therealljidol Season 10-week 1: I Need the Struggle to feel Alive
When a team of handler and guide dog bond even the most subtle of differences can cause stress. This could be anything from a slower pace, the dog’s reluctance to get into the harness, and a myriad of other issues making the handler question what might be happening.
Esther, my 4 year old black Labrador guide, is an extremely mellow dog, content to lie around for hours. She has never been one to run, play with the other dogs in the household, or engage in a rousing game of tug with me. Her nature is sweet and quiet, loving to cuddle, roll on her back for an extended belly rub, or sit in front of me raising her paw up for me to hold on to it. The joke when I was in class at The Seeing Eye was that Esther was “The Sleeping Eye Dog.”
Esther dutifully comes when I call her to get into her harness for the day’s work. Unlike my other dogs, she walks slowly, not expressing enthusiasm, but comes out of a sense of duty. I can almost hear her say “I’d rather be in my crate snoozing but I’ll do my job. Sigh.”
Over the past two months, Esther’s reluctance to work has gradually increased. Her pace was more of a crawl than a walk. I thought at first it was behavioral. I contemplated calling to request follow up services to see if there was something we could do. An experienced set of eyes from an instructor who is very familiar with guide dog work can often do wonders and the problem can be resolved.
Before calling, I decided to take Esther to the vet. An appointment was made. Before we went to see Dr. Blake I discovered what is known as a “hot spot” on Esther’s side. This could be caused by anything from a flea bite to a small skin irritation that blossoms into a reddish patch and loss of fur. Esther was obviously uncomfortable, trying to scratch and bite at the spot. I thought this could be the problem and once it was treated that Esther would be able to go back to her work and all would be fine.
Esther was treated for the problem, having to wear “the cone of shame” so as not to exacerbate the situation even further. The irritated area began to heal which made me happy.
When it was time for Esther to resume working I noticed that she was limping and not wanting to put pressure on her feet. Upon examining her feet I saw that her nails were starting to look deformed and they looked as though they were lifting from her paws.
Back to the vet we went. Dr. Blake, after seeing what was happening, determined that Esther has an auto immune condition which causes a dog’s toenails to completely fall out. They will not grow back in any sort of normal fashion and there is more of a possibility of further infection. This condition is not life threatening but can cause discomfort which can return periodically.
My challenge: wait until the infection in Esther’s paws (secondary to the nail issue) clears and see if she can still work reliably, or retire her and apply for another dog.
It is one thing to have worked with a dog for many years and know that the dog has done its job and one can prepare for eventual retirement. I expected to work with Esther for several more years, as she is only four years old. Retiring a dog that young and having to go back into training so soon after doing it a short time ago was a shock emotionally. I had to weigh the pros and cons of waiting to see if Esther could get over the problem or make the difficult decision to let her be a pet and go through the arduous process of applying for a new guide.
After several sleepless nights, vacillating back and forth, and a long email correspondence with the director of training, the very difficult decision was made to end Esther’s working career. Esther will adjust to not working much easier and faster than I will.
Once I enter training the excitement of working a new guide will, I’m sure, help to heal the sadness I am now feeling. The thrill of picking up a harness and beginning a new bond with a guide is amazing. Once the bond clicks there is no better feeling in the world. I know I’ll feel alive and free again. But at this point that feeling is a long way away.
***
This is my submission for week 1 of Therealljidol. Enjoy and I hope you'll check out others' fabulous entries.
Esther, my 4 year old black Labrador guide, is an extremely mellow dog, content to lie around for hours. She has never been one to run, play with the other dogs in the household, or engage in a rousing game of tug with me. Her nature is sweet and quiet, loving to cuddle, roll on her back for an extended belly rub, or sit in front of me raising her paw up for me to hold on to it. The joke when I was in class at The Seeing Eye was that Esther was “The Sleeping Eye Dog.”
Esther dutifully comes when I call her to get into her harness for the day’s work. Unlike my other dogs, she walks slowly, not expressing enthusiasm, but comes out of a sense of duty. I can almost hear her say “I’d rather be in my crate snoozing but I’ll do my job. Sigh.”
Over the past two months, Esther’s reluctance to work has gradually increased. Her pace was more of a crawl than a walk. I thought at first it was behavioral. I contemplated calling to request follow up services to see if there was something we could do. An experienced set of eyes from an instructor who is very familiar with guide dog work can often do wonders and the problem can be resolved.
Before calling, I decided to take Esther to the vet. An appointment was made. Before we went to see Dr. Blake I discovered what is known as a “hot spot” on Esther’s side. This could be caused by anything from a flea bite to a small skin irritation that blossoms into a reddish patch and loss of fur. Esther was obviously uncomfortable, trying to scratch and bite at the spot. I thought this could be the problem and once it was treated that Esther would be able to go back to her work and all would be fine.
Esther was treated for the problem, having to wear “the cone of shame” so as not to exacerbate the situation even further. The irritated area began to heal which made me happy.
When it was time for Esther to resume working I noticed that she was limping and not wanting to put pressure on her feet. Upon examining her feet I saw that her nails were starting to look deformed and they looked as though they were lifting from her paws.
Back to the vet we went. Dr. Blake, after seeing what was happening, determined that Esther has an auto immune condition which causes a dog’s toenails to completely fall out. They will not grow back in any sort of normal fashion and there is more of a possibility of further infection. This condition is not life threatening but can cause discomfort which can return periodically.
My challenge: wait until the infection in Esther’s paws (secondary to the nail issue) clears and see if she can still work reliably, or retire her and apply for another dog.
It is one thing to have worked with a dog for many years and know that the dog has done its job and one can prepare for eventual retirement. I expected to work with Esther for several more years, as she is only four years old. Retiring a dog that young and having to go back into training so soon after doing it a short time ago was a shock emotionally. I had to weigh the pros and cons of waiting to see if Esther could get over the problem or make the difficult decision to let her be a pet and go through the arduous process of applying for a new guide.
After several sleepless nights, vacillating back and forth, and a long email correspondence with the director of training, the very difficult decision was made to end Esther’s working career. Esther will adjust to not working much easier and faster than I will.
Once I enter training the excitement of working a new guide will, I’m sure, help to heal the sadness I am now feeling. The thrill of picking up a harness and beginning a new bond with a guide is amazing. Once the bond clicks there is no better feeling in the world. I know I’ll feel alive and free again. But at this point that feeling is a long way away.
***
This is my submission for week 1 of Therealljidol. Enjoy and I hope you'll check out others' fabulous entries.