Retirement Routine: Building a Second Life Through Service Dogs

Burns began his transition in his late 60s, scaling back his work hours while searching for a post-career purpose. His affinity for dogs led him to local breeding kennels, where he discovered that his business-honed appreciation for efficiency and organization aligned with the mission of Guiding Eyes. While the program primarily relies on Labrador retrievers, Burns felt an immediate connection to the German Shepherds, a breed he remembers fondly from his younger years.

Working with these dogs requires more than just affection; it demands a rigid schedule. For a man accustomed to being out the door by 8 a.m. for decades, the responsibility of raising a puppy like Geneva provided the necessary framework to avoid the aimlessness that often follows retirement. The arrangement is temporary—most puppies move to formal training after 14 to 18 months—but the emotional reward is substantial. Beyond the training, Burns has integrated himself into a tight-knit community of fellow volunteers, creating a social circle that sustains him as he prepares to transition his current pupil to her future life as a service animal.