Rejected as a Guide Dog, This Pup Still Follows His Training in the Most Adorable Way

An ex-guide dog just can’t forget his training — and lovingly holds onto his mom’s clothing wherever he goes.

Joey, a seven-year-old Labrador Retriever cross, didn’t make the cut as a guide dog, which meant his mom Izzy Rosenblatt was able to keep him as a pet. But despite not officially graduating, Joey never let go of what he learned. He now shows his affection by gently gripping Izzy’s clothing with his lips and faithfully following her around.

Izzy, a trainee therapist from Liverpool, shared with SWNS: “He does it all the time. He’ll automatically cling on. He puts the end of whatever you are wearing between his lips. He’ll walk around with you — it’s the sweetest thing.”

Joey first came to live with Izzy and her parents when he was just six weeks old, beginning his guide dog training with the family. However, they quickly noticed he lacked the confidence required for the role. When Joey didn’t pass the assessments to become a guide or service dog, the family was given the chance to adopt him.

“He was a bit fearful of certain people. Originally my mum said no. I put my foot down and said we have to keep the dog,” Izzy recalled.

Now, Joey is thriving as a beloved family pet but hasn’t left his early guiding training behind. He still walks closely by Izzy’s side and doesn’t need a leash. Joey will even tug at Izzy’s clothes to “guide” her — and has shown his protective side during stressful moments. When scared, he tries to pull her to safety. Usually it’s fireworks or loud noises that will make him anxious. “He’ll pull me in to safety. He’ll actually tug me in — that’s just so cute.”