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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=Standard><b>Dear All,<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b> Please read Rev. susan Blake’s account of what happened to her in her own words. I have not edited the following in any way!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Marion Gwizdala<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>On Thursday, March 4, 2021 about 12 30 PM a car drove into my driveway. I recognized the painted logos of Southeast Guide Dog Schoo. A woman emerged from the car . She called herself Diane Miller. I had never met her before. She said she had called while on her way from Tavares. There was no call on my phone from her This was my first encounter with her. I had not seen my usual representative since Nov/Dec of 2019. I had received a call mid January from Diane announcing herself as the new rep, but I did not see that call or listened to it until March 5<sup>th</sup>. Being visually impaired, sometimes I don’t see an entry. There has not been any other contact with the school in all that time. I asked Diane where the other rep was and she said “she isn’t with our company anymor”.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Diane was dressed in the usual uniform of SEGDS, tan slacks and jacket and blue jersey. She had no ID, forms or paperwork. or contracts With her that I could see. . with her. She presented me with nothing. I never thought a thing about asking for ID, Why shouldn’t I trust SEGDS who always said they “care for the handlers and dogs”. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I brought Didi out and had her in the harness while she went to her car and was making a phone call. , I asked if she wanted to see her walk, and she said “NO”, I said “all the .trainer/reps want to see them walk and work.” She said nothing.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Diane said, about Didi, she seems to be overweight by 4 lbs”. I looked at her and said “she has lost weight, and now is at a good weight. I feed her a vegetarian kibble, Pur Vita, frutis and vegetables”. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She said “she was concerned she is not eating well. Did you know about our program where you can get a bag of food each month and the Trifexus”. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “ I had learned a little about it from Rachel Weeks when they were setting it up but done nothing about it. I said a lot of foods are not good for the dogs and cause cancer. She said our food is from Wisconsin called Fromm and we have salmon and potato and another fish flavor.” I did not make much of a comment. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “I do not believe in Trifexus, it is like a pesticide and I didn’t . want it”. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She said “I probably agaree but those items will help you out. I feel she is being neglected. “ I said “no she isn’t!” <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She said “ she has a stye on her eye and her eyes are cloudy.”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “we’re taking care of that with warm cloths and and this comes and goes” .<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Diane asked “ have you had the dog’s eyes tested”?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “no because I doubted if t here was any where around here to have that done.”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She said there were vets that gave some free shots and lower prices. She took her phone and started reading locations; Bushness., Boynton… I said “I can’t get any where!” <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She then asked “ do you have rides?” <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “ no , only the para transit bus, with Lake County Connections.”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b> She finally said there was such a vet, I do not know the name, in Eustis .<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “I could get there if I arranged a ride.” She seemed not to be aware of barriers fffor the blind! <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Dianne never finishing that story or the one about the special food and medication program from SEGDS.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She just continued to say , at least 8 times or more, “you breached the contract, I’m taking the dog.” <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She asked if I was up to date with her shots.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said she may be a little late but I wasn’ t makiing trips out due to .Covid. I said Didi and I were walking less at this time and I’d get it taken care of. She is proably due.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b> I said that two months ago we went to a new vet that was less expensive, Lake Vetinary Clinic of 19 A. She was treated for an ear infection, and the vet weighed her she was 75 lbs. She said she looked good and was ok with the weight. Vet Nancy Smith said “when Didi felt better, we could attend to any other needs and shots. Let’s wait a bit.”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I was planning to go on the 5<sup>th</sup> , the next day, of March to get more Nexus for the the flee control and make an appointment for follow up care and shots etc. I was going to call the paratransit bus later on the afternoon of the 4<sup>th</sup> , for the 5<sup>th</sup>. But now that Didi is gone….. no need for that.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Diane askesd what vet I went to and I said Animal Wellness with Dr. Trac y Wilson. She looked up the number and called and asksed when the last time I had been there. I don’t know who Diane talked to she went to the car to call. She said 2018 when she returned. Then she looked up address for the new vet but did not call them. See info above for Lake Veteinary Clinic.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>During the visit, Diane seemed very disinterested in the dog or interacting with her. She seemed cold, robotic and emotionless. Her mantra was “ You breached the contracct and I’m taking the dog”.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>When she got real emphatic, I burst into tears and shouted “NO, you can’t take her!” I began to sob. I She said, you have the other dog.! knelt on the driveway, huged Didi, she gave me two wet kisses and I said good bye. I didn’t know what to do, I was in pure shock,. I felt threatened, shocked, intimidated, and I didn’t know what to do..I was so scared to resist. This couldn’t be happening. This is a terrible nightmare!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b> Diane detached the lead from the harness, and handed it to me. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said “if you are taking her, what good will the leash do me”? She took it, reattached it to the harness and tugged on Didi and said come we’re going to the car. She said, “she obviously loves you.” I said “of course she does” .<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>She asked me if I wanted another dog, and I shook my head no.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I said through tears, “will I see her again”? and she said “No”! <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I couldn’t even watch the car leave and I turned my back to the driveway while she left.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b> I was sobbing so hard. I have cried a river of tears. I am so sad. I am angry. I feel lost without my guide. I want my Didi girl back!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>This was premeditated and . pre planned and well rehearsed for this unnannounced visit. Great training!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Two days later, after many calls to agencies, asking for help, I was told that the older dogs are “ taken only with excuses that the handler’s broke the contract for a weight reason usually, and is taken away. and sold for 5 thousand dollars to off set the cost of the original guide dog teams. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I had had Didi since graduation in May of 2013. I have had her for almost eight years! I love her with my whole heart. She 9.5 years old and has made such a difference in my life. I am heartbroken, I want my dog back!!!! We bonded at first sight! I’ve had her longer than SEGDS and know her. She is smart, loyal and protective! Already my home is empty, she isn’t here for me, even guiding me in the house in the dark! Oh I miss her and love her, no one could ever love her like I do!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I reflect on that incident. It happened so quickly.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>This just wasn’t a random visit, it was a pre calculated purposeful visit, so well rehearsed with the phrase, you breach the contract, .I’m taking the dog. They have taken advantage of a blind person, with low vision, vulnerable and alone! They probably had their eyes on Didi, the prize, for a long time! How many have they done this to?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>What could I have done differently?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I should have run into the hosue with Didi, slammed and locked the door and refused to surrender the dog. I just could think, I was so scared! I had no one to help me!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>The Police were contacted, they said it was a civil contract matter and they could do nothing. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I should have called the police while Diane was there, I didn’t have my phone in my hands, and gotten her throw off my property. Intimidation wsa the name of their game!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>I am a Diabetic with high blood pressure. This excessive stress is not good for me. My blood sugars have ben up, I have no appetitie and can’t sleep. I have cried so much my eye with sight is swollen and it’s ahrd to see. This unfortunate incident has taken its toll on me. How is effecting Didi???<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>My guide, my guide dog, my seeing eye dog dog has been stolen from me. I have been robbed of independence,mobility especially.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Didi , a guide dog is not a pet, but a way to retain independence and freedom, safe mobility and helps to keep confidence and dignity. This was robbed from me. Doesn’t the bible say, t “ thou shall not steal”? I don’t feel as protected and safe now. Something precious beyond any amount of money has been forcibly taken from me. This gift of independence, that SEGDS gave me, should never have been taken away from me. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>The SEGDS rep came unannounced. I had no knowledge she was .coming.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>They gave me no chance to do any changes or resolve any issues, or d vet care. They could have said, have it done, we’ll be back in a week. Yes, the last rep said she was overweight, and helped me help her lose weight, but she never said, if you don’t get the weight down, we’ll take the dog. The seems to be no recourse or due process or compassion for the people or dog involved.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>1 feel I have lost my protection, safety, security and unconditional love from this guide dog who has taken care of me so well. She isn’t here. She’s not here to greet me, be under my table on her bed and her chin isn’t on my foot under the computer. Her smiley bright eyes and wagging tail aren’t here for me. I feel so lost and alone. I can’t think or function. I keep thinking what must she be thinking. The uncertaintly, being scared and where is my mom who takes such good care of me???!!!!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>On Thursday, afternoon I had found the number and also a referrel from the mobility instructor from New Vision for Independence, to contact the National Guide Dog Users Groujp and this is how I found Marion Grizdala who has been so helpful to me and he asked me to help speak out about this issue. He said at least three dogs have been taken and clients treated this way in the last year. I was shocked. I was over whelmed when he said the dogs are sold for 5K. I also found out that giving is down for SEGDS from 2019 giving rates. I guess they must have found this money raising effort to offset lower donation levels, but look at the price dogs and handlers are paying!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Didi, don’t forget me, I’ll never for get you! We are working to bring you home where you belong. The angels are watching over you! <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b>Love, you mom,,,, Susan Blake<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=Standard><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p></div></body></html>