[nagdu] guide dog schools

[Julie J.]

Hannah,

It's entirely up to you which school you choose and whether you obtain 
ownership of your dog.  We've discussed ownership quite a lot on the 
list.  I feel very confident in saying that ownership or lack of 
ownership doesn't have any effect on the services you will receive when 
you get home.  Ownership of the dog doesn't mean that you can't return 
the dog if it doesn't work out.  Follow up services with a trainer will 
be available at the same rate that program provides regardless of 
ownership status

 From memory:
The Seeing Eye gives ownership at graduation
Guide Dogs for the Blind offers the opportunity to apply for ownership 
after one year
Guideing Eyes for the Blind you can apply for ownership after two years
Leader Dogs offers ownership after two years, not sure if it's automatic 
or an application
Guide Dog Foundation offers several options at the completion of 
training, ownership or custody, almost always it is the choice of the 
graduate
Guide Dogs of America grants ownership at graduation

and I cannot remember anything about Southeastern, Guide Dogs of the 
Desert, Pilot, Freedom, Guide Dogs of Texas, or any of the other really 
small schools.

Financial assistance is something I know little about.  We haven't 
discussed that very much on list.  We have discussed yearly cost to keep 
a guide dog in good health.  I remember I took inventory of my expenses, 
but at the moment I'm drawing a total blank.  Maybe I need more coffee? 
*smile*

HTH
Julie
On 10/15/2011 6:19 PM, Hannah Chadwick wrote:
> I know I can pay for food and toys and such but sometimes vet bills can be
> pretty costly. Also it seems like some guide dog schools work with petco to
> offer discounts.
> I think sharing ownership for the first year or so would reassure me in case
> something goes wrong with the dog.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Steven Johnson
> Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 4:08 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] guide dog schools
>
> Hi Hannah,
> One of the things you might want to consider as many of have been there or
> are in a very similar situation as yours, is to check with your vet to see
> if you can make monthly payments on your bill.  My guide's vet costs
> annually for her major spring work up are usually pushing $400+.  The other
> thing is to see if they offer a reduced rate or discount to service dog
> users...many do.
> Now on the first part of your post, you might want to really look at the
> idea of ownership closely.  I do know that Leader Dogs for theBlind has a
> 2-year wait until one can apply for ownership which I personally find
> unacceptable.  Ownership to many of us on this list is a big part of our
> independence, and the NAGDU continues to advocate hard to get all schools to
> grant ownership upon graduation.  Let me ask, that is if you feel
> comfortable in answering to the group, but why do you think you need to have
> a time period before ownership is granted?  Curious minds want to know.
>
> BTW, my name is Steve and I am working my 3rd black lab from Leader Dogs.  I
> have had my guides since 1992, and I am the current President of the
> Wisconsin Association of Guide Dog Users.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Hannah Chadwick
> Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 5:55 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: [nagdu] guide dog schools
>
> Hi all,
> I think working with a school with many representatives in a lot of the
> States would be a plus for me in case something goes wrong. Also I'd want to
> attend a school where I don't have complete ownership of the dog, at least
> for now since I'm a college student. Being a college student, I will also
> need financial help from the guide dog school for vets. I'm not sure if this
> is asking for a lot or if there are any schools that offer these things.
> Please let me know if you have suggestions or ideas.
> Thanks in advance, Hannah
>
>
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