More thoughts on retirement

I've been thinking about Holden's retirement for over a year now and recently realised it's finally time to make firmer plans. The two of us have been through a lot at Mount Holyoke and part of why I've set Jan. 1st, 2013 as the transition date to retirement is because I will likely graduate in December 2012. (Fingers, toes and paws crossed.) I can't imagine walking for graduation in the spring without him. He'll be nine by then and ready for a well deserved retirement. Of course, he'll stay with me as a spoiled pet when he retires.

Another reason I felt it was important to define his retirement date is because I don't want to hold on too long. Alternately, I will not hesitate to immediately retire Holden should he show signs that he no longer wants to work or develops any health issues. Firming up these details make dealing with the reality that Holden can not work forever a little easier for me to deal with.

Now for successor dogs. This one is difficult. As much as I'd prefer to owner train, I simply don't have the time or energy for all that involves anymore. Specifically, the possibility of raising a pup that may or may not end up suitable for a working life is not a risk I can take. I can't care for 3 dogs mentally, physically or monetarily right now or in the near future. I prefer to obtain a successor dog from from a trainer or organization. Right now I'm considering both Susquehanna Service Dogs (the org that certified Holden) and Canine Companions for Independence.

Susquehanna is of course my first choice. They use positive training methods, have wonderful dogs and I have great trust in them based on past experiences. The downside is living outside of PA the cost of one of their dogs is 5000usd plus the cost of housing during training since they don't have rooming accommodations at their facility. As someone with high out of pocket monthly medical costs, this would be 6000usd plus that could be spent on a lot of other things I can't go without. The other issue with Susquehanna is the problem of recerts, I'm no longer close by and the yearly recert done in Harrisburg, PA is a big hassle. It seems like I'm always overdue for my recert and trying to figure out how I'll get it done. I have the option of a video recert but with all the technical issues, even that can be problematic.

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is my next choice. First of all, I like that CCI is national and practically anywhere I live my recerts will not be a big hassle. CCI also has enough funding to to provide their dogs to recipients free of charge. I must admit not having to come up a large sum of money or make monthly payments on a dog in a large incentive. The down side abut CCI is you get custody of your service dog, you can not take ownership of your dog until he or she retires. At Susquehanna ownership of your dog is transferred to you at the end of team training. I recently had a phone interview with CCI where we discussed this and I felt more comfortable after talking with them about the reasons for custody vs. ownership. The next step for me is to send in forms filled out by my doctors. After that is a full day interview at their facility. Once the interview is complete I'll be told whether or not I go on their wait list.

The decision is truly difficult because if money and distance were of no consequence I'd submit my application to Susquehanna in a heartbeat based on my prior experience with them. I'm also starting to evaluate other possible options, but as of now Susquehanna and CCI are frontrunners.