John Lunday reports:-
Friday 4 October was a very sad day for our member Ian White and I am sure for all members of Paignton Probus Club as Jimmy has been retired after nine years loyal service to his master.
Retirement has come to us all, some have dreaded the day whilst others have relished it but poor Jimmy has had no choice in the matter. Worse still, when I saw him on Thursday 3 October, he had no idea that he would be retiring the following day and taken away, leaving behind his trusted friend and his home.
I asked Ian if Jimmy had ever led (sic) him into any peculiar escapades and he told me that quite often they could both be lost and he had to ask pedestrians where he was and found people to be helpful and put them both on the right track. One of his previous guide dogs however did misdirect Ian, well that’s his excuse. They were in Fisher Street and the guide dog stopped for some reason and didn’t want to move. After a minute or two the landlord of The Torbay Inn opened his front door and told Ian that he was too early as it was ten in the morning.
We all, I am sure, will miss Jimmy from our weekly meetings and we wish him a long and happy retirement with his new guardians after all his life being trained to go out into the wide world to protect and lead his partner to safety.
Guide dogs have no actual retirement age but are continually assessed after a certain age and Jimmy was considered to not be capable of further employment.
Worryingly, no immediate replacement is available and Ian does not know how long it will be before he is given another fully trained Guide dog but it will certainly be a number of months at best, maybe more. Ian explained that in 2017 there were over 5,000 guide dogs. Now there are just over 3,500 and excuses abound, but it seems to be wrong that this organisation do not recognise the need for immediate replacement.
Ian is a resilient chap with many friends whom he will call upon from time to time. I also know that Probus Members will come forward and assist Ian in order he is not a prisoner in his own home.
In the meantime have a restful and deserved retirement……………
Farewell Dear Friend.
Paignton Probus Club 