It’s good Gallop was able to stay with family. It does make me sad to think of these old dogs that have devoted their lives to their person, suddenly rehomed and living with new people in their final years. When Molly said Gallop just wanted his mom…that broke my heart a bit. ( I fully get that each dog is different and not moving out would cause more distress for some dogs.)
A lot of times the guide dog puppy raiser who raised them will take them back if that happens. I adopted a guide dog puppy who didn’t make it fully through training and had a good friend who raised them and had several retired guide dogs as well.
Humans will always find ways to use everything for their personal gain and make excuses for the other parties sacrifice to feel ok about it. It's the way the world works.
@@lilleoelleyes! The first person that the dog gets offered to after the blind persons family, is the puppy raiser. My husband raised a guide dog puppy his senior year of high school and when we got married he retired from guiding and came back to live with us. The dog knew my husband, and they both had a really sweet (and crazy) reunion! It was like they never left eachother.
Just saw your TikTok about Gallop. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my dog on 8.25.23. Know his body will be at peace and without pain, but he will always be in your heart.
As a mostly deaf person, I usually sleep downstairs on the coach with my dog so he can alert me if "bad guys" come. (No plan after that, considering I would have to find my glasses (also legally blind without correction) and hearing aides to do anything, but I do know where my golf clubs are!) Anyway, a couple of years ago he showed signs of not wanting to sleep on the couch with me anymore, which he used to love. He turned 16 in June and as a puppy we used to have to sing "Good Night Buddy" a la "Good Night Ladies" to make him go to his bed for sleep. Now, he puts himself in his bed crate by about 9 pm, and gets mad at us if we don't close the crate and put a blanket over it, because bed time is also "end of tour" for him and he knows he doesn't have to protect anyone. He still does his morning and night patrol of the yard religiously, and holds court at the local state park as the King giving time to his minions, but he is slowing down. It's sad to see, but also nice that he's making his own boundaries now. As a very abused rescue as a puppy, he has a strong, protective personality. I always tell people he's too ornery to pass before 26; St. Francis can wait.
Watching our pets age and decline in their older years is one of the cruelest things in life, we just have to cherish all the time we have had with them! ❤
My friend called it a bargain with sorrow. Reminds of a poem my Rudyard Kipling (a dog lover also). wrote “The Power of a Dog”. Rudyard Kipling, 1865 - 1936 There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find-it’s your own affair- But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!). When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone-wherever it goes-for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long- So why in-Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Awww, I’m sad about Gallop. It’s interesting that you didn’t feel the devotion from Elton. As a sighted person, I think his devotion to you was obvious even during training. He wanted to be close to you then, and still he looks at you with such devotion. However, I am not doubting your feelings because you live with him.
I'm wondering if it's a reflection of her own feelings. If after having felt so devoted to so many dogs and they've all ended sadly over the years, that she's staying a big more distant from Elton as well. Which is entirely understandable. I think having Gallop around staying with the family doesn't help, it's great for Gallop, but Elton will always suffer in comparison.
I'm retiring my current Service Dog this October, and her successor will be 11 months old. We all live together, and training my puppy has been INSANELY difficult while also phasing my current SD into retirement. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing these difficult videos, and bringing comfort to a really crummy situation. These videos mean so much to me as a fellow handler ❤️
Of all the dogs you tried a year ago the way Elton looked at you from the get go was just pure love. I'm so glad you picked him and you have bonded together and have a great working relationship
Just been watching this video after this morning video. I'm so sorry for you Molly, but even before that, the only thing that i want to say is thanks you Gallop for being the dog you where for Molly! You will never be forgotten ♥
My dog never needed that much attention from me through most of his life but towards the end he wanted me all the time, he just wanted to be held. I think that dogs know when it's nearing the end, I would urge you not to leave him alone if you think his time is soon, it's not something that is easy to forgive yourself for.
I’m sorry to hear about Gallop. You don’t lose your love for your dogs so I totally get wanting to spoil Gallop and give him all the love in his Golden years. Balancing that with giving another high needs dog that you love as well would be tough. I also get the fear of not being there if something goes down south with Gallop as well. ❤️
Hey Molly! I just wanted to pause and say a huge thank you for everything I’ve learned from you over the years. I finally had a chance to put some of it into practice and it made an interaction with a blind veteran so much more meaningful and comfortable. I got hired last month at our local Veteran’s home, working in the admissions department, helping vets and their families apply for residency. Part of that process is a conversation with them just before they come in, to better get to understand them as a human and their needs. We get a lot of questions about this interview during the admission process, so as part of my training I sat in on one with a blind gentleman. During the interview and afterwards when we were showing him around, everything I’ve learned about how to communicate and be actually helpful while maintaining the dignity of the blind person played a huge role. He seemed nervous at first but knowing how to talk to him and guide him with my elbow and describe things in a helpful way really set him at ease and he seemed to be having a great time by the end of it. The two ladies who usually run the interview seemed impressed at my knowledge and comfort in helping him out. At the end they even felt comfortable enough to allow me to finish showing him around by myself because they had other appointments to get to and he had more questions. It was a honor to be able to serve a veteran who was also part of this community that I’ve learned to love and know so much more about thanks to you, Molly.
everything you said about knowing that your channel is the only place some folks can come to talk about service dog handling hit home for me. you really are the biggest source of information and companionship about handling a service dog and relying on them in my life. thank you, thank you for being the person who talks about the hard things
I have a senior dog and he's going through something similar to Gallup. He hit age 13 and it feels like a pretty sudden decline, like he was an old man but now he's really an OLD MAN. He's just a regular pet so I can't even imagine how much harder having to see that in your old guide dog, especially having to juggle both the bonds with him and Elton. I'm so glad you and Elton have finally bonded more. I hope for many good times for you and Elton John.
I'm not blind but I am disabled so I can somewhat relate to what you were saying. I am glad that you are addressing this topic. I think everyone can relate to a kind of loss they have experienced in their past. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences on this topic.
Hi Molly, Thank you so much for making this video. I rarely ever comment, but after having just completed training with my first guide this all feels so validating. I find myself struggling with some of the same feelings of trying to bond with the new dog. It's hard because like you said, many people don't understand the work that goes into this partnership and the emotional rollercoaster that getting a guide dog entails. Anyways, thank you for providing this space for us to share our experiences.
I wonder if you leaving to Japan made Elton think differently about how he feels about you. He probably didn't understand where you were and he realized how much you mean to him. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, as they say. I'm glad you've bonded.
I literally had to stop watching this channel when it was time for gallop to retire because my heart breaks at the idea of a dog not quite understanding why they can't work, or be your one and only anymore. I was so sad to come across your channel today and learn that gallop has passed. My heart is shattered for you all. I know he was so happy to have had you for his life- he loved you so much and was such a good doggy. 💙 Grateful I didn't have to go through the heartbreak of seeing and learning Ben with you, and losing Ben with you. I'm so sorry that happened. And I'm happy to hear he is doing well. Excited to see how your journey with Elton goes. 💙
Thank you for sharing your experiences, it was really eye-opening to hear about your process of coming to understand what motivates Elton and what works for him and how to bond with him - I never realized there is so much thought and exploration that needs to go into that. Hearing you explain those things really puts into perspective why, other than the heartbreak of having to stop working with a previous dog, it's so difficult to transition between guide dogs. It really makes me wish dogs lived longer 🥺
Molly, I’m one of your first few thousand subs and I’ll tell you.. you are the ONLY creator that pulls my emotions out in just about every video. I laugh with you, get excited for you and get choked up and cry with you.. I’m not blind, I don’t own a dog at all (I’m a cat girl- FUN fact I requested that you draw a cat from memory in one of your VERY early videos and you did so - quite well 😆 !). I don’t know what it is, I obviously don’t KNOW you aside from videos, which is totally one sided. Maybe it is just your ability to express yourself and explain things but I truly root for you, feel for you and only wish the best for you, your doggies and your family. ❤ thanks for sharing bits of your story as well as educating us all. Take care!
Elton sounds so much like my German Shepherd Seeing Eye dog Ivy. You hit the nail in the head when you said how it’s hard to feel special when your dog loves everybody. Also like you she’s gotten better over the years. I know I’m seeing this video way late, but it’s actually one of my favorites of yours. I think it goes into so much of the struggles of what we as guide dog handler face and deal with every time we change dogs. I am currently still working. Ivy and I have applied for my next dog which will be number four for me and you know you have all the feelings and to watch war dog videos as the time gets closer least I find that’s what I do so here I am. lol
Watching you tear up about Gallop getting old made me tear up! I’m coming up on my dog’s one year anniversary of his passing. He was 14 years old when he passed away so he lived to a good age but it was still so hard to say goodbye to him😢
I train pet dogs for owners, and I see this a lot I training as well. Some dogs totally thrive off clear rules and communication, others get it even when the pressure of the rules are off. :)
I know how much you were so connected to Ben and it’s got to be so hard to have to get used to a new guide dog! Elton John is such a fluffy love bug and I’m glad you’re both in a better place a year later! I’m so sorry to hear that Gallup is not doing as well now and pray your sweet boy feels better! 🐶🐶❤️
I just lost my 11 1/2 year old pup last week, I had him since he was just 5 weeks old. I had to make the decision to put him down and I haven't stopped crying every day. I miss him so much, it never get's easy losing a pet even one that reaches their elder age.
I’m so sorry. I lost my 13 year old boy that was born in my house back when I was 14 back in March. I was really sick when he was born and we had a bond that was indescribable. Making that call was the hardest part for me. I hope you get some relief soon. I have two pups now that are always making me laugh, so they’re a big help. ❤
Good that your bond with Elton has become stronger and that you know his personality better now. But I can imagine it being hard that Gallop is needing you more too now that he's aging, specially as he can't be with you all the time with you travelling and having a new guide dog.
Ugh, this made me so emotional. I have my 12 year old retired service dog still living with me, and I recently got a Lab puppy to train as my next.. my retired SD is very needy and likes to be with me all of the time and is used to my world revolving around her.. it has been a very very difficult adjustment for both of us as I try to bond and train with a new dog. I am very emotionally exhausted by trying to juggle this 😭
Thanks for sharing you heart❤. I just hit the one-year anniversary with my very first guy dog, and have been amazed about how far we have come, and the bond that we have for each other. And I to have noticed a huge change in his performance every day I am in awe of what he does for me. And he loves to work which I’m very happy for that. Thank Molly
Thanks for the updates on all the pooches. It seems like transition can be difficult but still can be done! My boy is 10 but healthy so I understand what your experiencing as the dogs age! I love and will continue to love your journey it’s hard knowing that are four legged helpers won’t always be around but we know in are hearts they’ve enriched us like we did them!
It takes a bit of time to really bond with an animal. I can't imagine how much more complicated that is to bond with a service animal that you are going to depend on to keep you safe.
Sorry to hear about your loss about Gallop and that we all know it's hard losing our friend, furbaby that is close to us. It's good to see that while he was on his last few days of his journey that he was with you all til the end. May he be remembered for everything that you've been through. Elton will get there. Love your furbabies. Peace for you at the moment of your grieving process.
I'm only about six weeks into my Guide Dog's retirement and I am still stressing over what I am going to do Next as I await my Successor Dog--re keeping my retired dog with me, or having him go live with a family member or friends. This Video Helped me a LOT. Thanks Heaps, Molly.
I so love Eltie Cheese Meltie, but Gallup stole my heart from the first video I watched. It makes me sad to see him age. He’s just so awesome. I love his ho hum personality. 💓
I love seeing how far things have come with Elton, he’s such a cutie. It’s absolutely adorable to me when you’ve mentioned he will take you to specific things he wants to see or he wants to show you. I’m sure not always practical, but a very cute quirk. Sending so much support with gallop. Hopefully he has a lot of time left with his yummy soft food & lots of sleep, but I also get it with the curse of large breed ages. 💕 Whatever happens we know he’s having the best retirement anyone could ask for.
Thank you so much for sharing! I've been only a month with my first guide dog and I desperately needed to hear this. Your experience has brought me peace and courage to keep going.
You have come a long way in a year molly so proud of you. You are such a strong woman 2022 wasn't the kindness year for you. You are an intelligent firey woman i love you're channel so so proud of you molly
Hi Molly, I am a sighted person who was totally moved by this. You are so right every animal is individual. I recently have had the actual worst year of my life starting with losing a pregnancy new years day, then I had to put one of my cats down after spending thousands trying to keep him here after only 9 years. Three days later my grandma dies so I had to leave my kitties other half home alone with a sitter she didn't know. I selfishly got another kitten and you are right the bonding process is a journey, but he is a light in my life I havent seen in 8 months and his older sister is happy to have him.
I do really recognise your feelings about bonding to your dog. I finally have my first dog after 12 years of waiting, and it wasn’t the instant love i imagined it would be,but that is ok. She reflects me and my mental health, and that was hard to live with that mirror. But she only listens to me, wants to be with me all the time. Even tho she gets more excited seeing my mom, bf,… than seeing me, she does only see me as her intimite family, and we are inseperable now😍
Molly what you have gone through these last 2 years would make me go to bed and never get up again. You are a warrior and you life with your dogs is filled with love ❤❤
I feel for you with Gallup being 11 and old manning. I inherited my Mom's dog 8ish years ago, and he is now 13ish. A couple of weeks ago, he went still able to see, to falling off curbs and walking into cars. Shadows scare him now because he can't see a whole lot. I watched him trying to adjust and the complete confusion he was doing through the last few weeks as he is learning to memorize his outside world, and I just kept thinking of 14-year-old Molly. Wow! He has given me a lot of insight into what it must feel like. I knew he was losing his sight, but then it went overnight. One day he could see cars and curbs and the next day he was nose-diving off of them or into them. Curbs are hard for him because he is only 8 lbs. Well, they would be hard for you too because you trip and fall, he smacks his face into them, and falling off of them is falling! Losing him will be hard because he was my mom's dog though, and then when he moved in with me, he immediately recognized I needed help with my ADHD and started alerting me to things that I had started and not finished. He retired recently. He hired himself and then had to retire himself too. LOL
Aww, thanks for the updates, Molly. I'm so happy that you've been able to bond with Elton, especially recently and I'm wishing you and him and Gallop the very best! Ironically, right as I was listening to your video, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw your post about the video pop up! (rolling on the floor laughing) (purple heart)
I am not Blind but I am Deaf with physical disabilities and mental health issues. I am looking into either a hearing dog or an assistance dog. This video is very helpful for me.
Thank you Molly for making this video. I’m headed to guide dog training Sunday, and you’ve given me a lot of things to think about. I retired my fourth guide in May after nine years of partnership. Guide dog training is hard, and the emotions associated with the transition can be a lot. I’m glad that you and Elton have become the bonded team we all strive for.
I’m sighted and don’t have the challenge of a working relationship with my pets but totally understand about Gallop. At 15 I lost my first dog who declined rapidly over a few days. He also got so clingy with me the last few months even more so than he ever was before as a mamas boy. I hope you have a lot of quality time left with him!
Hey Molly loved your update on your pups it was so sad to hear about Gallop & I know exactly what your going thru I lost my 14yr old dog back in February and 😊to see them slow down more & more it is tough 💔💔 but you are the best handler and doggy lover there is and he knows that as well especially Elton I'm so happy that he has finally come full circle in the bonding area he is so so sweet❤❤❤😊
I had missed many months of videos from when you first got Ben until getting Elton. I was confused about the new dog. I had to catch up about the whole ordeal. I’m glad things are working out.
We are raising our first puppy in Australia. It’s been the most beautiful experience and I often look at our puppy and think of the person she is going to go on and help. It’s such a journey! I love hearing from your perspective and experience. ❤
I never had any relationship with dogs but in the last few years my two sisters got dogs. And boy, they couldn't have more different personalities. One loves cuddles without end. He does this thing where if there's someone sitting and they leave their hand down for whatever reason, he gets underneath so they can pet him. He doesn't care if the person is a completely stranger. The other one, loves his ball. You can play with him and his ball for hours, but he never lets you pet him. He's also more of a introvert and he needs his time alone. And those are just pets, when you add the extra layer of being working dogs, things become increasinly more complex. It's really interesting to learn about this things. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing all this. I am a veterinarian and I breed and show dogs. I have a bunch! Four in the kitchen. My dogs love everyone, but still, I’m their mom. Four dogs in the kitchen, they’re happy, pretty much doing sequential lap time. I have a ten year old, my heart dog. So difficult watching them age. Elton has so much coat, I would imagine he would prefer the cool floor.
@Afterswift Probably because Molly reads comments with a screen reader and i'm not sure (and theyre probably not either) if the text-to-speech works correctly with emojis.
This was such an important video and it’s not a topic that gets talked about nearly often enough. Thanks for raising awareness about such an underrepresented area of guide/service dog partnerships.
Hey Molly! As usual, your videos provide a lot of great things to think about especially being an aspiring guide dog user working on cane skills. With that being said, a video with you explaining some guide dog tricks and techniques you mentioned early on in the video that have increased your independence or have just helped you in day-to-day life would be really helpful! I am in the process of gaining the skills for getting a guide and I am looking forward to working with a dog but I would also like to have some techniques or commands that could be really helpful that aren't taught during training.
I don't have dogs but I do have cats. They live with my parents and before I moved out for college they sorta treated everyone equally with a preference for my mom because she was home the most. Since having been away for awhile, whenever I come back home they are SO EXCITED to see me. I think that for my cats, and Elton as well, their people didn't feel overly special because they were always there so it's the sorta situation where you take someone for granted and then realize how much you care about them with some time apart. With most pets they get the time away from their owners to miss them and get very excited to see them again. Guide dogs, and especially Elton, never get that. When you were away for a bit I think he finally was given the time to miss you and miss guiding you and doesn't want to take you for granted again. In terms of Gallop, if you want to be able to give him some attention but can't when Elton is there, would you be able to give Gallop some love while Elton is eating and distracted? I don't know if the dogs eat at the same time so that might not be feasible. Also you could try your dad leading Gallop into the bathroom and you go in the bathroom to pee and shut the door so Elton is on the other side and is sad but understands - that way you can give Gallop some love there without Elton getting jealous. You're an amazing handler Molly and are so strong for everything you've gone through with your animals recently. You should be really proud of yourself
That's so awesome that Elton is good at finding posts and chairs. Sounds like he loves being a dog on a mission. :) That's so sad that Gallop can only eat soft food and have digestive issues. I remember when my cat Marty was getting older. In the last two years of his life, he would eat food, but it would go through him so quickly. He would basically just eat, crap, pee and sleep and that wasn't much of a life for him. I just made sure he was as comfortable as possible with water, food and a bed, but it was so sad when he collapsed on the floor one day while eating his cat food and the poor guy was trying to still lick his food after falling over on the floor. I had to put him down in May 2020. I'll always miss him.
I suspect that it was behavioural. She shamed the first owners for sending Ben back and so when she did the exact same thing, she was too embarrassed to talk about it. All alleged and just my opinion.
All we know is he was losing an unhealthy amount of weight before he had to retire. I speculate that it was due to his mental health (like, he got so neurotic about being a perfect guide dog that he stopped doing other things like eating), but maybe I'm just projecting, as someone who also had to leave my career due to destroying my own mental health lol...
Wow! Thank you for sharing this experience Molly. I found it very enlightening to understand all that you have had to navigate. I'm so glad it's all going so well. ❤
On August 11th, I lost my Medical alert Bernese Mountain Service Dog. The 6 years 7 months and 8 days ge was by my side, were the best. A month before he passed, a border collie mix followed him home during our morning walk. He's been a huge help for my grief but i think Bernie's soul is imprinted on Josh. Josh is now training to do the jobs Bernie did
It’s so hard when your dog starts to age quickly. I just lost my German Shepard dingo mix. We rescued her when I was 11, I’m 27 now and we had her 16 wonderful years. At around 13 she started to rapidly age over about a year, then she stabilised for 2 years after that when she started heart medication, (she was slow and stayed around the house instead of buggering off down the farm half the day like she always used to but she was happy and wasn’t in any pain) then in last 2 months she stated to go down hill very quickly and was in some pain but is was managed with medication until last Saturday night when she didn’t want to get out of bed and Monday morning she stopped getting. Up at all and was in more pain than we could manage so we had to call a vet out and she was put to sleep. She was with me and supported me through. Cancer diagnosis and treatments, the loss of both my maternal grandparents (I was VERY close with both of them as they helped raise me after my dad left and lived on the next property over. Angi was super close with ,y grandy, he used to come over every day with a chicken neck for her and they loved each other and she used to follow him round as he worked on the farm)max well as my paternal grandmother, the loss of 3 friends and a boyfriend as well as loving on and playing with my 2 year old son. She was with me more than half my life and was my 8 year old jack russell mix’s best friend and mentor. I can’t imagine her not being here still.
@@HeyItsZee_ dingos are really just non domesticated dogs, so can easily breed with other dog breeds, and as for being an Australian breed, I’m Australian and live in an area where although not super common there are a few wild dingos running around, probably coz I’m not too far from Frazer island where there is a very large population on dingos. She was a rescue from the RSPCA who said they thought she was German Shepard cattle dog mix. We always suspected she was part dingo as she was all orangey blond all over other than her white chest with no marking of either a German Shepard or cattle dog as well as her having a lot of dingo behavioural characteristics. About 6 years ago we had this guy in his late 60’s come over for some handy work, he took one look at her turned to us and said d”do you realise that your dog is at least part dingo?” We said we suspected and he told us that he was doing handy work for extra money cash in hand to top up his pension, he recently retired from an almost 40 year career breeding and raising dingos for zoos and nature parks and he was 100% certain she was at least part dingo, but recommended we do DNA testing to see how much. We ended up deciding to do the testing because we were curious and low and behold, she was a little over 60% dingo.
Thank you for the update. I’ve been curious, but I didn’t want to question you about them in case something was going on and you just weren’t ready to share.
I suspect that it was behavioural. She shamed the first owners for sending Ben back and so when she did the exact same thing, she was too embarrassed to talk about it. All alleged and just my opinion.
She said it was a medical issue, I don’t know if you watched those videos explaining it but she said she thought she was just getting him medical attention and he’d be working again after he healed but they found out it was something that made him unable to work
at first I didn't think the thing with Ben was going to be a huge thing, like it didn't work but i didn't think the worst, but the secrecy and no information leads me to believe it may have been the worst situation. I was anxious to hear about that, and kinda happy to learn about that situation. I guess for me to support and just not know is uncomfortable. I'm so glad to know elton is doing so well.
Privacy is how public figures protect themselves emotionally and physically. And she gave quite a bit of info when Ben wasn’t able to keep working, just not super specific and that’s honestly fair I think. I get wanting more but we need to remember that losing a guide dog in this way was extremely traumatic and opening up too much could hurt her healing.
Can definitely confirm that your video about using a cane helped me a lot even as a sighted person who was mostly able bodied a year ago, but definitely not anymore.
Hey Molly, Hey I just wanted to reach out and send you virtual gentle hugs if you wanted them, and say that I hear you and understand what you're saying. I feel for you as I have a 14-year-old guide dog right now. He's doing well, but, I can absolutely see the aging. Losing him will be a very sad day. I have to try and not think about it too much, stay in the moment And enjoy what I have. Also, my dog is quite Similar to yours as he loves and thrives on having firm rules and boundaries. I have found what works for us, is that if I want him to be up on the bed or what have you, he waits until he's invited, and he does respect that. Anyway, i'm so glad to hear that he's doing well. Just wanted to offer some words of encouragement and tell you that you've got this. ❤️
As a mom of 3 kids, and a dog mom of 2 (one dog at a time) can confirm, it takes a long time to adapt to them both. A pet dog isn't a whole year, much less is required of them. But the baby, yes, takes at least a year to adapt and bond.
My Labrador hit about 11 to 11 1/2 years and started to age very rapidly, after previously enjoying excellent health. After a year or so we had to make the huge decision to put her down, because she was no longer comfortable and happy. She was suffering. I think it’s a common age for labs to start the long journey to the rainbow bridge. Heartbreaking. We love them well for a longtime, but it’s never long enough.
Thank you for saying that it takes a year. I know it's not quite the same but I lost the cat recently my first one that I got on my own We bonded so well and she was the best cat I don't think anybody else could be as good as her. It's been over a month people are asking me about getting a new cat I have looked but I still cry. And it's not the same but it's still an animal regardless. A loved one.
Two of my dogs one passed one we only recently got both were buddy dogs witch are dogs who failed guide dog training for some reason and are put with visually impaired family’s instead of working
I had a dog named Bentley I never completely bonded with. He loved everybody too. But my most recent dog is obviously extremely loyal to me and me only. She likes people too but she’s so attached to me. They’re all so different. So glad you and Elton bonded ❤
I put one of my dogs at 15, and yes, once they pass around the 10 year mark it gets hard man. Very very hard to go through. All you can do is be there for and with them
My dog is not a service dog, but I had a golden and I lost him when he was eight years old. I had to put him down and it took me three years maybe even four to get another golden
Had a really bad blind girl m9menr today i got off of my regular street and onto a different street and just ke0t walking and got lost so I stood on the side of the busy street till my dad found me
It is hard to watch our pets age. I have a 19 1/2 year old cat and I saw him start to decline around 12. It is hard to watch. I have decided to do my best to make each day I have with him the best it can be. Our dog was 14 years old and she suffered a stroke and we had to let her cross the rainbow bridge. Hardest decision I ever had to make. It is hard not to compare our dogs. I think that is why we don’t have another dog just yet. I feel you on learning your dogs whether a pet or a service dog. Sending love to Gallop, Elton, and Lavender.
Im sad about Gallop. Im kind of experiencing the same thing though, I have a guide from Seeing eye who is getting older and is getting to the point that her hearing might be changing. Sad….
It’s good Gallop was able to stay with family. It does make me sad to think of these old dogs that have devoted their lives to their person, suddenly rehomed and living with new people in their final years.
When Molly said Gallop just wanted his mom…that broke my heart a bit.
( I fully get that each dog is different and not moving out would cause more distress for some dogs.)
yeah... In their head they think that once they grown old their human doesn't love them anymore
A lot of times the guide dog puppy raiser who raised them will take them back if that happens. I adopted a guide dog puppy who didn’t make it fully through training and had a good friend who raised them and had several retired guide dogs as well.
Humans will always find ways to use everything for their personal gain and make excuses for the other parties sacrifice to feel ok about it. It's the way the world works.
@@lilleoelleyes! The first person that the dog gets offered to after the blind persons family, is the puppy raiser. My husband raised a guide dog puppy his senior year of high school and when we got married he retired from guiding and came back to live with us. The dog knew my husband, and they both had a really sweet (and crazy) reunion! It was like they never left eachother.
Just saw your TikTok about Gallop. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my dog on 8.25.23. Know his body will be at peace and without pain, but he will always be in your heart.
I couldn’t believe what I read so I went on TikTok. Now I’m BAWLING 😭 I’m glad he at least got to take his final nap with Molly by his side 😭
I'm sorry for your lost, I lost my dog Lolly last year and I understand the pain.
As a mostly deaf person, I usually sleep downstairs on the coach with my dog so he can alert me if "bad guys" come. (No plan after that, considering I would have to find my glasses (also legally blind without correction) and hearing aides to do anything, but I do know where my golf clubs are!) Anyway, a couple of years ago he showed signs of not wanting to sleep on the couch with me anymore, which he used to love. He turned 16 in June and as a puppy we used to have to sing "Good Night Buddy" a la "Good Night Ladies" to make him go to his bed for sleep. Now, he puts himself in his bed crate by about 9 pm, and gets mad at us if we don't close the crate and put a blanket over it, because bed time is also "end of tour" for him and he knows he doesn't have to protect anyone. He still does his morning and night patrol of the yard religiously, and holds court at the local state park as the King giving time to his minions, but he is slowing down. It's sad to see, but also nice that he's making his own boundaries now. As a very abused rescue as a puppy, he has a strong, protective personality. I always tell people he's too ornery to pass before 26; St. Francis can wait.
Watching our pets age and decline in their older years is one of the cruelest things in life, we just have to cherish all the time we have had with them! ❤
My friend called it a bargain with sorrow. Reminds of a poem my Rudyard Kipling (a dog lover also).
wrote “The Power of a Dog”.
Rudyard Kipling, 1865 - 1936
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie-
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find-it’s your own affair-
But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone-wherever it goes-for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long-
So why in-Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Awww, I’m sad about Gallop. It’s interesting that you didn’t feel the devotion from Elton. As a sighted person, I think his devotion to you was obvious even during training. He wanted to be close to you then, and still he looks at you with such devotion. However, I am not doubting your feelings because you live with him.
I'm wondering if it's a reflection of her own feelings. If after having felt so devoted to so many dogs and they've all ended sadly over the years, that she's staying a big more distant from Elton as well. Which is entirely understandable. I think having Gallop around staying with the family doesn't help, it's great for Gallop, but Elton will always suffer in comparison.
U rlly worded it well bravo
I'm retiring my current Service Dog this October, and her successor will be 11 months old. We all live together, and training my puppy has been INSANELY difficult while also phasing my current SD into retirement. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing these difficult videos, and bringing comfort to a really crummy situation. These videos mean so much to me as a fellow handler ❤️
Elton loves you, he’s always looking at you to be sure your walking by him.
I saw the first part of the title and thought “bloody hell, not again!
So glad things are going well for Elton.
We all have sympathy trauma with Molly
I thought the same, exact thing.
I thought gallop died for sec
Same!!
✨ clickbait ✨
Of all the dogs you tried a year ago the way Elton looked at you from the get go was just pure love. I'm so glad you picked him and you have bonded together and have a great working relationship
Yeah, he was obsessed with her from the get-go
Elton loves you!!!
The rapid aging stage really sucks. I'm sorry you're going through it.
Just been watching this video after this morning video. I'm so sorry for you Molly, but even before that, the only thing that i want to say is thanks you Gallop for being the dog you where for Molly! You will never be forgotten ♥
My dog never needed that much attention from me through most of his life but towards the end he wanted me all the time, he just wanted to be held. I think that dogs know when it's nearing the end, I would urge you not to leave him alone if you think his time is soon, it's not something that is easy to forgive yourself for.
I’m sorry to hear about Gallop. You don’t lose your love for your dogs so I totally get wanting to spoil Gallop and give him all the love in his Golden years. Balancing that with giving another high needs dog that you love as well would be tough. I also get the fear of not being there if something goes down south with Gallop as well. ❤️
Hey Molly! I just wanted to pause and say a huge thank you for everything I’ve learned from you over the years. I finally had a chance to put some of it into practice and it made an interaction with a blind veteran so much more meaningful and comfortable. I got hired last month at our local Veteran’s home, working in the admissions department, helping vets and their families apply for residency. Part of that process is a conversation with them just before they come in, to better get to understand them as a human and their needs. We get a lot of questions about this interview during the admission process, so as part of my training I sat in on one with a blind gentleman. During the interview and afterwards when we were showing him around, everything I’ve learned about how to communicate and be actually helpful while maintaining the dignity of the blind person played a huge role. He seemed nervous at first but knowing how to talk to him and guide him with my elbow and describe things in a helpful way really set him at ease and he seemed to be having a great time by the end of it. The two ladies who usually run the interview seemed impressed at my knowledge and comfort in helping him out. At the end they even felt comfortable enough to allow me to finish showing him around by myself because they had other appointments to get to and he had more questions. It was a honor to be able to serve a veteran who was also part of this community that I’ve learned to love and know so much more about thanks to you, Molly.
everything you said about knowing that your channel is the only place some folks can come to talk about service dog handling hit home for me. you really are the biggest source of information and companionship about handling a service dog and relying on them in my life. thank you, thank you for being the person who talks about the hard things
I have a senior dog and he's going through something similar to Gallup. He hit age 13 and it feels like a pretty sudden decline, like he was an old man but now he's really an OLD MAN. He's just a regular pet so I can't even imagine how much harder having to see that in your old guide dog, especially having to juggle both the bonds with him and Elton. I'm so glad you and Elton have finally bonded more. I hope for many good times for you and Elton John.
I'm not blind but I am disabled so I can somewhat relate to what you were saying. I am glad that you are addressing this topic. I think everyone can relate to a kind of loss they have experienced in their past. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences on this topic.
Hi Molly, Thank you so much for making this video. I rarely ever comment, but after having just completed training with my first guide this all feels so validating. I find myself struggling with some of the same feelings of trying to bond with the new dog. It's hard because like you said, many people don't understand the work that goes into this partnership and the emotional rollercoaster that getting a guide dog entails. Anyways, thank you for providing this space for us to share our experiences.
I wonder if you leaving to Japan made Elton think differently about how he feels about you. He probably didn't understand where you were and he realized how much you mean to him. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, as they say. I'm glad you've bonded.
I literally had to stop watching this channel when it was time for gallop to retire because my heart breaks at the idea of a dog not quite understanding why they can't work, or be your one and only anymore. I was so sad to come across your channel today and learn that gallop has passed. My heart is shattered for you all. I know he was so happy to have had you for his life- he loved you so much and was such a good doggy. 💙
Grateful I didn't have to go through the heartbreak of seeing and learning Ben with you, and losing Ben with you. I'm so sorry that happened. And I'm happy to hear he is doing well.
Excited to see how your journey with Elton goes. 💙
Thank you for sharing your experiences, it was really eye-opening to hear about your process of coming to understand what motivates Elton and what works for him and how to bond with him - I never realized there is so much thought and exploration that needs to go into that. Hearing you explain those things really puts into perspective why, other than the heartbreak of having to stop working with a previous dog, it's so difficult to transition between guide dogs. It really makes me wish dogs lived longer 🥺
Molly, I’m one of your first few thousand subs and I’ll tell you.. you are the ONLY creator that pulls my emotions out in just about every video. I laugh with you, get excited for you and get choked up and cry with you.. I’m not blind, I don’t own a dog at all (I’m a cat girl- FUN fact I requested that you draw a cat from memory in one of your VERY early videos and you did so - quite well 😆 !). I don’t know what it is, I obviously don’t KNOW you aside from videos, which is totally one sided. Maybe it is just your ability to express yourself and explain things but I truly root for you, feel for you and only wish the best for you, your doggies and your family. ❤ thanks for sharing bits of your story as well as educating us all. Take care!
Elton sounds so much like my German Shepherd Seeing Eye dog Ivy. You hit the nail in the head when you said how it’s hard to feel special when your dog loves everybody. Also like you she’s gotten better over the years. I know I’m seeing this video way late, but it’s actually one of my favorites of yours. I think it goes into so much of the struggles of what we as guide dog handler face and deal with every time we change dogs. I am currently still working. Ivy and I have applied for my next dog which will be number four for me and you know you have all the feelings and to watch war dog videos as the time gets closer least I find that’s what I do so here I am.
lol
Watching you tear up about Gallop getting old made me tear up! I’m coming up on my dog’s one year anniversary of his passing. He was 14 years old when he passed away so he lived to a good age but it was still so hard to say goodbye to him😢
Thank you for the update. We have seen so much of these dogs through the years, so a check-in is a nice gift to us.
Thanks for the guide dog update. I’ve been with you through your whole journey getting Ben and Elton. You’re strong to do that.
I train pet dogs for owners, and I see this a lot I training as well. Some dogs totally thrive off clear rules and communication, others get it even when the pressure of the rules are off. :)
So glad to hear you’re doing better and Ben is ok. Your bond with Elton looks to be closer in your content!! Everyday things get better. ❤
I know how much you were so connected to Ben and it’s got to be so hard to have to get used to a new guide dog! Elton John is such a fluffy love bug and I’m glad you’re both in a better place a year later! I’m so sorry to hear that Gallup is not doing as well now and pray your sweet boy feels better! 🐶🐶❤️
I just lost my 11 1/2 year old pup last week, I had him since he was just 5 weeks old. I had to make the decision to put him down and I haven't stopped crying every day. I miss him so much, it never get's easy losing a pet even one that reaches their elder age.
I’m so sorry. I lost my 13 year old boy that was born in my house back when I was 14 back in March. I was really sick when he was born and we had a bond that was indescribable. Making that call was the hardest part for me. I hope you get some relief soon. I have two pups now that are always making me laugh, so they’re a big help. ❤
Just watching this today after the sad sad news about Gallop 😭😭 sending you lots of love, I hope you are doing ok xx
Good that your bond with Elton has become stronger and that you know his personality better now. But I can imagine it being hard that Gallop is needing you more too now that he's aging, specially as he can't be with you all the time with you travelling and having a new guide dog.
Ugh, this made me so emotional. I have my 12 year old retired service dog still living with me, and I recently got a Lab puppy to train as my next.. my retired SD is very needy and likes to be with me all of the time and is used to my world revolving around her.. it has been a very very difficult adjustment for both of us as I try to bond and train with a new dog. I am very emotionally exhausted by trying to juggle this 😭
Sending support 🧡
Thanks for sharing you heart❤. I just hit the one-year anniversary with my very first guy dog, and have been amazed about how far we have come, and the bond that we have for each other. And I to have noticed a huge change in his performance every day I am in awe of what he does for me. And he loves to work which I’m very happy for that. Thank Molly
Thanks for the updates on all the pooches. It seems like transition can be difficult but still can be done! My boy is 10 but healthy so I understand what your experiencing as the dogs age! I love and will continue to love your journey it’s hard knowing that are four legged helpers won’t always be around but we know in are hearts they’ve enriched us like we did them!
It takes a bit of time to really bond with an animal. I can't imagine how much more complicated that is to bond with a service animal that you are going to depend on to keep you safe.
Sorry to hear about your loss about Gallop and that we all know it's hard losing our friend, furbaby that is close to us. It's good to see that while he was on his last few days of his journey that he was with you all til the end. May he be remembered for everything that you've been through. Elton will get there. Love your furbabies. Peace for you at the moment of your grieving process.
I'm only about six weeks into my Guide Dog's retirement and I am still stressing over what I am going to do Next as I await my Successor Dog--re keeping my retired dog with me, or having him go live with a family member or friends. This Video Helped me a LOT. Thanks Heaps, Molly.
For no-furniture dogs, floor cuddles are the best ❤️ mine got SO excited when we went camping and I slept on the ground next to them.
I so love Eltie Cheese Meltie, but Gallup stole my heart from the first video I watched. It makes me sad to see him age. He’s just so awesome. I love his ho hum personality. 💓
I love seeing how far things have come with Elton, he’s such a cutie. It’s absolutely adorable to me when you’ve mentioned he will take you to specific things he wants to see or he wants to show you. I’m sure not always practical, but a very cute quirk.
Sending so much support with gallop. Hopefully he has a lot of time left with his yummy soft food & lots of sleep, but I also get it with the curse of large breed ages. 💕 Whatever happens we know he’s having the best retirement anyone could ask for.
Does Gallop ever try to put on the harness when you get it out for Elton?
+
Would love to know this too!
Thank you so much for sharing! I've been only a month with my first guide dog and I desperately needed to hear this. Your experience has brought me peace and courage to keep going.
You have come a long way in a year molly so proud of you. You are such a strong woman 2022 wasn't the kindness year for you. You are an intelligent firey woman i love you're channel so so proud of you molly
Hi Molly, I am a sighted person who was totally moved by this. You are so right every animal is individual. I recently have had the actual worst year of my life starting with losing a pregnancy new years day, then I had to put one of my cats down after spending thousands trying to keep him here after only 9 years. Three days later my grandma dies so I had to leave my kitties other half home alone with a sitter she didn't know. I selfishly got another kitten and you are right the bonding process is a journey, but he is a light in my life I havent seen in 8 months and his older sister is happy to have him.
I do really recognise your feelings about bonding to your dog. I finally have my first dog after 12 years of waiting, and it wasn’t the instant love i imagined it would be,but that is ok. She reflects me and my mental health, and that was hard to live with that mirror. But she only listens to me, wants to be with me all the time. Even tho she gets more excited seeing my mom, bf,… than seeing me, she does only see me as her intimite family, and we are inseperable now😍
Molly what you have gone through these last 2 years would make me go to bed and never get up again. You are a warrior and you life with your dogs is filled with love ❤❤
Sending lots of love and good vibes to beautiful Gallop ❤
It’s so hard balancing two dogs with very different needs, especially as guide dogs.
I feel for you with Gallup being 11 and old manning. I inherited my Mom's dog 8ish years ago, and he is now 13ish. A couple of weeks ago, he went still able to see, to falling off curbs and walking into cars. Shadows scare him now because he can't see a whole lot. I watched him trying to adjust and the complete confusion he was doing through the last few weeks as he is learning to memorize his outside world, and I just kept thinking of 14-year-old Molly. Wow! He has given me a lot of insight into what it must feel like. I knew he was losing his sight, but then it went overnight. One day he could see cars and curbs and the next day he was nose-diving off of them or into them. Curbs are hard for him because he is only 8 lbs. Well, they would be hard for you too because you trip and fall, he smacks his face into them, and falling off of them is falling! Losing him will be hard because he was my mom's dog though, and then when he moved in with me, he immediately recognized I needed help with my ADHD and started alerting me to things that I had started and not finished. He retired recently. He hired himself and then had to retire himself too. LOL
Aww, thanks for the updates, Molly. I'm so happy that you've been able to bond with Elton, especially recently and I'm wishing you and him and Gallop the very best! Ironically, right as I was listening to your video, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw your post about the video pop up! (rolling on the floor laughing) (purple heart)
I got emotional at the same time 💙 Galop is so precious we all love him so much! Send him a big hug from me 💙
Given what molly is going through, in her recent post. We will miss gallop but he will stay forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. ❤
I am not Blind but I am Deaf with physical disabilities and mental health issues. I am looking into either a hearing dog or an assistance dog. This video is very helpful for me.
I just want to say that Molly thank you for this I worked a dog years longer than I should have through the pandemic because of the guilt I felt
This background is so good. That interior decorator did amazing! That is the perfect shade of beige/sage
Take care Molly.
Thank you Molly for making this video. I’m headed to guide dog training Sunday, and you’ve given me a lot of things to think about. I retired my fourth guide in May after nine years of partnership. Guide dog training is hard, and the emotions associated with the transition can be a lot. I’m glad that you and Elton have become the bonded team we all strive for.
I’m sighted and don’t have the challenge of a working relationship with my pets but totally understand about Gallop. At 15 I lost my first dog who declined rapidly over a few days. He also got so clingy with me the last few months even more so than he ever was before as a mamas boy. I hope you have a lot of quality time left with him!
I appreciate the authentic share and that you both do what you can for others and unapologetically prioritize what's best for you.
Hey Molly loved your update on your pups it was so sad to hear about Gallop & I know exactly what your going thru I lost my 14yr old dog back in February and 😊to see them slow down more & more it is tough 💔💔 but you are the best handler and doggy lover there is and he knows that as well especially Elton I'm so happy that he has finally come full circle in the bonding area he is so so sweet❤❤❤😊
I had missed many months of videos from when you first got Ben until getting Elton. I was confused about the new dog. I had to catch up about the whole ordeal. I’m glad things are working out.
Wishing you nothing but the best, Molly! You are an absolute inspiration. Take care of yourself and your puppies. Much love from New Zealand. xx
Unrelated: love the background for this video. It’s so soothing
God bless your journey. I’ve been through the process of dog life and I know the road you are facing. I love your sharing your story. Hugs ❤❤
Would love love love to see an update video of how you keep up the training and teach new things
We are raising our first puppy in Australia. It’s been the most beautiful experience and I often look at our puppy and think of the person she is going to go on and help. It’s such a journey! I love hearing from your perspective and experience. ❤
I never had any relationship with dogs but in the last few years my two sisters got dogs. And boy, they couldn't have more different personalities. One loves cuddles without end. He does this thing where if there's someone sitting and they leave their hand down for whatever reason, he gets underneath so they can pet him. He doesn't care if the person is a completely stranger. The other one, loves his ball. You can play with him and his ball for hours, but he never lets you pet him. He's also more of a introvert and he needs his time alone. And those are just pets, when you add the extra layer of being working dogs, things become increasinly more complex. It's really interesting to learn about this things. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing all this. I am a veterinarian and I breed and show dogs. I have a bunch! Four in the kitchen. My dogs love everyone, but still, I’m their mom. Four dogs in the kitchen, they’re happy, pretty much doing sequential lap time.
I have a ten year old, my heart dog. So difficult watching them age.
Elton has so much coat, I would imagine he would prefer the cool floor.
Yeah you still have lavender hair. Thank you for the doggy pupdate (heart emoji)
@Afterswift Probably because Molly reads comments with a screen reader and i'm not sure (and theyre probably not either) if the text-to-speech works correctly with emojis.
@@katvelyteexactly.
This was such an important video and it’s not a topic that gets talked about nearly often enough. Thanks for raising awareness about such an underrepresented area of guide/service dog partnerships.
I had the hardest time waiting for this week to drop. Nice work, as always.
Hey Molly! As usual, your videos provide a lot of great things to think about especially being an aspiring guide dog user working on cane skills. With that being said, a video with you explaining some guide dog tricks and techniques you mentioned early on in the video that have increased your independence or have just helped you in day-to-day life would be really helpful! I am in the process of gaining the skills for getting a guide and I am looking forward to working with a dog but I would also like to have some techniques or commands that could be really helpful that aren't taught during training.
Rip Gallop ❤ ypu were an amazing boy
I don't have dogs but I do have cats. They live with my parents and before I moved out for college they sorta treated everyone equally with a preference for my mom because she was home the most. Since having been away for awhile, whenever I come back home they are SO EXCITED to see me. I think that for my cats, and Elton as well, their people didn't feel overly special because they were always there so it's the sorta situation where you take someone for granted and then realize how much you care about them with some time apart. With most pets they get the time away from their owners to miss them and get very excited to see them again. Guide dogs, and especially Elton, never get that. When you were away for a bit I think he finally was given the time to miss you and miss guiding you and doesn't want to take you for granted again. In terms of Gallop, if you want to be able to give him some attention but can't when Elton is there, would you be able to give Gallop some love while Elton is eating and distracted? I don't know if the dogs eat at the same time so that might not be feasible. Also you could try your dad leading Gallop into the bathroom and you go in the bathroom to pee and shut the door so Elton is on the other side and is sad but understands - that way you can give Gallop some love there without Elton getting jealous. You're an amazing handler Molly and are so strong for everything you've gone through with your animals recently. You should be really proud of yourself
That's so awesome that Elton is good at finding posts and chairs. Sounds like he loves being a dog on a mission. :)
That's so sad that Gallop can only eat soft food and have digestive issues. I remember when my cat Marty was getting older. In the last two years of his life, he would eat food, but it would go through him so quickly. He would basically just eat, crap, pee and sleep and that wasn't much of a life for him. I just made sure he was as comfortable as possible with water, food and a bed, but it was so sad when he collapsed on the floor one day while eating his cat food and the poor guy was trying to still lick his food after falling over on the floor. I had to put him down in May 2020. I'll always miss him.
You have such insight into each of your dogs. They are lucky to have you!
I still wish i knew more of what made Ben get pulled out of guiding?
All we know is he had to medically retire
I suspect that it was behavioural. She shamed the first owners for sending Ben back and so when she did the exact same thing, she was too embarrassed to talk about it. All alleged and just my opinion.
All we know is he was losing an unhealthy amount of weight before he had to retire. I speculate that it was due to his mental health (like, he got so neurotic about being a perfect guide dog that he stopped doing other things like eating), but maybe I'm just projecting, as someone who also had to leave my career due to destroying my own mental health lol...
Wow! Thank you for sharing this experience Molly. I found it very enlightening to understand all that you have had to navigate. I'm so glad it's all going so well. ❤
On August 11th, I lost my Medical alert Bernese Mountain Service Dog. The 6 years 7 months and 8 days ge was by my side, were the best. A month before he passed, a border collie mix followed him home during our morning walk. He's been a huge help for my grief but i think Bernie's soul is imprinted on Josh. Josh is now training to do the jobs Bernie did
It’s so hard when your dog starts to age quickly. I just lost my German Shepard dingo mix. We rescued her when I was 11, I’m 27 now and we had her 16 wonderful years. At around 13 she started to rapidly age over about a year, then she stabilised for 2 years after that when she started heart medication, (she was slow and stayed around the house instead of buggering off down the farm half the day like she always used to but she was happy and wasn’t in any pain) then in last 2 months she stated to go down hill very quickly and was in some pain but is was managed with medication until last Saturday night when she didn’t want to get out of bed and Monday morning she stopped getting. Up at all and was in more pain than we could manage so we had to call a vet out and she was put to sleep. She was with me and supported me through. Cancer diagnosis and treatments, the loss of both my maternal grandparents (I was VERY close with both of them as they helped raise me after my dad left and lived on the next property over. Angi was super close with ,y grandy, he used to come over every day with a chicken neck for her and they loved each other and she used to follow him round as he worked on the farm)max well as my paternal grandmother, the loss of 3 friends and a boyfriend as well as loving on and playing with my 2 year old son. She was with me more than half my life and was my 8 year old jack russell mix’s best friend and mentor. I can’t imagine her not being here still.
How did they breed a dog with a wild dog from Australia?
@@HeyItsZee_ dingos are really just non domesticated dogs, so can easily breed with other dog breeds, and as for being an Australian breed, I’m Australian and live in an area where although not super common there are a few wild dingos running around, probably coz I’m not too far from Frazer island where there is a very large population on dingos. She was a rescue from the RSPCA who said they thought she was German Shepard cattle dog mix. We always suspected she was part dingo as she was all orangey blond all over other than her white chest with no marking of either a German Shepard or cattle dog as well as her having a lot of dingo behavioural characteristics. About 6 years ago we had this guy in his late 60’s come over for some handy work, he took one look at her turned to us and said d”do you realise that your dog is at least part dingo?” We said we suspected and he told us that he was doing handy work for extra money cash in hand to top up his pension, he recently retired from an almost 40 year career breeding and raising dingos for zoos and nature parks and he was 100% certain she was at least part dingo, but recommended we do DNA testing to see how much. We ended up deciding to do the testing because we were curious and low and behold, she was a little over 60% dingo.
Thank you for the update. I’ve been curious, but I didn’t want to question you about them in case something was going on and you just weren’t ready to share.
Nah hearing about Gallop made me emotional. He’s been with you for most of your RUclips journey. We grew attached to him 🥺.
I wonder if we will ever hear what went wrong with Ben. Maybe it is still too soon.
I suspect that it was behavioural. She shamed the first owners for sending Ben back and so when she did the exact same thing, she was too embarrassed to talk about it. All alleged and just my opinion.
but what can it be about his health that is not safe to work but fine to be living a pet life??? @DanSgambelluri
She said it was a medical issue, I don’t know if you watched those videos explaining it but she said she thought she was just getting him medical attention and he’d be working again after he healed but they found out it was something that made him unable to work
@@elizabethr.9359I saw this, but also, what could be so bad she didn’t feel she could share? Genuinely just curious
at first I didn't think the thing with Ben was going to be a huge thing, like it didn't work but i didn't think the worst, but the secrecy and no information leads me to believe it may have been the worst situation. I was anxious to hear about that, and kinda happy to learn about that situation. I guess for me to support and just not know is uncomfortable. I'm so glad to know elton is doing so well.
Just a gentle reminder: sometimes uncomfortable feelings in us mean protection for Molly and how she gets to process everything.
Privacy is how public figures protect themselves emotionally and physically. And she gave quite a bit of info when Ben wasn’t able to keep working, just not super specific and that’s honestly fair I think. I get wanting more but we need to remember that losing a guide dog in this way was extremely traumatic and opening up too much could hurt her healing.
Can definitely confirm that your video about using a cane helped me a lot even as a sighted person who was mostly able bodied a year ago, but definitely not anymore.
Hey Molly,
Hey I just wanted to reach out and send you virtual gentle hugs if you wanted them, and say that I hear you and understand what you're saying. I feel for you as I have a 14-year-old guide dog right now. He's doing well, but, I can absolutely see the aging. Losing him will be a very sad day. I have to try and not think about it too much, stay in the moment And enjoy what I have. Also, my dog is quite Similar to yours as he loves and thrives on having firm rules and boundaries. I have found what works for us, is that if I want him to be up on the bed or what have you, he waits until he's invited, and he does respect that. Anyway, i'm so glad to hear that he's doing well. Just wanted to offer some words of encouragement and tell you that you've got this. ❤️
As a mom of 3 kids, and a dog mom of 2 (one dog at a time) can confirm, it takes a long time to adapt to them both. A pet dog isn't a whole year, much less is required of them. But the baby, yes, takes at least a year to adapt and bond.
I just saw your TikTok about gallop and I’m not okay 😭😂
I am so happy that you are bonding with elton and everything with him is finally ok! But what happened to Ben? I think I missed it!!
I was just going to say that. I don't know if she has said or not. I'm curious about it as well.
He had to medically retire. Had gotten unwell and unable to work anymore
@@HeyItsZee_ oh poor ben 💔
I kind of stopped watching this channel after all of the hush hush with Ben.
Hi Molly! So glad you’re going to share this with us! ❤️❤️❤️ you
My Labrador hit about 11 to 11 1/2 years and started to age very rapidly, after previously enjoying excellent health. After a year or so we had to make the huge decision to put her down, because she was no longer comfortable and happy. She was suffering. I think it’s a common age for labs to start the long journey to the rainbow bridge. Heartbreaking. We love them well for a longtime, but it’s never long enough.
It’s too bad the stress, anxiety and/or emotion that it sounds like this involves, but hearing about the training process is interesting.
Thank you for saying that it takes a year. I know it's not quite the same but I lost the cat recently my first one that I got on my own We bonded so well and she was the best cat I don't think anybody else could be as good as her. It's been over a month people are asking me about getting a new cat I have looked but I still cry. And it's not the same but it's still an animal regardless. A loved one.
Two of my dogs one passed one we only recently got both were buddy dogs witch are dogs who failed guide dog training for some reason and are put with visually impaired family’s instead of working
I had a dog named Bentley I never completely bonded with. He loved everybody too. But my most recent dog is obviously extremely loyal to me and me only. She likes people too but she’s so attached to me. They’re all so different. So glad you and Elton bonded ❤
I put one of my dogs at 15, and yes, once they pass around the 10 year mark it gets hard man. Very very hard to go through. All you can do is be there for and with them
My dog is not a service dog, but I had a golden and I lost him when he was eight years old. I had to put him down and it took me three years maybe even four to get another golden
Had a really bad blind girl m9menr today i got off of my regular street and onto a different street and just ke0t walking and got lost so I stood on the side of the busy street till my dad found me
It is hard to watch our pets age. I have a 19 1/2 year old cat and I saw him start to decline around 12. It is hard to watch. I have decided to do my best to make each day I have with him the best it can be. Our dog was 14 years old and she suffered a stroke and we had to let her cross the rainbow bridge. Hardest decision I ever had to make. It is hard not to compare our dogs. I think that is why we don’t have another dog just yet. I feel you on learning your dogs whether a pet or a service dog. Sending love to Gallop, Elton, and Lavender.
Im sad about Gallop. Im kind of experiencing the same thing though, I have a guide from Seeing eye who is getting older and is getting to the point that her hearing might be changing. Sad….