RDOG3 Meeting Minutes

On Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014, in the Eisenhower Recreational Center, at approximately 7:00 PM, our RDOG3 meeting began.  There was no meeting in August.

Bonnie and her yellow Lab, Patriot, from South East Guide Dogs, were our guests for the evening.  Bonnie explained the importance of guide dogs, the cost to raise them, being puppy raisers etc.  Questions pertaining to puppy raisers: do puppy raisers receive special training, what costs are involved in raising a puppy, how old are the puppies when they arrive in a puppy raiser’s home, what age do the puppies return to Southeastern Guide Dogs, do puppies arrive house trained, are puppies crate trained, are the puppies allowed in public places like other service dogs, where are the puppy raiser groups, are puppy raisers involved in any extracurricular functions, are there age requirements for puppy raisers, how do I apply to become a puppy raiser etc.  Please contact GuideDogs.org/RaiseAPuppy

Bonnie also discussed other programs:

Paws for Independence – pairs visually impaired individuals with superbly trained guide dogs and provides lifetime follow-up to active graduates. 

Paws for Patriots – Guide Dogs: pairs visually impaired veterans with trained guide dogs and provides lifetime follow-up to active graduates.

 Veteran Service Dogs:  Some of the dogs are better suited for jobs other than guide work.  Specially selected dogs are trained and placed into service careers benefitting veterans with Post Traumatic Stress, or placed as therapy dogs at military facilities.

Gifted Canines – Canine Connections Dogs:  Places dogs that are not destined to become guide dogs as companions for children who are visually impaired as a way of educating them about the responsibilities associated with owning a dog.

Public Service Dogs:  Places dogs that are not destined to become guide dogs into public service careers such as search and rescue and arson, bomb and drug detection.

Ambassador Dogs:  Places dogs that are not destined to become guide dogs as ambassadors who provide outreach to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and schools.            Questions and answers followed.

Door prize and 50/50 were drawn.

Meeting adjourned approximately 8:15 PM.      

May 7th, 2014

We met with John Rohan (Director of Recreation for the Village Community Development District (VDCC)

We had another good meeting - reviewing how far we have come as a group and the support from members.  His response was "GREAT" keep doing what you have been doing.  He also told us to have patience.

There are several things that must happen before we find out what parcels of property will be available for our dog park.

The Developer's final property layout includes the new area of Lady Lake.  The money must come from the VCDD in our district to build the facility and maintain it.  We have the responsibility of enhancing and finishing the property for the opening of this dog park.

If you recall the RDog1 group raised $13,000 to finish their park.  So Lets keep it going- we will get our dog park!