2010 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 22-30
In order to obtain a perspective for supporting and encouraging the activities of volunteer handlers of retired guide dogs, interviews were conducted with five volunteers caring for retired guide dogs about their experiences in living with the retired dogs and their motivation for volunteering. The results of a qualitative analysis using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach revealed that in the process of handling the retired dogs, volunteers had experiences which may be grouped into five categories: "steps toward starting as a volunteer," "a new life from viewpoint of retired dogs," "discovering guide dog characteristics," "broadening the meaning of volunteer activity," and "being there during the process of illness, growing old, and death." To support and encourage these activities, suggestions are put forward, including the idea that many opportunities be provided for people to come into contact with guide dogs and retired dogs; that handling retired dogs does not only encompass caring for and watching over the dogs in their last days but also embodies a sense of fulfillment and a feeling of intimacy; and that consultation services be established so volunteers are able to care for their dogs without anxiety through a center or other social alliance.
