[nagdu] Customer satisfaction

[S L Johnson]

Hi

There are a few things to be aware of about GDF.  They do not have classes 
every month like many other schools.   They do not give preference to their 
own graduates when applying for a new dog.  They tell you even though you're 
a current graduate, that is no guaranty you will b accepted.  In addition to 
guide dogs, they have their Vet-Dogs program that trains dogs for disabled 
veterans.  That program uses up most of their resources, financial, trainers 
and good dogs.  This year they went to a shorter 12 day program, even for 
new students.  I don't mind shorter training times but, I know it is an 
issue of many people.  They only issue the offset handles, which I hate.  If 
you like them, then you'll b fine.  Finally, their health screening is 
horrible.  In November 2005 I was sent home with Sunny who had a slipped 
disc at the base of her spine.  in July 208 I was sent home with Tara who 
had hip dysplasia.  These serious medical issues can result in you having to 
return a dog or, spending a fortune on vet bills.  In other words, be a wise 
consumer.  Do lots of research before you make a big mistake and choose the 
wrong school.  Fortunately I got Eva from another school.

Sandra

-----Original Message----- 
From: Raven Tolliver via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2015 5:41 PM
To: Debby Phillips ; NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide 
Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Customer satisfaction

Debby,
How important is ownership to you? I understand that many TSE
graduates are highly appreciative of the ownership policy, among other
outstanding qualities about their program. If ownership is of utmost
importance, I encourage you not to settle for less than. I understand
why you are considering other options, but don't settle on a school
that does not share your values.
Apply to both GDA and GDF, and see how soon they can get you in.
When I applied to GEB, I also applied to Leader Dogs. Having grown up
with Leader Dogs in my backyard, I attended many of their seminars and
youth programs. The staff their adored me and knew me well, and I knew
they would accept me if GEB didn't for whatever reason. Leader Dog
called me the day after GEB, and I politely told them I had been
selected by another program and placed in a sooner class.
All this is to say, put in applications at the other places if you
don't find it to be a hassle. If one school can get you in sooner than
the other programs, then go for that program if you feel it is best.
-- 
Raven
You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 3/25/15, Debby Phillips via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I hope not, Tracy but it may have to be that.  This is so hard
> for me as I've been getting my dogs from TSE since 1981.  And if
> I end up going to GDB, I'll have to eat crow, too.  (Grin).  But
> I don't know what to do.  In the meantime, my application is in
> at TSE, and I have to decide if I'm going to apply elsewhere
> where that would be.  There are things I like about GEB, but I
> know their waiting list is long, too.  Leader has a fairly short
> wait time once you get accepted, which can take 30 to 60 days.  I
> like GDA but for are fairly small, and I think their wait times
> might be pretty long, too.  I just can't make myself go to Pilot.
> As much as I am trying to stop being close-minded about that
> school, I just can't quite make that leap.  There is Fidelco, but
> I have a hard time seeing me with a shepherd.  And then there's
> Guide Dog Foundation.  I really like Jenine Stanley and have
> heard good things about that school too, but I'm also hearing
> rumblings about how "corporate" they're becoming.  I need the
> wisdom of Solomon.  And anybody else in this process does too.
> Peace,    Debby
>
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