09/18/2026
Retirement doesn’t mean the bond retires, too. ❤️
Bravo and I have always been deeply in tune with each other. The work we did together in IGP created a bond that goes far beyond training.
Today, Bravo is retired because of an injury, not simply because he’s getting older. While he can no longer do the powerful movements required for IGP, he still wants to be involved in everything we do. So instead of working him, he’s simply part of our everyday life, enjoying being a dog.
If there’s one thing I want people to understand about retired working dogs, it’s this: don’t assume they don’t still want to come along and be part of the action. Their work was their whole life. Find new things to enjoy together and remind them that they’re still your best.
And in Bravo’s case, I tell him every day: you’re my bestest of the bestest. 🐾❤️