[NAGDU] an odd feeling of loneliness or emptiness after retiring a dog?

[Sherri Brun]

It is really tough when you have to retire a guide dog.  Both of my previous
dogs ended up having to be put down, so I did not go through that, but this
current one, who is 15, still goes on short walks with me.  I live at my own
condo, which is a good thing, but I know that once she is gone, I will be
going through some of the same things you are going through now.  I guess
focus on the fact that she is with good people and that you can see her.
Hang in there.

Sherri

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joanne Stark via
NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:08 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Joanne Stark <suzannegirl25 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] an odd feeling of loneliness or emptiness after retiring a
dog?

Good morning, NAGDU,
My dog retired almost two weeks ago after 9 and a half years of service. Due
to the weight restriction for pet dogs in this building, I could not keep
her. I am fortunate to have her nearby with a friend who was willing to
adopt her, but at this point, I feel like something's missing. The part of
my routine that involves caring for a dog is gone; I feel a bit lost. I am
not depressed; I know I made the right decision for her, but ... I can't
shake that feeling of, "Okay, great for her. Now what?"
I presume this feeling is normal? This is the first time I have retired a
dog after such a long partnership, as the first dog I had was retired after
only 8 months of work due to a very, very rare form of cancer.
Music, both playing and listening, has been therapeutic for me, but I need
suggestions for other ways of coping with my emotional state.
Thank you.

Joanne Stark
Wisconsin Association of Blind Students President Sent from my iPhone

_______________________________________________
NAGDU mailing list
NAGDU at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/flmom2006%40gmail.com