[NAGDU] retiring guides

[Sandra Johnson]

Nancy:

I have retired several dogs in the past 43 years.  Some went back to the 
school because I could not find them a home.  Three of my guides retired to 
a very dear friend who took such good care of them that they lived until age 
15.  Four years ago I retired my golden Tara who was 8 years old because she 
had advanced hip dysplasia and cataracts.  I kept Tara when I got Eva a 14 
month old golden.  Tara seemed overwhelmed by the very energetic pup 
especially when Eva would try to run and jump in the attempt to get Tara to 
play.  I noticed that Tara got very depressed when I paid attention to Eva. 
She became anxious when   I had to leave her home alone.  I could not take 
Tara for short walks because of her diminished vision.  I taught her to heel 
on my right side as Eva did the guiding.  Tara seemed to enjoy those walks 
and Eva was very willing to go at Tara's much slower pace.  The problem came 
as Tara got more and more depressed.  She stopped playing and at times would 
not eat As we all know this is not usually a problem for a golden retriever. 
Tara had always been very eager to eat.  Finally in consultation with my vet 
I made the very difficult decision to find Tara a new home where she was the 
only dog.  Fortunately a wonderful elderly lady from my parents church had 
just lost her dog and was longing to find another older dog to adopt.  Lucy 
had met Tara several times when I attended church with my parents.  She 
immediately said she would gladly adopt Tara.  The two of them fell in love 
the minute they met.  My other concern during this time was my ability to 
afford Tara's very expensive daily anti-inflammatory meds and joint 
supplements as well as her monthly injections and laser treatments for her 
hips.  I was no longer able to work so had to consider if I could 
financially pay for the care Tara needed.  I had already maxed out my credit 
card paying for her vet bills.  Fortunately Lucy was financially able to 
take on this responsibility.  Tara will celebrate her 12th birthday in a few 
weeks.  She is doing well and she can still see good enough to get along in 
the house.  It broke my heart to send all my retired guides to their new 
homes but it was what had to be done.  I have always rented and most 
landlords will not permit more than one dog.

So, after telling you my story I give you a few things to think about.  Can 
you afford to take care of more than the two guide dogs considering food and 
vet bills?  Do you have the ability to have someone available to take them 
out if you have to leave them for a long time?  Do you think the retired 
dogs will tolerate the younger more energetic playful dogs?  If you live in 
rental housing will they allow you to have four dogs?  Whatever choice you 
make retirement is always difficult.  Good luck as you and your husband 
train with your new dogs.

Sandra Johnson
SLJohnson25 at comcast.net

-----Original Message----- 
From: Nancy VanderBrink via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2018 10:41 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

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