[nagdu] Signs of being ready to retire

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

        When you have to do more work to maintain the dog's guiding then you are getting out of it. That's one sign.
When you can't predict how well the dog will guide.
When the dog acts like he or she simply doesn't care.
You'll know, of that I have no doubt. It is far harder to reconcile what you with what to do about it. REtiring the dog is the right solution, but oh is it ever hard to do.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 8:59 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Signs of being ready to retire

Hi Rhonda and all.
Some signs I've noticed that show a dog is ready to retire are general
slowing down and difficulty climbing bus steps.  As Echo got older, she
came to not like going new places, and other friends have noticed similar
things with their older dogs.  I'm not sure how I knew she wasn't realy
happy, though.  Maybe she didn't wag as much as usual, or seemed more
anxious and unsure of herself.
My Glade had to retire because she started bowing badly while crossing
streets.  She'd practically go out of the crosswalk and near the traffic.
I'd say that not coming over when you pick up the harness is a sign, but
Ben nearly always has to be rousted out of his place, and then he's fine
and ready to go. Guess it's just his inner teenager.

I'm sure other people can name other signs a dog is ready to kick back and
put his feet up.
Tracy




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