<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">Rev. Susan,</div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">thank you for the courage you have shown by sharing your experience. I am so sad that that has happened to you. Many of us are behind you and all guide dog users. You can count on my support in whatever ways I can help. </div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Mon, Mar 8, 2021 at 4:20 PM Marion Gwizdala via FLAGDU <<a href="mailto:flagdu@nfbnet.org">flagdu@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex">Dear All,<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Please read Rev. susan Blake's account of what happened to her<br>
in her own words. I have not edited the following in any way!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Marion Gwizdala<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On Thursday, March 4, 2021 about 12 30 PM a car drove into my driveway. I<br>
recognized the painted logos of Southeast Guide Dog Schoo. A woman emerged<br>
from the car . She called herself Diane Miller. I had never met her before.<br>
She said she had called while on her way from Tavares. There was no call on<br>
my phone from her This was my first encounter with her. I had not seen my<br>
usual representative since Nov/Dec of 2019. I had received a call mid<br>
January from Diane announcing herself as the new rep, but I did not see that<br>
call or listened to it until March 5th. Being visually impaired, sometimes I<br>
don't see an entry. There has not been any other contact with the school in<br>
all that time. I asked Diane where the other rep was and she said "she<br>
isn't with our company anymor".<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Diane was dressed in the usual uniform of SEGDS, tan slacks and jacket and<br>
blue jersey. She had no ID, forms or paperwork. or contracts With her<br>
that I could see. . with her. She presented me with nothing. I never<br>
thought a thing about asking for ID, Why shouldn't I trust SEGDS who always<br>
said they "care for the handlers and dogs". <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I brought Didi out and had her in the harness while she went to her car and<br>
was making a phone call. , I asked if she wanted to see her walk, and she<br>
said "NO", I said "all the .trainer/reps want to see them walk and work."<br>
She said nothing.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Diane said, about Didi, she seems to be overweight by 4 lbs". I looked at<br>
her and said "she has lost weight, and now is at a good weight. I feed<br>
her a vegetarian kibble, Pur Vita, frutis and vegetables". <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She said "she was concerned she is not eating well. Did you know about our<br>
program where you can get a bag of food each month and the Trifexus". <br>
<br>
I said " I had learned a little about it from Rachel Weeks when they were<br>
setting it up but done nothing about it. I said a lot of foods are not good<br>
for the dogs and cause cancer. She said our food is from Wisconsin called<br>
Fromm and we have salmon and potato and another fish flavor." I did not<br>
make much of a comment. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I said "I do not believe in Trifexus, it is like a pesticide and I didn't .<br>
want it". <br>
<br>
She said "I probably agaree but those items will help you out. I feel she<br>
is being neglected. " I said "no she isn't!" <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She said " she has a stye on her eye and her eyes are cloudy."<br>
<br>
I said "we're taking care of that with warm cloths and and this comes and<br>
goes" .<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Diane asked " have you had the dog's eyes tested"?<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I said "no because I doubted if t here was any where around here to have<br>
that done."<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She said there were vets that gave some free shots and lower prices. She<br>
took her phone and started reading locations; Bushness., Boynton. I said "I<br>
can't get any where!" <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She then asked " do you have rides?" <br>
<br>
I said " no , only the para transit bus, with Lake County Connections."<br>
<br>
She finally said there was such a vet, I do not know the name, in Eustis .<br>
<br>
I said "I could get there if I arranged a ride." She seemed not to be aware<br>
of barriers fffor the blind! <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Dianne never finishing that story or the one about the special food and<br>
medication program from SEGDS.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She just continued to say , at least 8 times or more, "you breached the<br>
contract, I'm taking the dog." <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She asked if I was up to date with her shots.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I said she may be a little late but I wasn' t makiing trips out due to<br>
.Covid. I said Didi and I were walking less at this time and I'd get it<br>
taken care of. She is proably due.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I said that two months ago we went to a new vet that was less expensive,<br>
Lake Vetinary Clinic of 19 A. She was treated for an ear infection, and the<br>
vet weighed her she was 75 lbs. She said she looked good and was ok with the<br>
weight. Vet Nancy Smith said "when Didi felt better, we could attend to any<br>
other needs and shots. Let's wait a bit."<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I was planning to go on the 5th , the next day, of March to get more Nexus<br>
for the the flee control and make an appointment for follow up care and<br>
shots etc. I was going to call the paratransit bus later on the afternoon<br>
of the 4th , for the 5th. But now that Didi is gone... no need for that.<br>
<br>
Diane askesd what vet I went to and I said Animal Wellness with Dr. Trac y<br>
Wilson. She looked up the number and called and asksed when the last time I<br>
had been there. I don't know who Diane talked to she went to the car to<br>
call. She said 2018 when she returned. Then she looked up address for the<br>
new vet but did not call them. See info above for Lake Veteinary Clinic.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
During the visit, Diane seemed very disinterested in the dog or interacting<br>
with her. She seemed cold, robotic and emotionless. Her mantra was " You<br>
breached the contracct and I'm taking the dog".<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
When she got real emphatic, I burst into tears and shouted "NO, you can't<br>
take her!" I began to sob. I She said, you have the other dog.! knelt on<br>
the driveway, huged Didi, she gave me two wet kisses and I said good bye. I<br>
didn't know what to do, I was in pure shock,. I felt threatened, shocked,<br>
intimidated, and I didn't know what to do..I was so scared to resist. This<br>
couldn't be happening. This is a terrible nightmare!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Diane detached the lead from the harness, and handed it to me. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I said "if you are taking her, what good will the leash do me"? She took<br>
it, reattached it to the harness and tugged on Didi and said come we're<br>
going to the car. She said, "she obviously loves you." I said "of course<br>
she does" .<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
She asked me if I wanted another dog, and I shook my head no.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I said through tears, "will I see her again"? and she said "No"! <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I couldn't even watch the car leave and I turned my back to the driveway<br>
while she left.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I was sobbing so hard. I have cried a river of tears. I am so sad. I am<br>
angry. I feel lost without my guide. I want my Didi girl back!!!!!!!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
This was premeditated and . pre planned and well rehearsed for this<br>
unnannounced visit. Great training!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Two days later, after many calls to agencies, asking for help, I was told<br>
that the older dogs are " taken only with excuses that the handler's broke<br>
the contract for a weight reason usually, and is taken away. and sold for 5<br>
thousand dollars to off set the cost of the original guide dog teams. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I had had Didi since graduation in May of 2013. I have had her for almost<br>
eight years! I love her with my whole heart. She 9.5 years old and has made<br>
such a difference in my life. I am heartbroken, I want my dog back!!!! We<br>
bonded at first sight! I've had her longer than SEGDS and know her. She is<br>
smart, loyal and protective! Already my home is empty, she isn't here for<br>
me, even guiding me in the house in the dark! Oh I miss her and love her,<br>
no one could ever love her like I do!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I reflect on that incident. It happened so quickly.<br>
<br>
This just wasn't a random visit, it was a pre calculated purposeful visit,<br>
so well rehearsed with the phrase, you breach the contract, .I'm taking<br>
the dog. They have taken advantage of a blind person, with low vision,<br>
vulnerable and alone! They probably had their eyes on Didi, the prize, for a<br>
long time! How many have they done this to?<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
What could I have done differently?<br>
<br>
I should have run into the hosue with Didi, slammed and locked the door and<br>
refused to surrender the dog. I just could think, I was so scared! I had no<br>
one to help me!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The Police were contacted, they said it was a civil contract matter and they<br>
could do nothing. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I should have called the police while Diane was there, I didn't have my<br>
phone in my hands, and gotten her throw off my property. Intimidation wsa<br>
the name of their game!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I am a Diabetic with high blood pressure. This excessive stress is not good<br>
for me. My blood sugars have ben up, I have no appetitie and can't sleep.<br>
I have cried so much my eye with sight is swollen and it's ahrd to see. This<br>
unfortunate incident has taken its toll on me. How is effecting Didi???<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
My guide, my guide dog, my seeing eye dog dog has been stolen from me. I<br>
have been robbed of independence,mobility especially.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Didi , a guide dog is not a pet, but a way to retain independence and<br>
freedom, safe mobility and helps to keep confidence and dignity. This was<br>
robbed from me. Doesn't the bible say, t " thou shall not steal"? I don't<br>
feel as protected and safe now. Something precious beyond any amount of<br>
money has been forcibly taken from me. This gift of independence, that<br>
SEGDS gave me, should never have been taken away from me. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The SEGDS rep came unannounced. I had no knowledge she was .coming.<br>
<br>
They gave me no chance to do any changes or resolve any issues, or d vet<br>
care. They could have said, have it done, we'll be back in a week. Yes, the<br>
last rep said she was overweight, and helped me help her lose weight, but<br>
she never said, if you don't get the weight down, we'll take the dog. The<br>
seems to be no recourse or due process or compassion for the people or dog<br>
involved.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
1 feel I have lost my protection, safety, security and unconditional love<br>
from this guide dog who has taken care of me so well. She isn't here.<br>
She's not here to greet me, be under my table on her bed and her chin isn't<br>
on my foot under the computer. Her smiley bright eyes and wagging tail<br>
aren't here for me. I feel so lost and alone. I can't think or function.<br>
I keep thinking what must she be thinking. The uncertaintly, being scared<br>
and where is my mom who takes such good care of me???!!!!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On Thursday, afternoon I had found the number and also a referrel from the<br>
mobility instructor from New Vision for Independence, to contact the<br>
National Guide Dog Users Groujp and this is how I found Marion Grizdala who<br>
has been so helpful to me and he asked me to help speak out about this<br>
issue. He said at least three dogs have been taken and clients treated this<br>
way in the last year. I was shocked. I was over whelmed when he said the<br>
dogs are sold for 5K. I also found out that giving is down for SEGDS from<br>
2019 giving rates. I guess they must have found this money raising effort<br>
to offset lower donation levels, but look at the price dogs and handlers are<br>
paying!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Didi, don't forget me, I'll never for get you! We are working to bring you<br>
home where you belong. The angels are watching over you! <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Love, you mom,,,, Susan Blake<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
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</blockquote></div><br clear="all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><i><font face="garamond, serif" size="4">Debbie Malone</font></i></div><div><i><font face="comic sans ms, sans-serif" size="2">InclusionEducation.com </font></i></div><div><i>Unlikely Dancer</i> available on Amazon at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945456477" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945456477</a> </div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>