Graduate Team: Joe and Shanna
About the Team: Shanna, a female black Lab; Joe’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Englewood, Ohio
Training: July 2026 On-Campus
Joe was born on a military base in Dayton, Ohio, and spent much of his childhood moving with his family between military bases in Washington, Indiana, Virginia, and eventually, back to Ohio. He has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 21 years, and the two have known each other for nearly 30 years. Together they have two children: a 25-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. Completing the family are a cat and a beloved Corgi. Throughout his career, Joe has held leadership roles in maintenance management and served as Vice President of Engineering in both the automotive and steel industries. He has completed several college courses and earned certifications across a variety of disciplines. In 2025, Joe sustained optic nerve damage in a motorcycle accident that left him with limited light perception in one eye and no vision in the other. Despite this life-changing event, Joe is committed to remaining active, with interests that include hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, weightlifting, and riding four-wheelers.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Shanna is my best friend. She sleeps next to me and wakes me up when my alarm clock fails to get me out of bed. She has also become good friends with our Corgi, Tater.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “An account specialist from the state agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), told me about Guiding Eyes. They said that sometimes, Guiding Eyes is able to make a match more quickly than expected. I was sold on that.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I no longer have to hold on to my wife and daughter’s shoulders to get around. I am more independent and self- sufficient.”
Were there any training highlights: “There were only six students in our class. Three of us were first timers getting guide dogs. We trained in the City of White Plains, at the local train station, as well as on the train and in a park. Olivia, Izzy and Shannon were our trainers. Although Shannon wasn’t my primary GDMI, but she had a great sense of humor, and was helpful during training. The food was beyond excellent and Chef Rob and staff were super awesome. After I returned home, Melinda, a remote instructor, did a follow-up visit at my house. She stressed that when strangers approach Shanna and distract her, it is better to use the opportunity to educate them rather than let it become frustrating. She reassured me that, over time, as Shanna and I continue working together, she will become less distracted by those interactions.”
DOB: 4/28/24
Litter ID: 3S24
Color/Breed: Black Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Kendall
Stud: Yorktown
Littermates: Secret, Sparky, Spunky, Sadie, Steffie, Summer (Stevie), Simon, Slater
Region: Adirondack Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: Isabelle Layer
Facebook: Adirondack NY Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Shanna was special named by Cheryl and Gary Bosak in memory of their beloved dog, Shanna. “We were honored to have sponsored Shanna and we are sure she will bring years of joy, love and confidence in the lives you will share together!”
