[nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Larry D. Keeler
lkeeler at comcast.net
Sat Nov 2 17:29:41 UTC 2013
I don't mind the follow up or a lot of other stuff the schools want. The
equipment, the visits, calls and a bunch of other stuff. I think we all just
want respect! We all don't want nasty surprises such as short notice visits,
snatching of dogs or those who hear about some type of abuse and instead of
folling it up and checking it out just come and snatch the dog. Where the
dog is being abused, neglected or is unsafe for the handler or the public by
all means get involved! The probblem comes when complaints are not
imnvestigated properly or the handler has absolutely no idea why they want
to claim the dog or equipment. Last year, I heard from a woman who said
Leader came by and reclaimed her harrness. She claims to have absolutely no
idea why they did it! Iether she wasn't telling all or Leader wasn't giving
up what they had on the situation. If they come down and reclaim my
equipment or dog they suere better have a really good reason to do so and
explain it to me and hear me out! Maybe there reason would be good, maybe
not. I would like to be involved in anything that has to do with me and my
dog! Most of the folks who work at these schools are great folks! I respect
many of them However, some of the contracts we sign need to be looked at
before signing.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Shannon Dyer" <solsticesinger at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2013 12:43 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
> Hi, all.
>
> I've remained silent on this issue for some time now, but i have a
> question. I really, really hope I don't bring anyone's wrath crashing down
> on my head. This is a very sensitive issue, I know.
>
> Over the years, I've heard many conversations about ownership. I've heard
> how paternalistic the schools are. I've heard how devalued we are made to
> feel. I've heard about repossessed dogs, even though I've rarely heard
> both sides of these stories. I've also heard how much help, both financial
> and otherwise, we expect the schools to give us.
>
> So, I'm wondering how this works. How can we, on one hand, say we want
> sole responsibility for our dogs, but, on the other hand, not hesitate to
> take advantage of whatever vet stipend a training program might offer? How
> can we expect the schools to hand the dogs over upon graduation, granting
> us complete ownership, and then complain when we don't get the follow-up
> we need when problems crop up? To me, it sounds like we're asking for it
> all, and, if I've learned anything in life, it's that we simply can't have
> everything we want.
>
> Please understand that I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting
> to own your dog. I own my current guide, and Caroline before him. I'm also
> not saying anything bad about wanting or receiving help from your school.
> I'm just wondering how we can expect the schools to meet two sets of
> needs, when they seem so very opposite.
>
> Shannon and the Acelet
> On Nov 2, 2013, at 12:23 AM, "Larry D. Keeler" <lkeeler at comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Right Marion! I've seen folks who feel so intimidated by the school they
>> got there dog from that they won't even speak about it publically. I am
>> currently talking to someone who feels that there school, Leader is going
>> down hill and would like to possibly repossess her dog. I've met her dog.
>> Not obese, quite clean and extremely socialized. I told her what I'm
>> doing here and she really doesn't want to talk about it with me for fear
>> that she'll get in trouble with the school. Noone should be afraid to
>> challenge there school or feel bullied by folks who represent that or any
>> other school. I've heard about a place in Arkansas where the staff
>> constantly discouraged the students not to use there dogs and also
>> continually threatened to report them for any reason and have there dogs
>> removed. Whatever we feel about ownership, the folks who work at these
>> institutions need to respect us as consumers. When I accidently opened
>> this subject my point was really to explore each and every school
>> contract. If you can't aggree with it don't sign the thing! If you don't
>> want any unpleasant surprises make sure that you eliminate as many of
>> them as possible! I have been rather satisfied with Pilot. For the most
>> part they leave me alone and I leave them pretty much alone. Every couple
>> of years, we have a tech fair with visual aids and services as the focus.
>> I talk with the representive they send from Pilot and also from the other
>> scchools. I only got advised once by Pilots representative that I had
>> Holly's collar on backwards. I usually hang out with him and help
>> advertise his school. I am also aware that some folks haven't had the
>> same experience that I had. Striving to make things better for guide dog
>> users, guide dogs and the schools and owner-trainers is what we are
>> supposed to be doing isn't it? Of cours, we can do this by showing facts
>> and logically discussing them without bashing schools, dogs or folks. In
>> the case of school contracts, do most schools send a copy? Pilot did. I
>> can't remember about the ownership part but I do remember the part about
>> returning used equipment.Well, I'm long winded enough so I'll blow out of
>> here and take Holly to our church function tommorrow. We are having a
>> raffle as part of our Knights council. Up here the green and blue are
>> playing against each other. Should I dye Holly green?
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users" <blind411 at verizon.net>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 10:19 PM
>> 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
>>>> their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible." T. E.
>>>> Lawrence
>>>>
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>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Raven
>>>>
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>>
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