So, if you say my "Mostly Wordless Wednesday" yesterday you know that I have basically been away from Guide Dogs for a month and have gone almost a month without a dog or at least a pet. And I have to tell you, there is such fire in my heart and stomach that I can only describe the feeling as complete and utter HATRED. I mean it. I absolutely hate not having an animal around. I just don't feel...complete?...right?...sane? Anyway, if you read my other blog you will have noticed that I tried buying a stuffed cat to supplement the "no animal" thing. It's ok except, well, you know, my cat doesn't move. And so my fight is about to begin.
I would really love to puppy raise (which they call being a Puppy Walker) for the UK branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind. I thought I could stay away during the semesters of school and raise during the summer, but I was horribly mistaken. So I, with the help of my fabulous leader Mary, looked up GDB in the UK. They still use German Shepherds and I would love to raise one! They also use Border Collies occasionally and I think it would be very cool to raise one of those. But first comes the problem of my rooming.
I don't quite live in the dorms. I do live in University Accommodations, but it's not run exactly by the University. I can't quite describe it, but there is a part in my lease that says "no pets". Which brings me to the loophole. It didn't say "no animals" it just said "no pets". If I were to raise a puppy here he/she (though as you all know I am partial to females) would not be classified as a pet but a service dog in training. I don't know how far this is going to get me, but I'm going to try very hard to make this happen if not this semester then next. I'd ask for an older dog, probably with some problem because I love to have the "troubled child." Freya was a troubled child for a long time and Rocco was too for quite a while, so I'm just use to it. We'll see how everything goes, but wish me luck!
The Complete Adventures of Raiser Erin and a couple of naughty puppies.
Good luck - that would be so awesome if you are able to pull it off! I know the "no pet" rule well. But, I hope you have a better turn-out than I did!
ReplyDeleteI live in a no pets allowed townhome. My landlord was super friendly about me bringing in a guide dog when I showed him our state laws. (Later I found out that he has pet labs, so that helped.) It will be interesting to hear what happens in another country. Have you googled the UK's service dog laws for puppies in training?
ReplyDeleteI think it would be facinating for you to get a puppy in the UK. My curiosity as to the similarities and differences of experiences with GDB is up.
Have you found a local club so that you can at least start puppy sitting? When I wasn't able to raise for 10 years, I'd get my puppy fix by being a puppy sitter. It's not the same, but it helps a lot.
If I'm not allowed to have a puppy of my own I probably won't be able to puppy sit. I haven't yet looked up the laws concerning puppies in training and service animals, I'm still researching what I would do with the puppy here. There's actually no difference (or very minimal difference) here because it's just the UK branch of GDB. Same Organization really. :)
ReplyDeleteGuide Dogs for the Blind in the UK is its own organization; there is no affiliation with GDB here in the states. They just happen to have the same name.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your quest. I tried to raise a pup in college and while I wasn't able to actually do it, I think I educated them quite a bit and opened the door for the next person who tries.
True, no affiliation, but the training techniques are so similar that I'm saying there's not really a difference. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Malanie! I have a huge favour to ask you. I hope you read this and are able to shoot me an email at dramaqueenEEA92@gmail.com or EllaBella2010@gmail.com so I can ask you a question.
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