[NAGDU] retiring guides

[Sandra Johnson]

Tracy:

I know that Tara got very depressed when left alone.  She is not really all 
that interested in other dogs.  As a result of frequent attacks when I first 
got home with her she is somewhat afraid of interacting with other dogs. 
She craved the love and attention from people.  That is why I insisted on 
finding her a home where she was the only dog.  It is important to know your 
dogs personality and what they would find most comforting in their retired 
life.  I am glad you had your husband and other people to help you.  If I 
had folks to help I would
probably have been able to keep Tara with me.  So, it is important to think
of what family and friends you will have when it is needed.

Sandra

-----Original Message----- 
From: Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2018 11:29 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] retiring guides

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

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