Let me introduce you to Ace! A nice, diligent pooch that enjoys nothing more than making his canine and human companions happy. He also enjoys dressing up. Isn’t that adorable?!
Ace possessed all of the qualities required in a guide dog. Sandy Steinblums, his trainer, realized that if she took him out to socialize him, he’d be even more successful. Ace had to become acclimated to crowds and meet new people while maintaining his concentration.
Sandy took him to the local theater to see Guys and Dolls. Ace relished every moment of it. And the rest of the cast was ecstatic to meet him!
Sandy took Ace to Disneyland to put him in front of larger crowds. She wasn’t sure how he’d react, but she trusted him completely. Then she noticed Ace’s tail start to wag. Even much than usual!
Sandy looked around to see Ace wagging his tail furiously. But why is that? Sandy immediately realized Ace’s idol, Pluto, was approaching. The guide dog was unable to contain his excitement!!!
Ace, who is doing exceptionally well in his guide dog training, stood totally still when Pluto approached. Ace couldn’t help but notice that his tail was the only thing that moved. On the inside, he was going doggo-crazy. “OMG!” he said as if he was thinking. “I’m going to meet my hero!” His elation was too much for him to bear.
Sandy posted a video of Ace meeting Pluto on her Facebook profile, and the response was overwhelming! Some viewers, however, we’re curious as to why Ace was defying his guide dog training, so Sandy wrote the following:
“We went to Disneyland for several hours as a socialization experience — what you didn’t see was his DOWN/STAY for another few mins after the 14-15 seconds video where he settled in a DOWN… I was too far back and fix him on a training outing, but by golly, he responded anyhow.
Yep! That is my son, and I am very proud of him. I also admire the Disney characters for their kindness and helpfulness. Ace will have to go through 6-9 months of intensive training with licensed trainers before graduating as a guide dog and finding the suitable human partner.”
Ace graduated shortly after the Disney vacation. Sandy was overjoyed that he would go on to serve others, but she was sorry to see him leave.
“Ace has made me so proud as he has matured. He’s no longer the rambunctious puppy he used to be. Ace still has his goofiness, but he listens when you tell him what to do, and his wonderful smile is constantly visible. Ace accepts everything with a grain of salt, knows what he’s supposed to do, and is eager to please.”
