Daisy has been withdrawn.......Riggs is in training
A while ago I told you about Guide Dog Puppy Daisy that we took under our wing as her current Puppy Raisers could not keep her anymore. Well, we received some bad news recently. After doing scans and x-rays (They do this on all Puppies) it has come to light that she will most likely suffer from Hip Dysplasia. Even though she is still OK now, she will have to go on a Special Diet going forward to try and minimize the effect.
This does however mean she will not be able to continue with the Guide Dog Training Program. She would have been a great Guide Dog and have really crept into our hearts this short time while we had her. Unfortunately we cannot keep her so she is going to spend the rest of her life as a loved pet with another family.
They already have met Daisy and absolutely adore her. She will also have other dogs to play with and the 2 girls in the family will probably spoil her rotten. This family has also done Puppy Raising previously so they know what it is all about.
But, don't worry. Daisy doesn't just get shipped off and forgotten about. The Guide Dog organisation will keep tabs on her and if she is mistreated or even get overweight, they will take her back.
Daisy and Riggs
In other news, Riggs has started his official training as a Guide Dog and we only have him over weekends during this time. Training will take about 6 months and then he graduates. He is doing so well and we are very proud of him. Definitely Head Boy material!
Oh sweet man. I'm sure you're very proud of your pup. Sorry to hear about Daisy 's hip displaysia. I'm sure she would still be a great companion.
Do dogs that fail training/ health inspection ( sorry can't think if the right term now) ever become service dogs in a different field, like emotional support dogs/ epilepsy dogs? Or does that still put too much of a strain on them?
If it is due to medical reason then no, they don't move on to another career. Mainly due to the distraction that the medical condition might cause for the dog, so the dog can't focus on its task. Also, it is likely that Daisy at some point might have to have surgery which means she will be out of "service" for quite a while. This makes it difficult for them to get back into it.
Non medical reasons for withdrawal from the program would be things like Anxiety, Distraction and even Aggression. All of these makes the dog unsuitable for service. It's better to let them go to a loving home where they can get the love and attention they need.
That is very interesting. Thank you for answering my questions. :)
Awww, shame man. Sorry to hear about Daisy's hip displacia but at least she'll find plenty of love amongst her new family
Daisy might not have been selected, good to know she will go to another caring faming @glugster not every pup will make the grade, congrats on Riggs getting there.