[nagdu] Guide Dog Schools

Sun Nov 3 01:30:14 UTC 2013

Hi Brandy,

I have my Fidelco guide since July of 2009.  I have always fed my guide the food of my choosing.  It was stated that I could use the food from Fidelco if I chose to, but it was not required.  

Steve and Shannon 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 Brandydp
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2013 9:07 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools

Hello Marion, 
I was wondering if you could send me all the agreements or if they were available somewhere   I am a gdf grad and began learning about the nfb through Cheryl echevarria   Upon looking at fidelcos agreement it is a little strange.  It basically states you must continue feeding their food and I dislike their photo consent being in this agreement   It should be signed before class.  So what if photos aren't permitted they take my dog.  Interesting   I am also on gdf's alumni council so this stuff interests me.  

brandy pinder
Alumni Council -  second vice Chairman
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc® and America's VetDogs®, The Veteran's K-9 Corps Inc® Providing "Second uSight"® since 1946

371 E. Jericho Turnpike smith town ny 11766
Cso: 866-282-8047
Email: brandydp at verizon.net
Cell: 304-685-4499

On Nov 1, 2013, at 7:40 AM, "National Association of Guide Dog Users" <blind411 at verizon.net> wrote:

> Mike,
>    I am happy to hear that you have had nothing but good experiences 
> with Fidelco; however, the fact is that Fidelco employs policies and 
> practices that are extremely paternalistic for the 21st century. Two 
> specific issues with Fidelco are their practice of making surprise 
> visits to consumers and, when consumers object, reminding them of 
> their contractual ability to remove the dog. Here is that clause 
> directly from Fidelco's agreement, the text of which is attached to this message in its entirety.
> 
>     (d)  I agree that Fidelco may repossess the dog in the event I do 
> not comply with this agreement, in the event I do not provide proper 
> and humane care for the dog as determined by Fidelco in its sole 
> judgment, or for any other reason as determined by Fidelco in its sole 
> and absolute discretion.  In such event, title to the dog will revert 
> to Fidelco automatically at Fidelco's option.
> 
> There are a number of other issues with the agreement, however, this 
> is the most troubling of them!
> 
> 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: Thursday, October 31, 2013 1:58 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
> 
> 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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>> 
>> 
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