Memorial for Riley Conger
June 16, 1988 - October 29, 2002
Living the Life of Riley
Riley was my first guide dog and he was from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. He was a terrific guide dog especially for a first-time dog user. He was a male yellow Labrador with a terrific personality.
He was able to guide me for 5-1/2 years. In that time, he worked wonderfully and always enjoyed his work up until the last few months. Riley had severe inhaled allergies and was also showing signs of stress. He was retired at the age of 7-1/3 years old and had a wonderful retirement on an island that was very rural. The family that took him in had him for over 7 years and what a retirement he had. He got to live the "LIFE OF RILEY" literally. He loved lying in the sun and swimming in the lake. After he retired, his new job was to watch over the two children in the family and he did a superb job of it.
Some of the names that Riley had include Smiley Riley, Ri Guy, Smiles and Riles. Riley loved cuddling and tummy rubs up to the very end.
I still remember the first time Riley and I met. I was called into the trainer's office. I sat down, the other door opened, I was asked to call Riley which I did, he came over and sniffed me for about 5 seconds and then flopped down at my feet which was always one of his favorite positions.
Riley is now waiting at the Rainbow Bridge frolicking with all the other dogs up there. When he passed on, he was cremated. The family did a wonderful thing and sent me half of his ashes so I still have a part of this fantastic dog. When the package arrived with Riley's ashes, my husband told me that Riley was back home again.
Submitted by
Vivian Conger
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