mean a longer wait.
> To determine which school might be right for you, you should rate the
> following factors by importance to you.
> location of school, home-training program, special needs program, cost
> of the program, length of program, financial assistance, follow up
> services, ownership policy, training methods, choice to meet and keep
> in touch with your dog's puppy-raisers, graduation ceremony, breeds
> offered, life stage of dogs issued These are just what I can think of
> for now, but there are more factors that others will bring to your
attention.
> If ownership is important to you, the Seeing Eye, Pilot Dogs, or Guide
> Dogs of America are options. If you don't understand why ownership is
> important to some people, then I will explain upon request, because it
> is a very serious issue that every service dog handler should have
> proper understanding of.
> If home-training is important to you this is offered by Fidelco,
> Guiding Eyes, and a couple other programs. Guiding Eyes usually does
> home-training with returning graduates, but they have been known to
> approve it for first time trainees.
> I would encourage you to complete your training with your first guide
> dog at the school if it is at all possible and convenient for you.
> The benefit is that you will not likely feel alone in the struggles
> you will experience, and also, you can get great training and doggie
> care tips from experienced guide dog handlers. In addition, you could
> develop long standing relationships with other classmates, which was a
plus for me.
> Good luck, and email me off list if you want to know more about my
> Guiding Eyes experience.
>
>
> On 10/31/13, Shickeytha Chandler <shickeytha at gmail.com> wrote:
> Thank you all for your responses. I have actually been leaning toward
> a lab or a golden because I have heard in the past that those types of
> dogs are very loyal and have an even temperament. But at the same
> time, I want to have an open mind and consider what other types of
> dogs might have to offer. By the way, I love the names of all three
> of your dogs. Great dog names!
>
> On 10/31/13, minh ha <minh.ha927 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Shickeytha,
>
> I want to echo what Hannah said in her email. I am working with my
> first guide, Viva from Guide Dogs for the Blind on their Oregon
> campus. As a college student, financial and post-graduation support
> were the two most critical aspects that I was looking for in a guide
> dog school. I felt like GDB provided both of these and I really liked
> their positive training methods as well as the respectful way they
> treat their handlers. Regarding the breed of dog, I think that
> ultimately needs to be your decision. Each individual has their
> preference and people are going to tell you their choice is the best.
> GDB only works with labs and golden retrievers. My girl is a lab and
> I couldn't have asked for a better dog; she's extremely energetic and
> playful, but she's an excellent worker once the harness goes on.
>
> Minh
>
> On 10/31/13, Chantel Cuddemi <jawsgirl87 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Welcome to the list!
>
> I am working my first dog from Pilot Dogs, a standard poodle named
Motley!
>
> We've been a team for a year and eight months.
>
> Good luck with what school you choose!
>
> Chantel and Motley.
>
> On 10/31/13, Hannah Chadwick <sparklylicious at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey,
> Welcome to the list. I'm working my second guide, Spritz. She is
> from Guide Dogs for the Blind. She is a black lab; I got her over
> the
summer.
> Since I'm a college student and having had a previous dog that was
> very high-maintenance, I knew I would need financial assistance and
> after support. Those were two of the major things I looked for when
> I applied to schools. The training methods (positive vs negative)
> used in schools also mattered to me. Of course which may vary on an
> individual and team basis, but I've come to realize that food rewards
> go a long way. My first dog was from Pilot because I wanted a poodle,
> but
she retired after almost a year.
> My training experience at Pilot was good, but I wasn't as experienced
> so I didn't have the necessary tools to manage such a high-strung
> dog. Please email me off-list if you have further questions.
> Good luck with the application process and all that.
> Best, Hannah and Spritz
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Shickeytha Chandler <shickeytha at gmail.com
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org Date sent: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 14:08:20 -0400
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>
> No problem. I understand that different people have different
> experiences and perspectives, and I think it is important to consider
> both positive and negative. Thanks.
>
> On 10/31/13, Mike <blinkin4342 at gmail.com> wrote:
> As a Fidelco client I completely disagree with the statement that
> Fidelco has contract issues. The issues are definitely personal and
> not Fidelco's fault.
> I have had nothing but good experiences with Fidelco over the last
> three years and I know a lot of people who feel the same way. There
> are a certain handful of folks on this list who have personal issues
> with Fidelco and tend to be much louder than the people who have
> good experiences.
> You should definitely read the contract to make sure you are aware
> of the rules. That is the case with any guy dog school. Just keep
> an open mind.
> Every school has good and bad things. Every school has someone who
> loves them and hates them. I'd recommend that you decide what breed
> you want, see what school meets your needs the best, and go forward
> from there.
>
>
> Mike
>
> On Oct 31, 2013, at 12:18 PM, "Larry D. Keeler"
> <lkeeler at comcast.net
> wrote:
>
> First, watch out for Fidelco! They have contract issues.
> Before
> you
> decide, make sure you read and understand the contract. The other
> thing, schools when possible do give you a choice. Now always can
> they accomidate but usually they can. I went to Pilot because I
> wanted a poodle. They breed them down there. However, I ended up
> qith a labradoodle wich is almost as good! As for training at school
> or at home, I think it would be more useful to train at hom. But,
> if you know your neighborhood, it doesn't matter as much.
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Shickeytha Chandler"
> <shickeytha at gmail.com
> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 11:44 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>
>
> Hello all,
>
> I am new to the list. I currently travel with a cane, but am very
> seriously considering getting a guide dog in the near future.
> I
> am
> doing research on guide dog schools to see which might be best for me.
> I am considering Fidelco, Guiding Eyes and the Seeing Eye.
> Does
> anyone
> on this list have either particularly positive or especially negative
> experiences with any of these schools? If so, I would be interested to
> hear your feedback. Also, I noticed that Fidelco does training at
> your residence, whereas the other schools bring you to their campuses
> for training. I would like to hear perspectives about the
> disadvantages and advantages of each of these methods of
training.
>
> Finally, I know that various types of dogs are trained as guides,
> ranging from labs to German Shepherds. I would like to know if
> schools give you a choice as to what type of dog you are paired with.
> Also, I
> would be interested to hear from anyone who has worked with dogs of
> various kinds; I'd like to know your thoughts as to whether there are
> distinct qualities that one breed possesses that another breed does
> not generally possess. Of course, I am sure all dogs are unique,
> even within a breed type.
>
> I know that is a lot of questions for one email. Thanks in advance
> for any insight that you can provide.
>
> Shickeytha
>
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> --
> "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the
> dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was
> vanity:
> but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on
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