127. GUIDE DOG TRAINING, Part 1: Meet Cass’ New Guide! Rare With Flair podcast

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127. GUIDE DOG TRAINING, part 1: meet cass’ new guide!

4d ago 57:00

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hi hello hey, we’re back, and we are beyond excited to introduce Cass’ new partner-in-crime!

We hope you haven’t missed us too much during our month-long hiatus, because we’re coming back with a treat: our very first two-part episode extravaganza! Over the next two weeks, we’ll take you along as Cass embarks on her journey to meet and train with her successor guide dog.

If you’ve followed Rare with Flair for a while, you’ll know that Cass got her first guide, Romana—a small, sassy yellow lab from Guide Dogs for the Blind—in 2016. Romana worked faithfully for eight wonderful years before retiring in 2024. After that, Cass patiently waited for “The Call” that would send her back to California for two weeks of training with her next partner.

At the end of August, that time finally came! Training with a guide dog is a unique and life-changing experience, and we knew it deserved a special spotlight. In part 1 of this series, Case and Cass talk about what the training class is like, answer some frequently asked questions, and share the anticipation leading up to arrival day and the unforgettable moment of “dog day” (!!!), including how dogs are matched with their handlers. Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear voice memos Cass recorded in real time during training, capturing her live thoughts and emotions in the moment.

Want to hear what happens after Cass meets her new partner? Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

other dog-related episodes

Curious to learn more about guide dogs, hear Cass reflect on Romana’s retirement, or get to know Casey’s adorable bichon frise, Rupert? Check out these episodes!

Cass stands outside on a patio. She is smiling, with one hand holding a leather leash connected to something obscured by a large pink oval with a white question mark covering the lower part of the image. — Cass and her new partner in crime… but who could it be?!, 2025

show notes

Cass mentions a couple other amazing programs also offered by Guide Dogs for the Blind:
- Orientation & Mobility Immersion program, to help improve safe, independent travel skills with a cane and so much more
- K9 Buddy program, that pairs blind children and adults who may not be eligible for a guide dog with a career-changed dog to be their companion and furry bestie (K9 Buddy dogs are not service animals, just pets with big hearts!)
If learning about Guide Dogs for the Blind and their incredible work—providing dogs, veterinary care, and more to the blind community without government funding—inspires you, consider donating to GDB!
Learn even more about GDB!
- Cass mentions the incredible food GDB clients receive during training, which you can read about on their blog series “What’s Cooking at GDB” on their blog No Bones About It
- Check out GDB’s podcast, Central Bark, and their recent episode featuring another GDB grad talking about the process of getting a successor dog
Want to “stalk the Pupdates” like Cass did before going to class? Check out the GDB Pupdates site to see all the dogs after they leave their puppy raising homes, whether they’re in guide dog training, career changed, selected as breeders, or becoming K9 Buddies! They’re updated the third Thursday of each month!

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