Back in 2004, the Fairmont Washington, D.C. started a cool tradition when it took in Marcie, a 13-week-old black lab, to raise for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She made it through her training with flying colors, but unfortunately had a medical condition that made it impossible to wear the harness. The good news is that she will live with Director of Hotel Operations, Tracy Difulgo, who served as her foster mom during her stint at the hotel.

The even better news is that she’ll be sharing Tracy’s attention with a new pup, 16-week-old black lab Jana (see pic above–isn’t she just the cutest thing?). For the next year and a half or so, Jana will spend her days preparing for her future as a guide dog, following Guiding Eyes’ comprehensive program. She will have a comfortable part-time home in the hotel lobby, where guests can visit her and assist with her socialization. At night, she goes home to Marcie and Tracy, both of whom probably can give her a few pointers.

If you happen to be holding a meeting at the Fairmont Washington D.C., please give Jana a scratch behind the ears for me!

I have been oh so remiss in pointing out one of my favorite sites: Patti Digh’s 37 Days. I get her weekly e-newsletter, and it invariably makes me laugh, cry, think, and feel. This week’s entry on Johnny Depp, former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins, grits, and saxophones is a must-read. And while you’re there, skip around and read some of her other posts–I’ll be playing my own saxophone (not literally–read her post and make Lisa Simpson your new role model, too). Amazing stuff.