A Tribute to My Special Friend and Companion

You may wonder why I am writing this article in place of my usual column. As it happens, Oskar, my beloved guide dog of almost ten years, has retired and I feel that I could not pay the proper homage to him unless I did it in this manner.

My story begins in November as I was preparing for a trip to Philadelphia to accept the Freddie Award for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. The fact that we achieved this honor is a tribute to our staff and all the hard work that they do for our organization. And, as I packed my bags, I couldn’t help but look down at my Oskar, sleeping on his bed without a concern in the world. This often is Oskar’s attitude, but now it is different.

My friend and companion, a dog who has been by my side for all these years, has let me know that this will be his last trip. He has told me in any number of ways that he is tired and that it is time for him to kick back and live the balance of his life in retirement. Oskar no longer wants to get into the harness or work past 5 p.m. This is not much of a change for him; Oskar never was more than a 9 to 5 guy; unlike my first dog Karl, who was never off duty. Oskar feels that I can manage on my own just fine. He might feel badly if I hit a wall or miss a step; but from his bed by the fireplace he would look up and say, “You okay?” Confident that I had survived, he would never move from his resting position.

But Oskar was the type of dog I needed for this time of my life. I don’t travel as much as I did with Karl, so he was happy to sit back and relax when in the office. However, he was by my side to guide me if I went to New York or Washington, DC on business or to just take a walk around Colchester.

Having been through the transition process to a successor dog once with Karl, I put on a brave face and tell everyone that I can handle it this time. No sweat! But I know deep inside of me that it’s not true and that the transition will be difficult. How can it not? My Oskar is 11 years old. He has served me for nearly a decade and we are best friends. How I wish that Fidelco could create a dog that would live as long as humans do…but we can’t. And no matter how great the pain, I know I must move on.

On a brighter note, Oskar will stay at home with Marie, my wife, whom he adores and “Eva,” her retired Fidelco breed dog. He already looks at me each day and says in his way, “Can’t I stay home with the girls?”

But there was Oskar, with me in Philadelphia, dressed to the nines in his elegant black tie. And he guided me up on that stage, trying his best to keep me safe and represent Fidelco as he always has by being on his best behavior.

I will soon have another guide dog who I know will become dear to both me and my wife and who will fit in with our lifestyle. I have no choice. Without another dog, my freedom and independence would become a thing of the past. And as I retire my friend after this trip, Oskar, in his own special way, will let me know that it’s okay.