MILPARA Singers held a special party recently for retiring guide dog Nixon at Korumburra Library.
Owner Nina Smith, a member of the group, said Nixon is turning eight in January, having worked as her guide dog for six years, explaining he has had a few health issues and is tired.
“He’s hanging up his harness and I’m going to keep him as a pet for the rest of his life,” she said.
Nina will get a new guide dog when the matching process is complete and doesn’t expect Nixon to have any difficulty adjusting to a more leisurely lifestyle and a new working dog in the home, looking forward to the pair playing together.
However, with the matching process to take some time, Nixon is set to continue working for a little longer than initially planned, albeit with a lighter schedule.
“He’s transitioning to retirement,” Nina said, explaining he’ll be seen out and about a lot less.
Nixon, an ambassador for ‘TravelPaws’, a travel support network for people with assistance dogs, finished his flying days last Tuesday with a flight to Sydney, having another party thrown in his honour at Melbourne airport.
He is no stranger to aircraft cabins, his adventures including a couple of overseas trips to Japan and New Zealand.
Asked how Nixon is received by other passengers, Nina said the reaction is generally one of excitement. Nixon is featured online at travelpaws.org and the website offers handy advice for those keen to travel with an assistance dog.
The Milpara Singers got into the party spirit for the canine of honour, wearing impressive pointy hats made by group member Belinda Nelson.
“We’re an elite group of singers,” Nina joked.
In reality, the singing sessions are laid back and everyone is welcome, with people encouraged to join the fun. The group tackles a wide range of songs from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Drop into Korumburra Library at 1.30pm on Wednesdays to lend your voice.
