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Remembering Ken Venturi
Posted 18th May 2013On behalf of Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Golf Classic Committee, Board of Directors, volunteers and staff, we express our sincere condolences on the passing of Ken Venturi. Ken’s exemplary sportsmanship extended far beyond the PGA greens. He served as an ambassador to our Golf Classic for more than half of its 35 year [...]
Team Michelangelo’s Annual Charity Car & Bike Show
Posted 16th May 2013by volunteer Cathy Capasso Four years ago, I got together with fellow car and motorcycle enthusiasts to figure out how to make a difference for animals and their people. Team Michelangelo’s Annual Charity Car & Motorcycle Show was formed. I grew up in White Plains and had known about Guiding Eyes since I was a [...]
Things we’re excited about this week…
Posted 10th May 2013Happy Friday! It’s a beautiful day in Westchester County, NY and we thought we’d share some of the things we’re excited about this week: 15 students will receive new Guiding Eyes guide dogs in the month of May – 12 through our residential class program and three via training in their hometowns. Yes, we graduate [...]
April 2013 Graduate Class
Posted 7th May 2013Thank you to our April graduation sponsor, Sally Stokhamer. “When God gave names to all the creatures on the earth, the sky and the sea, there was no name left for the most loyal of all. Then God spoke and said, ‘I waited until I ran out of names then turned my own name back [...]
The surprises continue…
Posted 3rd May 2013Ann Chiappetta is a mom, wife and therapist from New York. She typically travels through life at a high rate of speed, always accompanied by Guiding Eyes dog Verona. This post is an excerpt from Ann’s own blog –http://www.thought-wheel.com/ Verona and I have been a team for a little over four years now and she [...]
Five Questions with… staff member Shanon Walsh
Posted 2nd May 2013Position: Training Supervisor 1) Favorite color, food and TV show My favorite colors are pink and red. I love to eat anything Italian, but creamy pesto sauce is my favorite! I am a reality show junkie… I haven’t missed a season of Survivor or Celebrity Apprentice. 2) How many years have you been at Guiding [...]
Pour le Monde – an all natural fragrance that empowers
Posted 29th April 2013Guiding Eyes for the Blind has been selected as one of three charity partners by Pour Le Monde®, a new company specializing in 100% natural fragrances that benefit and raise awareness for non- profit organizations. The Guiding Eyes’ scent, named Empower, is an all-natural fragrance with a crisp, sparkling blend of citrus top notes interspersed [...]
Guiding Eyes receives Community Partner award
Posted 23rd April 2013Dear Guiding Eyes, Illinois Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (IAER) is the state organization of professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments. Our group includes teachers of visually impaired, orientation and mobility specialists, rehabilitation therapists, university faculty, and counselors from across Illinois. Each year, [...]
Janice’s first puppy sit
Posted 22nd April 2013By: Volunteer Puppy Raiser Elora Hixon Janice is growing like crazy! Just last week she went on her first puppy sit; this is when our pups go to the homes of other raisers or sitters so they can experience new things while working with different people. It’s an important part of their adolescence. I thought [...]
Fostering a Guiding Eyes Brood or Stud
Posted 17th April 2013Volunteer brood and stud fosters provide homes for the extraordinary dogs in our breeding colony. These special dogs are responsible for creating future generations of exceptional Guiding Eyes dogs. Jeanne and Jack Hofmann live in Carmel, NY and are volunteer fosters for German shepherd brood, Jade. Jade has had two litters, and the Hofmann’s many [...]
Thank you… from our March 2013 grads
Posted 15th April 2013On behalf of our graduating class, March 2013, we want to extend our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Guiding Eyes. From the groundbreaking science being used at the Canine Development Center which ensures each Guiding Eyes dog has the best opportunity for a full and productive life; to the [...]
The final stages of guide training
Posted 12th April 2013by instructor Kate Peterson After approximately four months of hard work, our potential guide dogs enter the fourth and final phase of training. By this point, each dog has the basic skills necessary for successful guide work. The dogs have already learned how to target curbs, cross streets, navigate around obstacles and how to protect [...]
Five Questions with… staff member Valerie Quick
Posted 9th April 2013Position: Kennel Manager 1) Favorite color, food and TV show: Purple, cheeseburgers, Big Bang Theory 2) Years at Guiding Eyes: I am in my 7th year. 3) How did you become interested in the guide dog field? I worked with Border Collies in the past and have always been fascinated by working dogs. We as [...]
March 2013 Graduating Class
Posted 5th April 2013Meet our Residential Graduates Andy & Nera Alex & Cosby Erik & Poco Trada & Rally Lynette & Junie Sonia & Larry Janice & Milo Kara & Haven Joelle & Keifer Deni & Alberta Home Training Graduates Matthew & Khaki Nancy & Anchor Lauren & Domino Laura & Hanley Many thanks to our instructors: Miranda [...]
A Challenge for Autism Awareness Month
Posted 2nd April 2013I cannot help being moved by the success stories of Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Heeling Autism program. During Autism Awareness Month, I invite you to participate with me in the Heeling Autism Challenge. The bond between me and my dog is priceless. But the bonds that form between children with autism and specially trained [...]
I came to Guiding Eyes…
Posted 29th March 2013by graduate Deni Elliott I came to Guiding Eyes to get a dog that would accompany me on my life’s pathways. I leave with a partner who makes me confident enough to explore the world regardless of where the roads might lead. I came to Guiding Eyes expecting the dog to reflect the love and [...]
GE Leader Directs Recognition Award to Guiding Eyes
Posted 27th March 2013Guiding Eyes dog Khaki recently completed advanced guide dog training at our Yorktown campus and headed to upstate NY to work as a guide dog. Before she left for her home training, she was able to welcome and thank a wonderful visitor to our campus. Carol Anderson, GE Vice President for Compensation, Benefits and Health Care, [...]
Three powerful photos
Posted 25th March 2013This blog post is an excerpt from a recent mailing. We thought everyone would enjoy these photos and stories: Dear Friends: Rene, a first time mom, seems to innately understand what it takes to get her pup off to a good start. Dan, her four-week-old pup, is learning the essential guide dog skill of settling [...]
Kimberly Morrow’s life with guide dogs
Posted 22nd March 2013Kimberly Morrow was born blind due to retinopathy of prematurity. She had a very ordinary childhood, filled with roller skating, playing outside, scouts and slumber parties. Kimberly received her first guide dog in 1991; when she later began graduate school at the University of Kansas, she was grateful to have a guide dog to make [...]
Five Questions with… staff member ML Hansen
Posted 20th March 2013Name: Mary Lynne (ML) Hansen Position: STEP Instructor 1) Favorite color, food and TV show: Blue, spaghetti and meatballs, NCIS 2) How many years have you been at Guiding Eyes? Since 2008 – I’ve worked in the pre-training program, as a consultant and now as a STEP instructor. 2) How did you become interested [...]
“Live, love, laugh ‘n be happy!”
Posted 19th March 2013The Guiding Eyes Student Game Room now bears a plaque with this expression. It reflects a donation from Jack Butson Drum, who chose to support the game room as he felt it was important for one to always retain his or her sense of humor. Jack was born in 1919 in Carbondale, PA, an old [...]
New Vehicles for Guide Dogs
Posted 18th March 2013Lions Members Announce Two-for-One Challenge Grant Spearheaded by the Van Tassel Society and in cooperation with Guiding Eyes, Lions throughout the tri-state area have launched a Lions/Guiding Eyes Vehicle Project Two-for-One Challenge. The challenge will match the Lions members’ $75,000 pledge in order to raise an additional $150,000. All monies raised will support the school’s [...]
Magical Moment: Reflecting Upon a Walk Down a Corridor
Posted 11th March 2013by: volunteer puppy raiser Frank Chenette Graduation Day, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, February 2013 My mind overflows with a kaleidoscope of images past and present. My emotions scatter like dry kibble tossed on ice. Lawrence E. Brown III, a young man passionate about making music, beams a 100-watt smile when he and Halo the [...]
Lions Club Bowls for Guiding Eyes
Posted 8th March 2013By Guiding Eyes staff member and graduate Becky Barnes I have been a Mount Kisco Lion for ten years. It’s a close-knit group committed to serving the community as well as supporting the mission of Guiding Eyes. One of the things I find most appealing is that the Mount Kisco Lions club not only understands [...]
February 2013 Graduating Class
Posted 6th March 2013We are extremely grateful for Judith Collord’s generosity in sponsoring the training of Guiding Eyes Halo. “I wish them all the luck in the world and a long and happy relationship together.” - Judith Collord Meet our Graduates: Lawrence & Halo Linda & Riley Shelly & Jefferson Osman & Gala Tom & Muldoon Michelle & Osa Kathy [...]
International Collaboration Brings Guide Dogs to Hong Kong
Posted 4th March 2013This article was submitted by Guiding Eyes for publication in the International Guide Dog Federation’s “Visionary Magazine.” You can read the full issue of Visionary here. Tsang Kin Ping had a dream that blind and visually impaired Hong Kong residents could benefit from the extraordinary life changes a guide dog brings. His vision served [...]
Atlantic Shores Says Goodbye
Posted 2nd March 2013Atlantic Shores Seniors Send Off Beloved Guide Dog at End of Award-Winning, Multi-Generational Program (press release courtesy of Atlantic Shores) Many tears were shed as the Atlantic Shores/Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Love Program came to an end on February 15, 2013. This inspiring program was one of the first in the nation to link [...]
My Angel with a Lovely Furry Coat
Posted 1st March 2013By: Guiding Eyes graduate Osman Koroma With you by my side, I have sight. I use to stumble across the sidewalk. Now with you by my side, I walk on a sidewalk with no crack With you by my side, I walk gracefully without bouncing off obstacles. Oh you are my angel with a lovely [...]
New Role for Guiding Eyes staff member Linda Press
Posted 26th February 2013Guiding Eyes Appoints Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations & Strategic Partnerships Westchester County, N.Y. (February 26, 2013) – Guiding Eyes for the Blind, known around the globe as one of the foremost guide dog schools, has promoted Lewisboro resident Linda Press to Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations & Strategic Partnerships. Press has been [...]
Adventures of Janice: Walk and Talk Time!
Posted 24th February 2013By: Volunteer Puppy Raiser Elora Hixon Janice is now 4 months old, which means she’s ready for her first “walk and talk.” This is when our regional managers spend one-on-one time with us to help us work through any challenges we might be having with our pups. Though walk and talks are informal, they do [...]
Five Questions with… Instructor Michelle Tang
Posted 11th February 2013Name: Michelle Tang Position: Qualified Guide Dog Instructor Years at Guiding Eyes: 10 1) Favorite color, food and TV show: Purple, peanut butter, The Office 2) How did you become interested in the guide dog field? I got my first dog in 2002 – he’s a male husky named Akemo. I was researching dog training [...]
Counting the Days til my Guiding Eyes dog
Posted 8th February 2013by Nancy Lothrop I can’t stop thinking about Tuesday afternoon. I was fortunate enough to attend the “meet and greet” for our February class. As the new students filled the room, I went to introduce myself to a young man who had just found an empty seat; he was folding up his cane as he [...]
Remembering Roberta Huy
Posted 4th February 2013We lost a colleague and friend when regional manager Roberta Huy passed away in December. Roberta worked for Guiding Eyes for 17 years. During this time, she raised 13 puppies, fostered eight members of our breeding colony and provided home care to numerous litters. She possessed an incredible understanding of both dogs and people and [...]
January 2013 Graduating Class
Posted 1st February 2013Thank you to our January graduation sponsors. The Carey Family, John and Suzanne Ford and Jessica, & Tim, Kyle and Luke Carey Meet our Graduates: Robert & Belinda Walter & Naboo John & Namath Jen & Keating Johnny & Sammy Angie & Harry Patty & Tahoe Kathie & Fenton Christie & Bogie John & Salty [...]
Adventures of Janice: It Takes A Community
Posted 28th January 2013By: Volunteer Puppy Raiser Elora Hixon You know how they say that it takes a community to raise a child… it is the same with raising a Guiding Eyes pup. I am so grateful for the people that I know that have helped me through raising my pups. Whether it was donating their services, giving [...]
A Snapshot of 2012
Posted 22nd January 2013So many incredible people came through our doors last year. Whether they were here for guide dogs or autism service dogs, they all headed home with a renewed sense of hope. As not everyone can make it to Yorktown for our graduation ceremonies; we’d like to tell you about just a few of the graduates [...]
Autism Fundraiser – March 9
Posted 17th January 2013The Riveras’ lives were changed forever when they received Heeling Autism dog Kevin. On Saturday, March 9th, the family’s nonprofit Hope for Michael will host a dinner/dance to raise money for Heeling Autism. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Joe Rivera shared his family’s story at our 2011 Guiding Eyes Golf Classic. You [...]
Guiding Eyes Names New Board Chair
Posted 15th January 2013Guiding Eyes is pleased to announce Bedford resident Wendy Aglietti has been elected chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors. The announcement was made by Bill Badger, Guiding Eyes’ president and CEO. Ms. Aglietti has been a Board member since 2007, and her family has a long history of supporting Guiding Eyes. “We are extremely [...]
Puppy Raising Open House – This Saturday!
Posted 8th January 2013Have you made your New Year’s resolution yet? We’ve got a suggestion… How about one resolution that provides the opportunity for a healthier lifestyle, the ability to have incredible amounts of fun, and the opportunity to forever change someone’s life? You can raise a special dog that will make an extraordinary difference in a blind [...]
How will the Fiscal Cliff affect Guiding Eyes Dogs?
Posted 4th January 2013by Sue Dishart I was watching CNN last night and paused to look into the eyes of my beautiful Guiding Eyes foster dog. She looked concerned; the news was keeping her from an evening walk. I decided I needed to translate what was going on so she could understand how the new American Taxpayer Relief [...]
Adventures of Janice: Getting a New Puppy
Posted 3rd January 2013By: Volunteer Puppy Raiser Elora Hixon Note from Guiding Eyes: This post is the first in a series about pup-on-program Janice (3J412.) Yellow Labrador Janice was born on October 11th, 2012 to brood Fresca and sire Dell. She was one of 12 pups, 10 of whom are now living in puppy raising homes. Janice will [...]
Happy Holidays from Guiding Eyes
Posted 27th December 2012This holiday season, please join me in applauding the men and women who are determined to live their lives to the fullest, despite their vision loss. Deciding to come to Guiding Eyes is proof of their will to succeed; their tremendous courage during the weeks of intensive training – and every day of their lives – [...]
Guide Dogs’ Night Before Christmas
Posted 24th December 2012Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still, with most dogs asleep having eaten their fill. The Labs were sprawled out, quite snug in their beds, while visions of NylaBones danced in their heads. The Goldens and Shepherds curled up on the floor – some twitched in their sleep, some started to snore. [...]
Report from the Kennels: What do we do all day?
Posted 21st December 2012by Guiding Eyes dog Keating Hi my name is Keating. I’m a big yellow Labrador with brown eyes and a dark nose. My ears have a little bit more brown than the rest of my body; some people say they are caramel-colored. (I’ve heard that caramel is quite yummy… does anyone else agree?) I was [...]
Gone to the Dogs
Posted 19th December 2012Ann Chiappetta is a mom, wife and therapist from New York. She typically travels through life at a high rate of speed, always accompanied by Guiding Eyes dog Verona. This post is an excerpt from Ann’s own blog – http://www.thought-wheel.com/ Two weeks ago I attended a Guiding Eyes graduation celebration and was struck by the [...]
Dear to My Heart
Posted 16th December 2012By Sharon Zenger, Guiding Eyes graduate I was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), and my vision deteriorated throughout my life. As a child, I knew that someday I would lose my sight, so I wanted to be involved with – and give back to — the guide dog community. At age 9 I became a [...]
Loving Every Minute
Posted 10th December 2012By Raven Tolliver, Guiding Eyes graduate When I was two years old I was diagnosed with retinal blastoma – a cancer that attacks the retinas. I went through radiation and chemotherapy, but ultimately, both of my eyes were removed and replaced with prosthetics. Since age three, I have been a cane traveler. I had to [...]
“Stairs? I want to climb mountains!”
Posted 3rd December 2012As the holidays draw closer and our campuses are decorated with holiday cheer, we reflect back on some of the events of 2012. This year brought a shaky economy, a fierce election and a dramatic super-storm – but we haven’t let any of these hinder the delivery of our programs and services. Below are some [...]
A Positive Approach
Posted 28th November 2012by Sue Dishart I love to read. I just finished Jon Gordon’s international bestseller, The Energy Bus. The book reveals ten secrets for approaching life with the kind of thinking that leads to true accomplishment – at work and at home. Gordon talks about clear visions, positive energy and surrounding yourself with inspiring people. And [...]
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted 22nd November 2012We’re feeling pretty grateful today. As our November / December student class settles into day two of training with their new guide dogs, we reflect on the number of people who supported their journey. 1,400 volunteers selflessly give their time and talent. The kindness and generosity of over 200,000 donors allow us to provide our [...]
Getting Started in Florida
Posted 20th November 2012by: Lisa Deutsch Guiding Eyes’ HR director Carolyn Kihm was shocked when I told her, nearly a year ago, that I was moving to Florida because my husband was retiring from almost four decades of grueling commutes and work in New York City. I think she was surprised because she knew how much I truly [...]
A Day in the Life: Ann Chiappetta
Posted 16th November 2012Ann Chiappetta is a mom, wife and therapist from New York. She typically travels through life at a high rate of speed, always accompanied by Guiding Eyes dog Verona. This post is an excerpt from Ann’s own blog – http://www.thought-wheel.com/ Teamwork This entry continues exploring the question, what do our dog guides actually do for [...]
Canine Company holds Howliday Benefit for Guiding Eyes
Posted 13th November 2012FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Canine Company presents Howliday Benefit and Online Campaign to support Guiding Eyes for the Blind WILTON, CT – Canine Company (formerly the Canine Fence Company) will host a holiday benefit in addition to launching an online initiative to raise funds for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. For many years, Canine Company has [...]
Volunteerism: Why do we do it?
Posted 6th November 2012Guiding Eyes for the Blind has more than 1,400 active volunteers. These incredible people support our mission in a multitude of ways, and we would simply be unable to provide our services without their hard work. Studies show that people volunteer for a number of reasons. These include: Values: an opportunity to express altruism and [...]
Hurricane Sandy Update
Posted 1st November 2012Regrettably, the graduation ceremony scheduled for this Saturday, November 3rd has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. The IFT scheduled for Monday, November 5th will go ahead as planned. If anything changes, we will post updates to our website and social media pages immediately. Guiding Eyes continues to experience power outages at both the [...]
Guiding Eyes and Hurricane Sandy
Posted 31st October 2012Friends from around the country have been checking in with us over the past two days and we are deeply grateful for everyone’s concern. Our Training School and Canine Development Center campuses have both survived the storm with minimal damage. The heavy winds took out most of the fencing along the side of our Yorktown [...]
A Word on the Weather
Posted 26th October 2012by: Kate Petersen, Guiding Eyes Instructor Ah Autumn! This is my absolute favorite season – the crisp feel of the air, the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, and of course, apple cider and pumpkin flavored everything! Autumn is also a wonderful time to begin training a new group or “string” of dogs. In the [...]
My Inspiration…
Posted 24th October 2012by: Michelle Brier, Director of Marketing and Communications I started working at Guiding Eyes almost five years ago, and my role in development has given me unique opportunities to interact with people involved in every aspect of the organization. From volunteers to graduates to donors to staff – I’m consistently inspired by the people who [...]
What motivates you?
Posted 19th October 2012By: Gerald Brenninkmeyer Motivation. We all recognize when we question ours, but do we recognize when our dogs question theirs? The more I train dogs and do problem solving in the field, the more I look at what is motivating the dog to perform, work, behave or listen. The common expression “dogs do what works” [...]
A Day in the Life: Meghan Medina
Posted 12th October 2012By Meghan Medina, Licensed Veterinary Technician and Yorktown Hospital Manager Hello everyone! My name is Meghan Medina, and I am one of three licensed technicians here at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. I am also the Hospital Manager at the Yorktown location, and I have been employed here for two years. A typical day at [...]
A Day in the Life: Grad Ann Chiappetta
Posted 9th October 2012Ann Chiappetta is a mom, wife and therapist from New York. She typically travels through life at a high rate of speed, always accompanied by Guiding Eyes dog Verona. This post is an excerpt from Ann’s own blog – http://www.thought-wheel.com/ Moving On Yesterday was the last session with a long-time client. It’s a common occurrence [...]
Setting his Sights on Gold – One Graduate’s Dream
Posted 5th October 2012Twenty-year-old Guiding Eyes graduate DJ Robinson has his aspirations set on participating in the 2016 Summer Paralympic games. He will compete in Para-Cycling – the third most popular Paralympic event, developed by visually impaired cyclists using tandem bicycles. DJ’s love for cycling goes back to 2010, when he entered Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Spring Games. He [...]
A Day in the Life: Emily Gray
Posted 2nd October 2012By Emily Gray, Volunteer Puppy Raiser I was eight when I first heard about Guiding Eyes for the Blind. My neighbor was raising Joplin, an eight-week-old yellow lab puppy. As I watched Joplin grow and mature during that year, I decided that I too wanted to be a puppy raiser. Hart, my black Lab, arrived [...]
An Exciting Autumn: Upcoming Events
Posted 28th September 2012Crisp mornings, apple-picking, fall foliage… autumn always brings lots of occasions to look forward to! Here are some October Guiding Eyes events to spruce up your season: October 4 – Orange County Open House: The Orange County Puppy Raising Region will be hosting an open house at the Warwick Senior Center from 6-8pm. This dynamic [...]
Report from the Kennels: The Training Cycle
Posted 25th September 2012By Guiding Eyes dog Sandra Hi! My name is Sandra. I’m a yellow Labrador retriever, and I’ve been told time and time again that I’m pretty adorable! I’ll be two years old in December, and I’ve been living in Yorktown Heights at the Guiding Eyes Training School since the beginning of the summer. My three [...]
Heeling Autism: Class of September 2012
Posted 21st September 2012Every day, we understand more about the exponential powers of our dogs. As five Heeling Autism service dogs head out into the world this afternoon, we marvel at the impact they’ll have in their new homes. They’ll help children and their parents, they will support siblings and friends, and they’ll strengthen families’ connections with their [...]
Our Work with International Students
Posted 19th September 2012By: Kathy Zubrycki, Director of Training and Admissions Guiding Eyes’ global partnerships have spanned many years. When I first joined the staff in 1987, it was not uncommon to have students from Israel in a class. This is a rarity now, given that there is an International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited guide dog school [...]
Heeling Autism: A Long-Awaited Miracle
Posted 14th September 2012Sam is one of five children in the Mandell family and was diagnosed with autism when he was 18 months old. Before he learned to walk, the Mandells were a family on the go – plenty of birthday parties, ball games, and more. But as Sam grew from infant to toddler, life became more difficult. Sam [...]
Remembering Salty
Posted 11th September 2012On the 11th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, we honor the extraordinary work of Guiding Eyes Salty. Nothing could have prepared Salty for this horrific event, yet he did everything he was trained to do when he guided Omar Rivera to safety from the 71st floor. Salty was raised in the [...]
The Halls Come Alive in Summer
Posted 7th September 2012The enthusiasm is contagious when high school and college bound youth arrive on our campus. As their dreams of independence are realized, we are reminded of the importance of all we do and the impact we can make on someone’s life. Twenty-year-old LeAnna Abeyta lost her sight from a congenital eye disease. New guide dog [...]
Our new blog – sharing the powerful stories of Guiding Eyes
Posted 4th September 2012Welcome to the first post in our brand new blog, entitled Guiding Tales. We’re excited to share more of the powerful stories that connect and inspire us. We’ll post news and events, and we’ll write about the topics that we’re most commonly asked about, such as life in our training kennels and the journey [...]
