It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh, the sun is shining with high temperatures in the mid seventies today. Perfect weather as far as I'm concerned.
I'm listening to some music and drinking earl grey tea. Nala is lying beside my chair snoring.... but the wheels of my mind are turning.
I contacted Susquehanna Service Dogs last week to start the process of getting another service dog. Nala turned 11 this year and as difficult as it is, I have to think about retiring her... and the process takes time.
Last year I made the decision to stop taking her with me in public, it was just too hard on her. She continues to open my doors at home, but retrieving objects and putting them on my tabletop is difficult for her. She certainly earned her retirement. It's just very difficult on me. She is the perfect dog.
Don't feel too badly for her, she goes for a walk every day and has a basketful of stuffed animals to play with.... She's not going anywhere, I just wonder how she will feel about another Dog in the house doing her job.
6 comments:
Have you decided on which breed, or do you get to choose? What will happen to Nala? Can you keep her if you want? I am not very knowledgeable in this area, but I am sure this has to be a difficult decision for you. I hope that Nala has a good home to go to and that you receive a dog that has been just as helpful and loyal as she has been for you.
Susquehanna Service Dog's mostly deal with labrador retrievers. Which I don't think I would have any other breed.
The good news is Nala is staying right here with me. I don't think I could give her away for any reason.
I was so pleased to read that Nala was staying with you. Hope that you find a dog that suits you and your needs soon xx
Good luck in your search Greg. I'm sure it's a time consuming as well as emotional process for you. Glad to hear that Nala will get to stay with you even after she retires. I think maybe she'll feel some jealousy at being replaced, but then I think she'll quickly realize that she now gets to just chill and relax while the new dog gets to do all the grunt work. Isn't that what retirement is all about???!!! lol
Hi Greg,
I've read your blog for a while but this is the first time I've said 'hi!'
I live in the UK and work as a guide dog trainer. One of my previous jobs in Guide Dogs was as rehoming officer so I have plenty of experience in retired dogs, and my experience tells me that Nala will be just fine!!! She may be a little confused and first and you may find that she continues to do things for you, but it won't take her long to learn to put her paws up and let the youngster get on with it!! I suspect that it will be harder for you to adapt to working with another dog that it will be for her to adapt to retirement. I look forward to reading all about it!
Jackie
You know, I don't know why but I never thought about this process before. I hope Nala enjoys her retirement :) I like the idea of a dog retiring :)
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