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OT: more pics/details of the new guide dog!

Well, my intensive training has come to a close, and my adorable Reva girl is safely back in Toronto after sleeping through the majority of her first ever plane ride. :) The training was exhausting and exhaustive, often involving 12-hour days crammed with trips and lectures. But I truly can't say enough about the guide dog school I attend; they anticipate every scenario, conduct all training with exemplary patience and courtesy, and provide fabulous dogs to their graduates! Reva is much more lively and playful than McClure was even in his younger days, but she is fiercely focused on her work whenever the harness comes out and loves nothing better than to earn praise through her guiding prowess. She stops on a dime on street corners, crosses roads with confidence, weaves expertly through crowds and seems to have an excellent memory for landmarks and buildings I point out to her. She's had two tests this week: one in training when she guided me expertly through downtown Manhattan, and today when she put in two nearly flawless miles on our first solo walk in Toronto. It's a lot of work getting a new dog adjusted to my home life, and the transition involves a lot of emotional highs and lows, but I feel good about things so far and feel sure I've got a winner here!!

At long last, I have better pictures to show you all (thanks, Marianna, for posting them)!
http://s709.photobucket.com/al.....p;newest=1
http://s709.photobucket.com/al.....p;newest=1

P.S. Maya, I'm sorry we didn't get to connect while I was there! Hopefully I can come back to the area soon and have more control over my time.

The latest reply was from shana . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


18 Replies

Posted 2 months ago

Reva is so gorgeous. I absolutely love her name too. I know you'll be great friends and companions... seems like you have already developed a strong bond!

Gertrude sends her hellos to Reva. :)

Posted 2 months ago

Reva is beautiful. Congrats on your newest family member. I am sure she will give you many years of service, love and sloppy kisses:)

Labs are so intuitive, sensitive and very smart . They also use Labs in childrens cancer wards bec ause they are SO good natured....I have seen them climb right on the hospital beds next to a very ill child. They are wonderful animals:)

Posted 2 months ago

That's okay Michelle. I was unusually busy this month with these interviews and some other stuff. It's too bad you didn't come last month when I had NOTHING to do!

She is absolutely adorable and her little face is full of wisdom :) I'm sure you'll become best friends in no time at all!

Posted 2 months ago

Words cannot express how touched I am that you and Reva share the KILLER bond that you do. It makes my heart so happy. Cheers to your fabulous new relationship! Jasmine and Rosie send botty sniffs and tail wags.

I’m digging you in those white pants and grey Converse. Such a stylish lass in guide dog training school :0)

Posted 2 months ago

How fantastic that Riva is lively and dedicated, she sounds allot like my eldest daughter Teah, an absolute bundle of fun!

Posted 2 months ago

What a beautiful puppy she is! I'm so happy that everything is going so well for you both. My furry brood sends a hiss, but it's all for the best of course. ;)
I echo Angie, you look so stylish in your grey Converse and white pants. I love seeing your photos Michelle!

Posted 2 months ago

oh wow, Reva is absolutely beautiful. I am so pleased to hear that she is so dedicated and that you two have bonded! And yes... also loving the white pants and Cons!

Posted 2 months ago

I am struck by Reva's beauty and confidence in every picture you (and Marianna) post of her. Sounds like you two are off to an great start. Thank you for sharing her with us, Michelle.

Posted 2 months ago

She's beautiful and looks so alert you look great together x

Posted 2 months ago

Michelle,

Reva is beautiful and it's wonderful that she is so loving and intelligent. I really enjoyed the insight into guide dog school. Fascinating!!! She must be a winner if she can navigate Manhattan! Hope to see more pictures of your adorable puppy!

Posted 2 months ago

She's very cute- and she looks a little like my Gryffon!

Posted 2 months ago

Michelle, Reva looks so attentive and focused! I'm happy you've completed your training! I also noticed your grey converse and white pants - is it denim? You look great! I hope your transition back to Toronto is going smoothly.

Posted 2 months ago

Reva is very, very beautiful Michelle!

By the way, I have a black labrador retriever myself - his name is "Gus". We didn't choose that name, as we adopted him from a local humane society and didn't know how long he'd been "Gus" - so we just kept the name, since he'd been shunted around from shelter to shelter.

He has been a real challenge... and makes Marley of "Marley & Me" look positively tame.

Meanwhile, I am really enjoying seeing these pictures of your Reva. She is just gorgeous. You have a very beautiful new dog. Her face and her expressions are soulful and intelligent. Plus, her fur is dark and very glossy.

Imagine the most friendly eyes ever, a really cute and pretty face, complete with the darkest and glossiest fur. That's your Reva. She's an absolute beauty.

Here's hoping the adjustments and training are going well.

Posted 2 months ago

Reva is so beautiful! I really am coveting those gray Converse as well - super stylish.

Hope you can relax a bit at home while your and Reva get used to your new routine together.

Posted 2 months ago

Thanks for the warm welcome you've given my Reva-girl! she's settling in well and has already mastered a few of my common routes! She keeps me moving, but that's a good thing overall. :)
VC, best of luck with Gus. I really hope you're able to persevere; labs are wonderfully sweet and affectionate, but there's no doubt they can be a lot of work!
And for all those who noted the converse, they were my indespensible footware item in N.J. I wore them every day and found them fabulously comfy!

Posted 2 months ago

Oh how wonderful! I know Reva will be very different than McClure, but I love hearing how you have bonded already & are starting to work as a great team. Reva looks like such a smart and eager dog. Congratulations on finishing your training and bringing her home!

Posted 2 months ago

Awww, this is so great to hear! I am sure it's a lot of work, but you've got a wonderful dog who already loves you and looks out for you. That's a great start!

Posted 2 months ago

Reva is a beauty! love black labs - they are so affectionate and fun-loving. It sounds like the two of you are already off to a great start. Thanks for sharing!

Posted 2 months ago