Help a paraplegic buddy out.

[spanky]

Signed and shared on fb. I'd write a comment on the CCI fb page, but refuse to "like" them.

[miahw2828]

petition signed

[Ted CAldwell]

Another MD with a GOD complex that puts him above the common man that must obey the rules. If he is so freaking important and so in need of his companion dog than let him sell that $6000.00 mountain bike and buy a service dog from one of the the firms that trains and sells them.
At some point in his very important life he had to apply to receive "Elon" FOR FREE. He then waited approximately two years before receiving the dog FOR FREE. He attended a two week orientation where it was emphasized that the dog was to NEVER be off the lease. However Mr. "Doc" is above the child with MS, the wounded Iraq vet and the countless others who have received their CCI dog FOR FREE and he dosen't have to obey the rules.
Who took care of the dog on the seven hour trek up the mountain. Kudos to you for the effort-but what about the dog and his needs.
"Doc" I hope that your dog is retrained and given to a deserving child or veteran who will appreciate the comfort and companionship of "Elon".

[TBS]

...There is also information I have from a reliable source about some of the prior incidents that really disturbs me. Bottom line, I am fine with agreeing to disagree as long as everyone knows this is not as black and white as it sounds.

Your contention runs counter to what a lot of people that know Gael and Elon have to say here.

So, why don't you add some color to the black & white, and enlighten all of us idiots as to what behavior was so disturbing? There are a lot of dog lovers here who would be outraged IF there was some maltreatment of the dog.

[TBS]

Another MD with a GOD complex that puts him above the common man that must obey the rules.

Since you've decided to get personal about this,

You are a fucktard. GTFO

[Trackhead]

A thread like this could only turn to shit at TGR. What a bunch of fucking whacko's this place harbors.

I signed the petition. I'm sure the dog was well loved, needed, and taken care of. Not to mention, dogs are legitimately used as "pet therapy". Not that this canine was necessarily intended for that purpose, but they are used frequently in hospitals for that very purpose.

[Missiongravity]

Another MD with a GOD complex that puts him above the common man that must obey the rules. If he is so freaking important and so in need of his companion dog than let him sell that $6000.00 mountain bike and buy a service dog from one of the the firms that trains and sells them.
At some point in his very important life he had to apply to receive "Elon" FOR FREE. He then waited approximately two years before receiving the dog FOR FREE. He attended a two week orientation where it was emphasized that the dog was to NEVER be off the lease. However Mr. "Doc" is above the child with MS, the wounded Iraq vet and the countless others who have received their CCI dog FOR FREE and he dosen't have to obey the rules.
Who took care of the dog on the seven hour trek up the mountain. Kudos to you for the effort-but what about the dog and his needs.
"Doc" I hope that your dog is retrained and given to a deserving child or veteran who will appreciate the comfort and companionship of "Elon".

I am sure since you know Gael and how he treated Elon that what you write is truth. I am so glad you went through the effort to create a user name here and post this. We are all enlightened for having read it and I now see the light. Again thank you for sharing this and we look forward to hearing from you more often.

Like Telebob said. Shut the Fuck Up and Get the Fuck Out (just incase you dont understand acronyms)

[awalking]

Those of you that know Gael & Elon believe he treated the dog well. And I'm sure he must be a nice guy as so many of you are supporting hime. It's not just about how he treated Elon but also how he PROTECTS Elon. Gael said that many times CCI had spoke to him about following the safety rules but he did not comply. Why was that? Here are 2 items that may help you see the other side of the story and the SAFETY of the dog. Until you have been there, most people never consider that "things" happen.

"It is with great sadness that I write this letter to yourself and the entire CCI family. As many of you know, our CCI dog passed away after being injured when she was hit by a car. At the time of the incident, I was waiting with her and she was off her leash. As a result of my actions, she died and for that I accept full responsibility. Never in my entire life has my poor judgment resulted in such severe consequences and affected so many people.

I have apologized to out dog for the physical pain she suffered and to my wife for the emotional pain I have caused her. I also want to apologize to the entire CCI family for wasting your efforts on our behalf. I have let all of you down and for that I am truly sorry."

and

THE RULES:

Your dog should NEVER be off leash.
This means the ONLY time your dog should ever be off a leash is when he/she is in an enclosed area. An enclosed area is a fenced backyard, in your house (with doors closed) or a tennis court (with gates closed) for example. Do not let your dog off leash to swim. Letting your dog off leash in unenclosed environments (parks, woods, neighborhoods, or anywhere else) is VERY DANGEROUS and against CCI policy. Safety first!

When your dog is not attached to you by its leash, no matter how well trained the dog; you have no reliable means of controlling your dog. Your dog's responsiveness to your commands will quickly diminish when it realizes that you do not have physical control of it.

Remember that your dog is still a dog, and subject to the same distractions as any other dog. It is impossible to predict and anticipate everything that might cause your dog to lose its attention on you and cause you to lose control of it. To minimize the chance of accidents and to maintain your dog's working attitude, keep it attached to you by its leash and under control.

This is a leash!

IT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THE DOG UNINJURED, restraining the dog from darting
into traffic, eliminating pain and veterinary bills. IT IS THE BEST GOOD
NEIGHBOR POLICY MAKER, keeping the dog from any sort of trespassing, destructive
or otherwise, on your neighbor's lands or on the city's sidewalks. It will also
keep the dog from jumping on children or adults and possibly inflicting an
injury on them, as well as the discomfort or fright it might cause. IT IS THE
BEST IDENTIFICATION SERVICE, as the license tag attached to the collar will get
the dog back to you if the dog should be lost. IT IS THE BEST WILDLIFE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, keeping the dog from harassing deer and other wild
animals, either by itself or as a part of a wild pack. IT IS THE BEST WAY TO
DEVELOP AN AFFECTIONATE DOG, as the touch of it gives the dog definite assurance
that it is protected, loved and wanted. USE IT. KEEP THE DOG LEASHED.

I know this is long. I feel for the dog being separted from Gael.

[Professor]

There are a lot of dog lovers here who would be outraged IF there was some maltreatment of the dog.

I did not say there was maltreatment. I am sure the dog was well taken care of. The instance I am aware of has more to do with the dog being off his leash at times where it was completely inappropriate, but not necessarily dangerous. I think what gets lost in here is this is a lot more than someone losing their pet. To me the issue is trained service dog had become a pet and was not being used appropriately. The dog was being taken places, other than the hospital and home, and taken off a leash at which time it stops being a service dog. These actions then constituted a violation of the agreement with CCI. So while I feel for anyone that goes through this, it is not as if Gael was not given a chance to rectify these problems.

[TBS]

I did not say there was maltreatment. I am sure the dog was well taken care of. The instance I am aware of has more to do with the dog being off his leash at times where it was completely inappropriate, but not necessarily dangerous.

And yet, you FAIL to provide any substance to your accusations. Why won't you enlighten all of us idiots as to what Dr Yonnet did that was so inappropriate? Was it allowing the dog to walk alongside Gael off leash while he road his mountain bike at the Bird? Let the dog roll in the snow? Turn him loose on the freeway?

If you choose to fling poo, back it up with evidence, or STFU

[awalking]

Why don't you ask Gael what the specific problems were and how many times CCI talked to him about the issues before they took the dog back.

[TBS]

^^^Because I don't know Gael Yonnett. I'm just asking people who are flinging shit here to provide some fucking facts supporting their position that the dog is better off in a kennel than with Yonnett. So far, I've only read some obscure references to how he allowed the dog to be off leash in some yet-to-be-disclosed circumstances. Inside the hospital? In the backcountry? On the freeway?

If Dr. Yonnett put the dog in harms way, I will withdraw my petition and comments. But, the evidence I've heard/seen thus far tells me differently. From what I can gather, CCI isn't used to their clients leading an active outdoor lifestyle, and their rules don't fit those circumstances.

So, why don't you, Ted and the Professor enlighten us? Or don't you know either? Or is it that you lack the balls to actually support your position with objective evidence, and would rather hide behind innuendo? Or, are you just trolling?

Man up with facts or STFU

[awalking]

All are entitled to their opinion. Gael Admitted he did not follow the rules and now says he would leash the pup if that is all it takes to get Elon back. He did not address and other issues and I have no idea what the other issues are. I have seen emails sent to Gael and his response. I'm sure if you emailed him and asked your questions he would respond. Rather than take it from me or anyone else on this board, if you are endorsing his position you should know exactly what the issues are so you can make an intellegent choice

[Professor]

Just an FYI. Here is the most recent update. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=14516806
If you read the letters from both sides (links are in the text), everything I was referring to is in there. However, I did not know CCI had recieved the responses from the doctor that they describe. Again, I feel for the dog and Gael, but I fully support CCI's decision.

[DoWork]

All are entitled to their opinion. Gael Admitted he did not follow the rules and now says he would leash the pup if that is all it takes to get Elon back. He did not address and other issues and I have no idea what the other issues are. I have seen emails sent to Gael and his response. I'm sure if you emailed him and asked your questions he would respond. Rather than take it from me or anyone else on this board, if you are endorsing his position you should know exactly what the issues are so you can make an intellegent choice

Just an FYI. Here is the most recent update. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=14516806
If you read the letters from both sides (links are in the text), everything I was referring to is in there. However, I did not know CCI had recieved the responses from the doctor that they describe. Again, I feel for the dog and Gael, but I fully support CCI's decision.

You assclowns are so full of shit. Cougar attacks? Get the fuck out of here.

[Professor]

Cougar attacks? Get the fuck out of here.

What the hell are you talking about? I never said word one about a cougar attack?

[DoWork]

What the hell are you talking about? I never said word one about a cougar attack?

Well maybe if you CLICKED ON THE FUCKING LINK YOU POSTED and watched the goddam video in it, you'd know that "danger of cougar attacks" was one danger cited by CCI in the decision to remove the dog from his custody. Why not put lightning strikes and meteor impacts on there too?

Look, I applaud CCI for providing these companions but denounce them for being so overly unwavering on the letter of the rules instead of the aim contained therein. These companions exist to provide inspiration and support in the PURSUIT OF LIFE LIVED MOST FULLY, not living life in the most protected and sanitized manner able to be specified in print. A man without the use of his legs seeks to climb a damn mountain and you don't want him to have his source of inspiration and support with him??? I would fully engage you in debate on this topic but so far you've spewed "look at both sides" without actually doing it yourself, stated that there are important details to be looked at without sharing them and also showed a complete disregard for our time by thinking we lack the sense to know a dog can walk a path in the woods with it's owner by his side safely. So on these grounds, I ask that you please go fuck yourself now. Thank you and good day.

[Professor]

I didnt watch the vid, I read the text and the letters that are also in that link. CCI didnt mention any of that in the letter and that is the first I have heard of that being an issue. If you read the letters on both sides they discuss the instances that I referred to. Again, while I feel sorry for Gaeil and the dog, I agree with the actions that CCI took. Now if that opinion makes you so angry that you have to respond with "fuck off", fine. Fortunately some people around here can still have a civil discussion, even though those are becoming more and more rare around here.

[DoWork]

I didnt watch the vid, I read the text and the letters that are also in that link. CCI didnt mention any of that in the letter and that is the first I have heard of that being an issue. If you read the letters on both sides they discuss the instances that I referred to. Again, while I feel sorry for Gaeil and the dog, I agree with the actions that CCI took. Now if that opinion makes you so angry that you have to respond with "fuck off", fine. Fortunately some people around here can still have a civil discussion, even though those are becoming more and more rare around here.

NEWS FLASH: If you give a mountain biker a dog, they might want to mountain bike with it and having the dog attached to the bike is more dangerous than not. They should be thanking him for not only exercising the dog, but for not being an idiot and following the (dangerous) rules the dog's so-called guardian angels have laid out, which if they had the sense YawehAllahJesusJah gave a goat they'd be able to see the error in.

How am I supposed to engage in intellectual frivolity with you if you don't already know that? You expect me to believe the dog is better off in a foster kennel than with Gaeil? I'm simply calling bullshit. It's like giving a kid a paintbrush then taking it back because he made a masterpiece with it.

[Mach Looney]

Threatening to "destroy CCI," "bury CCI," and bring a "reign of terror" to CCI, then refusing to meet with CCI to resolve the leash issue, does not sound very constructive toward the goal of getting custody of Elon back. The Dr. is sabotaging himself and letting down the people who signed his petition.

[Professor]

NEWS FLASH: If you give a mountain biker a dog, they might want to mountain bike with it and having the dog attached to the bike is more dangerous than not.

News flash: They didnt give a mountain biker a dog, they didnt give him a dog to be a pet, they gave a disabled individual a highly trained service dog to assist him with daily living. This is not the same as pet therapy or anything else. Bottom line Gael decided that he didnt need a service dog on a leash to help him and decided the leash was more trouble than it is worth. Fine, so he doesnt need a service dog, he needed a companion. Providing companion dogs is not what CCI does.

[QuikR12]

Providing companion dogs is not what CCI does.

Umm.. why for fucks sake are they called Canine Companions, then?

[Professor]

If you look at their information, it is clear that they provide service dogs to individuals that need the assistance of a service dog. They are not in the business of pet therapy. My guess with why they chose that name is because "Service Dogs for Independence" didnt sound very good.

[DoWork]

If you look at their information, it is clear that they provide service dogs to individuals that need the assistance of a service dog. They are not in the business of pet therapy. My guess with why they chose that name is because "Service Dogs for Independence" didnt sound very good.

Ok so answer me this- at what time do you feel he endangered the life of the dog exactly. I'm having a hard time identifying these dangers to be completely honest. I get that rules are rules, but as you said yourself there are serious grey areas and this isn't just a black and white argument. I'd say that keeping a dog on leash ALL THE TIME NO MATTER WHAT could constitute for animal cruelty-what dog's ideal life should include never being allowed to run? Who's well-being are they really looking out for? The truth is they're trying to protect an investment in a very cold hearted way. It's an emotional connection that they've given all the feeling of a tax audit and I think it's wrong. Sure it's not meant for pet therapy, but if it's seeing additional use and benefitting even more patients, what's the problem?

[Professor]

I have never said I agreed with CCI that the dog was in danger. I believe that a qualified service animal was being used inappropriately. While I also agree dogs should not have to be on leashes all the time, if I am given a trained dog and agree that I will keep it on a leash at all times, it should come as no surprise that there are consequences if I fail to follow through on my end. Again as a dog lover, I feel really badly for Gael. However, I agree with CCI that something needed to be done.