I just spoke with a representative from Susquehanna Service Dogs yesterday afternoon and I will be traveling to Harrisburg sometime in September to look at several Labrador retrievers. I am excited about the possibility of getting a new service dog but also sad at the same time.
My current service dog Nala is 12 years old and not doing the best healthwise. There have been several times recently that I needed her assistance and she was unable to complete the task, which is very sad. She served me well the last 10 years, but it's becoming painfully obvious that I need a replacement service dog.
The next Labrador retriever to come into the house will have a very big harness to fill.... Nala was a great service dog, Susquehanna service dogs do a fantastic job training and preparing their dogs to assist individuals with disabilities. I only hope the next dog can live up to the legend of Nala.
If anyone would like to make a donation to Susquehanna Service Dogs you can do so online Here
9 comments:
I'm sure Nala will be sad too :(
On the property where I live, the dog is here to keep guard. He is a Marema (Italian Sheepdog) and is, like Nala, beginning to show signs of his age creeping up on him. He can no longer hear people coming along the driveway, and sometimes even fails to see them! He does, however, seem to get very upset with himself when he *fails* in his duties.
I don't know if/when we will be getting another dog, but we are lucky in that we can keep Rollo for the rest of his life. I am assuming that this is not the case for you, as your dog is a tool for you, not just a *pet*. Will Nala just go into doggy retirement with someone who does not require her services? Is there an agency to rehome ex-service dogs? I hope your new dog will be as devoted as Nala has been and that you are all three happy :)
kind regards to you :)
Nala will stay with me, she always has a place here.... thanks for the comment!
Nala has a devoted friend in you. Do you expect any problems when the new service dog arrives?
Thanks for the link and do enjoy the weekend.
I am glad you will be getting a new dog to assist you. Do you have to send Nala to become retrained to be a housepet, or does Nala just accept her lack of alpha position and settle into her new role.
Nala should be fine with another dog, she gets along well with other dogs and cats.
When she is not in harness she plays like any other lab.
Nala will be fine. I train Guide Dogs in the UK so have seen people go through your situation Greg. It's not easy and learning to work with another dog when you and Nala are so used to each other will be tough, but like everything it gets easier with time. I'm glad you're able to keep Nala in her retirement. She may be a little confused at first when you're working with another dog, but she'll soon be glad not to have to get out of bed when you need something! I hope one of the prospective dogs you're going to see works out for you.
So glad to hear that things are coming together for you with the dog. And. So glad that you will keep Nala!!!! my mother in law had a black lab, and while he wasn't a service dog, he certainly acted like a puppy even at the old age of 15 and was very loyal. I've neve been too keen on larger dogs, but he was a baby doll and I didn't mind him.
i'm so glad for both you and Nala that she gets to spend her retirement with you :)
I'm glad Nala can stay with you, that would be heartbreaking if she couldn't!
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