Graduate Team: Robin and Yacht
About the Team: Yacht, a black male Lab; Robin’s 1st guide dog
Location: Kittery, Maine
Training: July 2026 On-Campus
Robin earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Plymouth State College. She later attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned master’s degrees in mathematics and special education, followed by a Principal Certification. Robin dedicated 40 years to education, serving as both a classroom teacher for 10 years and a school administrator for 30 years in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Despite having limited vision, Robin believed it was important to demonstrate to her students that success is possible regardless of a disability. At a school of approximately 450 students, she remained actively involved in daily school life. Even as principal, she taught math classes and participated in playground and lunch duty, ensuring she stayed connected with both students and staff. Living in the coastal town of Kittery, Maine, Robin enjoys walking over the bridge into New Hampshire with Yacht every day. She is an avid reader and very active in her church. Robin enjoys exercising, aerobics, swimming twice a week, and volunteering. She was married for 50 years to her loving husband, who sadly died of Leukemia a year ago. Robin has a daughter, who is a teacher, and a son who works at a local shipyard. Robin is also a proud grandmother of two, ages 13 and 18.
How would you describe your dog? “What a beautiful, sensitive, and amazing dog – friendly, loyal, and with soulful eyes. He rolls with the punches. Nothing that I’ve asked him to do, he hasn’t done. Yacht’s personality and mine are very similar. The school did a great job matching him with me. I couldn’t be happier.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My mobility coach from Maine mentioned Guiding Eyes as a good match for me. I reviewed some of the other schools around the country, but really liked the Guiding Eyes philosophy and the positive reinforcement. I wanted to go to a school on the East Coast, and New York was close. They sent a trainer to my home to watch how I walked and chose a dog for me that would match my needs. I liked the school and was very happy.”
How has a guide dog impacted your life? “Having Yacht has given me more independence, even though I had successfully used a cane since the 1980’s. I wondered if it would work out for me, and whether I could put my trust in another living being. I was amazed that with the help and guidance of the Guiding Eyes staff, I could put my trust in Yacht’s training, and my training with the staff. I found that I can now do things more independently. I trust Yacht. A side benefit of this partnership is the companionship.”
Were there any training highlights? “My trainer, Michelle, was a great match. The quality and passion of the staff was outstanding. The nursing staff was great. I can’t think of one negative thing. I eat healthy food and fruit, and Chef Rob was wonderful, calling ahead to ask questions about allergies and food preferences. Training with Yacht and my classmates was great, as we went to a restaurant, a coffee house, a mall, and a theater, as well as a train station for a ride. I came back in a much better frame of mind than when I left to go to Guiding Eyes. It was a well-run place. They want everyone to make it. Remote instructor Kathy has already come to see me and answer any of my questions. There is follow-up because they want this partnership to work. I would definitely recommend Guiding Eyes. The puppy raisers were amazing. To raise and train a dog, and then selflessly give it up, takes so much love.”
DOB: 5/28/2024
Litter ID: 3Y24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Polo
Stud: Clay
Littermates: Yami, Yellsea, Yeller, Yasmina
Region: Montgomery
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jeanyne Gembarski
Puppy Raiser: David Chang
Facebook: Montgomery Puppy Raisers
As a first-time puppy raiser, I had the incredible privilege of raising Yacht, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Yacht came with our family everywhere – to our kids’ sports, activities, and all the ordinary chaos of family life. But unlike my kids, he was on a compressed timeline to learn everything he would need to one day help guide another person. What amazed me wasn’t just how quickly Yacht learned, but how he learned through connection, trust, and partnership. Watching him work was inspiring, but watching him surpass my very high “Asian tiger dad” expectations was really satisfying too. Our region’s instructors and puppy-raising group were incredibly supportive. What I initially thought would be an experiment in raising a puppy and introducing a friend to our pet dog, turned out to be something much bigger: a community, a shared purpose, and a profoundly positive experience. When I dropped Yacht off at Guiding Eyes for his formal training, I asked one of the trainers, “How do you know when you’ve done enough training?” They laughed and said they often wonder the same thing. But then they told me something I’ve never forgotten: the connection with their person is the most important thing. As long as they have that, they can do anything. I didn’t see Yacht again until his graduation. And there he was, transformed into such a confident, polished professional. But the best part was meeting Robin, his new companion. It was immediately clear to me that they were a wonderful match. I told them I couldn’t wait for them to go home together, begin their next chapter, and experience life side by side. I think about Yacht and Robin often. And when I do, I smile. ~ David Chang
