[nagdu] our efforts with zoos

[Marion Gwizdala]

Shannon,

	To get a better idea of what we are doing on  this issue, please
read and share the Harness Up blogpost on this topic at

http://www.harnessup.wordpress.com

	We are working collaboratively with professional zookeepers in order
to address all the issues. We are applying for a grant to develop the
curriculum and, once developed, we will apply for a much larger grant to
implement the curriculum. This project will train all stakeholders from
service animal users to zoo staff and will include systematic
desensitization practices to teach zookeepers how to ensure wild animals do
not respond in a way that is harmful to the collection or the service dog.
The blogpost shares all this information about this project.

Fraternally yours,

Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc.
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
(888) 624-3841 (Hotline)
President at nagdu.org
http://www.nagdu.org

High expectations create unlimited potential for the blind!



-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Shannon Dyer via
nagdu
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2014 6:11 PM
To: Aleeha Dudley; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] our efforts with zoos

I have those same concerns. We're dealing with wild animals. Sure, they're
behind fences, in cages, etc., but do we need to upset them? I understand
that we have rights, but we need to think of someone besides ourselves for a
bit. If someone's dog were to be harmed by a zoo animal, people would wonder
why someone brought a dog into a place filled with wild animals who might
see a dog as prey of some kind. Honestly, I don't see a problem with service
dogs not going to zoos. I know some people will say it's a matter of
principle, but with unemployment so high in this community, technology so
expensive, and tons of education needed in order for us to be seen as
equals, why do we want to focus time, money, and effort into something like
this? Why can't we say that something that might not be good for us might be
good for the animals in the zoos, and for the safety of our dogs? Why must
we push every envelope just because we can?

Shannon and the Acelet
On Nov 10, 2014, at 2:28 PM, Aleeha Dudley via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hi,
>     Some discussion on another list made me think of this. I know that 
> NAGDU is working to improve access for guide dog handlers to zoos. 
> I've never taken my dog to a zoo, mainly because I think they're 
> boring, but I would like to know what the organization is trying to 
> accomplish with this effort. There was some concern on the other list, 
> and frankly I agree with some of it, that the dog's presence could 
> upset the other animals or vice versa. Could someone please fill me in 
> on what policies are like now and what we, as NAGDU, are trying to do?
> Others' thoughts on this subject would also be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Aleeha
> 
> --
> Aleeha Dudley and Seeing Eye Yellow Labrador Dallas Vice President, 
> Ohio Association of Blind Students
> Email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com
> Follow me on Twitter at @blindcowgirl199
> 
> The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.
> - Arabian Proverb
> 
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