How I Met "Simply D"

It was almost a year ago, or actually maybe a little over a year ago, being that I am a dog my concept of time tends to get a little warped. Yes it was last year January, many of us were gathering together because a new group of people were coming to train with us, and really they were coming to become our new partners.  We had gone through quite a bit of training making sure that we were ready to meet the people who would become our partners.  As you know, my friends and I had to receive a special kind of training not only to do cool pet tricks that make everyone smile :-), like "Sit, Stay and Down", which although are cute, are really a part of our formal training in obedience and self-control,  but our real purpose was to make sure that people could travel around safely without their sight.  We were going to lend them our eyes in a way.  I almost forgot to explain that when I say "my friends", I mean the group of us that were chosen to be part of this particular class at Guide Dogs of America; including two of my brothers. Now back to the story... We had to learn how to navigate around obstacles and make them aware of potential hazards while moving throughout the world around us. 

Gypsy & Simply D at Santa Monica, CA

Anyway, back to meeting "Simply D".  I remember one of the trainers (Brian) coming to get me and then taking me in to Simply D's room that he was going to be staying in for the next month, where we learn to build a bond that would allow us to travel safely while learning to depend on one another. Needless to say I was excited! The door opened and the first thing Brian did was lead me around the room so that I could get accustomed to Simply D's scent. You see, he had been there for 3 days before I had a chance to meet him, so therefore his scent was already throughout the room. This is a technique that the trainers use to help us become more familiar with who we are going to be spending time with as we become a team. After the sniffing was completed, I was led over to Simply D himself...my goodness I was excited! I made it a point to let him know how excited I was by pretty much tackling him; covering him with kisses and dazzling him with what I like to call the "Almighty Tail Wag". 

Cuddling with "D" (Our 1st Day)

Now I have to admit, at first I thought I was just visiting, but it turns out that I was there to stay. It took a little getting used to but "D" made me feel right at home. He spent a lot of time petting me and introducing me to Innermix's music, which I found to be soothing. Through the music I got to hear his voice constantly, which made me much more responsive to his commands. Not only that, I also got an early introduction to his partner Jules. D had a way of making sure that I was familiar and comfortable with all aspects of his life, knowing that he was going to make me part of his family. I even got to hear his wife on the phone every evening they talked. She would say my name and I would breath heavily with a smile and a tail wag. I knew we would be great friends.

As I look at our relationship today I would not trade him for anyone else. Truly we are a perfect match. :-)  One of these days I'm going to tell you why we are such a great match, but I feel like that in and of itself should be its own post. So until next time, have a Dogtastic week and remember to keep smiling!