January 17th, 2022: How do you know if your guide dog is ready to retire?

Roxy and I walked out together from Pilot Dogs Inc located in Columbus Ohio on March 2016. The first day of us being a dynamic duo of independence. Roxy was a young pup filled with guide dog knowledge , fresh with graduating "guide school" and getting her "degree" so to speak. Dogs go through a cool process of becoming a guide dog and not all make it to the end. But Roxy did and we were matched up that winter to be a team.

With her training and me learning, she has guided me through airports, we have traveled on planes to different states/cities, she has guided me in buildings, through neighborhoods, from curb to curb safety and without being distracted. We created a bond that is so strong. She is an extension of me.

We have done public speaking events together, managed project teams and go to happy hour. We have went to museums, restaurants, to work together. We have rode public transportation together and so many adventures.

We have worked together so well, she knows my breathe, when I am nervous, when I am excited or scared. Her strength and purpose to move forward with out fear rubbed off on me and made me face many things from the outside world without fear. Roxy also senses when I am overloaded by senses and when to get me out of a situation to decompress.

So when the thoughts of retirement came up if was because Roxy gave me signs. There is no real timeframe of how long a guide dog can work.....it is through communication that we both decide it is time to hang up the harness.

WHAT SIGNS DID ROXY GIVE THAT SHE IS READY FOR RETIREMENT LIFE?

It is subtle signs. She is still excellent with following commands and navigating anywhere but her older body does not get up as fast as she used too. Her gait is not as fast as it used to be and her pull on the harness to drive me forward is not as powerful. Her beautiful gait is slow and purposeful but she can no longer walk in a faster pace. Labradors are known as they get older to have issues with joints and their hips. Roxy is no exception, she is going to be 8 years old this year; thats like 55 years old in people years.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ROXY'S HARNESS AND GUIDE DOG LICENSE?

I do not own the harness and equipment that belongs to the school, so I return it. And they use it for the next future classes that come in for training since the leather is now buttery soft and beaten from consist use. Roxy's license will no longer be valid and she will have to register every year for a dog license like everyone else. With that she will lose the privilege to enter buildings, hotels, etc because she will no longer have the title of guide dog.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ROXY?

Some visually impaired/blind individuals have to return their retired guide dog to the school due to their apartment does not allow pets. I am lucky. I own a small little house in Franklinton, she she will live out the rest of her days with her

family.

WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME?

We are going to slowly transition in 2022 to wean her off the harness. She does not work as often as she used too. So she will work on the harness on occasion but I have been using my white cane a lot more and by the end of this year Roxy will be fully retired.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR US?

She will continue to enjoy life as usual when she is off the harness now. Lots of trips to the beach, lots of treats and good good. Lots of cuddles and sleeping in. Lots of hikes, doggies parks, making new friends and memories. We are going to throw her a huge retirement party at a doggie park and invite all her doggie friends.

WILL I GET A NEW GUIDE DOG?

I am not sure, I have time to think about it. Roxy is one of a kind and maybe that is it or maybe not. Only time will tell.