Retiring Nestle to a Life of Leisure
Usually, when I write for the PHC blog, I try and emphasize all the good things about working with a service dog – and there are many. I wouldn’t stop working guide dogs for anything in the world, but there is one aspect of partnering with a working dog that I will never enjoy…and that’s what I have to post about this time.
The thing is, dogs get older.
They do it much more quickly than humans do, and nobody has invented a magic anti-aging pill for them yet. What happens when a service dog gets older? Their person has to start planning for them to retire. Senior service dogs don’t get to join AARP, but they usually do get to stop working and live as fabulously spoiled pets.
Nestle, the best guide dog ever, is 8 years old now. She has started letting me know that now would be a good time for me to begin planning for a new canine partner, so she can live the life of a spoiled princess. I started noticing changes in her guide work in April, but I told myself that she was just having an off day every now and then. Or maybe she was bored. Or really any excuse I could come up with, so I wouldn’t have to come to terms with the fact that Nestle is getting older, and it would be time to plan for her successor.
Lately though, she wants to work when we first start out. But after a while she starts to get tired. She’s always been a fast dog, but that isn’t so much the case any longer. Also, her work isn’t quite as accurate as it once was, meaning that I find myself knowing far more than I’d like about where light poles and other obstacles are located! And as of about a week ago, we sometimes have to make stops on longer routes so Nestle can have a break. She used to be able to walk 4 or 5 miles without a problem, and still want to keep going. Now, I wouldn’t even attempt that kind of walk with her.
When Nestle does retire, she’ll get to live with some of my relatives. They adore her, and she loves them, so it should be a good fit for all involved. They also own their own business, so she’ll get to become the official mascot and greeter. Somehow, I don’t think she’ll mind that at all. I would love to keep her myself, but I plan on training another dog, and Nestle really is an only-dog kind of girl.
I have begun planning for my next furry partner, and I should be able to share details about him or her with you all in a few weeks. For now, the plan is to keep Nestle with me until I get the new dog. Then, she’ll get to do all the things working dogs can’t. It’s bitterweet.
Photo Credits: Feature image from megansgdbpups.blogspot.com/. Inset photo is Nestle on vacation with Shanna.
Tags: dog, healthcare, servicedogs, servicepets
Shanna, I am very touched by this post. Thank you so much for sharing this personal story with our PHC followers. I honestly did not think about this aspect of having a service animal. I think we all wish our pets would stay happy, healthy and active our entire lives. I am very glad to hear that Nestle will be able to stay in the family though, living the life of luxury. It is nice that you will still be able to see her once in a while. Do you think you will go with a particular breed for your next service dog? Do you have a dog in mind?
Thanks again for sharing, Shanna. I can imagine this post was not an easy one to write. Hang in there and best of luck with the new guy or gal. We cannot wait to hear about him or her.
Hi Nichole,
First, I”m so glad you liked the post. I didn”t want to sound like a depressed whiner, but retirement is something that has to be considered if one chooses to work an assistance dog.
Nestle will work for a little bit longer yet, although I”m limitting when I use her.
As to the new dog, I am choosing to work a German Shepherd the next time around. I have always wanted one in the worst way, and now I will hopefully get my chance. I am in the process of dog sellection, and am pretty sure I know how that”s going to work. I won”t know for sure though for another few weeks, so I don”t want to gynx anything. 🙂
Shanna, you do not sound like you are whining at all. It is an important aspect of having an assistance dog that a lot of people do not consider. I think this is a very important post.
How old is a guide dog in training typically? I know you will doing most of the training, but will the dog you get next have some already acquired skills?
I actually has a German Shepard when I was a kid. They are amazing dogs. I currently have a yellow lab. They train well, but he is a handful!
I hope Nestle is ok with the transition. I am sure she will miss you dearly.
Thanks for sharing Shanna. This is one aspect of service dogs that had never occurred to me.
I have a lump in my throat. You”ve described so well the reality of facing that ”letting go” moment and have increased my awareness of the significance of this for someone owning a guide dog. You”ve arranged a nice future for Nestle and I look forward to hearing about your new dog in the future.
You know, the funny thing is, Nestle will probably handle the transition much better than I will. She and my uncle have a serious mutual love affair going on. 😀 Me though, I will probably be a trainwreck. Having that new young dog will help though, because he/she will keep me really really busy.
The plan right now is that I”ll get a puppy from a breeder. She will start him/her for me..teach basic puppy things llike house-training, crate-training, and basic obedience. She will also do extensive socialization. I”ll get the puppy at around 6 months or so. The litter I”m hoping to get a pup from is pretty little yet, so it”s possible after all the temperament testing that there won”t be a good fit. I think it”ll work out, but with animals, things sometimes doen”t go the way we plan. 🙂
Oh, and I adore gSDs. I trained a few nice ones, fostered one in his retirement when I worked at GDB, and just love them. They”re a bit of a quirky breed at times, but if you get a nice one, I don”t think there”s anything better. Except Nestle, who is second to none.
Amazing post Shanna! Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
Excellent story, Shanna. Certainly an aspect none of us has ever considered. It is such a relief to know that Nestle will have a comfortable “forever home” and that you get to see her whenever you”d like. Would love to hear future updates about Nestle.
Don”t worry, you”ll still get updates on her. I”ll have her for a few more months as my working dog, and will make sure you guys know about how she does in her new home.
Please! We want to hear about it all. Thanks again, Shanna!
It is truly one of the hardest aspects of owning any dog – that their lives are so much shorter than ours. Your gesture shows you are strong and are considering what is not only best for you – but also what is best for Nestle. That takes courage and selflessness. I am sure there will be an adjustment period for both of you – but what a great life for Nestle – she has been able to do what a lot of dogs want to do and are not given the opportunity – to have a job. Now in her new adventure she can relax and enjoy retirement. She will have truly have been able to experience the best of both worlds. I am sure she will always have a little twinge of worry for you in her heart.
Thank you so much for letting us hear about your relationship, both the trials and triumphs. We are lucky to know you both!
Bittersweet is the perfect word Shanna! Nestle will be able to enjoy doggy retirement and you will make a new friend! Can””t wait to hear about your adventures with the new guide dog 🙂
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Shanna,
Moses and I are so glad that we were able to meet Nestle and you at the Sergeant”s ribbon cutting. Nestle is beautiful and so deserving of this next phase of her life. She has left big paw prints to fill! Looking forward to your upcoming news about her and about your new puppy. German Shepherds rock!
Thanks for the post Shanna! Good luck to you adjusting to your new dog. I agree, it is bittersweet.
Pam,
It was wonderful meeting you and Moses, as well! He”s such a nice dog!
Nestle does deserve her life of luxury..she”s currently passed out on the tile floor after an afternoon of sunbathing.
I can”t wait to tell you all about the new kid! I just have to make sure I”m getting the dog I think I am.
Give Mr. Moses some pets from me!
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i have a dog her name is vixie and i think of as my babe and i love her so much to me .
Dax was given to me about 3years ago. He suck has tail like a pacifier.