Don Hagedorn

Ellie Says It's Safe! Don Hagedorn

Before meeting guide dog Ellie, Mason's thoughts race: What if this doesn't work out? What if the dog doesn't like me? What if I can't do what's needed to keep the dog safe and work as a team? What if I am just not good enough?



Follow the birth and development of Ellie, a yellow Labrador Retriever, destined to become a working guide dog for a visually impaired man. Following the birth of a tiny pup at Guide Dogs of the Carolinas (GDOC), she spends a year with an adoring puppy raiser family learning to socially and calmly serve. Watch the detailed training that changes Ellie into a caring and loving guide after she returns to the GDOC.



Guide dogs serve their handlers in many ways. They keep the visually impaired safe and open up exploration opportunities. They protect their handlers, but not like a guard dog, by helping them 'see' things a sighted person doesn't even consider. What's the key? Trust!



Eventually the story includes Mason, a recent college graduate with whom she's matched and with whom she experiences life, love, loss, and many adventures. Ellie focuses on one point: Mason, and those closest to him, can trust me whenever 'Ellie says it's safe!'



Embrace this love and life story and experience how lives of the visually impaired are improved through the love and courage of guide dogs.