# Any guide dog retrains out there? I need a little advice.

Category: Animal House

## Post 1 by Songbird83 (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Saturday, 21-Mar-2009 20:00:25

Hey all,
Well, it's time for me to get a new guide dog, and I'm a little frustrated. I love my dog to pieces, but I think he just wants to be a dog, which is ok, since he's almost 10 now. But all the time we spent together is something I'll charish forever. Anyway, I need advice on something. I already filled out the application to Seeing Eye, and I'm going to get the medical form delt with to, but I'm living in an apartment building, and I obviously can't keep him here. So what do I do? I know my parents want him, but I won't be able to see him that much since I'm in Minnesota and they're in Ohio. I told my Mom last night that I'm retiring him, and she said you know we'd take him in a second, but I'll support you on whatever decision you make. I was glad she said that. I'm just torn on, do I find someone here that can take care of him and I can see him more often, or do I send him to my family and they can take him. I asked an instructor at Seeing Eye if my parents could come and get him when I fly there to get my new dog, since it would be very hard for my parents to drive to Minnesota from Ohio and get him, when they can get him in half the time to drive to New Jersey. I just want to make it easier on them if giving him to them is a better idea. She said yes, but he has to leave on the day you arrive, and that's ok with me. And I have to buy all kinds of new dog things to, and give whoever takes Vernon, his bed and toys and bowls and all that, so he has familiar things and he doesn't feel abandoned, I hope. That's the other thing I'm worried about. I don't wanna just drop him off and not see him, and abandon him. I love him and even though people say that dogs don't have feelings, i think somehow, they do. And the other thing is, how different is it when you retire a dog. I know when they're a guide, you have to follow rules and all that and be kind of strict if you want your dog to behave correctly in public and at home to. But I mean, I guess I'm nervous since he's in really good health, that people will just feed him whatever they want, and I don't want him getting sick or anything. I guess it's so hard to know who's the right one to take care of the dog since I've had him for 8 years, and it was just me who took care of him, and not anyone else. So I'm kind of particular. But I guess I shouldn't be. Anyway, if anyone else has run into the same problems, please reply and let me know what I should do? He's my first dog, so maybe this is why I need help, but if someone can help me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

## Post 2 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 22-Mar-2009 0:18:13

Hello, I can offer my thoughts. I haven't had to give up a dog, but I have retired one.
I think it is absolutely ok to be particular. That bond between guide dog and human is so special and often intense.
Me personally, I would want his caregivers to give him all the freedoms of retirement and keep up expectations. Stick with some of the rules, good behavior, and strict about food intake.
I defintely got more lax with Darby's retirement, but I kept up the basics. I expected him to be a good boy and I didn't let him eat everything in sight. I expected the same out of his human company.
Maybe some things to think about...
What feels best for Vernon? Will your folks be at home much of the time or bring him along to work or something?
How does it feel when you think of your folks taking care of him? Will they help him be a spoiled but healthy retired boy? *smile* Sure give him a bite of steak every so often but not a daily occurance.
How about the closer to home option... Is Vernon close to anyone in particular? Is there anyone you can think of near you, and you think, awww, they'll take good care of my boy.
*Smile,* I hope this helps. It is just some of the thoughts I'd have. It sort of makes me smile, that your dog is healthy but done working. He'll be young and healthy enough to enjoy retirement.
Maybe you can write more once you are in class or after you graduate. I'm feeling ready to go for my second dog, but I'm nervous at the idea.
I hope I've been of some help. This can be a difficult and sensitive topic to talk about.

## Post 3 by Songbird83 (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Sunday, 22-Mar-2009 5:45:39

Thank you for your response. Well I think my parents will spoil the hell out of him personally lol. I'm not sure of what all they'll do, but I was going to try and enforce some rules on them when they get him, if that. But I don't know anyone here who'd take him unfortunately. A friend of mine said that I could post something on the board at the pet store and see if some nice people would be able to take him and I could see him more often. She's sighted, and she said that if I wanted she could be with me when I meet people if anyone's interested, she can offer me her oppinions on them since she can see their expressions and all that, and help me judge. She's very honest and sweet, and I don't think she'd do me wrong either, but oh I'm not sure. I should enforce the same rules on them as I would my parents, and have them pay me $50 for him and I can just pay Seeing Eye the money, since that's what I owe them anyway to get a new dog. But I dunno. So much to think about. I just want to do the right thing. I think it'll be easier once I'm in a house someday and I can keep the dog and all that, but sadly, I don't think Vernon would be alive then. But anyway, it's always the hardest, giving up your first dog and trying to make all these decisions that you've never had to make before, I know that already. So if anyone has any more info or advice, please write. I appreciate your help.

## Post 4 by SingerOfSongs (Heresy and apostasy is how progress is made.) on Sunday, 22-Mar-2009 9:30:56

I'd suggest not giving them to anyone you don't know well. There're just too many variables, and you wouldn't want to give the dog to someone that you couldn't be sure that they'd treat him right.
Personally I gave mine to my parents. They live a long ways away, but at least I get to see him sometimes, and I know they love him. If you decide for some reason that they aren't the right place for him, and you don't have anyone else to take him, I'm pretty sure SE has a placement program for retired dogs. (I don't know the specifics of how SE does theirs as I'm a gdb grad, but I'm certain they do have a system for it.)
Hope that helps some.

## Post 5 by MizAngie (Veteran Zoner) on Thursday, 26-Mar-2009 18:01:09

Hi I retired my last dog a few years ago after 8 years of service. i gave him to one of my good friends. They took wonderful care of him and kept him until he passed away. I was so happy that he was with someone who loved him as much as I did, and after I gave him to them, they joined the lion's club. I am sure you will make the best descision for your dog.
Blessings,
Angie

## Post 6 by Songbird83 (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Thursday, 26-Mar-2009 18:08:02

Well, I have made a decision. I'm sending him to my parents. I talked to my mom and she knows about the whole food thing not to give him many table scraps and all that. It sounds like they'll take good care of him, and my dad is retiring next march, so he'll be a good companion for him and my mom. I'm going in August. I got the date yesterday in an e-mail. Now all I have to do is get the medical part done with. Thank you to all that have replied to me, and if anyone still wants to, you are more than welcome and I'll read. But I'm glad that it's all over with, this decision was not easy, but at least the stress of it all is gone. If anyone knows of anyone who's going to Seeing Eye in August, let me know lol. But thanks again for your help.