Guide Dog Chronicles: Application Denied
Guide Dog Chronicles: Application Denied By GEB
By Kate Chamberlin
Journal Entry: Thursday, November 8, 2012
` My dream – My new status as an empty nester will enable me to travel more and volunteer my time and experience in ways never before possible. A well-trained guide dog would enable me to hold my head up high and step out with confidence, not to mention the positive reflection on the guide dog movement and enhanced perception the public would have of a senior citizen who just happens to have a disability
` My Reality – Guiding Eyes for the Blind has denied my application for a replacement guide dog.
` My Reaction – GEB issued my first guide dog to me in 1989. The only thing that has change with my situation is that I’m older. I never did have a “dedicated” route; I’ve always had volunteer positions with a very few brief part-time, low paying positions; I’ve never used public transportation except during training; I’ve raised three children and two granchildren, taken good care of a variety of cats, gerbils, and dogs, not to mention the same husband for 42 years.
` My Options – Use the long, white cane; apply to another guide dog training center; once I find a rocking chair, to sit! Stay!
` The Lesson(s) Learned – Don’t become middle-aged; don’t retire or otherwise become unemployed; and don’t put your trust in an impersonal committee that can pull your much needed aid, support, and companion out from under you at a time you really need it.
` The Form E-mail received –
From: Bev Klayman
To: “kathryngc@juno.com”
Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2012 15:21:05 -0500
Subject: Your application to Guiding Eyes for the Blind
November 6, 2012
Dear Kathryn,
I am writing to inform you that, after careful review of your file, our Admissions Committee has denied your application for a guide dog.
The committee does not feel you do enough independent walking to benefit sufficiently from a dog for the amount of effort required of you in training with
and caring for the dog, or be able to keep a young guide dog active and working safely for you.
I am sorry that we cannot be of service to you, Kathryn.
However, our best wishes go with you.
Sincerely,
Bev Klayman
Manager of Admissions Services
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Ph. 1-800-942-0149
914-243-2222 (direct)
Fax: 914-243-2232