I applied for a Seeing Eye dog and have been accepted on the basis of the information I submitted to The Seeing Eye, and I will participate in The Seeing Eye’s training program, which begins on the above-mentioned date.
I agree to pay the fee noted above either in class or sometime thereafter, according to my own abilities and needs.
I understand that upon the successful completion of the training program, I will acquire ownership of my Seeing Eye dog. Attached is a Statement of Dog Ownership and Responsibilities.
I also understand that The Seeing Eye will provide me with a Seeing Eye harness and I agree that (1) I will use it only with a Seeing Eye dog, (2) I will permit no one else to use it, and (3) I will not attempt to sell it or give it away except to return it to The Seeing Eye.
I also understand and agree that The Seeing Eye makes no warranty and assumes no liability related to the dog guide and its training or any of the services, programs or instruction provided to me now or in the future. I hereby release The Seeing Eye, Inc. (USA), The Seeing Eye Organization (Canada), their trustees, directors, officers, employees, and successors, from any liability or claim arising out of or related to any of the foregoing.
I have read this Agreement and Release, or it has been read to me, and I understand its intent and scope and that it is binding upon me and upon my heirs.
Since 1929, when Morris Frank and Buddy, the first Seeing Eye dog, pioneered the capabilities of dogs guiding blind people, The Seeing Eye has promoted the independence of blind persons.
The ownership policy which The Seeing Eye has maintained since its inception serves to underscore these values. A student is asked to share nominally in the cost of his or her adjustment with a dog. When that individual graduates, the dog is then owned by that graduate. The Seeing Eye does not in any way retain ownership rights, but rather makes every effort to provide its service to persons who are responsible.
The Seeing Eye believes in the dignity and self-respect of blind persons, and it is felt that the policy of graduate ownership contributes to these ends. The Seeing Eye’s faith in the persons it serves has rarely been abused.
If an allegation of abuse toward the dog occurs, The Seeing Eye notifies the graduate of the allegation and attempts to evaluate the situation. Most allegations are unfounded; some, unfortunately, prove to be justified. In these instances, a local Humane Society has the legal authority to remove a person’s dog, whether the person is blind or sighted, if, in the Humane Society’s opinion, it has been found that genuine abuse exists. This has proved to be an adequate safeguard. Such Humane Society action would be taken into account should that person reapply for service.
