I worked hard to develop lines of golden retrievers that would have the intelligence and calm, empathetic dispositions to become therapy dogs and service dogs. I believe in giving back, and we really need the love and critical services of these very special animals.

The difference in purpose and quality of life between therapy and service dogs is tremendous. Therapy dogs live with their handler and share their love with all-whether folks need their tail wags and cuddles in a nursing home, a hospital, a rehab faciity, a school, or a library. The therapy dog “works” for a short time but then returns to the traditional life of a pet.

After having numerous therapy dogs, I would tell you it exhausts them to a certain level. I always watch the stress level of my dog and call it quits when I can see they are just emotionally maxed out. It is exhausting communciating all that positive energy and being on their very best behavior. But the majority of their days is being a dog…going on walks, retrieving,swimming, hiking, sleeping, and just being our loving companions.

This is nothing compared to the training of a service dog. The minimum training is two years, typically in a variety of placements, before the dog lives with his handler. These dogs are truly angels on this earth as they keep their special person safe and aid them in living full lives. These dogs are deeply bonded with their one person.

Still as a breeder, I always thought how wonderful it would be to breed service dogs. I was looking at it from the human perspective, not the dog perspective. I didn’t think about the fact my 8-10 week old pups could be placed in a prison for 3-6 months. I didn’t think about the fact during early puppy training, they must lay down and be ignored for up to 5 hours at a time. I didn’t think about the fact these girls would be spayed well before two years of age which is not good for the autoimmune systems of goldens.

I thought they would be with a family for a year of socialization, but that is not always the case. The two pups from Kimmie’s litter that are service dog candidates have been in at least 3-4 placements in different states. Much of their second year is in the training facility. They have about six months to go before they are permanently placed.

And they will perform the job they have been trained for. But that means little interaction with anyone but their person. Service dogs can not be distracted. They are not pets. Ever. They work all day, everyday. They don’t get to just play. To be dogs. I think about the rest of the pups I have raised. All of them have amazing lives with incredible families.

I feel sad for my service dog pups who have known such upheaval. I know they will be deeply loved. They know no other possible life, but the one I chose for them. I keep in touch with the organization and keep them in my prayers and thoughts.

If I were still breeding, no more of my pups would be service dogs. I want my puppies to just be loving companions for everyone-and to play as dogs were meant to live.