[NAGDU] With a sad and heavy heart...

[NAGDU President]

Wayne,

	I know first-hand how difficult it is to make this decision. Sometimes the dog lets us know and other time we need to take an honest, compassionate evaluation. As you have stated, it is difficult to make that decision when the dog still has the motivation but lacks the drive. I wish you all the best in the future!

Fraternally yours,
Marion


Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
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The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind  people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds you back.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Wayne & Harley via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2018 4:06 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Wayne & Harley
Subject: [NAGDU] With a sad and heavy heart...

*     Hello Everyone,*

*This ties in with a thread I saw regarding when to retire a Guide Dog. 
Well, here's my take on it. The dog will tell you when it's time. Just 
as I describe below...
*

*It is with a sad and heavy heart that I sit down to write this.*

*Harley D is in the process of retiring from "Active Duty". There, I 
said it...*

*On 17 August, 2018, He "quit" mid-route. He was signaling, but was not 
stepping out confidently as is his norm.*

*This has continued. While not refusing the harness he is no longer 
excitedly thrusting his head into the harness when asked to "Harness up".
*

*Originally, I had planned on locating his successor next year when 
Harley turned nine years old.
*

*Well, plans have been adjusted.
*

*We will be visiting a breeder in late September to evaluate pups.
*

*Once one is adopted in, we will be journeying down that road again. 
Harley will be an invaluable training resource for Puppy X.  Just as LD 
Patriot was an invaluable resource in training Harley.*

*To reiterate, Harley is still guiding, not with the dash and verve that 
he previously displayed.*

*He is still safely guiding me, but after five years of traveling in and 
out of the Chicago Metropolitan area five days a week, he has had enough.*

*I have to respect that.*

*I assure you all, that I will hang up his harness if he stops guiding 
completely..*

*
*

*
*

*Buckle up folks, it's going to be a memorable ride...*

*
*

*Wayne And Harley D*



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