# first guide retired .should i get a second?

Category: Animal House

## Post 1 by gizmobear (move over school!) on Wednesday, 24-Aug-2016 23:12:06

i am perplexed, sentimental, and at times tearful. one day my first guide dog Sparky will pass. he is ten. in good health. he may surprise me and out live me! *giggles* my cane skills need honing. my space is a small one. dont have a back yar so they can both run around. instead it will be me plus two dogs. i am contemplating applying for a second dog. what do you guys think? am i being unfare to my sparky? will there be jealousy? hurt feelings? who do i take out first? the new dog, or sparky? who eats first? what if....? thank you in advance.

## Post 2 by Nicky (And I aprove this message.) on Thursday, 25-Aug-2016 4:26:22

this is something I think all of us asks ourselves. Some longer than others.
I have had and seen others with more than one dog in the house. I know that sometimes they believe that who ever is feed and taken out first is the big boss so with that one, you might just switch it up or who ever is ready first.
Feed one while you take the other out and switch them.
I have my first still and have not had a second yet so others will be better at this next part than I would ever be until I go threw it.
I am sure your dog is going to have some things to get use to when you start taking a second dog out and leaving him at home.
I am planning myself to get a small standard poodle a few months before my dog retires and let her get use to this new companion dog. Then when it is a good time, go get a second guide dog.
I then will have three dogs in the house and I have pet sat and know I am able to do this. I also grew up with lots of dogs in the house.
I want a companion dog for my dog to have to play with so I don't feel so guilty leaving herhome when I go places.
But this is my plan.
I am saving up money to get the dog. I am going to get it threw a rescueorganization and have them house train the dog. I have already spoken with them about it since I see them often at the dog store.
I am also saving up for the cost of having so many dogs to feed, groom and so on.
I think this is a great question to ask and can't wait to see some responses.

## Post 3 by gizmobear (move over school!) on Thursday, 25-Aug-2016 14:11:09

thank you for shareing. didnt think of another bud, or pal pup to chill out with sparky. will medatate over it. thanks again! gizmo

## Post 4 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Thursday, 25-Aug-2016 14:52:37

When I retired my Digby, I had many of the same fears. Honestly, I think I was far more concerned about it than the dog. Sure, when I would get the harness out to take the new guide for a spin, Digby would run to the door. He adjusted quickly though and after a few times, would just stay contentedly lying on the coutch when the harness would come out. At the time I was married to another guide dog handler so maybe the fact that Digby had already seen some dog transitions helped. I'm no dog psychologist though so I really couldn't say.
I struggled way more than the dog. When I picked up the harness for my new guide, I quickly came to appreciate the bond that Digby and I had formed. The new guide and I had to work out our kinks and jell together. That was my challenge.
Now that I haven't used a dog in almost 5 years, I'm in a place where I am once again in need of a guide dog and will have places to take him or her. I also think that enough time has passed that I'll more easily adjust to a new 4-legged friend at the end of the harness handle.
All this to say, it really depends on the dog and the handler. Each of us is different so what might be true for one might not be so for the other. Good luck.

## Post 5 by VioletBlue (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Thursday, 25-Aug-2016 16:27:57

I have my third guide now, but haven't gotten a new guide while the current one is still with me, however, having been on guide dog lists over the years, I think most dogs adapt well, and more quickly than their handlers do, and better than the handlers assume they will. Your pup will be fine; just continue giving him the attention he's used to from you, play, cuddle, talk to him often.
You should also be able to feed them at the same time, if you choose. Have them sit, and put the dishes down, and then give whatever release command you use.
I've had two guides in the house for the best part of 20 years now (mine, and my partner's dog, and this has never been a problem. I think it's better to feed them simultaneously, actually, otherwise one feels he's being left out, even if he ate just five minutes before! LOL
Good luck, and I hope your dog is in good health, for a long time yet.

## Post 6 by gizmobear (move over school!) on Thursday, 25-Aug-2016 17:16:44

ladies thank you so much for the feedback. i can honestly say i, me, am the most concern about my sparky! thus far i have gotten some great p.o.v.. again, thanks!

## Post 7 by Nicky (And I aprove this message.) on Friday, 26-Aug-2016 0:48:09

Something else to think about. Your dog just might be glad they don't have to go with you anymore. Maybe they want to stay home. It could be a weight off their backs to just chill for a change. I would suggest taking them out for a walk or something fun every so often. You can easily walk one dog and work the other.
I got familiar enough with my surroundings I was able to walk both dogs and even a third all on leash and not use a cane or harness.

## Post 8 by VioletBlue (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Friday, 26-Aug-2016 1:20:41

Nicky's suggestion is a great one, because unless there's some health reason not to do so, they still like to get out of the house.
My first girl made it clear she was ready to retire, just sat down when I put her harness on one day, and obviously did not want to work anymore, but she did still love going places on leash. I took her lots of places, even on the bus, just on leash, so she still had that stimulation, just without the pressure of having to guide me. Of course, officially, don't do that! LOL Just walks around your neighborhood, but really, do what feels safe and comfortable for yourself and your puppy. They give plenty of little clues as to what they want.

## Post 9 by gizmobear (move over school!) on Sunday, 28-Aug-2016 12:46:37

well, i take sparky out with me to almost all places! i have a "working dog" vest. so, this way i dont get any negative remarks. he does sleep lots, but still loves to be social! enjoys going out still. did, when you were ready for your second or third dog reapply to the same school?

## Post 10 by VioletBlue (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Sunday, 28-Aug-2016 14:28:46

Yes, all three pups have been from the same school; it wasn't out of loyalty, especially, more the convenience. GEB in New York. I've been satisfied with my experience in each class, and with my dogs, so saw no reason to go anywhere else. And with subsequent dogs, there's less paperwork needed, so I didn't bother to apply to other schools.

## Post 11 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 28-Aug-2016 14:39:42

I got my successor dogs from the same school, GDB. I was considering SouthEastern in Florda for my next dog but after speaking with them, I've decided to return to GDB.

## Post 12 by SearsDiaz (Generic Zoner) on Sunday, 28-Aug-2016 18:31:27

Hello,
I also will be retiring mine next Aug. or shortly there after when he turns 9. I definitely am reading and paying attention to what people are saying here. I really want another dog but just can't imagine having a new one and my sweet boy here too. I think it will hurt him to see me with a new partner. Yes I am emotional.