I've always loved the labs. Since I'm too old to take on any more puppies, I was thinking that when my Cricket (Springer mix) goes, I'd like to see about adopting a retired service dog. How does one find them? About what age are they retired. Is there anything we need to know before getting one, etc. Thanks.

Great idea. Many retired dogs still have a number of good years once remove from the stress of working. Most of their partners hang on to them if they can when they retire or give them to close family or friends. The school that trained them may return them to the family that raised them. Still, a few dogs do need homes. They certainly deserve a good home after serving somebody for years.

To find one, contact any schools near you. Here are some links to help you find one.
www.disabilitygateway.com/animals.htm#ao
http://www.iaadp.org
http://www.caninecompanions.org/
http://www.neads.org/
http://www.pawswithacause.org/
http://www.guiding-eyes.org
http://www.pilotdogs.org
http://www.leaderdog.org

Thank you for this great info. :)