The End of the Partnership With a Guide Dog: Emotional Responses, Effects on Quality of Life and Relationships With Subsequent Dogs

Guide dogs are mobility aids that facilitate independent travel of people who blind or visually impaired. Additional benefits imparted to the guide dog handler include companionship, and increased: social-function, self-esteem confidence. Some evidence shows end partnership can result in reduced mobility, may have profound psychosocial effects on due feelings bereavement loss self-esteem. However, this is limited. This study examined experiences 36 across New Zealand, experienced ending at least one with a (77 pairings), explore issues arising how impact relationships subsequent dogs. Results indicate majority handlers reduction their quality life decrease followed by friend companion, curtailment social interactions, self-esteem/confidence. The affected different ways. Most “accepted” had ended, but some felt guilty angry school. applied for another immediately, as need was high, while others preferred wait smaller number did not reapply. Feelings time also handlers' dogs, over quarter expressing negative effect. Retiring (for whatever reason) only difficult handler, handler's family, friends, co-workers, doubtlessly, dog. expressed extreme grief when whether it successful not. were more common first than depth emotion compared losing family member other loved one, which has been reported person pet relationships. A better understanding surrounding partnership, including human-animal bond, will help inform industry best support clients during transitioning Findings be service/assistance users owning community.