[NAGDU] retiring guides

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Nancy.
I have kept 2 retired guides in good health, and one with a terminal illness.
The 2 I kept long-term adjusted fine to retirement.  My husband and I often telecommute, so one or the other of us was almost always at home.  My husband took the retired dog for walks with his cane.  I think the dogs enjoyed taking a walk where they could sniff, and could greet anyone they wanted to.
I had the distinct impression my dog Ben would chuckle to himself on cold, rainy days when the new guy had to go off to work, while Ben settled down for a nice, cozy nap.

Someone once pointed out to me that guide dogs are used to being with people.  They've been with people pretty much since the day they were born, so they might not be happy left alone for hours on a regular basis.  But we've been able to arrange for the retired dog to have company most of the time, so it's been fine.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nancy VanderBrink via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2018 10:42 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Nancy VanderBrink
Subject: [NAGDU] retiring guides

Hi folks,
My husband and I have been accepted to guide dog school and we'll be going in November. 
The more I think about it, the more concerned I feel about keeping my current guide, Doc.
We've thought about keeping my husband's guide also so they won't be alone but I'd like to hear from folks who kept their retired guides.
How did they handle the transition?
Did you still take them on walks? I guess I mean where they worked? 
Did you try to keep them then decide not to after-all? 
I'm feeling conflicted and sad, when I thought I'd be excited. 
Thanks for any guidance you can give. This is my first time retiring my guide due to old age. My first guide’s retirement was in college because have had medical issues.
Many thanks,
nancy 

Please forgive the typos as this message was most likely generated using voice dictation
Nancy Irwin

_______________________________________________
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/carcione%40access.net