Halo on retreat

Today was Halo's first SERC outing. She came on our team retreat today so she could meet my colleagues. I am proud to say that she pretty much lived up to her angelic name!

There were new experiences for her today. New place, lots and lots of new people, and the first time she had to just lie down and be quiet around a group during a meeting. Most of her time was spent in her crate next to my chair. She was quiet almost the whole time, and when she wasn't it was because I left her sight. A few times I left her in the care of someone else while I slipped out to the bathroom or to get a snack. She whined just a little but didn't disrupt the meeting (well, at least not that anyone confessed to me, but maybe they were covering for her). She went outside a couple of times to get busy; no accidents inside. :) A few people got to watch her work for her lunch, and while Mom ate she played with all of her new aunties. I even got to play 2 complete games of Bananagrams while Letty babysat. What a nice little break for me, and a perfect opportunity for some socialization for Halo.

Sometimes Halo seems distractable to me. Whether it's a rock or leaf outside or one of the other dogs at home, I feel like I'm invisible at times. Today confirmed to me that even though there are other things to see and do, she's extremely conscious of my every move. She's bonded with me, constantly looking for me today even when others were paying attention to her and there were lots of diversions around! Her ability to bond to one person is promising, since a guide dog must be completely conscious and aware of her user. Her attention to me today made me proud.

I also have to praise my SERC Teaching & Learning colleagues for their good behavior today! Everyone was so helpful and yet respectfuIly asked the "rules" before doing anything with her. I enjoyed sharing her with my team and explaining more about how she is being trained. I appreciated the offer to bring her to the retreat to let her meet everyone, and I'm grateful for the support of my SERC "family" during this new undertaking in my life.

I'd say that Halo's first adventure into the world today was a success. She's an angel (I'm biased....).