Subject: Seeing Eye Dogs
Ms. Wolfe,
I saw the article in today’s Bergen Record about your work with autistic children and companion dogs.
My family and I have raised 3 puppies through the Seeing Eye in Morristown. As you know, taking a puppy at
a few weeks of age and raising them through the age of 16 months or so, for the purpose of placing them with
the blind takes passion and commitment. We did so with great pride. The reason I’m contacting you is that
for a variety of reasons, none of our wonderful puppies ended up as full working dogs. Our first (a magnificent
black lab named Greta) had too many fears to pass the program and since she was our first, we adopted her.
Tragically, she died from a cancer in the blood vessels at the age of 4.
My family and I have raised 3 puppies through the Seeing Eye in Morristown. As you know, taking a puppy at
a few weeks of age and raising them through the age of 16 months or so, for the purpose of placing them with
the blind takes passion and commitment. We did so with great pride. The reason I’m contacting you is that
for a variety of reasons, none of our wonderful puppies ended up as full working dogs. Our first (a magnificent
black lab named Greta) had too many fears to pass the program and since she was our first, we adopted her.
Tragically, she died from a cancer in the blood vessels at the age of 4.
Our second, a lab cross named Onita was 99% through the program in Morristown and we were invited
to watch her work and her trainer said she was all but assigned. In the 11th hour, she failed the program for
suddenly having difficulty on some types of stairs.
to watch her work and her trainer said she was all but assigned. In the 11th hour, she failed the program for
suddenly having difficulty on some types of stairs.
Our third, a Golden named Lakisha was doing great with us. She was fearless, strong, intelligent and
anxious to please. After 14 months, we were very hopeful she’d pass. After all, that’s why we do what we do.
As you probably know, only around 50% pass the program, and those that don’t either go for police training,
or go to a long list of families waiting to adopt. Certainly, we have no problem if that latter group go on to
become world class pets for families, but that is not the reason we go through the puppy raising process.
anxious to please. After 14 months, we were very hopeful she’d pass. After all, that’s why we do what we do.
As you probably know, only around 50% pass the program, and those that don’t either go for police training,
or go to a long list of families waiting to adopt. Certainly, we have no problem if that latter group go on to
become world class pets for families, but that is not the reason we go through the puppy raising process.
At the age of 14 months, Lakisha was diagnosed with a minor heart murmer and so they failed her from
the program. We were very distressed by the prospects of going “0-3″ in our efforts, so I reached out to the
Guide Dog School in Smithtown to see if Lakisha might be considered for their Vet Program, where trained dogs
get matched with returning vets who can benefit from a companion dog as they transition back to civilian life.
Unfortunately, I had trouble putting the two schools in touch to work something out and we (the raising family)
really had no say in the process.
the program. We were very distressed by the prospects of going “0-3″ in our efforts, so I reached out to the
Guide Dog School in Smithtown to see if Lakisha might be considered for their Vet Program, where trained dogs
get matched with returning vets who can benefit from a companion dog as they transition back to civilian life.
Unfortunately, I had trouble putting the two schools in touch to work something out and we (the raising family)
really had no say in the process.
If I knew that Lakisha got placed in a family with an autistic child, or some other unique need, we’d feel
much more engaged and successful in the raising process, than to see her just become some family’s pet.
I was wondering if you ever considered speaking to the Seeing Eye (seeingeye.org)
to see about taking some of their puppies that are rejected as seeing eye dogs?
much more engaged and successful in the raising process, than to see her just become some family’s pet.
I was wondering if you ever considered speaking to the Seeing Eye (seeingeye.org)
to see about taking some of their puppies that are rejected as seeing eye dogs?
I’d love to learn more about your program. If we are to take on any more puppies, I need to know that
the end result has special meaning. Thank you for your terrific work.
the end result has special meaning. Thank you for your terrific work.
I have a special needs son that I am looking to get an assistance dog for. Little man was only born with half of his heart. He requires constant monitoring, meds and at times oxygen as well as having a feeding tube. He walks and talks, but cannot keep up with his brothers and often times has to sit down wherever we are because his heart is working to hard. I would love for him to have a dog that can not only assist him but be his friend when he isn’t strong enough to hang with those around him. He has had two open heart surgeries with one more to go. Any thoughts, ideas or leads would be so greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jennie West
By all means PLEASE fill out an application and we will do our best to get to your son quickly. You may also call Janice Wolfe, our founder, to learn more about specific options for your son. We are always available to help you! We look forward to hearing from you and to receiving your application!
Jennie, please contact Janice@MerlinsKIDS.org to set up a time for her and Wyatt to come to your home for an EVAL. She will happily help you! Also, please make sure to complete an application so that we may get you started on the process. Thanks and have a great day!
Our son was diagnosed profoundly autistic 9 years ago. He is a joy to be around but at 11 years old is just beginning to become vocal. After seeing his sister attacked by a dog 4 years ago they have both developed a fear of dogs. Can you send me information for visiting your ranch. I need to expose them to calm and properly behaved dogs in a friendly environment. We could be there for 10 minutes or a few hours. Whatever they can stand but I think visiting may help them both. He’s 11 and she is just turning 10. Unfortunately they both have a deep rooted fear of dogs and they need some help with that. Any recommendations would be welcome?
Please contact Janice at Janice@MerlinsKIDS.org to set up an appointment. Janice has extensive experience working with numerous children with phobias and fears. She can help you. Please call or email her. Thank you.