Well said it is exactly the same kind of blindness that for example, supports BSL etc.

One of the great benefits for a guide dog is that he, alone among dogs, is admitted to restaurants where he is expected to lie quietly on the floor absorbing the aroma of the delicious food being enjoyed by his human companion, all the while knowing he will never get a taste of it.

lol just like my lot at my dinner time

Thanks SB an agreed...I know people from CA who would be embarassed if they knew this guy represented them.

Exactly Layla

I'm thinking it might be a soup session.

me too taz

I know a couple of guide dogs that come into work for the owners to buy them treats, and one that comes for grooming. All are very well loved and well treated. It's not helpful to generalise. I'm sure the vast majority of service dogs are happy and well cared for.

Guide dogs are seen every 6 months for a basic vet check. They are supposed to be seen by Guide Dogs once a year. I am in regular contact with 3 of my puppy owners. One ( who had a totally amazing trainer) is seen as he should be, the other 2, well the first wasn't seen for almost 2 years. He had a seizure at Christmas and died. He was 6. I will
not go there... The other one is seen nothing like every year and when he had an issue with his dog and squirrels.. guess what he was told to do? Yes he was obviously told to pick up a stick and play with and distract the dog. He is
blind.....

I think it is easy to make assumptions about large organisations, I know I did when we started out. They were wrong..

And for the record I have voiced ALL of
my concerns to the appropriate people.

Compassion is for both dog and owner. A guide dog lives under some pretty harsh rules. For example, if a guide dog is feeling pain or distress and begins to whimper, a kind word or pat on the head is not allowed lest you reinforce the unwanted behavior.