Introducing temporary Red - guide dog Lydia

I don't know how you look after all these dogs JD and then give them back. You're made of stronger stuff than us (particularly my wife).

We lost our Springer 2 weeks ago - it was a particularly difficult decision this time because, unlike in the past where some catastrophic downturn made it clear that the end had come, this time it was a gradual decline over many months which reached a point where we realised that we were not being fair - he hadn't really got the quality of life left and was clearly not enjoying life any more. We realised we were keeping him going for us more than for him, although he was such a fighter. It cut us up and left my wife like a lost soul. We couldn't last long without a dog and became proud owners of this little beauty a couple of days ago Already, the idea of him not being there is unthinkable.

 

I’m sorry to hear about your Springer DSL, we’re fortunate that we never have to go through that. Yes, we give them back but it’s not the same as a loss of a pet. I’ve dealt with that twice and it’s traumatic, as you know. This is sad but in a bittersweet way and we get a new dog sometimes almost instantly to keep us entertained. We often get updates of how ones we have looked after are getting on too so it’s not like they completely disappear. Meeting Iris’ owner last week reinforced what it’s all about. Iris was so happy guiding her and she’s got another dog to live with (who is also completely coincidentally her half sister as they share the same dad) so she’s having a great time. We love her but I know she’s happier where she is. She loves being active and adores playing with other dogs so it’s perfect for her.

Your new pup is beautiful! I bet he’ll be keeping you on your toes. He’s got a look of mischief about him, how old is he?

 

What a gorgeous dog @DSLRed , I can see why you loved him.

 

I love seeing this thread updated.

 

What a set of lovely borkers

 

Yes, it was a pretty traumatic few days for sure. He'll always be remembered and we hope we gave him a good long life after he was rescued. We got him at 2 1/2 years old and he was 15 1/2 when we had to let him go.

But now it's a new chapter and we love our new addition to bits. He is a 12 week old mini labradoodle and he's perfect.

 

Update just for you BigLil. Keir is a lot better now and is showing interest in toys. He’s just had his last paracetamol and has a few more days of antibiotics. Here he is waiting for a frisbee to be thrown…



got it…

 

Beautiful. Thank you, JamDrop.

 

Keir has gone back fit and well to be his owner’s eyes and ears again. Here he is on an evening free run the night before he went.



We now have Labradoodle Toby who turns 3 on Tuesday (we walked to Pets at Home earlier and he picked out his present) who has the loooongest legs. He is a qualified dog but is with us for two weeks whilst he completes an assessment.

 

What a beautiful dog, JamDrop. Thank you for posting.

 

I’ve not been keeping this thread up to date

We had Levin, a 2 year old lab x golden retriever for a few months who went on to be a guide dog and Sirena, a 16 month golden retriever x labrador, for a week who is being rehomed outside of guide dogs as she doesn’t have the temperament required and needs a very specific home.

Levin:



Sirena:



And we now have Cole, an 18 month old black lab, for the weekend. He’s a very loveable and well behaved lad who LOVES food!

 

Sirena looks like they'd make a lovely family pet, not all dogs are cut out for the responsibility of being a working dog. Looks like you've h an really busy since they last update!

 

Wonderful news.
Sorry Sirena didn't make it but she'll be a lovely pet.

 

Newest recruit: Betsy, a tiny 14 month old black lab who looks like she’s about 5/6 months old in real life. She was almost too small to be a guide dog. She’ll be with us for a few months at least whilst she does her training.

 

Her eyes are beautiful and so is she. Thank you for posting and updating, you're a star.

 

You’ve got to watch out around her though or she’ll lick you to death!

 

That's not Kevin Betsy is it?
Once again very well done ... love these updates.

 

Oh, no(!) How on Earth would I cope(?)

 

Aw!

 

Iris is about to feature on Look North in a few minutes with Lindsey, her owner!