How to Adopt A Retired Guide Dog

What is the a step-by-step procedure to adopting a retired guide dog? Ive been involved with Guide dogs as a puppy raiser for the past 3 years and during that time Ive had the luxury of being able to adopt a guide dog puppy. Many people refer to these washout guide dog puppies as "Guide Dog Rejects", but we simply like to think of them as "career changed dogs"

During my time as a guide dog puppy raiser Ive learned several secrets on how to adopt a career changed or retired guide dog. First Ill tell you the step-by-step method I would use to go about adopting a retired guide dog?

Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting a Guide Dog

If you dont know of any guide dog facilities then search Google for "guide dog" and try and find a local facility. You can still adopt if you dont have a local organization however, it would simplify things if you are within driving distance.
Most (if not all) sites Ive visited have a section that describes their adoption program. The procedure will vary from one place to another. Its similar to adopting from a rescue and just like with a rescue they may require a home visit. In general a guide dog organization will have the best interest of the dog in mind and will make sure that you can accomodate a retired guide dog comfortably.
Research the organization you wish to adopt from. For instance different organizations will use different breeds of dog. It would be a good idea to find out what dog breeds the organization uses and then find out the behavior of the breed. Most organizations use Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Fill out the form, send an email or letter, or call the organization to submit all of your relevant information.
Play the waiting game. The last step can be the longest. Unless you have some serious hookups the wait list to adopt a retired guide dog can be 5+ years. The Guide Dog organization I volunteer with has a 4-6 year wait list and they arent accepting new applications at this time.

A few of the great things about adopting a retired guide dog are

You know the entire history of the dog.
The dog will know basic obedience, be potty trained, crate trained. As a puppy raiser I can tell you some of these things drive you crazy during puppyhood.
The dog will be well socialized. Our puppies go everywhere from the movie theater to restaurants to the grocery store.

Guide Dog Reject

What is a Guide Dog Reject? From my experience a Guide Dog Reject is a puppy who does not make as a full-fledged guide dog. On the other hand a Retired Guide Dog is a dog who served as a working guide dog for the blind and because of age was retired. Guide dog adoption programs will include both retired and rejected guide dogs in their program.

Check out our next article on secrets to adopting a retired guide dog to find out the ins and outs on how to bypass that 6 year guide dog adoption waitlist.

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