
Saying Goodbye to Nestle
Hello again, PHC friends! This post is really difficult for me to write, but I want to keep you updated on my adventures with Nestle, my guide dog for the past seven years.
As much as I wish otherwise, the time has come for Nestle to officially retire from service and live as a ridiculously spoiled pet. I love her more than I can adequately express, but Nestle has no interest in being a guide dog as she ages, which is not uncommon. She’ll do it for me because she’s a good girl, but she doesn’t enjoy working any longer. I mean…she couldn’t be any clearer about that if she told me in words. As a dog trainer, I could probably force her to keep working if I really wanted to. Except she’s given me seven years of excellent service, and I think it would be incredibly selfish of me to do that to her.
So tomorrow, Nestle will go live with her new retirement family. She’ll be an only dog, and her new humans absolutely adore her. As a retiree, she’ll get to do things she couldn’t when working. She’ll get to sleep on the couch, flirt outrageously with everyone and, best of all for a Labrador, enjoy way too many treats. She’ll be an only dog, which is just perfect for her—nobody else to share the love with, and she’ll even have little kids to play with once in a while! Best of all for me, she’ll still be in my family, so I’ll get to see her from time to time. Not too often at first because it’s too hard for me, but I’ll still be able to get my Nestle snuggles in now and then.
More good news for me is that, later this month, I’ll be starting with a new, young dog. It will be an adjustment, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. She’s a German Shepherd from a very prominent breeder on the East Coast. She’s still fairly young, but she tries hard, has a very lovely temperament and wants a job, so I think we’ll get along nicely.
Because I’m just that sadistic, I think I’ll wait to officially introduce her to you until I pick her up from the breeder. That happens in about two weeks, so I’ll give you all the details about her when I have her. So please be sure to check in on the PHC blog!
Meanwhile, I’ll have a bit of time to process Nestle’s retirement, which – trust me – is better for everybody. I have a quick trip planned, and oh yeah, I’m moving, so I need to get more familiar with my new neighborhood before I introduce a new dog into the equation.
Nestle will probably make the transition better than I will. I hope she does. She’s been the best guide dog ever, and she deserves to retire while she has time to enjoy it.
Tags: dog, Index, pettherapy, therapypets, thereapydogs
I was afraid to read this post, thought it was going to be sad. But this is wonderful! I am so happy for Nestle. She earned her retirement. I just retired so I know how she feels. You Go Girl!
Not as sad as I thought. I understand your loss but she is still alive and well – that is important. You gave her a wonderful seven years – and she, you. I know it will be hard for both of you but she has new and exciting adventures ahead as do you and your GSD when you get her. Best of everything to all of you!!!
How generous of you to let Nestle enjoy some retirement while she’s still able bodied enough to do that. I know it will be very difficult for both of you, but it’s wonderful that you will get to hear all about her new adventures and eventually get to spend more time visiting her.
My grandpuppy (Mya) was only with me for 2 1/2 months this summer, but it was one of the hardest goodbyes I’ve had in a very long time when she went back to school with our daughter.
Good luck with your new sweet service buddy. Looking forward to hearing about your relationship.
Jill, Bo, Blizz & Mya
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It’s amazing how unselfish you are. I can’t wait to hear about your new service dog!
I kind of know how you feel. My step-dad is blind and when it is time to retire his guides, I have a hard time!!! It is amazing the bond between person and animal, the trust and love. I know I don’t need to tell you, but stay strong and plow ahead, Nestle has helped you become who you are today!! I Salute her!! HAPPY RETIREMENT NESTLE!!!
Saying Goodbye to Nestle | Pet Health Central Blog http://t.co/kkqu8A2h #dogs #animals #servicedog #guidedog
Oh, Shanna, what a wonderful gift you have been given and now, you are paying it forward! I can’t imagine how hard it must be to give up your working partner and friend, but it’s wonderful to know that Nestle will have a lovely retirement AND you’ll still be able to see her! We look forward to seeing new stories about your new dog. I hope I’ll get a chance to meet her!
I know I told you in an email how much I love this post, but I will tell you again. Thank you so much for sharing this touching moment with us. We can’t wait to hear about the new puppy though. Give Nestle a big hug for us! ~Nichole
I was scared to read this because I thought it would make me cry. Well, it did, but in a good way :>)
I know Nestle will need to process her retirement too, but in a happy, Labradorian kind of way.
I hope the new pup is great. But then again, all dogs are pretty terrific!
You are a good person knowing when to let her go and enjoy her retirement. I hope Nestle has the best retirement in the world! She deserves it. Good luck on the new pup.
New adventures for you both.You were a great team.
God Bless you and Nestle! I am glad she is getting to retire and kick back (on the sofa too!) She certainly deserves this time, such a loyal and hardworking girl. Prayers for you both
I said goodbye two weeks ago to my own service dog; Little Bit, of nine years. I know your pain and am here for you if you need to talk.