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Post by maryellen on Jan 17, 2009 14:36:20 GMT -5
5 1/2 years ago Rufus became certified as a therapy dog. we have done 80 visits a year, with rufus always looking forward to doing his visits.. we have shown this breed in a good light, and changed many people's minds about the pit bull breed.. We have gone to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, and elementary schools during the course of these past years.. Rufus always had a spring in his step and loved the attention he got from the patients and children. lately however, i have noticed small changes in him, from not wanting to interact as much as he used to, to yawning more, to sleeping more at therapy, to just not wanting to interact like he has done in the past., to finally not wanting to get into my truck to go to therapy. the past few visits we have done i have watched the changes with more interest.. i have always known he couldnt do this forever, and to get a wonderful 5 1/2 years of this was a true blessing.. So today while driving home from the hospital i made the decision to retire him as of today.. He will no longer be a therapy dog, and will no longer go visiting.. i am doing this for HIS benefit, as i cant deny the changes i am seeing, and its really not fair for him to keep doing this because of me, i want him to do it because he likes it, and lately, he is waiting to leave and just not happy.. so he is now a retired therapy dog.. i know i am making the right decision for him, as i want him to be a happy dog, not a dog who wants to curl up on a chair at the hospital and who cant wait to leave.
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Post by hammer4 on Jan 17, 2009 14:53:05 GMT -5
You and Rufus are to be congratulated for all of your hard work.. ;D
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 17, 2009 16:30:57 GMT -5
Well, it is a much deserved retirement! Kudos to you for being such a good dog mom. You've both done amazing work together. Congratulations on your retirement, Rufus! Live it up!
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Post by maryellen on Jan 17, 2009 17:24:54 GMT -5
out of all the pictures i have taken over the years of rufus doing therapy, this is the only video i ever took.. its been floating around the forums for a long time now.. wallacethepitbull.blip.tv/file/147911/
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Post by bamapitbullmom on Jan 17, 2009 17:57:16 GMT -5
Happy retirement, Rufus! You've served the public and the breed well!
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Post by emilys on Jan 17, 2009 21:26:34 GMT -5
retirement is great! I hope Rufus enjoys his, so well earned. kudo's to you both
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angels8
I Love RPBF!
Pitbull Snuggler
Posts: 252
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Post by angels8 on Jan 17, 2009 22:24:58 GMT -5
Happy Retirement Rufus!!! Kudos to you for the 5.5 years of happiness you have brought to many!
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Post by crystalbbr on Jan 17, 2009 23:43:22 GMT -5
Happy Retirement Rufus!! From the few pics you've shared, you can tell Rufus has touched many people! Kudos to you for doing what is best for Rufus as well. He has done our breed well!
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Post by mcgregor on Jan 18, 2009 1:15:36 GMT -5
Praises and kudos to you Mary Ellen for putting the dog first for his needs...... you are a wonderful mom....... congradulations to rufus on a job well done
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Post by DiamondTiger on Jan 18, 2009 5:19:45 GMT -5
Praises and kudos to you Mary Ellen for putting the dog first for his needs...... you are a wonderful mom....... congradulations to rufus on a job well done Ditto that! Rufus, you have always been one of my favorite boys to keep up with and I'll miss reading new stories of your adventures. I do look forward to reading updates on how you'll be spending your "golden years". And ME... you da bombdiggity for what you've done / are doing with these dogs and for folks who need them. Well done my friend...
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Post by maryellen on Jan 18, 2009 10:33:28 GMT -5
aw thanks all.. dont worry, he will still get dressed up.. i cant stop that LOL... his part time job now will be helping me give the cgc test, so he is not quite totally retired .
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Post by valliesong on Jan 19, 2009 14:34:37 GMT -5
Give Rufus a cuddle from me!
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Post by Courtney on Jan 19, 2009 15:54:10 GMT -5
Aww congrats to rufus on his retirement!
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Post by pitpupmom on Jan 21, 2009 8:15:43 GMT -5
YEAH RUFUS!!! JOB WELL DONE!! MOM IS THE BEST TOO!!!
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Post by maryellen on Jan 21, 2009 11:11:00 GMT -5
yeah, it was definitely time, the signs were all there, so i figured better to do it in the winter since he hates walking in the snow.. funny part is, i told him out loud sunday that he doesnt have to do therapy anymore and he got all happy.. since sunday when i told him he has changed a little, more relaxed.. weird.. maybe he understood what i said..
a member on pbf made this retirement video for rufus..
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