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After six-and-a-half years working for the local force, German Shepherd Turbo struggled to adjust to retirement, but he is now enjoying destroying toys, looking after puppies and lazy mornings in bed.
Turbo, who is nine years young as his ‘mum’ Zeffrienne D’Ulivo-Rogers says, has shared a list of tips for retirement to help others cope with their new life.
Turbo retired from his role as General Purpose Police Dog in 2020 and initially struggled with becoming a 'pet dog'.
Pictured: Turbo moved in with Zeffrienne in January.
Zeffrienne, who had met him many years ago whilst working in a local kennel where working dogs go there when their handlers are on holiday, couldn’t say no when she heard of Turbo’s troubles and he moved in with her in January as her foster dog.
While it was initially planned that Turbo would be rehomed, Zeffrienne said that after a couple of months, it became apparent it wouldn’t be possible.
“We spent a long time deciding what was best for him and we made the decision for him to stay and that I would try my best to help him, and it's been the best decision I have ever made,” she said.
“He certainly hasn't been easy, and I did wonder what on earth I agreed to at times. For a while life was extremely stressful and I wasn't sure I made the right decision.
Pictured: Old habits die hard... Turbo has started a neighbourhood watch.
“Everything was new to him, he had spent his whole life living in a kennel and working. Being in a home and being a 'pet dog' was alien to him. I never thought we would be able to do half of the things we can now, I had prepared myself that life would just have to be managed."
Luckily for Turbo, Zeffrienne says all the stress and hard work is now paying off and he has turned into a completely different dog: “a giant crazy overgrown, very cheeky, puppy” who is ridiculously obsessed with his ‘mum’.
“I'd put money on it he would risk his life for me,” Zeffrienned said. “He hates me being out of sight or out of reach and gets very distressed, so we now come as a pair, everywhere... including to the bathroom.”
Pictured: Turbo is ridiculously obsessed with his ‘mum’.
“He now loves other dogs, he comes to work with me everyday and has so many friends and him and his boyfriend Baxter have quite the bromance,” Zeffrienne added.
“He has had both human and dogs visit the house and all the 'normal' things in the house, like someone walking into a room, he once couldn't cope with, is now either not even a thought that enters his head or is getting better each day.
“He is by no mean perfect - who is?! - and we still have a long way to go but he can now live a normal life and enjoy all the things he had been missing out on.
“I don't think it is physically possible to love him anymore than I already do, and I can't imagine life without him now. He is the most amazing dog and I can only hope things continue to get better, he has already fully exceeded my expectations with how far we have come and I can't wait for all the adventures and fun we will hopefully have in the future.”
Pictured: While he initially struggled as a pet dog, Turbo is now making up for lost time.
In his retirement, Turbo has been enjoying all the finer things in life, from meat and cheese - “He's not really one for eating all his greens” - to sweet treats.
“He does get rather excited when we pull up to the waffle waggon, icecream and waffles seem to be a firm favourite at the moment,” Zeffrienne said. “He always gets his own and he definitely knows where we are when we pull up!”
The former police dog is also making up for lost time with lazy mornings under the covers, cuddles, attention and spooning, along with as many treats, toys and beds as his heart desires, friends and play time, walks in many different places, fun training with treats and toys and time to just be a dog and do all kinds of dog stuff.
One of Turbo’s favourite hobbies is to pop and rip up as many toys as he possibly can, an activity that earned him the title of “master toy destroyer”.
Pictured: Turbo and his dad enjoying cuddles on the sofa.
He also enjoys looking after puppies, when running along the bike and horses and has recently started agility. “Anything that's active, fun and involes treats and toys he's there, with a whole load of enthusiasm!” Zeffrienne said.
Zeffrienne and her boyfriend are hoping to soon get Turbo and his dog to the Lake District and New Forest for “more walks and fun things to do”.
“They are both getting older, we have made a bucket list of things to do,” she explained.
In the meantime, Turbo will be continuing agility, taking swimming lessons, walking around the island and, when the weather gets warmer, he will be hitting all the cafés.
“We must make sure he catches up on everything he has missed out on whilst working,” Zeffrienne said.
After all this time working, you deserve to put your paws up, put on a fur mask and relax.
Now you have all the time in the world, there is no reason not to go on a walk. Get out, smell the flowers, roll in the grass if you feel like it.
We live in a beautiful island and there is loads to explore... also I have heard Vitamine D is good for you.
It may not sound like fun but trust me, keeping your finances in check will save you a headache.
Life shouldn't be all about pension and money so every now and then, grab a cozy blanket, find a comfy spot on the sofa and tuck into that book you've been meaning to read for ages.
If reading is not your thing, how about spending time with your pals? Now that covid restrictions are being lifted, the opportunities for fun are a-plenty!
With more times on your paws, why not try new hobbies or join a club? I heard it's not retirement without golf.
I know exercise is good for you but I will take that portion of fries over it any time.
Make sure to make time for the special people in your life, it's good for the soul!
There is no reason to be up at the crack of dawn... hit the snooze button as many times as you want and get those much needed zzzz's. You deserve it.
Enjoy!
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