[NAGDU] GDF questions

[Danielle Sykora]

I have had two dogs from GDF and was just in class back in October. I'll try to address all your questions, but appologies if I miss something. 

The application process is very thorough, which I think is a good thing. The classes are two weeks long and there is a 2:1 student instructor ratio. The training is intense for sure, but the small short classes allow for a lot of individual attention from the instructor and lots of opportunities for customization. You also receive the class lectures prior to class, so you have a chance to review them ahead of time.  All of the instructors seem very nice and professional to me, but I admittedly haven't worked with all of them.  meals are kind of legendary, and no problems accomodating dietary restrictions. I kept a blog during training if you want to check it out to see an example of the class structure.
notyouraverageservicedog.wordpress.com
Gdf provides a one time $200 stipend when you graduate for vet care, but otherwise medical expenses are on you. They offer discounted flea and tick and heartworm preventatives. 
upon graduation you are offered either full ownership of your dog, or custody which is not true ownership. It is your decision. Follow up is very prompt in my experience. It is at your request only when you are having an issue and not manditory. An email checking up on you sort of is sent out annually, but you are free to respond or not.    

Danielle, Thai, and Jackie
Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 11, 2019, at 6:33 PM, Madison Martin via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all, Ideally I want to get a guide dog from CGDB, but if that doesn't
> work then I've become interested in applying to GDF. Now I'm pretty sure
> that there is at least one GDF grad on this list, if there isn't then no one
> has to reply to my message. I'm wondering, what did you think of the
> application process? What were the facilities like? What were the meals
> like? What were the staff and instructors like? What's their training
> program like? What's their follow-up service like (do they have yearly
> visits, or do they only come if you need/want them to)? Does GDF retain
> ownership of the dog, or do they transfer ownership to the handler? Do they
> help cover the costs of vet care and other expenses? What's their equipment
> like? Please be 100% honest with all of your responses. Look forward to
> hearing back from anyone who can help!! Thank you,
> 
> Madison 
> 
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