Coping with the loss of your guide dog

The bond that develops between you and your guide dog is unique. Whether your partnership has come to an end through bereavement, illness, injury, retirement or a change of circumstance, coping with the loss of a guide dog can be an emotional and difficult experience – one that only a guide dog owner can fully understand.

The loss of your guide dog

You'll know that your guide dog is more than a mobility aid. The assistance, support and companionship of a guide dog transforms peoples’ lives. Your guide dog has most likely been by your side for many years – your partner during your everyday activities, giving you confidence and independence when out and about, and companionship when at home. So, having to say goodbye can be a difficult and upsetting thing to do.

As well as using their unique abilities to help keep you safe, they have shown unconditional love and devotion. However you lose your guide dog, the loss of your trusted friend may come as a shock. You might feel a range of emotions – sadness, denial, anger. These are all common feelings for someone experiencing the loss of that close human-dog partnership.

Retirement

Knowing when it’s the right time for your dog to retire can be a painstaking and emotional decision. While most guide dogs retire between 8 and 10 years of age, it very much depends on the health and wellbeing of the individual dog.

Many guide dog owners say that they instinctively know when it’s time for their guide dog to retire. As your dog ages, you may notice that they show signs of not enjoying the guiding role anymore - a slowing of pace, a lack of concentration, hesitancy or the odd mistake when working.

Accepting that the time has come for your partnership to end can be a difficult time. While the thought of a possible new dog or finding a different service that suits your needs might fill you with anxiety, you must put your dog’s wellbeing, health and quality of life first.

Bereavement

The death of a guide dog can come as a huge shock and can often cause significant grief. Guide dog owners can experience intense feelings of sorrow and distress. Not only have you lost your beloved companion but also your partner, who has been by your side as you’ve gone about your everyday life. You may experience feelings of frustration as you’re unable to be as independent as you usually are or carry out some of your normal activities. There isn’t a right or wrong way to react to the loss of your guide dog. Everyone is different and deals with grief in their own way. You might want to come to terms with your loss on your own but don’t be afraid to share your feelings with family and friends or seek professional support.

Be kind to yourself

The loss of your guide dog can be emotionally draining, so allow yourself to grieve and give yourself time to come to terms with your loss. Take care of yourself, both mentally and physically, and make sure that you eat and drink properly.

Talk about it

Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you to process what has happened, how you’re feeling and how you’re going to move on. If you’re not comfortable talking to family or friends, Guide Dogs and Blue Cross both provide a bereavement support service for adults and young people.

Stay active

You’ll likely have enjoyed plenty of time outside with your dog. Even though they’re no longer around, it’s important that you try to continue to be as independent and active as much as possible. Even a gentle walk, using your long cane, or with a relative or friend can help boost your energy.

How to support your child with the loss of your guide dog

Family members may have also had a close bond with your guide dog. Most children form strong bonds with dogs. How they react to it will largely depend on the age of the child. Here are some tips to help you support your child with the loss of a guide dog:

• Ensure that your child is told about your dog’s death or retirement by someone close to them
• Encourage your child to talk about your dog and express their emotions
• Use language that your child will understand
• If your child is very upset, inform their school of the situation
• Don’t be afraid to share your own feelings

Professional support

We aren’t just here to support you through your guide dog’s working life. Guide Dogs understands the sense of loss a bereaved guide dog owner may feel. Our team can support you through retirement and bereavement, including helping you with the cost of cremation and an ashes scatter tube.

Through Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Service (PLSS), Guide Dogs offer free and confidential emotional and practical support to guide dog owners who may be struggling to come to cope with the loss of their guide dog. You may also wish to contact other services, such as NHS mental health support, Mind, or Sightline.

Adjusting to getting around without a guide dog can be a challenge - one that you may find frustrating. If you need support or advice on your mobility and orientation skills, call Guide Line and we can put you in touch with a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. They're here to help you get around independently and safely.

Remembering your guide dog

There are many ways that a guide dog owner can mark the end of the partnership with their guide dog. Here are some ideas to help you remember the time you shared:

• Commission a painting or drawing of your dog
• Commemorate their life with a message or poem
• Plant a shrub or tree in the garden
• Keep one of your dog’s favourite toys
• Create a print or plaster cast of their nose or foot
• Encase their ashes in a paperweight
• Make jewellery from their ashes
• Make a charitable donation in their memory
• Create an outdoor memorial
• Cut off some hair and keep it in a locket

If you have any questions relating to the loss or retirement of your guide dog, please contact our Guide Line service on 0800 781 1444 or at information@guidedogs.org.uk