Retired Service Dogs
I understand that most retired service dogs are German Shepherds, Golden
retrievers, Labs and a few Boxers. Has anyone had experience with these adoptions and how they might compare to an older rescue dog of the same breeds? Thanks Greta |
Greta wrote:
I understand that most retired service dogs are German Shepherds, Golden retrievers, Labs and a few Boxers. Has anyone had experience with these adoptions and how they might compare to an older rescue dog of the same breeds? Thanks Greta The big difference from your average house pet is that these dogs were always occupied with the job they were trained to do. So going into retirment is much like a busy person who suddenly doesn't have a job. Also, they were used to being with a person all the time, and now they may not be with someone all day. So you need to make sure that the pet is kept occupied when you are home, and spend a lot of time actively with the dog natalie -- What fresh hell is this? --- Dorothy Parker |
Natalie Rigertas wrote:
Greta wrote: I understand that most retired service dogs are German Shepherds, Golden retrievers, Labs and a few Boxers. Has anyone had experience with these adoptions and how they might compare to an older rescue dog of the same breeds? Thanks Greta The big difference from your average house pet is that these dogs were always occupied with the job they were trained to do. So going into retirment is much like a busy person who suddenly doesn't have a job. Also, they were used to being with a person all the time, and now they may not be with someone all day. So you need to make sure that the pet is kept occupied when you are home, and spend a lot of time actively with the dog natalie Thanks Natalie for your input. I am a retired active 74 years old. I lost my 13 year old Lab/Golden/Collie mix in December to liver cancer (age 13). Because of my age I hesitate to go the puppy route - doesn't seem fair to the dog - which lead me to explore the retired service or rescue route. Greta |
"Greta" wrote in message ... Thanks Natalie for your input. I am a retired active 74 years old. I lost my 13 year old Lab/Golden/Collie mix in December to liver cancer (age 13). Because of my age I hesitate to go the puppy route - doesn't seem fair to the dog - which lead me to explore the retired service or rescue route. from what i understand, many people keep their service dog until the dog is too unhealthy to work, or the dog dies. i don't think it's easy to find them retired. there are a lot of older dogs in rescue groups and shelters, many of which have known backgrounds. it might be easier to find an older dog in your area this way. try: http://www.petfinder.com/, and in the age search category, select "senior". good luck... -kelly |
Our rescue, Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, www.shepherdrescue.org takes
in senior GSDs on a pretty regular basis. Most of the older dogs are such wonderful creatures. We adopted a dog, (his name is Bandit) to a guy who told us on his application that the did not want to meet any dog that was less than 7 years old. He had always adopted older dogs in the past and it had always worked out fantastic for him. I wish we could clone that guy! Anyway, most rescues will try to make the right placement between you and the dog - we want to get the perfect match! We factor in the dog's personality, activity level, training, etc. and then try to find the new home that best suits the dog. We actually placed a dog that had been a retired stud dog for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He was beautifully trained and had a fantastic temperament. Yours in GSDs and rescue, Lea |
culprit wrote:
from what i understand, many people keep their service dog until the dog is too unhealthy to work, or the dog dies. i don't think it's easy to find them retired. This is very true. Many prefer to go without a second service dog (some organizations only let you have one dog in the home, this used to be very common, not as much now) while their current one is retired and living with them, instead of giving that dog up. natalie -- What fresh hell is this? --- Dorothy Parker |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:28 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.2.0 (Unauthorized Upgrade)
Dogbanter.com