I began a new chapter of my guide dog journey after taking a much-needed break following Prince Kartie's (PK) sudden passing. His loss, paired with a complicated stretch of dental work, forced me to pause, and heal physically and emotionally. But I recovered quicker than expected, and deep down I knew I was ready. Ready for a successor guide dog. Ready for the next partner who would walk with me through the years ahead.
Finding the perfect match doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and precision, and I didn't mind the wait, especially knowing I still had more dental work coming up in the months ahead.
Then December 2024 arrived. A trainer and a guide dog trainee came by for a pre-match walk test. We covered about two miles together—and it was a success. Quietly successful. I kept things low-key, hoping, wishing, and silently crossing my fingers that the guide dog trainee who visited might one day be my guide dog.
Fast forward to January 21, 2025—the ten-month anniversary of PK's passing. My incredibly generous friend and I drove south to Dogs Inc through a relentless rainstorm so I could participate in class and meet a potential match. It was the day I hoped to meet my third guide dog, PK's successor.
And then on the 22nd...I met him.
This guide dog arrived with unmistakable personality traits that shone through within days—during basic skills, bonding exercises, guide work, and even during heeling. I started a mental list, recognizing pieces of him that felt strangely familiar and perfectly right.
• Confident
• Determined
• Explosive energy
• Extremely intelligent
• Fearless
• Going Forward
• Let's Go!
• Protector
• Push Forward
• Vigilant
Could you guess who this remarkable guide dog was?
Ace.
It was Ace.
My Ace—my male, purebred black Labrador Retriever (Dale x Donna). A dual-career dog, no less! He is not only a guide dog...he's also a movie star, featured in Ace: Short Animated Film. And out of the entire Q23 litter, he is the youngest to become a working guide dog. Just 20 months old.
Here is the link to Ace: Short Animated Film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_lBQkhZs2g
Keep in mind, the animated film was created for marketing purposes, but the personality they gave animated Ace is strikingly, almost uncannily, identical to my real Ace.
My first few days working with him as a guide dog team have been nothing short of breathtaking. Our individualized training has been advanced and tailored precisely to my environment, lifestyle, pace, and travel needs. And somehow—amazingly—we aced most of it within just a few days. I am genuinely blown away by his ability, his eagerness, his instinct to guide me safely, and his extraordinary intelligence.
Our match feels meant to be.
Our bond? Already deep.
And Ace himself? He is a joyful goofball when it's just the two of us, endlessly lovable, and famous for leaning in for his signature shoulder-to-shoulder hugs.
And one more thing—something special I want to share. I incorporated Ace's name into sign by forming the letter A, palm facing down, then flicking my wrist upward to present the letter proudly. That upward flick is Ace—my Ace.
A perfect beginning to our new journey together.