More TDI Ridiculousness

Quick review:

1) Shakespeare was rejected by TDI because “he could be a risk if he encountered another dog on a visit.” This rejection occurred despite the fact that Shakespeare regularly works around other dogs and has been the neutral dog for countless CGC and other tests, including TDI testing. So he’s good enough to use for TDI testing, but not to make a TDI visit.

2) Laev was apparently also rejected by TDI. That’s unconfirmed, but it has been months since I was told the review board had to meet for a special decision, and I’ve never heard back. Stated reason, in writing: I reported on her enrollment that she was “indifferent” toward other dogs. They wanted me to check “friendly.” (Interestingly enough, the letter which told me she’d undergo review also instructed me to simply check “friendly” and return the form, which I did though I found it very odd. Still never heard anything back.)

Now, the latest update:
Though I’ve yet to receive an answer to my questions, I have received an invoice for the renewal of our TDI team registration. They want another check.

That’s right. They cashed my check without accepting either of my dogs, and now they want me to pay for another year of non-acceptance.

I’m fully aware that blogging on this means we’ll never be accepted (TDI is aware of my posts), but I’m growing more and more comfortable with that. I’m hearing from other people complaining that TDI personnel are often both disorganized and rude.

Quick rant…. TDI is reluctant to accept a dog focused on her handler and her tasks instead of seeking to greet any other dogs in the area — isn’t a therapy dog supposed to interact with patients instead of other therapy dogs? That should be a benefit, it seems. And a special review board for indifference? Indifference is not risky!

The sad thing is, I’ve now turned down several requests for visits. My friend Melissa is developing a program for a couple dozen facilities. We encourage them to use only tested dogs, to develop and keep a high-quality program, and yet now that means I bar myself from participation. Who loses here? Not me, not my dogs, not TDI (who cashed my check anyway). The kids lose. Something’s wrong with this picture.