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How To Adopt A Failed Service Dog

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So you’d like to adopt a failed service dog.

It’s a common question we get at the Puppy In Training blog:

“How can I adopt a retired service dog? or a failed guide dog?” (we like to substitute “career change” for the word “failed”).

How To Adopt A Failed Service Dog
How to adopt a retired service dog

I’m not surprised by this question. Not all puppies in training make it as working guide dogs.

Not all service dogs work their entire lives.

And you bet your bottom dollar that these career-change dogs are well-socialized, have great house manners, and are aces in basic obedience.

So it goes without saying that when these dogs are available for adoption, they are in high demand!

QUICK RECOMMENDATION: One of the first things we did before bringing home our first puppy was order and read through Puppies for Dummies. It’s an excellent book that teaches the basics of raising and training a puppy. If you’re considering adopting a puppy then be proactive and start reading about what you can expect.

On today’s agenda:

  1. I’ll go over a few facts about a career change or a retired service dog.
  2. I’ve learned a few tips over the years as a puppy raiser on giving yourself the best chance to get a retired service dog.
  3. Finally, I prepared a list of assistance dog organizations with adoption programs (with direct links to adoption pages).

Career Change Service Dogs

Let’s start off by going over some of the common terms for service dogs that are released from their programs.

  • Career Change Service Dogs – because they’re changing careers from service dog to family pet.
  • Release Dogs – this is a common term amongst service dog organizations.
  • Dream Dogs – One of the programs refers to their adoptable career changes pups as “Dream Dogs”! I like that.
  • Very Important Pets (VIP) – Yes, they are!
  • Retired Service Dogs – Dublin worked as a guide dog for 6 years and he truly was a “Retired Guide Dog”.
  • Companion Dogs – I found at least one site that referred to career changes as companion dogs.
  • Furloughed FavoriteAt NEADS, a “furloughed favorite” is a dog who, for behavioral, temperamental, or medical reasons, doesn’t meet our strict standards to become a working dog. These dogs are then put up for adoption to the general public.
  • Failed Service Dogs – Probably don’t want to call your dog this.
  • Drop Outs – or this.

“Career Change Service Dogs” and “Release Dogs” are the most common and probably a bit more P.C. than calling these wonderful animals “Failed Service Dogs”

I have an aunt that adopted a service dog that didn’t make it through the training. Something to keep in mind for readers. It’s a tough process to find the right dogs for these programs and sometimes they just aren’t able to make it.

But these little guys who sadly, fail out of the program, are super smart and need a home. So if you don’t need a service dog but are looking for great little pups who need homes, you can also reach out to these groups to find out where they send the pups that don’t make the cut.

–BB

Service Dog Breeds

If you’re thinking about adopting a Yorkshire Terrier, a Bulldog, or an Irish Wolfhound then it’s highly unlikely you will find what you are looking for when trying to adopt from a service dog organization.

QUICK TIP: As I mentioned the two most common dog breeds in service dog organizations are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Read up on these two breeds to make sure their personality, temperament, and energy level will fit your lifestyle.

While I’m not ruling out that you will never be able to adopt one of these or many other dog breeds at a service dog organization I will say it’s highly unlikely.

Based on our experience here are a few simple facts about what kind of dogs you will find in service dog adoption programs:

Labs and Goldens

How to adopt a retired service dog or failed guide dog
How to adopt a retired service dog or failed guide dog

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are the most common breeds available.

You will also see Lab/Golden crosses as well as German Shepherds, Poodles Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles.

We have seen many other breeds working as service dogs, but these are probably the most common you will see in one of these adoption programs.

The Waitlist Is Long!

Many of these organizations have a very long waiting list for adoptable career change service dogs.

For instance, Guide Dogs of America: “DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND, OUR WAITLIST IS OVER FIVE YEARS LONG. WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME.

Can you recall what you were doing five years ago? Barely. Haha!

Can you imagine what you’ll be doing in five years? Probably not. 🙂

Career Change Service Dogs Are In High Demand

Most programs have more inquiries than adoptable dogs and therefore their selection process is based on suitability rather than a first-come, first-serve basis.

So even with these long waiting lists, you may still receive a dog earlier than anticipated. That’s the good news. The bad news is a lot of these programs are not accepting new applications or they may have a 5+ year waitlist.

Why Are Service Dog Puppies Career-Changed?

Health

Service dogs need to be in perfect health so that they won’t have any issues when helping their partners

Anything from allergies to cataracts to varying severities of dysplasia (hip and elbow).

Behavioral

High activity level, incompatibility with cats or other dogs, assertiveness requiring strong handler leadership.

Some of these dogs may not be suitable for homes with young children or other pets.

5 Tips On How To Adopt A Retired Service Dog

Learn how to adopt a service dog puppy
How to adopt a service dog puppy

 I wanted to know how to adopt a seeing eye dog that has been rejected.

–BR

Okay, guys and gals.  Do you still want to adopt a retired service dog?

Do you want to know the best way to facilitate getting said retired service dog?

After 17+ years of raising guide and service dogs, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to give yourself the best chance to adopt a retired service dog.

1. Get involved with the organization

As a puppy raiser, you have the first opportunity to adopt a career-change puppy that you raised.

Stetson was the first puppy I raised and now lives at home with me as a pet.

A friend allowed guide dogs to use his facility for monthly meetings.  Several years later he was interested in adopting a career change guide dog. The adoption department bumped his name up the waiting list because of his generosity

2. Find a local service dog organization

After reading through hundreds of service dog websites I’ve found that the majority only adopt out locally.

Check out our Ultimate List of Service Dog Schools with Adoption Programs to find a local school near you.

3. Make a donation

We know a local business that makes yearly donations to guide dogs to sponsor puppies in the guide dog program.

Needless to say, the organization owners have priority anytime they are interested in adopting a career change puppy. I remember one of the owners adopted a beautiful Golden Retriever who was dropped from the program because she chased her shadow.

From The Seeing Eye website: “Highly qualified applicants who make a donation of $25,000 or more to The Seeing Eye may have an adoption expedited process.”

4. Be flexible

I’ve heard through the grapevine that if you are willing to accept a dog with health problems you will have a chance to adopt a retired service dog much quicker.

The severity of health issues can vary from simple skin allergies to severe hip or elbow dysplasia. One of our guide dog puppies was dropped because she had flakey skin. Yes, these programs can be very strict with their guidelines.

Of course, being flexible is not just about accepting a dog with health issues. Expanding your criteria to any breed, sex, color, age, etc. will give you more opportunities to adopt a dog.

5. Keep in touch

Another tip I heard through the grapevine is don’t just send your application in and wait six years.

From the Canine Companions for Independence website: “Applicants will be expected to provide an annual update to their application to maintain their candidacy.”

You really should follow up regularly. I’d even recommend more than once a year. You should get to know the adoption coordinator, development director, puppy program manager, visit the campus, and talk to employees at the school, and puppy raisers.

Keep in touch and stay connected. By keeping in touch you’ll find out when puppies are dropped when dogs are retired, and when a dog becomes available.

The Ultimate List Of Service Dog Schools With Adoption Programs

The ultimate list has arrived!

I sifted through hundreds of service dog organization websites to find the exact adoption page on each site.

UPDATE: Here’s the link to our list of assistance dog schools with adoption programs.

By the way, if you know of an assistance dog school that has an adoption program please let us know so we can update our ultimate list.

So what do you guys think?

Do you have any questions on how to adopt a retired service dog?

Have you already adopted a career-change guide dog?

Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.

UPDATE: Can you believe we wrote the original article on how to adopt a service dog way back in 2007 (Stetson wasn’t even 1 year old and still a guide dog puppy in training)?

Remember two things:

  1. Persistence – you need to keep looking and trying.
  2. Patience – most likely it won’t be a quick process.

Service dogs are well-bred, socialized, and trained. However, you’ll still want to keep up with their training.

If this is your first dog or if you need to brush up on your knowledge and skills I highly recommend reading an introductory book on dog training.

One of our favorites is Puppies for Dummies (I know I already mentioned this book, but it’s worth repeating), a quick and easy read that will give you a solid foundation for your new dog.

And, of course, follow our blog for puppy training tips and tricks.

Best of luck finding your career-changed service dog!

Let us know if you have any questions.

How can I adopt a retired service dog?
How can I adopt a retired service dog?

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78 Comments

  1. I have lupus and have had several strokes and a cranial bleed. I thought a service dog could alert me of an upcoming medical event in my life before it happens.

  2. Have trained service dog and therapy dogs
    Have a beautiful lab female
    Would be blessed to be on your list.
    Rosie and I work daily visiting people and bring Ming them joy
    Hospice is one of our favorites

  3. Greetings my service dog is getting old, he was raised and trained by a 🇺🇸 Marine that passed about 4years ago. My daddy. I just can’t yakecare of him anymore. The service dog 🐕‍🦺 is a Chihuahua mix that weighs 9 lb he’s fully vaccinated and knows how to use a doggie door, he enjoy sleeping the bed & cuddling all day/ night. If you don’t have a doggy door, he will let you know (wake you up) he needs to go outside to potty. I am looking for someone with no children and that spends most of thete time with him. He can wear clothes or not it’s up to you. He has many clothes but please change him or take a outfit off every 3days so he can be comfortable. This 13 year old service dog has not medical issues and only has 4teeth in the front of his mouth, he has his molders. His missing teeth were removed by a veterinarian, he can chew dry dog food. He is on heartworm, intestinal worms and flea prevention you must be able to afford to continue this. He is trained to be a psychological service dog over the 14years of having him by my side, he has learned many other things to do. He will wake someone up that is having nightmares, alert you that someone is at the door and even tell you when you go out that someone has bugs. I live in Harris County. If you are looking for a forever older pet/ service dog please consider him. Thankyou

  4. Hi, I am looking for a retired seeing eye dog or one that didn’t make it but needs a loving home. I live on 2 acres have a lovely kennel and I am a widow needs a companion. I am active do gardening . Martha Kowalkowski

  5. i am interested in adopting a retired labrador guide dog i have owned 1 in the past

  6. I am 79. I have always had a dog and animals. My daughter with whom I live, does telehealth from home and needs to go back to the office and cannot leave me alone for the amount of hours she works. I am looking for a dog who for whatever reason has lost their owner. I would like an adult female. The breed is negotiable.

  7. I’m a widowed senior citizen, I have always had large dogs in my life. I want/need a companion, to love and share my life, to fill the void in my life.

  8. I would love a dog (male/female) that can deal with a high strung person who needs reminders that it is tine for a walk. we also have a 10 year old wired hair small that could use a play mate.Please give information. Thank you Vicky Sain

  9. I would love to adopt a retired military working dog I spent ten years in the Navy and I appreciate all that they have been through. I don’t care if the dog has special needs as I have lots of love to give to him/her I’m retired and have lots of time for a fur friend in my life. I live next to Lake Superior and I go the beach often in the summer so there would be lots of swim time so the dog needs to be able to swim I also have an acre of land for him/her to roam on I have a couple of veterinarian that I can get reference from also Thank Diane

  10. We have had 4 full time dogs in our lives. We are seniors, recently lost our beloved Cleo of 12 years😢. We are hoping to find a sweet senior female, preferably light color to adopt and care for. We have a 6 ft. fence on one acre yard. We are always here to watch over her. She wouldn’t replace our Cleo but would fill a hole in our hearts we have been missing.
    Your consideration in our quest of our would be appreciated.

  11. We have were owners of 5 different Yellow Labs, and had to put our most recent one down. We would like to adopt another Yellow Lab, and make a good home with us for the dog.

  12. My husband and I are searching for a new dog. We are inquiring if you possibly have any small (not exceptionally small) dogs that are unable to be seeing eye dogs, but need a new home. We are retired, have been the owners of three wonderful dogs living long lives. Our children are grown now, but grew up with these wonderful pets, and now own their own dogs. If you have any suggestions please let us know. We live in a private home in Florham Park, NJ and have contact in Morristown.
    Thank you very much,
    Michael and Rosemary Moran

  13. A lot of the schools don’t charge for service dogs. Visit the Assistance Dogs International site for a list of service dog schools by location. https://www.assistancedogsinternational.org. One of the biggest schools that gives service dogs at no charge is Canine Companions for Independence. You might try checking their site to see if they have a campus located near you: https://www.cci.org. Hopefully that helps. Good luck with your search.

  14. I am 65 years old. I have scoliosis, spinal stinosis arthritis degenerate disc disease in my lower back. I will soon be in a wheelchair. I am on social security and can not afford to purchase a service dog. Are there any programs that help you pay for that.

  15. I currently own an 8 year-old golden retriever who is my best buddy and even though not properly trained very emotionally supportive and well he’s a golden retriever…💖

    I am losing my hearing at the age of 47 sudden hearing loss and I would like to to work with a golden retriever as it’s a breed that I know very well.

    All my physical functions are on par just wanted to know if there was perhaps a dog that did not make it through your program that needs adopting.

    My mother is big into obedience and rally not that the dog would be, as I do nothing but hike with my dog, but we are a dog loving family.

  16. Over 20 years ago I learned something important from a Guide Dog in training. Guilliam showed up for “people” training at our church. Folks were outraged that a dog was being invited to join us. The Pastor and I supported his incision and were present at his graduation. Years later when, Guilliam retired, I considered adoption, but as we still had two dogs , we decided against it. Being an older couple in retirement, I would like to make it up to Guilliam and adopt an older fella, or gal, to walk some more miles with us.

  17. When I was back in high school I had 2 pups from guiding eyes for the blind in Yorktown heights New York. One black lab and one yellow lab they both pass with flying colors. I would love to take one of the pups that didn’t make it. We had a lab up until 3 years ago as she passed away. Labs are the best dogs. We would even take a Shepard. We have a fenced in yard and a nature preserve across the street we would love to give one one the pups a for ever home. Thanks for doing wonderful things with these dogs

  18. Hello,
    I am looking to adopt a retired service dog , or a dog who did not make it thru the training program……we live in Florida….I am a Double Lung Tx patient from the disease Pulmonary Fibrosis.. My husband and I , except for the last 9 years (when I was ill) had dogs….usually mid to smaller..all rescues and now, would very very much love to have another to love and share in our lives….we are pretty low key…and live where there are great trails and walking paths…very dog friendly place. Thanks for listening, Kathy and JIm
    ps. not exactly sure what Website under name and email meant..so left blank

  19. A good place to start is to take a look at the Assistance Dogs International website and search for local organizations in your area that might help you relocate the service dog. Good luck.

  20. Hello,
    I am helping a neighbor relocate his dogs. One is a service dog for PTSD. He is a vet. He is in Spring, Tx. Can you please guide me in relocating this dog for service elsewhere. tks     

  21. Whoa! Sounds daunting. However nothing worthwhile is easy
    I have time .. love…and can handle vet bills

    However I do have cats and grandkids. No particular order 🤓

  22. HI
    I have just lost my service dog of ten years to cancer. He was my life and a beautiful loving and super intelligent golden doodle. He was a dog for diabetes, a hearing dog, and a PTSD dog. I am a type I diabetic of many decades and I am looking to eventually get a dog that didn’t make the team but was trained regardless and is not a puppy now. I have trained dogs for years and did my own training for the sugar detection and hired a trainer to do the hearing alert part. The PTSD required no training but he would alert a stranger prior to an episode. So I lost half of me this week and it will take time for me to think of having another dog as I am in need but can’t stop grieving over him. I would like to know where I could place my name for a future possibility of finding one that is s till able to take training with me for sugar alerts. It’s really not difficult and I am a pro in it. I live in Massachusetts and would travel anywhere on the East Coast for the dog who needs a loving home on 11 acres. One acre is fenced in for my dog. Thank you.

    Ann Marie

  23. I just was recently diagnosed as minor depression. Everyone I’ve talked to say that I need another dog in my life. I loss my mom and have recently retired. Life has taken a lonelier turn then I thought possible. I have always have dogs since I was a little girl. I have confidence that I would make a caring and loving dog mom!

  24. We lost our yellow lab a year ago to cancer we are ready to have wonderful companion back in our lives

  25. I need company having just lost my wife to Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
    We used to have Boxers so I am used to dogs of all kinds – my father used to breed dogs. I grew up with dogs.
    I’m willing to have a Service Dog with health problems.

  26. I need to inquire about a service dog for an 89 year old veteran who lives alone and tends to have spurts of melancholy because of that I would also like one that is capable of holding a brace on his back to help the veteran walk due to arteries bypass in his leg

  27. Hi there, Please let me know if you have a Labrador or Labrador Retriever who has not quite made it as a Guide Dog as I would dearly love to adopt it. I have had Labradors (and Retrievers) since I was 10 – am not 57 and am evidently still in love with these beautiful dogs. I lost my 12 year old boy just recently to cancer and have another boy who would be so happy again to share his life with another Lab (boy or girl doesn’t matter, as Ziggy is desexed).
    So please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help – as you are helping me and Ziggy too !!
    Kind regards,
    Leanne and Ziggy

  28. Good Morning:
    I have just finished reading “A Dog Called Hope” I have 2 dogs at this time but they are both 13 years old. I know they will not be with me much longer. I would like to be on a list to adopt a service dog that did not pass the final training test. I am also very interested in the organization. I am a school nurse and I will be retiring in a few years and am looking for something worthwhile to do with my time.

    Carol Hayes

  29. Very interested in adopting retired or service dog that didn’t pass the test just someone layed back and a comfort to us Would have lots of love to give we are retired and home all the time big yard no children or other pets Prefer German Shepherd as we have owned meny and just lost our last girl

  30. I currently have a well trained Belgian Malanois, i adopted him . when we got him he had a lot of issues but was impecably trained,, He showed us what he could do and we were awe. After some time this extraordinary animal patiently helped us speak hislaunguage.One thing is for certain if i dont find some mission or commando type service he will create his own. And that gets us in trouble. Hes led police on a drug raid, crawled in the wheelwell of a cadilac…ect. Heunderstand everthing i say evev some dutch because thats all i know. He savedmy life ffom being severley attacked from a piibull, my boyfriend and i are tore so wesplit custody.. He is theloveof ojr life. He is 14has diabetes and going blind, i would never give hin up but a nice well suited and trained mal will do us all wonders,

  31. Interested in learning the process it takes to acquire a dog being returned for other reasons to the public. Thank You in advance for your help.

  32. This was a VERY informative and helpful article and guide. We have been talking about adding a career change dog to our family for companionship, protection, comfort for our aging selves as well as helping another of gods creatures. A big thank you for this info. Will be checking out the ultimate list you provided!

  33. I would like to apply for a failed guide dog puppy. How do I do that?

  34. My son has severe back problems and would like a dog to help him. He is in severe pain all the time.

  35. I am newly retired and lost my old girl of 12 years (she had Cancer). I have always had labs and desire a puppy. I am very flexible, will foster any age or condition. I don’t have a fenced yard, but walk several times a day and love the exercise. I have formerly been a foster for the local Southeast Volusia County Humane Society. I am active and vital and have love to give and need to give and care for a friend. My cell is 386 690-3889. Home 386 410-3188
    13 A Country Club Drive, NSB, Fl 32168

  36. Where can i get a retired or career changing dog for me … my dog is deceaased now best companion i ever had….i am in memphis tennessee…would prefer a female black (no poodle in them…I can handle a lab/chow mix, a shepard/chow mix anything medium to large…where do go?

  37. We are wanting to adopt a dog. My gigs have all crossed Rainbow Bridge and my stress n blood pressure has became quit high. Hoping to adopt soon. Dr is trying to get it under control but not working. This is the first we have been without a dog. We have had German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamute-Elkhound mix , Golden’s n Collie mix. Looking forward to hearing from you n what our next step would be. Was told there are dogs that did not pass the test available. Thank you so much.

  38. It appearst to me that you have more people that want to adopt than puppies (all dogs are puppies to me) for adoption. That makes me very happy and with that in mind I will not join the crowd.

    Also, I noticed your adoption appplication requires things like a reference. Apparently you want to do a background on me by someone I don’t know, I don’t know their background so please excuse my being suspicious and reluctant to apply. A much as I love puppies and would be happy to take one with medical issues, I will continue to find local pound puppy when I am ready to adopt again.

  39. The best place to start is looking at the organizations at Assistance Dogs International. Unfortunately, we are very small and only work with one dog at a time and right now the dog we are working with is a 6 week old puppy and won’t be ready to work until he’s about 2 years old. Good luck finding your service dog.

  40. My name is Annette
    I have bi-polar disorder as well as ptsd. I have been diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s ( lucky me )
    Last year I lost my best friend of 13yrs. Since then my health has declined and emotionally I am on shaky ground ( I have been prescribed more medications, to help me cope.
    I am in great need of a service dog. All the organizations that I have found on the web have long waiting lists. Can you help me to find a dog for me? I can’t wait years for one.

  41. My husband & myself are both 83 yrs old, active and in good health. We had a boxer for 10 yrs who died suddenly from heart failure. (our wonder dog!) Now, no longer traveller’s, we would like a canine companion. Our home is active with children and grandchildren often around. Do you think our age would be a detergent for adopting a retired service dog?

  42. To Whom It May Concern,
    It would be greatly appreciated if you would please place my name on a list to be considered for a retired or career change dog. I would give the dog a very good home. I ha d a lab for 17 years. I work as a physical therapist and as my Simba aged and lost his physical abilities, I cared for him as if he was one of my patients. Please consider me for one of your dogs
    Thank you,
    Joan Marie Lorio-Ardito

  43. I am so want a Labrador. I had a beautiful dog . Who died 7 months ago He was 12 years old .. My husband and I are both retired. . We are able to spend so much time with our pet . . Roy was my last dog . Who was a Labrador. .

  44. We lost 2 of our Goldens last year. The oldest one (Rudy) died at age 13-1/2 of lymphoma. After Rudy died, we adopted a wonderful puppy, Grimmy) who loved his older brother (Sully) and Sully died very suddenly on December 14, 2017, age 14. My husband is a severe diabetic, lost his right leg to an infection and is in a wheel chair about 75% of the day. The rest of the day, he wears a prosthetic leg and is very wobbly on the leg. When my husband became very ill in 2011, Rudy never left his side and was there for him when he fell and needed something sturdy to hold onto. Rudy was a self-taught service dog. Our new puppy who is now 1 is not quite there yet. We have been trying to adopt another dog for at least a year, with no luck. I was hoping to have a brother or sister for Grimmy and another dog for us to love. Thanks so much!

  45. I understand and appreciate how you pick and choose the best placement for these angel fur babies, what I don’t understand is , so many good ,honest and loving.families that wanna adopt and give good homes to these working dogs and rescued dogs have to wait 6 years and and then may never get the chance to give these angels.a proper loving home that they deserve, and.what scares.me.the most is.that they end up.in the wrong.hands and end up.being abused or used for bait dogs , I would.love to adopt or house one of these babies , i would save them all if I could , they all deserve to have a good life ! 😁

  46. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any organizations that train service dogs for Parkinson’s. Good luck with your search. Please let us know if you find any that you’d recommend so we can list them on our site. Thanks!

  47. Hi. Do you know any organization that has service dogs for people with Parkinson’s ? I would like to find one for myself and to have them speak as our meeting. Thank you so much. For the hard work and dedication you have for the dogs.

  48. I would love to home a pup / dog that didn’t meet the standards . I’ve always had dogs 2 in my adult life 1 for 15 years 1 for 14 been without milky now for 3 years I am home only work a few hours a week and would love to welcome a new member to our family

  49. I’m interested in a retired service dog. We lost our beloved Mason last month. ( 13 year old yellow lab) He is dearly missed!

  50. Most (if not all) of the organizations charge for the adoption. They also have long waiting lists for these career change dogs. You might check into your local animal shelter. We got Linus from the animal shelter for $35. Unfortunately, Linus is not suitable to be a therapy dog, but there are many others at the shelter that would make great therapy dogs if you have a good eye for evaluating dogs.

  51. thank you for the informative information. Unfortunately after research it is all about money, donations, etc. No one cares in helping unless you have money to donate for a rescue adoption dog.

  52. Hi, my wife and I are retired, and I am interested in adopting a dog so that I can take the dog to children hospital to place a smile on their faces.
    I have been wanting to do this for years but did not have the time, now retired I do have the time, and I also want to give back as well.
    Any suggestions please advise.
    thank you

  53. I recently lost my friend (dog) Shephard to cancer and my Vet suggested I look into a service dog (career change) adoption. She had adopted a Shepperd breed and finds him a wonderful dog. My 2 prior dogs where Goldens both rescues. Roy my 1st boy lived a long, happy and healthy life (16) whereas my dear Shep was only 9 but, he didn’t suffer. I am very grateful for the years I had Shep and would really like to tribute to him by adopting another dog needing a good and loving home.

  54. My husband and I are interested in learning more about adopting a lab who has not made it thru the training process.
    Thank you.

  55. I’m already a day late on the list 🙁 I’m hoping to get it done sometime this evening. Stay tuned!

  56. Your ultimate list sounds like a ton of work – I’ve created a few long lists myself, and they took me weeks to complete. Looking forward to your list and will definitely be pinning it!

  57. Yes, career change service dogs have a great foundation. You wouldn’t have to worry about puppyhood 🙂 We were actually trying to help one of Adelle’s sisters find a home. We watched her for a few days and she was an all around great dog, but somewhere along the line she picked up some dog aggression which would not work for a service dog.

  58. Seems like these dogs would make awesome pets as you said they would have such solid basic obedience skills compared to most pets!

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