I begun a new chapter of a guide dog journey after taking a break since Prince Kartie’s (PK) sudden passing due to my complicated dental work. I recovered so quickly and I felt that I was so ready to get a successor guide dog. The search for a perfect and precise match requires time. I did not mind the wait because I know I still have to go through some more dental work in coming months.
December 2024 came, a trainer and a guide dog trainee stopped by to visit for a pre-match walk test. We walked about 2 miles and it was successful. I managed to keep everything low-key in hopes everything would work out for my pup.
Fast forward to January 21, 2025 which was the 10-month anniversary of PK’s passing, my generous friend and I headed south to Dogs Inc in a terrible rainstorm to participate in training class to be matched with my 3rd guide dog, PK’s successor.
I met a pup with identifiable personalities and we got to know one another for a few days during basic skills, bonding, guiding work, and heeling. I recognized such personalities that my pup possesses:
• Confident
• Determined
• Explosive energy
• Extremely intelligent
• Fearless
• Going Forward
• Let’s Go!
• Protector
• Push Forward
• Vigilant
Guess who my pup is? Ace. That’s correct, it’s Ace! My Ace, a male purebred black Labrador Retriever (Dale x Donna) is a dual-career dog! Ace is a movie star in the Ace: Short Animated Film and now a guide dog. Ace is the youngest pup in his Q23 litter to be a guide dog. He is only 20 months old.
Here is the link to Ace: Short Animated Film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_lBQkhZs2g
Please bear in mind, the film was created for marketing purposes and the animated pup, Ace possessed striking personalities as my real Ace has.
So far, my experience working with him as a guide dog team for a few days is so breathtaking phenomenal! Our individualized training is very much advanced based on my environment, lifestyle, pace, and travel needs and we aced most of our training in such short time. I am genuinely impressed how awesome Ace has been as a guide dog. Our match is meant to be and it is so incredible to witness what Ace is capable of guiding me and keeping me safe. We have incredible bond. He is indeed a goofball when no one is around except me and so lovable. He enjoys giving shoulder-to-shoulder hugs.
Something to share with you all that I incorporated Ace’s name in sign by using the sign for the letter A with your palm facing down and flick your wrist up to present the letter A, for Ace!
Photo Description: A squared and dark hazel retro framed photo of a purebred black Labrador Retriever wearing guide dog harness on his back standing regally on the Ace statue step is facing forward at the bright blue sky and squared cement, trees, and shadows of plants are in the foreground. Photo credit by Christie Bane.
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