[NAGDU] OFF NAGDU List ownership

[Brenda]

Hi Marion,

I'm writing off list.

In a perfect world all guide dog schools would give instant ownership. 
Because I'm not impressed with the schools that do, and those I am 
interested in do not, I am willing to make compromises. Also, I have 
heard from someone who had their TSE guide removed and TSE gives full 
ownership so it would appear even with full ownership there could be issues.

I respect and agree with you about ownership, but practical application 
wins out for me. The benefits will have to outweigh the risks as it were.

I do respect your opinion so am sharing my comments and questions with you.

Southeastern has in addition to the 11-yr retirement rule, a provision 
where they can reclaim the dog before 5 years if the team isn't working. 
  I realize there is an expense to train a dog, but it is one more 
trauma for a handler who may have a situation where they can no longer 
work - if they had full ownership, this would not happen. I think they 
also have some other stipulations regarding ownership. My friend who has 
a guide from Southeastern said they have had incidents where they felt 
it necessary to make these provisions.

I am curious if you could tell me if you have ever run across a recent 
situation where a handler from Guiding Eyes for the Blind had their dog 
removed?   If so, can you give me a summary of what happened? I can ask 
GEB, but I am interested in an outside source such as yourself.

I have not made a final decision, and appreciate your input.

Sincerely,
Brenda