[NAGDU] Guide Dog Schools

[Bryan Gearry]

I'm sure most of us are very proud of our Guide Dog schools. I would 
like to convey something that has just happened with my school. I have 
got my first two dogs from GDF. My current one is a Golden Retriever who 
is 4 now. Just in the last month he has developed a very aggressive oral 
tumor called a Fibrosarcoma. When we noticed it, we immediately took him 
to our regular vet who made arrangements to see a veterinary oncologist 
that same day. They told me that he would have to have immediate 
surgery. The procedure is very radical. I could not believe what I was 
hearing. I contacted the University of Colorado the next morning who 
confirmed what the surgeon was telling me here. That morning I called 
GDF and told them what was going on. They did not hesitate to send a 
trainer out the following day from NY all the way to Alaska. The trainer 
showed up in the afternoon and a few hours later he was headed back to 
NY (long day for that fellow) I was expecting the worse that they would 
have to put this dog down. That was not the case at all! Two days later 
they had him on the operating table and removed 3/4 of his lower jaw 
successfully removing the tumor. This is standard treatment for this 
type of tumor. He since has recovered remarkably well. I'm so impressed 
with the compassion and financial outlay that the school endured for all 
of this. The surgery started at 12K$ and that's just the beginning. He 
unfortunately has been retired as a Guide Dog. He will be a "special 
needs" animal the rest of his life. Something I'm not able to provide. 
The point of all of this is it could be easier to destroy the dog, but 
GDF took the high road. I can't say enough how proud and impressed I am 
with my school! (besides they have a fantastic chef there) LOL!

Bryan, now "clearing brush" with a cane, while waiting for another dog"

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