[NAGDU] guide dog from another country, was Introduction

[Bianka Brankovic]

Hi tracy, 

well, about 11 years ago or so I got my first guide dog from the school in switzerland. You see, in Germany, there are a lot of guide dog schools  but only a few good ones. And with the good ones you have long waiting lists, two years are normal if you had not had a dog from them before. 

At that time I was sure that I wanted my next dog to be from a different school and a friend suggested trying the school near basel as they were planning to start delivering to Southern Germany again. I knew the school was good and that the average waiting time for a new dog was about half a year to a year. I went through there intake process which included a four days’ stay at the school to test my mobility and my dog handling skills and I was accepted into the program. My health insurance did not like it at first but after they talked with another health insurance that had paid for dogs from the same school they eventually agreed. 

I am happy to say that this was one of my better decisions.   The dogs are really good, the service is great and you do get a lot of support when you need it and when times get rough. I had a dog that did not work out and the situation was handled in a very professional manner by the school. 


take care,

Bianka