Thank you Dogster and All My Friends!

What an honor to be Dog Of The Day!
Thank you for choosing me!
I am very appreciative of all the good wishes sent my way.
Love, Island Girl ~Guide Dog

I'm doing great!

Mom has gotten two updates on me so far. I am doing great out in Arizona! I am getting spoiled and loved just the way I should be!'
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Love,
Island

My greatest accomplishment!

I have officially graduated! I am matched to a wonderful young man named Pete, and he loves me and trusts my work! My whole puppy raising family came to watch me on my special day. They drove seven hours to see me and I was so happy to see them! Tears of joy were flowing! I am so lucky, because Pete just loves me to pieces and is just so nice. Mom is confident I will have a happy life with him and his family in Arizona. He told Mom he already bought me a bed online with my name embroidered on it! I am one lucky puppy, getting to do something for someone who needs me. What can be better than that? Pete says he will update Mom and send pictures. I had the greatest guide dog trainer at GEB. Susan always motivated me to do my best, and it carried over when I started working with Pete. A special shout out to my pals who have followed me on Dogster. I won't disappoint you! Don't ever forget me! Love, Guide Dog Island

Saturday is graduation day!

My whole family will be there to cheer me and my partner on this Saturday. Mom knows he loves me, and he is learning to trust me. I will be his eyes, and guide him safely through life. Mom says I always showed her I wanted to work and she was right. I am getting my wish and will be the greatest guide dog ever! I will miss all my Dogster friends, but when Mom gets updates on me, she will post them. My Mom says she will love me forever and ever, and even longer than that. I am such a lucky dog!
Love, Island

I have been matched!!!

I have been officially matched to a blind partner! We have met, and it sounds like love at first lick! I will have a male graduate to guide and we are just learning all about one another. If this match holds and we can work well together I will be going home with him, and starting my new life in early November. Mom and the family will get to come to my graduation, probably with a whole box of kleenex. She is so proud of me, and says there just isn't enough words to describe just how much. She can't wait to meet my new partner, and tell him just how special I am. She bets I love him already. I know Mom will love me forever too, and there will be a spot in her heart for me forever and ever.
Love, Island

Things are happening quickly now!

Mom got the final phase four training report today. She is so so proud of me. I am going to be a guide dog! Now it's time to find the perfect match for me. Someone who will love me as much as Mom did, and trust in all my amazing skills.

Island, it's Mom...I just need you to know...you will ALWAYS be my Island Girl. I know you will be devoted to your person, and will be the perfect match for them once they get to know you like I did. I am so very proud of you and will pray that each day you have a happy, healthy life. I will love you forever! Mom

Here are Islands final notes on her training report from her GEB trainer:

Island has completed her formal guide dog training and is a candidate for upcoming classes if a suitable candidate is found.

Island performed very well on her final blindfold evaluation. She is described as an “extremely responsive dog with a good work pattern. Very willing, sweet little dog who enjoys working. Ideal woman’s dog who responds well to support and gentle handling.” Very good girl, Island!

It has been a real pleasure training Island. She is so independent, bright and affectionate. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with her. Thank you!

Happy Birthday to Island Girl!!!

Happy Birthday Dearest Island!
Everyday you amaze us with your accomplishments. You are so special, and will be even more special when you meet your person. You are going to be such a wonderful companion, leading them through their everyday life. I know they will grow to love and adore you as we did. Wish we we there to give you big hugs and kisses for your special day. We love you now and forever!! ~ Your puppy raising family xoxoxoxoxo

Four months tomorrow!

Mom got a message that tomorrow is my fourth month anniversary being in training at GEB. How exciting because I could be getting close to the end of my guide dog training. My family is wishing only the best for me and will keep everyone posted on my progress. PS Mom loves me a whole bunch. She says it all the time even when I am gone!

Inching my way closer

I am getting closer everyday to just possibly becoming a guide dog! My training has been progressing quite well. Mom is so proud of me and all that I have accomplished! I have a trainer at GEB who I adore, and Mom thinks that is one reason why I am shining like a precious diamond during guide dog training. Keep your fingers crossed!
Love Island

Island the busy girl!

Island is now in phase two of her training, and makes me prouder by the day. She is now learning right & left turns. Right turns are very easy, but left turns in a harness require the dog to back up, then turn. She is also learning to stop at curbs, and learning the proper way to cross a street. Things seem to be going very, very well for her. She was very happy when I saw her in July, and it shows just how happy she is by this report.

Here is a personal note from her trainer:

Island is doing very well. She is working on the basic foundation of guide work: town work, curbs and crossings, and is doing great. She really enjoys working and more importantly, learning. It’s a big game to her, and she has a great time. She is really a very nice dog, and I think she’ll continue to do very well.

Island did well in her initial exposure to the mall. She also learned the proper way to safely board, ride and exit an escalator safely. It was scary at first, as expected, but after many positive, happy repetitions (and extra-nice, tasty treats) it was hard to keep her from them!

Island is still rooming with Ellie and they get along very well together. Island really enjoys community run. She is quite a busy dog, and travels a long way as she tends to everyone’s business! Now she enjoys jumping on the top of the playground and poking her head and legs out of the window when she greets us. What a good girl!