[nagdu] Is Being a "Good Handler" Enough?
Bryan Brown
bryanbrown at solarus.biz
Fri Feb 11 16:22:07 UTC 2011
This is a link to a good article pertaining to the topic at hand, be sure to
read the comments left by readers.
http://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/who-really-got-screwed/
Bryan
----- Original Message -----
From: <blind411 at verizon.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 6:14 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Is Being a "Good Handler" Enough?
> Gary,
> I can appreciate your assertion that you are "a good handler, so have
> nothing to worry about." Unfortunately, in some of the cases I have worked
> on, "good handling" is not an assurance of having nothing to worry about.
> In the case we have discussed on this list, the person, I feel certain, is
> a good handler; yet her dog was repossessed and absolutely no explanation
> was given, except it was "for safety reasons". That is a pretty broad
> statement and, when asked for more details, none were given.
> As per their "Ownership Agreement" (notice quotations), Fidelco has the
> right to repossess the dog "for any other reason at its sole and absolute
> discretion". More will appear in the Braille Monitor, most likely in
> April.
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "GARY STEEVES" <rainshadowmusic at shaw.ca>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 5:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>
>
>>
>> Hello:
>>
>> At Canine vision Canada they maintain ownership of the dog. The main
>> reason why dogs have been taken away is because the dog has become
>> severely over weight. I have a poodle so this isn't so much of an issue
>> for me. What the school does is takes the dog back for 3 months and gets
>> them on an exercise and modified diet. They also work with the client to
>> try to find out what the causes of the dog obesity were to be sure that
>> it won't happen again. If it does then that person would lose the dog
>> perminantly. If memory serves I was told they had only repo'd one dog for
>> this reason in the last 8 years.
>>
>> It is a bit disconcerting about the ownership issue which we have talked
>> about at large but I have decided that I am a good handler who takes very
>> good care of my dog so have nothing to worry about. But it is all a bit
>> paternalistic for certain and I was sure to share my opinions while at
>> the school.
>>
>> Gary
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Marion Gwizdala <blind411 at verizon.net>
>> Date: Monday, January 31, 2011 5:37 pm
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>
>>> Dear All,
>>> I believe the only time a dog should be removed
>>> from a consumer is when there is objective third-party evidence
>>> of abuse. I am of the opinion that a training program cannot
>>> make that decision because they cannot be objective.
>>> Those on this list may remember the case in which a
>>> couples harnesses were repossessed by Leader Dogs for the Blind
>>> because of allegations of abuse and assertions one of the dogs
>>> was acting out aggressively. (This was at the time when Leader
>>> transferred ownership.) Animal Control made an unannounced visit
>>> and reported that there was fresh water down, plenty of food,
>>> the dogs were well fed, well groomed and one of them even had
>>> its nails painted. The Animal Control officer said there was no
>>> evidence of abuse or neglect. However, one of the allegations
>>> was from an employee from the Division of Blind Services
>>> Orientation & Adjustment Center who told Leader that the couple
>>> was barred from the O&A Center because of the dogs aggression.
>>> Because this person worked for the center, her report carried a
>>> lot of weight.
>>> When I call Ed Hudson, the Director of the O&A
>>> center, I was told that there had never been a complaint about
>>> this person's dog and they were not banned from the Center. The
>>> person who filed the complaint was demoted. However, it was too
>>> late, as Leader had already taken action.
>>> I believe we are consumers who are capable of
>>> handling and caring for our dogs without the interference of the
>>> custodial, paternalistic training programs who think they know
>>> better. I have heard a number of complaints of dogs being
>>> repossessed without just cause and with no due process. It
>>> happens more frequently than anyone wants to believe.
>>> All of this started with my message seeking
>>> consumers who have been mistreated by Fidelco Guide Dog
>>> Foundation. Within a few short hours of posting this message, I
>>> have heard from four more people reporting similar treatment at
>>> the hands of Fidelco, as well as two consumers sharing
>>> information about another training program. I believe there are
>>> there will be many more who will come forward and still more who
>>> will not because of their fears of reprisal from the training
>>> program. This sort of intimidation must stop and we, as
>>> consumers engaged in collective action, have the power to put an
>>> end to it!
>>>
>>> fraternally yours,
>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peggy" <pshald at neb.rr.com>
>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>>> Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 3:24 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>>
>>>
>>> >Oh my, one more comment on this topic and I'm going to keep my
>>> big mouth shut because I believe in respecting people's
>>> opinions, or I try to. Just because someone isn't working
>>> a dog as often as someone else is working their dog doesn't make
>>> them a bad handler. There are times when the personal
>>> needs of a family have to take top priority over a dog ... such
>>> as sick kids, cold winters, etc. We, those of us with
>>> children, are not neglecting our dogs, mine gets walked when I
>>> can, she gets worked in stores and at appointments, resturaunts,
>>> etc. She gets out of the house everytime I go anywhere,
>>> whether it be for a short car trip or a 5 mile walk ... but
>>> there are days when neither of these things happens. She
>>> gets brushed, fed, taken out to park, etc. Just because I
>>> am not working my dog as often as some of you are out there does
>>> not mean that she should be taken back by the school!!!
>>> Everyone has needs when they apply for a dog, which the school
>>> knows about, they and only they can decide if a person needs a
>>> dog or not ... we will not be going out today, tomorrow, or
>>> probably Wednesday either ... we are in a winter weather
>>> warning, right now everything's covered with ice, then it's
>>> supposed to snow ... call SE because I'm not working my dog for
>>> three days, I guess they should come take her back!!! Wow!!
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >-----Original Message----- From: Jordan Gallacher
>>> >Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 12:08 PM
>>> >To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>>> >Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >
>>> >Julie,
>>> >If you have a dog, you have the responcibility for that dog and
>>> its needs.
>>> >This is where a guide dog school should repo a dog.
>>> >Jordan
>>> >
>>> >-----Original Message-----
>>> >From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> >Of Julie J
>>> >Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 12:00 PM
>>> >To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> >Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >
>>> >Jordan,
>>> >
>>> >Oh my! I don't know what to say. First you tell
>>> Rebecca that what she
>>> >chooses to do is out of your domain, but then proceed to tell
>>> her that
>>> >retirement was the right choice.
>>> >
>>> >Then what you suggest about leaving an infant unattended to
>>> take the dog for
>>> >
>>> >a walk is called neglect. It is a very criminal offense,
>>> can land you in
>>> >jail and will result in your child being placed in foster care.
>>> >
>>> >Julie
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >----- Original Message ----- From: "Jordan Gallacher"
>>> <jgallacher1987 at gmail.com>>To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the
>>> National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>>> ><nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> >Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 11:34 AM
>>> >Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >>That is out of my domain to tell you what you should do, but
>>> you did the
>>> >>right thing by retiring the dog. It really comes down to
>>> some major time
>>> >>management skills. Placed in yuour shoes, I would have
>>> taken care of the
>>> >>child, and once she is settled down, I would take a quick walk
>>> with the
>>> >>dog
>>> >>to keep the dog's skills up. I would say no more than 5
>>> to 10 minutes.
>>> >>Jordan
>>> >>
>>> >>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> >>Of PICKRELL, REBECCA M (TASC)
>>> >>Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 11:17 AM
>>> >>To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>>> Users'>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>
>>> >>Logestically speaking, what would you have a person do
>>> in the situation I
>>> >>described to you? Have you ever cared for another human being?
>>> Do you know
>>> >>what it takes on both a practical and emotional level? I
>>> retired my dog,
>>> >>but
>>> >>assumming that there is a middle ground, how would you suggest
>>> I meet the
>>> >>dog's needs and the human family member's needs while making
>>> sure that I
>>> >>stay physically and emotionally healthy?
>>> >>
>>> >>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> >>Of Jordan Gallacher
>>> >>Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 12:09 PM
>>> >>To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>>> Users'>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>
>>> >>I will tell you right now that the dog's needs are just as
>>> important as
>>> >>human needs.I don't care if you have a sick family member or
>>> not. If you
>>> >>get a dog, you need to take care of it.
>>> >>Jordan-----Original Message-----
>>> >>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> >>Of PICKRELL, REBECCA M (TASC)
>>> >>Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 11:02 AM
>>> >>To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>>> Users'>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>
>>> >>Jordan,
>>> >>
>>> >>First of all, a school with such an attitude can take their
>>> dog back. I
>>> >>don't need or want a dog that badly.
>>> >>Secondly, most people don't intend to only go out once a week
>>> with their
>>> >>dog. I know I didn't. I got to the point with my daughter
>>> though that this
>>> >>is what happened. You can't leave an infant home alone, and
>>> they sleep and
>>> >>eat at times that the rest of the world does not. I found that my
>>> >>daughter's
>>> >>bedtime was also my time to rest, and when I wasn't doing
>>> that, it was my
>>> >>time to do laundry, hang with my husband, stay in touch with
>>> friends, play
>>> >>on the computer, basically tasks I could do in my house.
>>> Getting a baby
>>> >>ready to go out requires you pack up half the house. It isn't
>>> difficult,>>but
>>> >>it is time consuming.
>>> >>I found that it was easier and easier to just not take my dog
>>> because>>getting the dog ready required yet even more planning,
>>> not much, but
>>> >>enough
>>> >>that it did add up.
>>> >>Also, add a kid that is sick to the mix and you have even more
>>> fun. And in
>>> >>my case, these were garden variety illnesses, a stomach bug
>>> that lasted
>>> >>for
>>> >>two or three days, an ear infection, and most recently a nasty
>>> case of
>>> >>RSV.
>>> >>I left my house just once to take my daughter to the doctor. I
>>> was home
>>> >>taking care of her during the day, and when my husband got
>>> home, you can
>>> >>bet
>>> >>I wasn't wanting to go out anyplace. I was exausted from
>>> making sure my
>>> >>daughter breathed properly, from giving her her breathing
>>> treatments,>>monitoring her fever, making sure she drank and
>>> went potty, and that sort
>>> >>of
>>> >>thing.
>>> >>Please be a little kinder in your judgements. Most people are
>>> not out
>>> >>trying
>>> >>to screw the system. And most people have to think of other
>>> things beyond
>>> >>"what's best for the dog". The dog lives in a family and other
>>> family>>members have needs that will at times trump the dog's needs.
>>> >>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> >>Of Jordan Gallacher
>>> >>Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 4:28 PM
>>> >>To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>>> Users'>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>
>>> >>The only reason for not getting out with your dog is if you
>>> are injured or
>>> >>if the weather is hazardous to the dog. Well, in the
>>> latter, you
>>> >>shouldn't
>>> >>even be out in it if the weather is that bad. If you get
>>> a dog and only
>>> >>use
>>> >>it once a week, that is a waste of time for the school and you and
>>> >>eventually the school will find out. Just remember that
>>> there are cameras
>>> >>everywhere these days and it is highly possible that any thing
>>> ccan be
>>> >>relayed to the school..
>>> >>Jordan
>>> >>
>>> >>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> >>Of Cindy Ray
>>> >>Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 3:20 PM
>>> >>To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> >>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>
>>> >>I think to say that someone should not have a dog if he/she
>>> gets out with
>>> >>it
>>> >>once a week, or for whatever reason is extremely subjective and
>>> >>judgmental.
>>> >>I think, though, if I got a dog and the school found that I
>>> was using that
>>> >>dog as a pet and was rarely getting out with it or a ariety of
>>> other kinds
>>> >>of things, it would be well within their right to not give me the
>>> >>opportunity to have another from their school.
>>> >>
>>> >>On Jan 30, 2011, at 3:00 PM, Jordan Gallacher wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >>>Yes,. If you only use the dog once a week, you should not
>>> have the dog.
>>> >>>.
>>> >>>Jordan
>>> >>>
>>> >>>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> >>>Behalf
>>> >>>Of Cindy Ray
>>> >>>Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 2:56 PM
>>> >>>To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> >>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>>
>>> >>>Jordan, you hae some pretty amazing ideas on other topics;
>>> yet you want
>>> >>your
>>> >>>school to have a year's right to remove your dog. First of
>>> all, how can
>>> >>>it
>>> >>>necessarily be proved that the dog isn't being used for the
>>> original>>>purpose. Second, what is that. I mean, what kind of
>>> flexibility is there
>>> >>in
>>> >>>that statement. Let's say I get a dog but I only go out once
>>> a week. Is
>>> >>that
>>> >>>mishandling of the dog? In a way, yes, or at least it is poor
>>> stewardship>>>because of the cost of training one. Should that
>>> dog be removed from me.
>>> >>>People hae ideas that we are mistreating our dogs all of the
>>> time. Who is
>>> >>>going to prove that I am. How are you going to determine if I
>>> am a valid
>>> >>>user in a year if you haven't determined that by the time I
>>> leave. If
>>> >>>word
>>> >>>filters down that I sold the dog to a dog fighter or did something
>>> >>>equally
>>> >>>weird, and that word got out, I should never again be allowed
>>> to have
>>> >>>another, and I guess I think it would even be fair if that
>>> was shared
>>> >>>with
>>> >>>other schools.
>>> >>>
>>> >>>On Jan 30, 2011, at 2:40 PM, Jordan Gallacher wrote:
>>> >>>
>>> >>>>No, the school needs to have a way to make sure that the dog
>>> is being
>>> >>used
>>> >>>>properly and have an easy way to take back the dog if need
>>> be. You can
>>> >>go
>>> >>>>through the entire training process and get home and never
>>> use, mis
>>> >>>handle,
>>> >>>>etc the dog.
>>> >>>>Jordan
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>>>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> >>Behalf
>>> >>>>Of Nimer Jaber
>>> >>>>Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 2:36 PM
>>> >>>>To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> >>>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>Jordan,
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>I find this to be ludicrous. If the school trusted you
>>> enough after
>>> >>>>their extensive app process to get you there, to train you,
>>> to hand
>>> >>>>over the dog to you and allow you to leave their campus,
>>> surely they
>>> >>>>can be comfortable enough to give you ownership? What is the
>>> point of
>>> >>>>an application if they're not giving you ownership and
>>> they're going
>>> >>>>to make sure that you take careo f your dog for a year?
>>> Shouldn't they
>>> >>>>just do that instead of an application process lasting months,
>>> >>>>requiring a home interview, countless references, etc etc?
>>> Just to
>>> >>>>clarify, I agree with the interview process, I just find
>>> that the
>>> >>>>schools retaining ownership to be silly. This would save
>>> them costs.
>>> >>>>This would save them the headache. And as has already been pointed
>>> >>>>out, we aren't children. If someone can't handle their dog,
>>> there are
>>> >>>>channels that can be followed to get that animal removed.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>Thanks.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>On 30/01/2011, Jordan Gallacher
>>> <jgallacher1987 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> >>>>>Here is how ownership should be. The school should
>>> own the dog for no
>>> >>>>more
>>> >>>>>than the first year or until the school knows that the user
>>> is properly
>>> >>>>>using the dog.
>>> >>>>>Jordan
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>>>>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> >>>Behalf
>>> >>>>>Of Steven Johnson
>>> >>>>>Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 2:04 PM
>>> >>>>>To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide
>>> Dog Users';
>>> >>>>'Blind
>>> >>>>>Talk Mailing List'
>>> >>>>>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>Peter,
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>This is an interesting idea. One thing that I don't
>>> believe you
>>> >>>>>touched
>>> >>>>on,
>>> >>>>>or may have indirectly, is the issue of ownership which has
>>> been an
>>> >>>>ongoing
>>> >>>>>issue of discussion among the dog guide community and NAGDU
>>> for a very
>>> >>>>long
>>> >>>>>time. This might be one way to at least bring this a
>>> little closer to
>>> >>>>>creating something that addresses this.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>Again, an interesting idea. I will be eager to hear
>>> what others think.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>Steve
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>-----Original Message-----
>>> >>>>>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-
>>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> >>>Behalf
>>> >>>>>Of Peter Donahue
>>> >>>>>Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:48 PM
>>> >>>>>To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>> >>>>>Cc: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide
>>> Dog Users
>>> >>>>>Subject: [nagdu] Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>Hello everyone,
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> The situation Marion posted about concerning
>>> Fidelco's removal of
>>> >>>>>dogs
>>> >>>>>from graduates without detailed bonified reasons for doing
>>> so along
>>> >>>>>with
>>> >>>>>other issues concerning the treatment of students in
>>> training and
>>> >>>gradutes
>>> >>>>>of guide dog programs is leading me to believe that perhaps
>>> the best
>>> >>>>>way
>>> >>>>to
>>> >>>>>address them is through legislation I'll refer to as a
>>> "Guide Dog
>>> >>>>Handler's
>>> >>>>>Bill of Rights." Such legislation would require guide dog
>>> programs>>>>>among
>>> >>>>>other things to give valid reasons for the removal of
>>> someone's dog and
>>> >>>an
>>> >>>>>appeals procedure to be put in place should a guide
>>> dog handler feel
>>> >>>>he/she
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>has been wrongly accused of mistreatment of the dog. Yes
>>> it's true
>>> >>>>>there
>>> >>>>are
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>irresponsible guide dog handlers among us just as there are
>>> >>irresponsible
>>> >>>>>individuals in our society. This is no reason to treat the
>>> blind like
>>> >>>>>children.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>The failure of Fidelco to give the graduate in question
>>> valid reasons
>>> >>for
>>> >>>>>the removal of the dog is a situation we should not
>>> tolerate and need
>>> >>>>>to
>>> >>>>put
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>a stop to. Leader Dogs has also behaved in a similar way
>>> towards its
>>> >>>>>graduates. If memory serves me correctly a Leader Dog
>>> Graduate's dog
>>> >>>>>was
>>> >>>>>removed from them during a recent national convention. And
>>> as I recall
>>> >>>>there
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>was insufficient reasons for the removal of that dog from
>>> its handler.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> A Guide Dog Handler Bill of Rights could require all
>>> guide dog
>>> >>>>programs
>>> >>>>>to give their graduates full ownership of their dogs upon
>>> successful>>>>>completion of their programs. I emphasize the
>>> word "Successful."
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> Another issue the
>>> legislation could address is communication
>>> >>>>between
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>guide dog handlers and puppy raisers. In most cases this
>>> isn't an
>>> >>>>>issue.
>>> >>>>>Sadly there is at least one U.S. guide dog organization
>>> that refuzes to
>>> >>>>>offer their graduates and puppy raisers the opportunity to
>>> communicate>>>>>directly with each other. The Seeing Eye only
>>> permits communication
>>> >>>>between
>>> >>>>>the two parties through the school. It removes all contact
>>> information>>>>from
>>> >>>>>correspondence from notes passed between the two parties.
>>> Such a
>>> >>>custodial
>>> >>>>>practice also subjects both parties to censorship of such
>>> >>>>>correspondence
>>> >>>>by
>>> >>>>>the school. Has this organization and others that may have
>>> similar>>>>practices
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>forgotten that they're dealing with adults who must learn
>>> to manage
>>> >>their
>>> >>>>>life's affairs including how communication between
>>> themselves and their
>>> >>>>>dog's puppy raiser will occur if it does at all. This
>>> decision should
>>> >>>rest
>>> >>>>>with the parties in question and not the dictates of a
>>> guide dog
>>> >>>>>program
>>> >>>>>that thinks it is doing the right thing when in reallity it
>>> is doing
>>> >>more
>>> >>>>>harm than good.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> A guide dog handler's Bill of Rights would require
>>> guide dog programs
>>> >>>>to
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>establish procedures for facilitating direct communication
>>> between its
>>> >>>>>graduates and puppy raisers and would prohibit the removal
>>> of contact
>>> >>>>>information it may pass between them.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> A number of Seeing Eye graduates have discussed this
>>> matter with the
>>> >>>>>school only to receive one excuse after another. And oh
>>> yes. As was
>>> >>>>>told
>>> >>>>to
>>> >>>>>Marion by Fidelco concerning the graduate who's dog was
>>> wrongly removed
>>> >>>>the
>>> >>>>>same old fashion voodoo about confidentiality and privacy
>>> are touted
>>> >>>>>concerning direct communication between puppy handlers and
>>> guide dog
>>> >>>>school
>>> >>>>>graduates. Programs like the Seeing Eye and others with similar
>>> >>practices
>>> >>>>>would do well to enter the new Milennium on this matter or
>>> face the
>>> >>>>>possibility of a legislative mandate to do so. Guide dog
>>> handlers have
>>> >>>>>a
>>> >>>>>right to learn about their dog's up-bringing. Who best to
>>> provide that
>>> >>>>>information than the dog's puppy raiser.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> One Seeing Eye Instructor told me that when one
>>> adopts a child
>>> >>>>>contact
>>> >>>>>information for the child's former parents is withheld. The
>>> same should
>>> >>>be
>>> >>>>>done in the case of guide dog puppy raisers and SE'S
>>> graduates. I
>>> >>>wouldn't
>>> >>>>>be pressed to want such information from an adoption agency
>>> in the
>>> >>>>>first
>>> >>>>>place. As the child becomes a part of the family and begins
>>> to share
>>> >>>>his/her
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>background I'd have a way to get the information I need to
>>> be a more
>>> >>>>>effective parent. A dog is unable to communicate such
>>> information to
>>> >>>>>its
>>> >>>>>owner. I have had guide dogs from several guide dog schools
>>> and had no
>>> >>>>>issues with communication between myself and the dog's
>>> raiser. I have
>>> >>>very
>>> >>>>>specific requirements any future guide dog program would
>>> need to me if
>>> >>>I'm
>>> >>>>>to seek training from them. Because all guide dog programs
>>> have one
>>> >>>>>less
>>> >>>>>then desireable practice or another switching schools to
>>> address the
>>> >>>puppy
>>> >>>>>raiser communication issue is not an option. No self-
>>> respecting blind
>>> >>>>>individual should be put in such a predicament. Let's make sure
>>> >>graduates
>>> >>>>of
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>all guide dog programs have the opportunity to communicate
>>> directly>>>>>with
>>> >>>>>their dog's puppy family if they choose to do so.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>> These are just two issues a "Guide Dog Handler Bill
>>> of Rights" could
>>> >>>>>address. I'm sure folks on these lists can think of more.
>>> It's an idea
>>> >>>>worth
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>considering to help put an end to practices many of us find
>>> demeaning>>and
>>> >>>>>offensive. Thanks for reading.
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>Peter Donahue
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>_______________________________________________
>>> >>>>>nagdu mailing list
>>> >>>>>nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> >>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> >>>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>> account info for
>>> >>>>nagdu:
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>
>>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/blinddog3%40charter.n
>>> >>>>>et
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>>_______________________________________________
>>> >>>>>nagdu mailing list
>>> >>>>>nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> >>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> >>>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>> account info for
>>> >>>>nagdu:
>>> >>>>>
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>
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