Retiring a Mobility Service Dog
The partnership between you and your Florida mobility service dog is based on trust, the willingness to work, ever present loyalty and lots of love. Knowing when your companion is reaching the age of retirement is not always easily recognizable because you are together 24 hours a day. It’s kind of like not noticing when someone in your family is losing weight – you see them every day and don’t notice the subtle changes. So how will you know when it’s time to start considering the reality of retiring a mobility service dog? Each assistance dog is different and as with humans, the age for retirement can vary greatly dependent on their mental acuity and physical condition. Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc. offers the following items to consider if you are worried your Florida mobility service dog is nearing retirement age:
- Has the veterinarian diagnosed your service dog with arthritis, cataracts, diabetes, or other age-related conditions and treatment doesn’t seem to improve the condition?
- Does your companion require way more sleep then he used to and is he slow moving when it’s time to go to work? He may no longer be able to keep up with your activity level.
- Do commands seem to be willfully ignored or are tasks only partially completed? Sadly this may be result of hearing loss or memory loss. He may not be able to understand your request.
- Does your service animal seem to be happy and still expresses a desire to please? Most service animals are enthusiastic workers. With tails wagging and a spring in their response they are eager to show what a great job they can do when given a command. If this desire seems to be fading away it may be time to ease the workload.
How do I prepare for a transition?
Typically an assistance dog will be able to provide the service he was trained for over a period of 6 – 8 years. Most organizations will require you to begin the application process again for your next service dog so you must plan accordingly. If your chosen provider has a 3 year waiting list you should consider applying when your current assistance dog is roughly 5 years old and so on.
If your instincts are telling you that something is “off” with your service dog trust them. However, before you make a decision that it’s time to think about retiring your companion ask both your vet and your trainer for an unbiased assessment of the dogs’ condition and behavior. Keep in mind that your mobility service dog has faithfully served you and will not understand if you suddenly stop working him. He still needs to feel useful and loved – so be sure to gradually reduce his tasks. When you receive your new assistance dog you should still allow your first dog to work for you by doing some of the easier tasks or accompanying you on some of the more fun outings.
I can’t imagine life without my current assistance dog – what happens with him?
This is the most difficult and emotional aspect of retiring your mobility service dog. Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc. and many other organizations will give clients the option of keeping their retiring dog. They have become an extension of you and are part of your family. There are other institutions that require clients to surrender their dogs as they are partnered with a new service animal – this is an important item to consider if you are just now selecting an organization for your first service dog.
In some cases the retiring mobility service dog may have to be rehomed. At Genesis, we will work to find the most suitable home possible. Typically one of the assistance dogs’ previous puppy raisers or a close family member or friend is willing to receive the retiree. If the client is either physically or financially unable to provide appropriate care for 2 animals this is the preferred scenario. If you make the decision that you must place your assistance dog with someone else, be confident in your decision and move forward expeditiously and share your intimate knowledge with the receiving family to help make the transition easier for your retiree.
Retiring your mobility service dog is not going to be easy for either of you. You want only what’s in his best interest and he still wants to please you. You will grieve the retirement of your dog and that is perfectly o.k.
If it’s your first assistance dog that’s retiring, expectations will be off the charts for the new recruit. The best advice here is to remember that each Florida mobility service dog is as unique as you are with his own strengths to share. You will learn to work with him, respect and love him just as much as his predecessor.
