WDYT? Dog related

littlestjerry

My boss' guide dog is a 12 year old black lab. He's in ok health, I guess, but definitely seems old. It takes him literally 34 minutes to stand up from laying down because he's arthritic. He also randomly pants like he's run a mile, but he's just laying there, not exerting himself or anything.

His vet visits him at work and came by yesterday. My boss wasn't in the room and he asked me how the dog was doing. I told him about the above. He says the random panting indicates discomfort.

The vet came by again today to give him a steroid shot and my boss told him he's doing "pretty well." I feel like he's totally in denial. I get it, he's not just a pet, he's basically an appendage at this point. I would not want to acknowledge his impending end either if I were him.

My boss says he won't retire him because the dog would go crazy at home and wants to be around people.

What do you think? I tell him when the dog looks in pain, but I'm certainly not going to suggest the dog retire. Although that is my take on it. This isn't a WWYD because I'm not gonna do anything. Just wondering what other people think about the dog retiring as a working dog or not.

Eta: 3 to 4 minutes, not 34. How do you people not go crazy mobile bumping?

74dragonfly

Is he able to help your boss with the guide tasks?

littlestjerry

KKDRAGONFLY:

Is he able to help your boss with the guide tasks?

Haha, yeah, kinda. He's blind so that's what he uses him for. But Buddy kind of does what he wants. I mean he leads him, but he'll wander off to sniff trashcans and stuff. That's not related to his age though obviously.

RondackHiker

Guide dogs are technically usually owned by the organization that trained them.

If you're really concerned, you could notify them. They should help him get a new dog if he wants and adjust.

Guide dogs do often struggle to adjust to retirement at first, but they can do it. It sounds like this dog needs to.

littlestjerry

Packerfan79:

Personally, I'd get a new guide dog and let the one who has been by my side for 12 years live the last few months or years of his life as a dog and not a working dog. But I guess this guy hasn't discussed an end of life plan with his vet. His vet should bring it up though.

That's definitely my opinion, as well as the opinion of everyone we work with. He would absolutely keep him at his home, not give him away or anything.

I just wonder if there's truth to the idea that the dog would be miserable at home, not working. He likes people, yes, because they give him food. He has a "girlfriend" here (a clerk) who gives him treats, and he definitely acts happy when she's around. But, I feel bad for him now knowing that all that panting means he's not comfortable.

It's not my boss being mean, he definitely loves the dog a lot. I really think he's in some serious denial, although this is his third working dog so he's lost others before.

I've heard his vet tell him "If I get 10 years out of a big dog, I count every day after that 10 years as a bonus." So, he definitely implies that Buddy could die soon.

And doesn't he have to train a new dog? I feel like his wife should be pushing him to retire him since she has less of an emotional connection to the dog.

GrayGhost13

Did he work with a service dog organization for the dog's training and placement or train the dog himself? If he was working with an organization they might have a process in place for dealing with these situations. At the very least, it would be wise for him to get on the waiting list soon for his next dog and maybe the organization has someone he can talk to. From what I understand, it's not uncommon for a service dog to "retire" but it's a pretty personal decision for both dog and handler.

It's too bad his vet hasn't said something. I think he might be more apt to listen to and appreciate that advice from his vet, versus someone else in his life.

74dragonfly

Little Jerry:

KKDRAGONFLY:

Is he able to help your boss with the guide tasks?

Haha, yeah, kinda. He's blind so that's what he uses him for. But Buddy kind of does what he wants. I mean he leads him, but he'll wander off to sniff trashcans and stuff. That's not related to his age though obviously.

it is hard to ackwoledge when your animal is in pain or getting old. hopefully the dog won't suffer. 12 is old for a lab.

littlestjerry

GrayGhost13:

Did he work with a service dog organization for the dog's training and placement or train the dog himself? If he was working with an organization they might have a process in place for dealing with these situations. At the very least, it would be wise for him to get on the waiting list soon for his next dog and maybe the organization has someone he can talk to. From what I understand, it's not uncommon for a service dog to "retire" but it's a pretty personal decision for both dog and handler.

It's too bad his vet hasn't said something. I think he might be more apt to listen to and appreciate that advice from his vet, versus someone else in his life.

I believe from a service dog organization in Georgia.

I would guess it takes awhile to get a new dog set up, but I'm pretty positive he hasn't started down that track. I'm always scared I'm gonna look down and the dog will have stopped breathing or something.

michaels_girl

is putting the dog on a pain medicine not an option, whether he stays working or not?  my 10 year old boxer/saint mix has arthritis and hip dysplasia, and is on a daily pain med.  she's acting like she's 5 years old again.

RondackHiker

Little Jerry:

Packerfan79:

Personally, I'd get a new guide dog and let the one who has been by my side for 12 years live the last few months or years of his life as a dog and not a working dog. But I guess this guy hasn't discussed an end of life plan with his vet. His vet should bring it up though.

That's definitely my opinion, as well as the opinion of everyone we work with. He would absolutely keep him at his home, not give him away or anything.

I just wonder if there's truth to the idea that the dog would be miserable at home, not working. He likes people, yes, because they give him food. He has a "girlfriend" here (a clerk) who gives him treats, and he definitely acts happy when she's around. But, I feel bad for him now knowing that all that panting means he's not comfortable.

It's not my boss being mean, he definitely loves the dog a lot. I really think he's in some serious denial, although this is his third working dog so he's lost others before.

I've heard his vet tell him "If I get 10 years out of a big dog, I count every day after that 10 years as a bonus." So, he definitely implies that Buddy could die soon.

And doesn't he have to train a new dog? I feel like his wife should be pushing him to retire him since she has less of an emotional connection to the dog.

That depends. The place I raised for did all the training. New handlers would come for three weeks to learn the ropes and be matched. Experienced ones would come for a week and leave with their new dog.

They need to maintain training, which it doesn't sound like he does.

And yes he'd struggle at home. He's used to going everywhere with his owner and used to helping his owner. Guide dogs tend to take their job seriously.

littlestjerry

michaels_girl:

is putting the dog on a pain medicine not an option, whether he stays working or not?  my 10 year old boxer/saint mix has arthritis and hip dysplasia, and is on a daily pain med.  she's acting like she's 5 years old again.

He takes several pills daily (his girlfriend at work gives them to him), but I don't know what they are.

GrayGhost13

Little Jerry:

I'm always scared I'm gonna look down and the dog will have stopped breathing or something.

Aww  It sounds morbid, but I understand what you mean. My 13 yo dog sometimes sleeps with his eyes open and sometimes with his tongue out too. I am constantly checking to see if he's still breathing. It freaks me out.

michaels_girl

Little Jerry:

michaels_girl:

is putting the dog on a pain medicine not an option, whether he stays working or not?  my 10 year old boxer/saint mix has arthritis and hip dysplasia, and is on a daily pain med.  she's acting like she's 5 years old again.

He takes several pills daily (his girlfriend at work gives them to him), but I don't know what they are.

i would assume at least one of them is a pain med, then.  there is a liquid nsaid that can be given in conjunction if the pills aren't cutting it, which it sounds like they might not be.  but given it's a nsaid it's not compatible with a lot of breeds and can cause liver/kidney/etc.. problems.  poor guy (s). 

littlestjerry

RondackHiker:

Little Jerry:

Packerfan79:

Personally, I'd get a new guide dog and let the one who has been by my side for 12 years live the last few months or years of his life as a dog and not a working dog. But I guess this guy hasn't discussed an end of life plan with his vet. His vet should bring it up though.

That's definitely my opinion, as well as the opinion of everyone we work with. He would absolutely keep him at his home, not give him away or anything.

I just wonder if there's truth to the idea that the dog would be miserable at home, not working. He likes people, yes, because they give him food. He has a "girlfriend" here (a clerk) who gives him treats, and he definitely acts happy when she's around. But, I feel bad for him now knowing that all that panting means he's not comfortable.

It's not my boss being mean, he definitely loves the dog a lot. I really think he's in some serious denial, although this is his third working dog so he's lost others before.

I've heard his vet tell him "If I get 10 years out of a big dog, I count every day after that 10 years as a bonus." So, he definitely implies that Buddy could die soon.

And doesn't he have to train a new dog? I feel like his wife should be pushing him to retire him since she has less of an emotional connection to the dog.

That depends. The place I raised for did all the training. New handlers would come for three weeks to learn the ropes and be matched. Experienced ones would come for a week and leave with their new dog. They need to maintain training, which it doesn't sound like he does. And yes he'd struggle at home. He's used to going everywhere with his owner and used to helping his owner. Guide dogs tend to take their job seriously.

That makes me feel a little better.

One time we went to a school for him to read to the students, a few of whom were blind. Those blind kids absolutely loved him. His wife came too and mentioned letting Buddy come to the school a few days a week to hang out when he retired so he wouldn't have to always be at home. I was like "OH YES, WHAT A GREAT IDEA, HE WOULD LOVE THAT." But nothing ever came of it.

littlestjerry

uconnhuskie007:

Little Jerry:

Packerfan79:

Personally, I'd get a new guide dog and let the one who has been by my side for 12 years live the last few months or years of his life as a dog and not a working dog. But I guess this guy hasn't discussed an end of life plan with his vet. His vet should bring it up though.

That's definitely my opinion, as well as the opinion of everyone we work with. He would absolutely keep him at his home, not give him away or anything.

I just wonder if there's truth to the idea that the dog would be miserable at home, not working. He likes people, yes, because they give him food. He has a "girlfriend" here (a clerk) who gives him treats, and he definitely acts happy when she's around. But, I feel bad for him now knowing that all that panting means he's not comfortable.

It's not my boss being mean, he definitely loves the dog a lot. I really think he's in some serious denial, although this is his third working dog so he's lost others before.

I've heard his vet tell him "If I get 10 years out of a big dog, I count every day after that 10 years as a bonus." So, he definitely implies that Buddy could die soon.

And doesn't he have to train a new dog? I feel like his wife should be pushing him to retire him since she has less of an emotional connection to the dog.

He'd probably be panting and uncomfortable whether he was at home or at work. To be honest, its his dog, working or not, and he clearly loves him. I dont think his situation with his service dog is even a little bit of your business. This guy is so far from abusing his dog. And I agree with him that the dog would be much happier with him than home alone. I vote butt out and let the dog live the rest of his life by his owners side.

I just knew someone would tell me to butt out, even though I specifically said I wasn't planning on doing anything about it.

Also never even danced around the idea that he was abusing his dog.

Was just wondering what other people thought. JFC.

littlestjerry

uconnhuskie007:

Little Jerry:

uconnhuskie007:

Little Jerry:

Packerfan79:

Personally, I'd get a new guide dog and let the one who has been by my side for 12 years live the last few months or years of his life as a dog and not a working dog. But I guess this guy hasn't discussed an end of life plan with his vet. His vet should bring it up though.

That's definitely my opinion, as well as the opinion of everyone we work with. He would absolutely keep him at his home, not give him away or anything.

I just wonder if there's truth to the idea that the dog would be miserable at home, not working. He likes people, yes, because they give him food. He has a "girlfriend" here (a clerk) who gives him treats, and he definitely acts happy when she's around. But, I feel bad for him now knowing that all that panting means he's not comfortable.

It's not my boss being mean, he definitely loves the dog a lot. I really think he's in some serious denial, although this is his third working dog so he's lost others before.

I've heard his vet tell him "If I get 10 years out of a big dog, I count every day after that 10 years as a bonus." So, he definitely implies that Buddy could die soon.

And doesn't he have to train a new dog? I feel like his wife should be pushing him to retire him since she has less of an emotional connection to the dog.

He'd probably be panting and uncomfortable whether he was at home or at work. To be honest, its his dog, working or not, and he clearly loves him. I dont think his situation with his service dog is even a little bit of your business. This guy is so far from abusing his dog. And I agree with him that the dog would be much happier with him than home alone. I vote butt out and let the dog live the rest of his life by his owners side.

I just knew someone would tell me to butt out, even though I specifically said I wasn't planning on doing anything about it.

Also never even danced around the idea that he was abusing his dog.

Was just wondering what other people thought. JFC.

oh lordy, i disagree and you get all JFC? mkay. Im telling you what i think - which is what you asked for. but anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy....I *think* you should leave the poor puppy alone. Do you have a dog? Dogs love their people, til the bitter end. I think its his owners right to spend his last days, weeks and or months with him.

I'm not doing anything to the poor puppy. I spend all day with the dog. I drive him around town often. I get him water and give him biscuits and take him on walks. I feel close to the dog, so I do feel like I have the right to care about him.

I do have a dog, and if this were my dog, I would feel distress at the panting and the way he limps around/can't get up. But I do see your point that he would do that at home too. Of course, he wouldn't spend half the day walking around if he were at home.

littlestjerry

uconnhuskie007:

Packerfan79:

UCONN, I really think you need to chill out. This post isnt really that important, ya know?

  but man it really grinds my gears when someone's all "WDYT?" and then you tell them what you think and theyre all JFC.  I digress...

But MYOB is just frustrating when I stated originally that I am minding my own business. I could answer half the posts on this board with MYOB, but then the threads wouldn't be very interesting.

Obviously, you disagree with me that he should retire, which I did not "JFC" about. In fact, I think you had a fair point that the dog will be old whether he's old at work or old at home.

lollitots

I am confused. Most guide dogs are retired while still pretty young (younger than that!). Then they either go to their puppy raiser or another family (my parents had my cousins old guide dog, and yes, it didn't like being alone at all). An older dog with health problems isn't an effective guide dog. Usually the organization that they got the dog through keeps track and in touch with the user. I understand why he doesn't want to give up the dog. Getting a new match can take time and then they have to go to training. However, it is a safety thing to have a healthy dog in this case. Poor puppy, he should have a nice retirement.