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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=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 24, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I have been contacted by an investigative reporter from a major national media outlet wishing to do a story about the recent issues concerning Southeastern Guide Dogs. Such a piece would have a tremendous positive effect on the way consumers of guide dog training programs are treated, as Southeastern is not the only program with such authoritative, paternalistic, and - perhaps – illegal policies and practices. Even those programs with sound policies and procedures have contacted me asking if they are doing enough! I hope this momentum continues and others will stand strong against these behaviors!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We are seeking southeastern Guide Dog consumers in one or more of the following categories:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=1 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Southeastern Guide Dog consumers who have been contacted by telephone, threatened with the repossession of their dogs but resisted and kept their dogs<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Southeastern Guide Dog consumers who have been contacted by telephone, threatened with the repossession of their dogs and resisted but had their dog removed anyway; <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Southeastern consumers who have had a representative show up at their residence or work either unannounced or with very little notice, were threatened with the repossession of their dog, resisted the repossession, and kept their dog; <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Southeastern consumers who have had a representative show up at their residence or work either unannounced or with very little notice, were threatened with the repossession of their dog, resisted the repossession, but had their dog removed anyway; or<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Southeastern guide Dog consumers – especially those who graduated in the last two years - willing to share when and how the Southeastern “Transfer of ownership” agreement was presented.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto'>We especially would like to hear from anyone who has had their dog removed in the last two months and the individual who was dismissed from training during the current Southeastern class. All identities will be kept strictly confidential unless you choose to let us reveal your identity. You may contact us either by sending an email message to<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto'><a href="mailto:Blind411@verizon.net">Blind411@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto'>Or by calling (813) 626-2789 between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT; voice and email messages are also confidential. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marion Gwizdala<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(813) 626-2789<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:Blind411@verizon.net">Blind411@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>