Graduate Team: Christina and Zeppelin
About the Team: Zeppelin, a male black & tan German Shepherd; Christy’s 4th guide dog
Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
Training: May 2026 – On Campus
Christy has lived in Ohio and Michigan and attended college in South Carolina before moving to Wisconsin in 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in dramatic production and radio and television broadcasting at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. While in school, she hosted a radio show and worked as an announcer. Christy likes to keep busy and try new things, so her guide dog is an important part of her full calendar! She is an Order Processing Specialist at Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Outside of work, Christy is a member of the Lions Club and participates in its Blind Outdoor Leisure Development (BOLD) program. She sings in a volunteer community choir, enjoys making pottery, and is learning to play the ukulele. She lives with her sister, April, who graduated from Guiding Eyes with her guide dog, Rose, in the June 2026 class following Christy’s. Along with their two guide dogs, they share their home with a 10-year-old Sheltie and two cats.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Zeppelin is great and a true professional. He and I commute to work each day by walking several blocks and taking two different buses. When we arrive at the office, he settles nicely in his bed next to me. Zeppelin also has good house manners, so I am gradually giving him more freedom within our home. He is very focused while working, and equally focused while playing fetch in the yard. He very precisely delivers the ball back to my hand each time! I learned from Zeppelin’s puppy raiser that he was a dual career dog and sired a Guiding Eyes litter. I feel like I am now both a dog mom and grandma!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My first guide dog was from another school. We worked together for 8 years, and when it was time to get my next guide dog, I took the opportunity to explore other schools. Guiding Eyes impressed me with their easy-to-navigate and informative website. The response to my inquiry was both prompt and courteous. As I learned about Guiding Eyes, I appreciated the continued support they offer both the handler and the dog after graduation. Zeppelin is my 3rd guide from Guiding Eyes. I truly feel like I am part of the Guiding Eyes family!”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Zeppelin, and my guide dogs before him, give me a confidence I never had when using a cane. I love traveling with a live companion. We make decisions and problem-solve together. I find that a guide dog makes me more approachable, and generally people are more willing to help if needed.”
Were there any training highlights? “I am always excited to attend training at Guiding Eyes and a little sad to leave. They treat us so well with patience and understanding and spoil us with wonderful meals and comfortable accommodations. Each time I return, I notice the innovation and continuous improvement the staff puts into their program and offerings. Everyone works to develop excellent training solutions while keeping current in guide dog standards and compliance. Guiding Eyes has expertly matched me with three amazing dogs. I am proud of my guide dogs and proud of Guiding Eyes!”
DOB: 10/7/2023
Litter ID: 6X23
Color/Breed: Black & Tan German Shepherd
Gender: Male
Brood: Xena
Stud: Pete
Littermates: Zodiac, (Puppies 3-7 TSE)
Region: Central NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Donna Lynd
Facebook: Central NY Puppy Raisers
Zeppelin was such a fun pup to raise. We traveled to several national parks and hiked a few mountains and countless trails, traveling in multiple States. This boy is super smart and learns tasks quickly. He has an incredible drive to play ball both on land and water. We had so many amazing adventures together and I hope he has a long and rewarding career with his new person. ~ Donna Lynd
