OT Hard day

[HVAC]

I had to make the decision to retire my service dog Polly. She is 13 she has been letting me know it is getting hard. She will still be my pet. It will be hard not having her to guide me with my double vision. My other two are not ready.

Alex

[kwarendorf]

I'm betting on Grady :-)

[HVAC]

Mikeysmom

I am not sure if either Grady or Fiona have what it takes. Polly was really smart and just knew I needed her and what to do. She was 5 when I got her so she was really well behaved and settled. Grady is trying. Only time will tell.Service dogs have a special something you can't train into them.

Alex

[bbassel]

Those dog are so loved. I am a kitty owner and she takes care of me in her own way. Such lucky dogs to have a mama like you. Big hugs!

[mikeysmom1995]

Hi Alex,  sorry to hear about Polly's retirement.  It sounds like she has been an awesome service companion.  

I am curious. Are you training both Grady and Fiona to be service dogs?
Baxter is just over a year and still has so much crazy in him. I don't know if I will ever be able to get him to the level of service dog. He is a handsome and loving goofball who brings our home so much joy.
I'm sure miss Polly will enjoy her retirement with you by her side.
HUGS barb

[HVAC]

I have two dogs. One is 4 years old who needs work. He is bigger which is good for support too. I am training him to pull me up from a seated position. Polly was for my double vision. I have trouble in stores or in any crowd. Grady I thought was a lab mix but he is a pure blooded lemon colored Foxhound.

I have another dalmatian puppy and she is too spunky yet. She is smart so I think when she is older. She is deaf like Polly. Deafness helped Polly because she did not react to things other dogs do. She could be in a room with hundreds of people or around construction with no stress to her. Polly was honored by the State Legislature for her work a few years back. She as all my dogs was a rescue. They put deaf dalmatians to sleep. They called me last year to take Fiona since I did so well with Polly.

My dogs have a good life. They have a big fenced yard. They sleep on the bed and get lots of attention.

Alex

[Joiedecour]

So sorry to hear this, Alex. But she is still with you, and that's awesome. What will you do in the interim about a service dog??
Hugs.

[4happygnomes]

So sorry to hear, what a tough position for both of you!  I'm sure Polly is just as heartbroken about not being there for you as you are to have to retire her.
  
So wonderful though that she can rest easy in your care and you can continue to enjoy each other's company.  

Karen

[karryon55]

Hi Alex,

That was a wonderful selfless thing to do to make the decision to retire Polly. You know it will be harder for you without her at your side but you are thinking of her welbeing.

She has a great mum who obviously cares a great deal about her and now you can spend your time spoiling her and thanking her for all she's given you.

I hope Fiona can catch up quickly but as she's so young this may be a huge ask?

Hugs,

Karry.

[Corriel]

Hi Alex, I am so sorry to hear that Polly has to step down from her duties but thankful she has such a loving and caring pet parent.

Hugs to you both,

Corrie

[davincidanes]

I am so sorry to hear this, Alex.  They are such a big part of our lives.  Even if she will no longer work hard for you, she will always help just by being there to love.  
Hugs,
Linda

[essdipity]

Alex, I can only imagine how hard this must be. Give Polly some extra scritches for me, and maybe a treat or two as well. I know only too well what it's like to have to retreat somewhat, in view of reality, from our beloved pets. I've always been glad that I spoiled them shamelessly when they got old.

Many hugs,
ess

[candy158]

I'm sorry Alex, I know you will make her time left into something lovely,

I have faith in you,
((hugs))
Candy