Hans Amsterdam (EU), AL 5/26/2009 12:41:53 AM Dogs have to lead a so called dog-live instead of being some sort of slave in a unnatural enviroment.My german sheppard died perfectly healty of old age age 17.he had a dog-live.
Amanda Mesa, AZ 4/6/2009 2:44:30 AM Part of the reason guide dogs are more prone to illness, is because it's hard to know when a dog is ill even when you have sight and can see the signals. Since dogs don't have a language center in their brain, they tend to communicate more effectively through body language than through noise. Now, does that mean that's always the case? No. There are many factors you have to look at. I mean, think of the breeds chosen to work as guide dogs: larger, working class dogs, for the most part; which means an increased risk for certain breed-type diseases.
karen little rock, AR 2/17/2009 6:16:17 PM I think age,breed and genes are causes these problems. Alot of dogs that are not guide dogs have the same issues. It's sad but i feel it's just part of getting older.
Deborah Live Oak, FL 2/17/2009 3:39:02 PM I would like to know why it would be in guide dogs more than others and if it is true how to prevent it. Because I am training a guide dog right now that is still very young and I don't want any of those problems accuring in him.
Galadriel Lothlorien, ME 2/16/2009 11:39:14 PM I don't think continuing to work brings about these diseases. I think the dogs are probably more distressed by retirement which brings a break in their routine and stability.
Patricia Youngstown, OH 2/16/2009 12:07:30 PM Poor babies, I hope that they can take care of this better in the future.
Donna Limington, ME 2/16/2009 10:42:35 AM I hope that now that there has been a study, that things can be changed. Better diet? Better parasite control?
Jenn Wheaton, IL 2/16/2009 9:13:45 AM I wonder why German shepherds have the highest age of retirement....?
julie lewiston, ME 2/16/2009 7:56:58 AM thank you for posting. it is always good to know more about our loved ones.