Comment on AN51-Proposed Rule-Wendt, Tonja

To whom this may concern, It would be my hope that all who are in need of a service dog would be able to obtain a service dog and utilize the benefits that they provide to a person with a disability. Understanding that the objective is to only allow dogs that are trained by Assistance Dogs International Members (ADI) severely shorts the options for those in the military as those not in the military. Obtaining a service dog from a reputable agency is already a multi year wait. Limiting the resources from which one is able to receive a trained service dog really places a burden on the whole system. Military as well as civilian. There are not currently enough trainers or agency's with in these organizations to keep up with current demands let alone the regional equity ADI only certifies Non Profit Agencies of which there are too few and not enough volunteers to meet demands. For profit training centers and trainers are not eligible for ADI certification. Individuals who due to income difficulties, or in isolated areas of this country do not have the same access to ADI certified dogs. I am also concerned with the other issues shared by this website: http://www.committedcanine.org/FAQ/SERVICE%20DOG%20TRAINING%20ARTICLES/VA_proposed_changes.html I currently have an aging service dog which is NOT ADI certified. He meets the requirements for certification in his behavior. I have been on several lists to have a service dog trained for me as his replacement. I have been on these lists now for nearly four years. My current dog is not able to perform regularly now due to health and age related issues. Obtaining another dog from an agency in my vicinity seems against the odds at this point and none of them are ADI certified as I am aware. I am currently in search of a dog that I can hire a private trainer to assist me in training. According to the ACI standards, how ever this dog will not come from one of their agencies. Thank You, Tonja Wendt