[OAGDU] FW: [NAGDU] Rev. Blake & Southeastern Guide Dogs in her Own words
Marianne Denning
marianne at denningweb.com
Wed Mar 10 04:01:49 UTC 2021
I believe that the national Federation of the blind is an advocacy organization. If we are going to advocate for people we need to make some assumptions. Then we do the investigation. I believe when a dog is being removed from a handler the dog I mean there should be a due process to follow. It seems wrong that they can just come out and take the dog away. They are treating her like she is in capable. I don’t know the situation any better than you do. I’m just commenting
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 9, 2021, at 10:58 PM, Timothy Meloy via OAGDU <oagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> I don't think contracts are signed under duress. You do have ownership when you leave Southeastern. I believe the weight and misstreatment are the only reasons they can take them back. I can remember a time not too long ago when schools were being asked to do more about abuse of these precious animals. I'm not saying that's what happened here. But there are things that don't make sense based on my knowledge of the school.
> I don't think assuming one side is right is a good way to start an investigation. We should gather all the facts. Then we can make decisions.
>
>> On Mar 9, 2021, at 6:42 PM, Marianne Denning via OAGDU <oagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> T.J.
>>
>> I believe that as an organization the advocates for people who are blind we
>> should assume she is telling the truth and begin the investigation from that
>> perspective. I, like you, have never had a problem with the 5 dogs I
>> received from Leader Dogs. A couple of my dogs did put on too much weight as
>> they aged but I never had a dog taken for that or any other reason. I
>> believe the important piece is ownership of the dog. If ownership is
>> transferred then we can make decisions. I am not even sure the school has
>> the right to remove a dog even if you sign the contract. Isn't that being
>> forced to sign under duress?
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: OAGDU <oagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Timothy Meloy via OAGDU
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 3:57 PM
>> To: 'Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users List' <oagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: tmeloy83 at icloud.com
>> Subject: Re: [OAGDU] FW: [NAGDU] Rev. Blake & Southeastern Guide Dogs in her
>> Own words
>>
>> Marianne,
>>
>> Thank you for sharing this. I saw a reference to an issue with Southeastern
>> over the weekend, and wondered what had happened.
>>
>> I am without words at this point. I have received several dogs from
>> Southeastern and found them to be nothing but caring toward dogs and
>> handlers alike. The person referred to as Dianne is Deanne Miller. She
>> used to be by graduate services rep, and I went on a juno walk with her
>> before receiving Dusty, my current guide. She has always been pleasant and
>> informative to me.
>>
>> I'm not sure when this person received her dog, but there is a weight
>> control plan that is part of the contracts now. As I remember, they will
>> work with you to develop a weight management plan if they get over weight.
>> I remember them telling us that 5 pounds over was the point we should reach
>> out to them for assistance. I recall a provision stating if they were over
>> 15 pounds over, that would be grounds for removal of the dog. But it was
>> stressed that the school would work with us to keep the dog's weight under
>> control. The often repeated phrase was, "these dogs are like finely trained
>> athletes." Indeed, Southeastern has invested a great deal in doggy fitness
>> including treadmills, and a new dog aquatic area they are building.
>>
>> I would have to look at the contract again to see what would happen if there
>> were multiple violations with the dog being five pounds over weight. It
>> seems they should have continued working with her.
>>
>> The reps always call to schedule visits. I've never had a "surprise" visit
>> as described in Ms. Blake's account. And I find it very difficult to
>> believe that Southeastern would sell these dogs. I sympathize with Ms.
>> Blake's situation, but we need to get information from both sides before
>> jumping to conclusions. My apologies for the long E-Mail, but I thought it
>> was important to share my perspective as a fellow Southeastern graduate.
>> All the best,
>> T.J.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: OAGDU <oagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Marianne Denning via
>> OAGDU
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 2:39 PM
>> To: oagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: marianne at denningweb.com
>> Subject: [OAGDU] FW: [NAGDU] Rev. Blake & Southeastern Guide Dogs in her Own
>> words
>>
>> Here is a letter written by the person who most recently had her dog
>> removed. This has caused a lot of discussion in the NFB guide dog community.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala, via
>> NAGDU
>> Sent: Monday, March 8, 2021 4:28 PM
>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>; blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Marion Gwizdala, <blind411 at verizon.net>
>> Subject: [NAGDU] Rev. Blake & Southeastern Guide Dogs in her Own words
>>
>> Dear All,
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>> Marion Gwizdala
>>
>>
>>
>> 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 5th. 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".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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".
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> I said "I do not believe in Trifexus, it is like a pesticide and I didn't .
>> want it".
>>
>> She said "I probably agaree but those items will help you out. I feel she
>> is being neglected. " I said "no she isn't!"
>>
>>
>>
>> She said " she has a stye on her eye and her eyes are cloudy."
>>
>> I said "we're taking care of that with warm cloths and and this comes and
>> goes" .
>>
>>
>>
>> Diane asked " have you had the dog's eyes tested"?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I said "no because I doubted if t here was any where around here to have
>> that done."
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!"
>>
>>
>>
>> She then asked " do you have rides?"
>>
>> I said " no , only the para transit bus, with Lake County Connections."
>>
>> She finally said there was such a vet, I do not know the name, in Eustis .
>>
>> I said "I could get there if I arranged a ride." She seemed not to be aware
>> of barriers fffor the blind!
>>
>>
>>
>> Dianne never finishing that story or the one about the special food and
>> medication program from SEGDS.
>>
>>
>>
>> She just continued to say , at least 8 times or more, "you breached the
>> contract, I'm taking the dog."
>>
>>
>>
>> She asked if I was up to date with her shots.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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."
>>
>>
>>
>> I was planning to go on the 5th , 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 4th , for the 5th. But now that Didi is gone... no need for that.
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Diane detached the lead from the harness, and handed it to me.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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" .
>>
>>
>>
>> She asked me if I wanted another dog, and I shook my head no.
>>
>>
>>
>> I said through tears, "will I see her again"? and she said "No"!
>>
>>
>>
>> I couldn't even watch the car leave and I turned my back to the driveway
>> while she left.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!!!!!!!
>>
>>
>>
>> This was premeditated and . pre planned and well rehearsed for this
>> unnannounced visit. Great training!
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>> I reflect on that incident. It happened so quickly.
>>
>> 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?
>>
>>
>>
>> What could I have done differently?
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>> The Police were contacted, they said it was a civil contract matter and they
>> could do nothing.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>> 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???
>>
>>
>>
>> My guide, my guide dog, my seeing eye dog dog has been stolen from me. I
>> have been robbed of independence,mobility especially.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> The SEGDS rep came unannounced. I had no knowledge she was .coming.
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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???!!!!
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>> Love, you mom,,,, Susan Blake
>>
>>
>>
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