Retired Service & Assistance Dogs Make Great Pets

She looked like she might tear your arm off in 2 seconds, but she was one of the sweetest dogs I ever met. A young German Shepherd, she was trained as a police dog because she would not bite anyone. She never graduated to active duty in a police department and was put up for adoption instead.

I helped my daughter-in-law one week end as she walked and fed this dog whose owners had gone away. On a walk, the dog heeled without being told, she stopped and sat at every road and looked both ways before venturing forth. She loved to play. I often thought that if I ever owned a dog I would find one that had been retired from a training program assisting someone who was visually or otherwise physically handicapped.

Guide Dogs of America say, “To be a successful guide dog, many factors including health and willingness to work come into play.  If a dog in our program does not meet all the proper criteria necessary to be a guide dog, they must be removed from the program.”

The waiting list to adopt a retired or what they call a “Career Change” Dog is less than the six year wait for a working guide dog to help with a disability.

They also recommend getting in touch with rescue organizations if you are interested dog adoption. Rescue dogs come with a whole set of issues, but can make great pets.

Other organizations that may help you locate a retired assistance dog:

Canine Companions

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

The Guide Dog Foundation

While you are waiting to adopt a dog, you might consider a Maine Warmers’ Dachshund. It will curl up on

Maine Warmers Cat and Dog microwave heating pads

your lap and keep you warm (if you microwave it for a minute and a half). There aren’t any vet bills to pay, no feeding, walking, dog hair, or picking up doggie doo-doo.

If you prefer cats, the same can be said for Maine Warmers’ Cozy Cat microwave heating pad.

Check out their other Comforting Creatures that provide comforting companionship for people with arthritis and other conditions that cause muscle or joint pain.