Graduate Team: Phyllis and Riddle
About the Team: Riddle, a female yellow Lab; Phyllis’s 6th guide dog, 2nd from Guiding Eyes
Location: Concord, California
Training: June 2025 On-Campus
Phyllis is an experienced guide dog handler and recently graduated with Riddle, her sixth guide dog. When she received her previous guide dog, Bruno, her first from Guiding Eyes, she discovered a greater level of graduate support. She appreciates the accessibility of the Guiding Eyes staff after returning home and their willingness to answer her questions. Phyllis lives in the San Francisco Bay area, in the foothills of Mt. Diablo, and likes to stay active. She particularly enjoys hiking and bowling. When at home, she likes to unwind by reading or crocheting. She treasures the increased confidence and independence she enjoys when having a partner like Riddle by her side.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Riddle has a great personality. She is 2 years old, loves to work, and aims to please. With just a bit of encouragement, positive reinforcement, and her favorite Charlee Bear treat, Riddle is up for anything!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I initially applied to Guiding Eyes when I was seeking my fifth guide dog. The school I had previously received guide dogs from had a very long wait time. Guiding Eyes was suggested to me as another option. I got my guide dog, Bruno, from Guiding Eyes, and we were a team for about 8 years until he retired. After such a wonderful experience with Bruno, I did not hesitate to return to Guiding Eyes for my next guide. Bruno is currently enjoying his retirement with his puppy raiser in Washington state.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My guide dogs provide me with an amount of confidence and independence I could not get from my cane. With Riddle by my side, I am more willing to challenge myself and be more adventurous. I also like that my guide dog is often an icebreaker and conversation starter. When people approach Riddle and me, I enjoy explaining the role of my guide dog. I also find that people are more willing to engage with me and offer their assistance.”
Were there any training highlights? “I returned to the Guiding Eyes campus for training with Riddle. The campus setting and staff are amazing! I appreciate how the instructors work alongside the students, providing support and hands-on training. The attention to detail is great and really contributed to my confidence and success. For example, I am very short. The instructors realized I could benefit from a footstool when getting into a van. They patiently held Riddle’s leash each time I climbed into the van and got settled and they made sure I was safely seated. That is just a small example of how accommodating and understanding the staff is. In the years since I got Bruno, Guiding Eyes has made the class sizes even smaller. With just 4 students in my training class, everyone got the individualized attention they needed.”
DOB: 7/17/2023
Litter ID: 4RR23
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Ellen
Stud: Arlo
Littermates: Reggie, Rusk, Raj, Raspberry, Ramona
Region: Maine
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Janet & Larry Amberger
Facebook: Maine Puppy Raisers
From the start, Riddle was full of energy and curiosity. When she was very little, she would look at us with her beautiful brown eyes and tilt her head, trying to figure out what we wanted. She was always ready to check out new things and lead the way. She was confident in trying new things and meeting new folks. Riddle enjoyed outings, including weekly visits to a residential facility where she happily greeted residents and staff. We are so proud of Riddle and wish her the best in her new career! ~ Larry and Janet Amberger
