Guide Dog Users
of California

EDITOR'S NOTES
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
THE RAINBOW
FALL 2000 CONVENTION REPORT
RESOLUTION
GOD AND DOG
MINUTES, May 20. 2000
MINUTES, Nov. 4, 2000
ADVANCES IN ANIMAL MEDICINE INCREASE
     QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OLDER PETS
SERVICE DOGS FOR VICTIMS OF ASSAULT
     DOGS GIVE PEACE OF MIND TO CRIME VICTIMS
RESPONSE TO DOGS GIVE PEACE OF MIND TO
     VICTIMS OF ASSAULT CRIME

Doesn't "THE NEW MILLENNIUM" sound like a grand happening? Well, for GDUC it certainly could be!

Since the previous issue we've had quite a number of interesting things going on. I took part in the second "Dog Attack" Seminar at the GDB campus. At the previous seminar (sponsored by the Guide Dog Board), Joan Corbett offered to make the facilities at GDB available to a follow-up meeting on the sole issue of dog attacks. This meeting took place on Thursday, October 26, 2000. There were a number of interested parties in attendance. A representative from GDB, a representative of the San Rafael police department, both the San Rafael Animal Control department and the Animal Control Director's Association were represented. The Guide Dog Board was represented, and there was a healthy compliment of GDB people in attendance and, of course, GDUC was there too. There were a number of invitees who could not attend for various reasons. But, we did some really in depth discussing of the problems at hand. Since 1 out of every 3 guide dog handlers reports some kind of attack on their dogs and themselves as a team, everyone agrees that something has to be done. The consensus was that education of the public and enforcement of the laws already on the books must take a front seat position. The schools are working very hard to get and keep their graduates informed about the laws that protect them and to help grads deal with the attack situation if it happens to them. I still feel that legislation must play a part in improving things on the streets for us as teams. Sharper teeth need to be put into the laws we have and, of course, the teeth that are put into the laws have got to be used.

Just a week previous to that meeting, there was a terrible incident in Merced, CA which involved a woman who was crossing a street, in a marked crosswalk, with her guide dog. She was hit and killed during her crossing. Her dog was not injured physically, but he has been retired as a guide. We have been watching this case very closely. The law enforcement people seem to be reluctant to charge drivers with violations of the "White Cane Law". So, we wrote and submitted a resolution to the CCB membership that would try to do something about that. The resolution that passed on the 5th of November is included in this issue in its entirety. I hand carried a copy of the resolution to the Merced District Attorney at the beginning of December. The Merced DA is still investigating the death of Cherie Moku, the handler who was killed. From the way he talks, it looks like charges just might be filed. We have to keep our fingers crossed. A number of criteria have to be met first, but the investigation continues to determine whether or not all of the elements of that crime exist.

The Fall 2000 CCB convention took place in early November. As usual, GDUC held its meeting and luncheon on that Saturday, the 4th of November. It was a very interesting meeting. We did the usual housekeeping things such as treasurers report, took care of the minutes and things like that. We then elected three new members to GDUC's Board. A great big welcome to our new Vice President Ann Kysor, the new Treasurer Ken Metz and to Sheila Styron the new Director. They have come aboard just in time to be put to work in a big way. A heart-felt welcome to all of you and, a huge thank you to those who rotated off the Board this time. We are sorry to be losing Vice President Linda Flores, Treasurer Marion Fisher and Director Ethel Kirtley. We're going to miss you all.

After our business meeting we had a discussion about an article that appeared in a San Diego newspaper about a dog training facility that is training protection dogs for victims of assault and then issuing them as ADA qualified service dogs with all access rights. The entire existing service animal community is upset about this. After a great deal of discussion the attending membership decided that GDUC should go forward to do as much as they can to halt the issuance of these protection dogs as Service Dogs. What we want to do is halt this practice, by court order if necessary, to give the DOJ time to revisit the language in the regulations and define, in more detail, what a Service Animal is. We set aside a portion of our treasury toward accomplishing this. We also decided that we should invite all of the Guide Dog Schools and Service Dog schools to join us in this effort. GDA offered their facility for a strategy meeting to plan how to proceed. We'll take them up on their very generous offer. Thank you GDA.

I have attended several pedestrian safety meetings in the past few months. Two of them were in Los Angeles. As it turned out neither of them was focused on genuine pedestrian safety. They were more focused on beautification of the streets and put much emphasis on moving traffic. I keep trying, but I haven't found a key that will make the point that the safety of all members of the population have to be considered or none are safe.

A good bit of this message has already been reported in the convention report, so I won't tell it all again. It is time again for you to submit your nominations for Instructor of the Year. If you want to nominate an instructor, let any member of the GDUC Board know who and what school they come from. Let us know either by phone, e-mail or by snail-mail. All of the contact information for your Board is at the end of this issue of "FORWARD".

We need your nominations by the 15th of February. Guide Dog Day in Sacramento is on Wednesday, April 4th, 2001.

The Guide Dog Board has selected a new Executive Officer. Pat Urena is retiring as of the end of February and Mr. Harry Thomas, formerly a member of the board and a current member of GDUC, was chosen by the board to succeed her. The board has several vacancies. I rotated off the board last summer and Mr. Thomas resigned from the board last spring leaving 2 positions needing to be filled. This coming summer there will come available 2 more positions. If any of you are interested in holding a seat on the State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind, now is your chance to apply. If you contact the board office at (916) 263-8956 you can get all the information you need to get your application on the road.

I'm going to wrap this message up so that "FORWARD" can be put to bed. Have a wonderful holiday season and give those hound dogs a big hug and a scratch from Brynn and me as we jump headlong into the next millennium.

Bill Elliot in the United Kingdom gave us permission to reprint this from an e-mail post.

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday morning, on my walk home from work, the sun finally broke through the thick clouds and towards Liverpool I saw a rainbow, yes it is still raining after nearly three months, colleagues at work no longer greet one another with a cheery hello we just quack a greeting. But enough of that.

The rainbow reminded me of an old friend, her name was Suki, she was my first GSD, she was black and tan with funny floppy ears, but she could make those ears prick when she wanted too, the sound of a biscuit being pulled from a pocket at two miles distance was enough to send those great antennae pointing skyward.

On another day like yesterday we were out in the park, a gap in the raincloud brought down a sun beam and a rainbow appeared just a few yards ahead of us, Suki ran on ahead, I don't know if she was chasing that rainbow, but to my eyes she ran through to the end of the rainbow and stood there bathed in the beautiful light.

That is how I thought of her yesterday, standing proud at the end of her rainbow.

Our furkids are not around us for long; a few months later Suki went to the rainbow bridge, we don't know how long we have to share them, so give them a hug, and save a kind thought for all our friends who have lost someone dear to them in the past year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bill (Brett "Thirteen Years and not out" & Polly "Four Years and still playing mud pies." )

Thursday:
I arrived later in the afternoon on Thursday. Of course, the first thing to do was to pick up my registration packet and find a place to read the program so as to plan the several days activities. First I attended the CCB Board meeting. Minutes, Treasurer's reports and the President's report were the most important things happening that evening. It appears that the Council is really getting its feet on solid ground financially now. President Skivers talked about the Council's property in the Los Angeles basin, the myriad trips she has taken on the Council's behalf and the fine reception she has received everywhere she's gone. Our membership is growing and much education and sharing of information is taking place all the time. You're doing a good job for us, Cathy.

I didn't write down the actual figures mentioned but we heard from the financial advisor that has been working with Cathy to set the Council up for the future. If one isn't an accountant one has a bit of difficulty keeping the details straight, but I think that knowing we are in pretty good hands is the most important point to have gathered from the CCB Board meeting.

Resolution 2000B-5 White Cane Law

Whereas, pedestrian safety is a severe problem throughout the state; and

Whereas, blind or visually impaired pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to vehicle-pedestrian accidents; and

Whereas, this vulnerability has been recognized by the Legislature in the passage of the "so called" White Cane Law, codified in section 21963 of the Vehicle Code; and

Whereas, this law gives blind and visually impaired pedestrians the right of way; and

Whereas, many vehicle-pedestrian accidents involving blind or visually impaired pedestrians do not result in a citation against the driver for a violation of section 21963 of the Vehicle Code, or any other provision of law; and

Whereas, law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies automatically attribute blame for the accident to the blind or visually impaired pedestrian, often without a thorough fact-finding investigation; and

Whereas, failure to cite drivers when appropriate threatens the health and degrades and impairs the safety, security, and welfare of all blind or visually impaired Californians; and

Whereas, this failure on the part of law enforcement authorities is discriminatory, violates the civil rights of blind and visually impaired pedestrians, and constitutes a dereliction of duty; and

Whereas, not withstanding an effort by this organization early in the 1990's to sensitize law enforcement to the need to enforce the white cane law, little evidence exists that any progress has been made in this regard, now, therefore, be it

Resolved, by the California Council of the Blind, on this 5th day of November, 2000, in the city of Los Angeles, that this organization, along with the Guide Dog Users of California, on behalf of all blind or visually impaired pedestrians, demand that all law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies enforce, to the fullest extent possible, the White Cane Law and all other laws protecting blind or visually impaired pedestrians,

And, be it further

Resolved, that the president of this organization send copies of this resolution to the Attorney General and other appropriate entities,

And, be it further

Resolved, that local chapters of this organization be strongly urged to advocate with local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies for enforcement of the White Cane Law and other laws protecting blind or visually impaired pedestrians.

On the first day of creation, God created the dog.

On the second day, God created man to serve the dog.

On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth (especially the horse) to serve as potential food for the dog.

On the fourth day, God created honest toil so that man could labor for the good of the dog.

On the fifth day, God created the tennis ball so that the dog might or might not retrieve it.

On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the dog healthy and the man broke.

On the seventh day, God tried to rest, but He had to walk the dog.

Contributed by
Doris Fisher

Held at the Sacramento Hilton Hotel during the California Council of the Blind Convention. Melita Waters called the meeting to order at approximately 8:30 am.

The complete Treasurer's report and Minutes of last meeting will appear in an upcoming edition of the newsletter "Forward". They were not read and approved at this meeting.

Melita announced that GDUC would reimburse the two delegates to the state convention a total of $150. Melita Waters was voted delegate for the Fall 2000 and Spring 2001 CCB Convention with Abby Vincent as alternate.

Sheila Styron was elected delegate to the National ACB Convention in July 2000, with Melita Waters as alternate. All 4 positions were by acclamation, as other nominees were either ineligible or declined the nomination.

Nominating.
Lee Morton was appointed Chair of the Nominating Committee. The committee will nominate embers to replace outgoing Board Members. The election will be held at the Fall Convention. The slate will be in the September "Forward".

Program Development Committee
The Program Development Committee will consider possible topics for future GDUC conventions. Sheila Styron was appointed Chair, with Mitch Pomerantz and Allan Brenner as members.

Sheila Styron has compiled a report on suggestions for future direction for GDUC's advocacy efforts. She read her report, which has also appeared in "Forward". There was some discussion of ID's for Service Dog Owners. This may be necessary because of the challenge of some service dogs, especially "emotional support animals". Sheila believes the State is best place to focus advocacy because the state deals with access to public accommodations. There was some discussion of the dog tags issued to service dogs by local animal control authorities. These are intended to identify the dog.

Melita announced that the "Twenty Questions" series of information folders will be available soon. These are intended to give information about guide dogs intended to improve public understanding and cooperation. Each member will receive some folders, and we are expected to distribute them in places where we think they are needed.

Because of the increased expense of producing and sending our newsletter, David Foster asked for and received an allowance of $400 per year.

The Business meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30. Following the business meeting, members heard reports about housing discrimination and reports from each of the schools.

Submitted by Abby Vincent
Secretary, GDUC

President Melita Waters called the meeting to order at approximately 8:30 am.

Marion Fisher reported our balance on October 30 was $7,275.80. Since last report we took in $239 from dues, tags, and sale of law booklets. We spent $52 on travel, $50 on convention tables, and $87 on the last issue of "Forward".

The minutes of the spring convention business meeting were not available for reading, and have not been published in "Forward". Ken Metz moved that the minutes of both meetings be published in "Forward" and be voted on for approval at the next convention. The motion was seconded and approved.

In the future, the minutes of business meetings will always be published in the next issue of "Forward". At the request of Marion Fisher, they will also be read at the business meeting then be submitted to those present for approval.

Lee Morton gave the recommendations of the nominating committee: VP, Sheila Styron, treasurer, open, and director, Gina McGaughey.

Ann Kysor was nominated from the floor and was elected Vice President. Ken Metz was nominated from the floor for treasurer. Since he was unopposed, he was elected unanimously. Sheila Styron was nominated from the floor and elected for the position of director.

Melita reported the tags continued to bring in money. We are now selling booklets with all the state laws pertaining to guide dogs, both in print and braille. They are available at the booth. She then opened the discussion for ideas from the members.

Ken Metz suggested selling dog toys. Sheila Styron suggested a walk, both for fund raising and education about guide dogs. Lee Morton wanted four regional luaus to celebrate and publicize the Hawaii victory. She also wanted to have a vet tech do nail clipping and possibly some grooming at conventions. Mark Oswald wanted magnets and bumper stickers, Nancy Ungar suggested T-shirts with the GDUC logo, others wanted mugs, dog tags (Gina McGaughey) Melita suggested a blinking light for the dog's harness that would make guide dog teams more visible.

Melita appointed Abby Vincent and Sheila Styron to research these ideas and report back at the next convention.

Melita reported that we would have another set of brochures and easels to distribute. She reminded us that it is our responsibility to educate people about guide dogs by distributing these leaflets. There was some discussion about the format and content of the "Twenty Questions" booklet. The response was almost all positive.

We also have law booklets for sale for $3 each for braille or print versions.

Melita asked for a vote on whether or not to continue distributing a second "twenty questions" booklet. The group voted to continue.

Melita went to two meetings of various community groups to discuss safety. One of the concerns was attacks on our guide dogs by loose dogs. This is a big problem, but there was no general direction about what to do next.

The hotel/motel association of California would like a video to use in training employees on how to work with guide dog teams. She believes this will be happening soon. Mitch Pomerantz said he didn't think the small, especially ethnic, restaurants would participate. They are our biggest problem. However, the restaurant association is a different group.

Melita reported that local animal control agencies are now issuing service animal ID's. This was called for by the state food and agriculture department as an official service animal identification. The service animal handler signs an affidavit saying it's a service animal. However, he/she doesn't have to prove it is. There are penalties for lying on the affidavit. The ID is not mandatory.

David Foster moved that the business meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded and passed.

Following the adjournment of the business meeting, there was discussion about "service dogs" being used for rape victims. Someone in San Diego has been training these dogs. They posture and bark and growl in situations which could be dangerous. It is mostly their presence that is supposed to make the victim feel safe.

There was much discussion, as people discussed their feelings about these dogs. Two issues emerged. Crime victims are not disabled, and they are therefore violating the ADA and other dogs by using these laws to gain access to public accommodations with their dogs.

We as guide dog users want the public to be assured that our dogs will not be a threat or disturbance to others enjoying the same accommodations we do. Dogs that bark and growl threaten our access rights.

These dogs have already been issued to people outside of California. It is bigger than a state issue and too big for GDUC to take on alone.

Lee Morton moved that GDUC commit $1,000 towards an effort to stop this group. Melita said GDUC was approached to "do something", perhaps hire an attorney to get some kind of injunction against the people issuing these dogs.

GDUC has submitted a statement to DOJ, as has GDUI, saying these crime victim dogs don't meet the definition of service animals and therefore shouldn't have access rights.

Melita also asked if GDUC would commit to some money to hire an attorney. It was the feeling of those present at the meeting that we should work with all interested groups, Canine Companions, the Guide Dog Board, the schools, and the guide dog council. David Foster made a friendly amendment that the money go towards working with a coalition. The amendment and motion carried.

Submitted by Abby Vincent
November 11. 2000

MANHATTAN, KANSAS -- If your pet is getting along in years, and you haven't kept up with recent advances in veterinary medicine, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Within the past five to 10 years, veterinary medicine has seen some significant improvements in treatments for the maladies commonly faced by aging cats and dogs. "Owners should be aware that now we have some options for treating problems we couldn't treat very effectively as recently as five to 10 years ago," said Bill Fortney, a veterinarian at Kansas State University's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. "In older animals in particular, although we may not be able to cure some of these problems, we can improve an animal's quality of life immensely due to advances in medication and other treatments.

"Sometimes, older pets suffer from senility or dementia. They may fail to recognize friends or family members, or become confused even in their own homes or yards. Owners formerly attributed declining mental capacity to old age and presumed that nothing could be done to slow the ravages of time.

"Senility and dementia are common in older dogs and cats," Fortney said, "and some newer medications have been developed that can help. Many dogs benefit from a drug called Anipryl, made by Pfizer Animal Health. It acts on one of the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for nerve to nerve communication. The drug slows the natural destruction of the chemical compound dopamine in the brain. Because the problem is progressive, even if the drug works initially, ultimately it will stop being effective. But it helps many pets for some time. We've been able to prolong quality of life for six months to a couple of years.

"Another disorder that causes problems for older pets is urinary incontinence. A veterinary consultation is necessary to determine the cause. Sometimes a tumor or mass blocks the urethra. Surgery can correct this problem. More often, the animal lacks muscle control around the urethra -- a weak sphincter -- and has trouble controlling urine output. This form of incontinence often responds to hormone replacement therapy, estrogen in females, and testosterone in males, Fortney said. He also prescribes a drug called PPA, which may be used for either sex. "It is very effective, with very few side effects.

"Arthritis is another common malady of old age. Arthritic pets may have difficulty in rising, especially after sleep; climbing stairs; jumping up into the car, or onto the bed or sofa. "Owners may attribute these problems to old age and may not seek veterinary advice, yet we have some options that may help," Fortney said.

"We start with NSAIDS -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. They provide a more predictable response, a faster response, but unfortunately they have some side effects, primarily gastrointestinal upsets. The two drugs most commonly used in dogs are Rimadyl and Etogesic. Very, very rarely, Rimadyl can cause liver problems, but I still recommend a blood test for liver function before treatment, and then again after about a month of treatment. Fortunately, the liver problems are very rare and the side effects are reversible once the drug is stopped." Fortney said there are drugs from the same group specifically for cats.

"Also available are chondro-protective agents. These are nutritional supplements that help support or build cartilage. Cosequin is the most commonly used product. Unfortunately, it may take one or two months to show results and not all cases respond. We also have access to alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy. K-State has a veterinary acupuncturist on staff and many pet owners have found that acupuncture treatments have relieved their pet's discomfort," he said.

There have been remarkable advances in cancer chemotherapy in the past few years, Fortney said. "We have the ability to do chemotherapy and radiation therapy at K-State. These modes of treatment can prolong an animal's life by six months to a year or more. "It is in the area of cancer detection that owners can be especially effective as an active health care partner. I recommend periodic palpation of pets, massaging the pet all over its body on a regular weekly basis. "At the first sign of a lump, take the pet to the veterinarian. Treatment is most effective when started early."

Newer diagnostic tools, like an ultrasound machine, have improved diagnosis of heart disease. Veterinarians take an echo-cardiogram, which is a sonogram of the heart. These action shots help them visualize exactly how the heart is pumping and valves are functioning. "Now we have top-notch medications to help patients who are in heart failure," Fortney said. "These increase the strength of the contractions of the heart and decrease the amount of work the heart has to do to pump the same amount of blood. We used to use digitalis, a drug we rarely use anymore. With it, there was a fine line between poisoning the dog and its therapeutic value. Even today, we are not curing the problem, just controlling it so the pet has a higher quality of life for a longer period of time.

"If your pet is rubbing its eye, or showing other signs that the eye is irritated, consult your veterinarian. It may be a sign of glaucoma, or other eye problem. Today glaucoma can be treated with medication. There have been many advances in ophthalmology, so veterinarians are better able to treat cataracts and other problems, too.

Fortney also urges pet owners to keep aware of a pet's weight. Be aware of any changes in weight because that might be a sign of a problem. There are diseases associated with being overweight, yet some dogs have a tendency to get underweight as well.

For older pets, the annual veterinary exam may not be frequent enough. "If we look at one year in a dog's life to be approximately equal to seven years in a person, it's like a human going to the doctor once every seven years," Fortney said." Older dogs might be better served by an exam every six months."

"We are offering the client more options instead of dictating to them," Fortney said. "Clients today are better informed and more involved in their pet's health care. Together, clients and veterinarians can improve the quality of life for aging pets. The owner is a critical member of the health care team. By being aware of any changes in the pet's body or in its actions will provide key information to helping the animal live a long and healthy life."

This is the article, reprinted from the San Diego Tribune, that has started the discussion.

By Dong-Phuong Nguyen
STAFF WRITER

September 17, 2000

Amy Weigel knows what it's like to live in fear-afraid to walk down the short driveway to her car, to mingle in a crowd, to jog around the block. After she was sexually assaulted by a stranger five years ago, her life changed.

"It takes a little bit out of everything you do," said Weigel, a 24-year-old liberal studies student at San Diego State University. "School was really hard. It was hard being around large crowds, going out to eat ... little things people take for granted." But Weigel got a big part of her life back earlier this year when she was introduced to a dog named Fedor.

The 2-year-old German shepherd accompanies Weigel everywhere - on airplanes, to school, to the grocery store - so he can watch everyone she encounters. And when someone who might be a threat approaches Weigel, Fedor positions his 103-pound body in front of her so he can confront the stranger with growls, barks and unmistakable menace. It's his job.

Fedor is at Weigel's side as part of a new San Diego program that matches victims of crimes with large dogs trained to protect them and help them regain a sense of security. The animals are considered service dogs, so they accompany their handlers everywhere, just like canines that assist the blind and people with other disabilities. Service Dogs for Victims of Assault is pioneering the effort in the United States, and it has sent dogs to three other states that want to offer the same service.

"I was in pretty bad shape," Weigel said in describing her life before Fedor (pronounced Fay-door). But now, with the large dog by her side, things are different. "Life has changed all for the better," she said. "(Fedor) gives me a sense of self-confidence that I thought was gone, and safety and peace of mind to just be in crowds of people and know that I'm going to be OK."

The idea that dogs could assist crime victims was developed by Sherri Goldstein, a licensed and certified hypnotherapist in North Park whose patients deal with such issues as agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems. A few years ago, Goldstein had finished going through relaxation techniques with a rape victim when the woman leaned down to hug one of the three German shepherds that lounge around Goldstein's office. Goldstein, who has trained German shepherds and who has done canine rescue work for more than 15 years, considers herself somewhat of an expert on the breed.

Through tears, the patient told Goldstein that the only place she felt safe was when she was at Goldstein's office, with the dogs. "A light bulb went on," Goldstein said. "My sense of security is largely enhanced by traveling with a large pack of dogs, and they're German shepherds at that. I realized my clients could also enjoy that sense of security if they were to have a companion animal with them."

So Goldstein started researching the subject and learned that the American with Disabilities Act covered hidden disabilities, like those her patients suffered from.

At the end of 1999, after $3,000 in legal fees and hundreds of hours of research, Service Dogs for Victims of Assault was created. In less than a year, the group has helped 15 women and two men in the San Diego area and has sent dogs to Nevada, Oregon and New Hampshire.

The 17 people who have the service dogs were referred to the organization by law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, psychiatrists and social workers. The people have been diagnosed as suffering from psychological effects of crimes such as assault, stalking and rape.

William Stothers, deputy director for the Center for an Accessible Society in San Diego, said programs that carry out the goals of the ADA are of great help. "Where animals are able to be very, very helpful to people and enable people with impairments to lead fuller and more independent lives, that is very valuable," he said. Legally, people with disabilities do not have to identify why they have the dog. Goldstein instructs her clients to say the dogs provide handicap assistance. "By having to detail their reasons just reactivates the trauma," she added. However, not just anyone is given a service dog. The organization does not provide dogs in spousal abuse situations or if a person's psychiatric disorder is too extreme to entrust him or her with a dog.

A victim's advocate referred Weigel to the program in March, after she discovered her house had been burglarized. Weigel, of Chula Vista, came home just as the burglars left. Two 13-year-old boys were later arrested and convicted of the crime. But it left Weigel, who had gone through therapy because of the sexual assault years earlier, feeling even more vulnerable. She was soon introduced to Service Dogs for Victims of Assault and given Fedor. As part of the boys' punishment, the court ordered them to pay $700 to Weigel to cover the cost of acquiring and training Fedor. Other victims receive financial assistance through the program's donors.

Fedor has become a constant companion to Weigel in the seven months they have been together, even accompanying her to classes at SDSU. During an hour long lecture on geology recently, Fedor sat at Weigel's feet, his head on the floor, but eyes alert. He wore a blue vest instructing people not to pet him and a badge identifying him as a service dog. Weigel poured him bottled water.

Fedor is constantly aware of his surroundings, although he rolls over for the occasional belly rub. "He's still in training," Weigel said as she affectionately ran her fingers over his belly during a break between classes. While she sat, Fedor lay at her feet, sometimes with his muzzle flat on the ground. As students scuttled to class, their feet hit inches from Fedor's nose. He did not flinch. He is trained to not be alarmed by noise and bustle around him. But at the sign of a threat, Fedor snaps into action. Weigel and Fedor are training together so Fedor will respond to voice commands.

Fedor's protective nature is common among his breed, but more specialized training is needed in order for him to become a service dog. The pair train together once a week, with more lessons ahead. There are seven trainers in San Diego county who teach the dogs for free or at a discount. One of the first people to assist the organization by volunteering her time to train the dogs and create a model for other trainers is Brigitte Shaw, owner of CBS Dog Training based in Alpine.

Shaw, who has trained dogs for about 18 years, said that depending on the dog's temperament, it can take four weeks to four months to train a dog for the program. "There is no bite work involved," she said. "The only things we basically want the dog to do is bark but not to bite. You have to turn the dog on and turn the dog off on command." Some of the best breeds for the job are the German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, giant schnauzers, bouviers, Airedales and Rottweilers. All of the dogs in the program are rescued from shelters. The cost for medical checkups, treatment and training can run the group about $800 a dog. Once trained, a canine goes to a sort of halfway house where it waits to be assigned to a handler, someone the dog will live with permanently.

When Weigel first got Fedor, her husband left for work one morning and turned right back because he had forgotten something. Weigel was still in bed when he walked through the front door and was stopped by Fedor at the doorway. The dog barked and growled and refused to let him pass until Weigel called him off. Now that Fedor has been in the family for seven months, he's protective of Weigel and her entire family. "He's always my first line of defense," she said.

Weigel's experience with Fedor is common. One handler e-mailed Goldstein a letter of thanks for her dog and told of her new companion's protective nature. They went into a store with "larger than life-sized" statues of goblins and wizards up on pedestals. The figures were posed in threatening positions, arms raised and crouched over. "(The dog) did not like that," the woman wrote. "She kept stepping in front of me and alerting each time we came near one. That made me feel safe."

The dogs in the program have given their handlers exactly what Goldstein has hoped for-greater normalcy and a greater life experience. And Fedor may be a working dog, but at home he gets spoiled as much as Weigel's other dog, a "training-challenged" Australian shepherd named Ginger. "Fedor is part of the family," Weigel said. "When he comes home, he gets to be a dog, basically." When they are no longer needed for their intended purpose, Goldstein said, "the dog may be able to stay home as a beloved pet and eat bon bons."

For more information about acquiring a dog, or to make a donation, call Sherri Goldstein at (619) 280-2833 or write to Service Dogs for Victims of Assault, 2316 32nd St., San Diego 92104.

As a guide dog handler, I cannot count the number of times I have had to explain to someone that Dorian is a guide dog, not a guard dog. For this reason, I am writing to voice some of my concerns regarding the ideas expressed in the September 17 San Diego Union Tribune article, "Dogs Give Peace Of Mind To Crime Victims."

The Americans With Disabilities Act has eliminated some of the inequities faced by persons with disabilities in this country. However, the spirit of this long overdue legislation has been tested and violated much of late. Overly broad interpretations of the provisions for service animals in the ADA have lead to the practice of prescribing their use as remedies for conditions such as agoraphobia and post-traumatic stress. One person even claimed access rights for his service snake on public transportation in the San Diego area. The ADA says that a service animal must be trained to perform a service for a disabled individual which helps to mitigate their disability. What is the snake trained to do?

Long before the ADA was passed in 1990, guide dog handlers were working hard to secure access rights through legislation and public education. National and state laws have provided access rights undreamed of 50 years ago. Yet, even with all these laws on the books, at times, I must still persuade restaurant staff and taxi drivers that my guide dog, a well groomed, highly trained and gentle black labrador retriever, is permitted to accompany me. I hear repeated claims that dogs are not allowed as well as frantic requests for me to please leave the dog outside. Consider how frustrating it is to explain existing laws over and over again and the energy and patience required to do this with a smile. Just imagine being told to drive without your glasses when you know you cannot safely do so or trying to find your way around an unfamiliar room in the dark.

From time to time, I also must reassure people that my guide dog will not bite them or act toward them in an aggressive manner, as guide dogs are dropped from training programs or retired from active guide work when they exhibit these behaviors. Religious beliefs, cultural biases and fear of animals are some reasons why well-trained guide dog teams are still unjustly denied their legal access rights in the year, 2000. Therefore, a statement like: "When someone who might be a threat approaches Weigel, Fedor positions his 103-pound body in front of her so he can confront the stranger with growls, barks and unmistakable menace," causes me serious concern.

These protection dogs, often obtained from shelters and trained for as little as four weeks, are compared to guide dogs who are bred, raised and intensively trained five to six months or longer for their work. Service Dogs For Victims Of Assault are issued to rape victims and other survivors of assault crimes. To those who have suffered such life trauma, these large, protective dogs are welcome companions, but do they perform a service that mitigates a true disability?

Even before their training is complete, these so-called working teams are permitted to travel everywhere the law allows, including flying on crowded airplanes and riding in elevators where there may be strangers who appear to be a danger or small children who are behaving in a threatening manner as seen through the eyes </