Women pray at a tomb for dead guide dogs in an asylum for retired guide dogs in Sapporo, northern Japan, Feb. 2, 2009. Most guide dogs over 12 years old are retired from service due to their declining physical strength. More than 200 retired guide dogs have lived their remaining years in the facility since the Hokkaido guide dogs association opened the care center in 1978, authorities said.

　　Pictures of dead guide dogs are placed on an altar at an asylum for retired guide dogs in Sapporo, northern Japan, Feb. 2, 2009.

　　Pictures of dead guide dogs are placed on an altar at an asylum for retired guide dogs in Sapporo, northern Japan, Feb. 2, 2009.

　　Keiko Tsuji, care-taker for retired guide dogs, plays with them on the snow at an asylum for retired guide dogs in Sapporo, northern Japan, Feb. 2, 2009.

　　Keiko Tsuji, care-taker for retired guide dogs, feeds Rick on a bed at an asylum for retired guide dogs in Sapporo, northern Japan, Feb. 2, 2009.

　　Retired guide dog Rick lies on a bed at an asylum for retired guide dogs in Sapporo, northern Japan, Feb. 2, 2009. Rick, who is 16 years old, is immobile.