As a financial planner I have worked with hundreds of families helping them manage their personal finances, advising them on saving and investing for their long-term goals, and ultimately helping them plan for the day when they will finally be able to say, “I am retired”.
Ironically, I have never had the privilege of experiencing an actual retirement party. More to the point, I have never had the opportunity to listen to others tell their story of how the retiree’s career made a difference in their life or the lives of others.
This week, that changed. As a volunteer and former board member for Can Do Canines , I was fortunate to be able to attend the retirement part for Al Peters, founder and Executive Director, of Can Do Canines for over 30 years. Though Al is not a client of mine, I was happy to be included in this important event and to learn more about the impact that his work has had on so many.
During a career that spanned more than 200 dog years, Al and his pack of volunteers, dog trainers, puppy raisers and faithful supporters raised, trained and placed over 760 assistance dogs with their human partners. Along the way, they created innovative solutions to meet the needs of others including training diabetes assist dogs that can detect sudden, life-threatening drops in their human partner’s blood sugar, autism assist dogs that gently anchor a child tethered to them so they can’t run into harm’s way, and even “over achievers”, dogs that are trained in multiple skills that can help individuals living more than one disability.
Today, Al leaves behind one of the country’s most successful assistance dog organizations. One that is built on his vision of enhancing the quality of life for people living with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. One that will continue to build on his legacy in the decades to come.
Not all of us have careers that include founding a non-profit that saves lives or creating an organization that employs others. Few of us can say that we raised millions of dollars for other people or even experience the simple joy of bringing your dog to work every day.
However, we all have careers that serve others and make a difference in the world. The nurse that cares for you when you have a medical procedure. The IT professional that keeps your company’s internet up and running. The teacher that teaches your kids to read, do math, or whatever brainy stuff they do in AP physics. We all serve others and make a difference in our own small way. Be proud of what you do and know that your work is important as well.
With kids in high school and college and bills to pay, it will be a while before I announce my retirement. To paraphrase Al’s retirement address, “There is still much to do”. However, I am grateful to continue to work and serve others and to help them prepare for the day when, they too, will be able to say “I am retired” and can look back on a life and career that made a difference.
If you would like to know more about the amazing work of Can Do Canines or know someone who might benefit from an assistance dog, visit their website at www.candocanines.org.
To discuss any of the topics in this blog or to learn more about how we can help you Cross The Bridge To A Confident Retirement, please contact me through my web site mikebranch.net, call me directly at 651-379-3935 or email me at mpbranch@focusfinancial.com.