Guiding Eyes Hildy, who had no desire to be called Hayley, Hilly, or anything else, has proven an outstanding addition to the Thinking Dog pack.

She’s taken to the neighborhoods of St. Petersburg like the pro that she is, unfazed by wind, strange birds — even very large ones blocking the sidewalk — and large palm fronds blowing around or also blocking her way. She expertly guides past construction, broken sidewalks, cars, bikes, boats, and anything else in her path. She was momentarily startled once by a dog-and-raccoon kerfuffle (don’t ask) but even took that in stride.

She’s charmed the groomer, the vet, the neighbors, the yoga class, and fellow concert-goers throughout the city. She enjoys watching yoga, perched on her own mat, with her paws delicately crossed, though she often chooses to join in, performing each pose with natural grace.

Best of all, she’s an excellent traveler. Hildy is quickly learning all of the tricks of the trade, finding Sky Clubs, identifying her suitcase on the carousel, and finding the correct restroom as needed. She’s calm on the plane. Well, except for that incident with the severe turbulence … but even then, all she wanted was a cuddle. After a long travel day with many delays, Hildy made peace with airport restrooms-for-dogs and understood the value of an opportunity to take a break.

She’s playful and silly when she’s off duty, and she shares Koala’s and Alberta’s love of the midday treat-ball break, efficiently bringing the ball to be filled, emptying it, then putting it away. (Maybe she’ll teach Orly and Dotty??)

Good girl!