Graduate Team: Danielle and Natasha
About the Team: Natasha, a female black Lab; Danny’s 4th guide dog
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Training: September 2026 On Campus
Danny previously worked as an education liaison for a nonprofit organization, helping parents navigate the special education system and advocating for families along the way. Legally blind since birth due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Danny has experienced the life-changing partnership of several guide dogs. Her first two guide dogs came from another school before she joined the Guiding Eyes family. Following a wonderful experience with her first Guiding Eyes guide dog, Ellie, Danny recently returned to be paired with Natasha, a female black Labrador. Natasha is Danny’s fourth guide dog overall and her second from Guiding Eyes. Together, Danny and Natasha look forward to continued independence, companionship, and new adventures. The mother of three adult children, Danny enjoys reading and baking delicious treats to share with neighbors, family, and friends.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Natasha is a gem. She is everyone’s dream dog. She is ready to go when I’m ready to go. When I’m ready to settle, she’s ready to settle. She is sweetness through and through. We get along really well. She’s not hyper, and gets along well with my cat. Natasha enjoys play time, especially tug and play with a big volleyball.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had such a good experience with my first dog from Guiding Eyes, Ellie. She was so well-behaved that I knew I wanted to come back to Guiding Eyes when the time came. I was also impressed by another graduate’s dog I knew.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “People tend to be very eager to approach you and offer help when you have a guide dog. Guiding Eyes found the right dog for me. Physically, I have balance issues and I’m not as strong as I used to be. Natasha responds quickly to me, and I have not fallen as a result. She does not let me stray into traffic.”
Were there any training highlights? “The staff at Guiding Eyes were so caring. I was in a training class that lasted 2 ½ weeks, which was a perfect amount of time. I loved the group play time, as well. We took a bus and a train to Peekskill and also spent time in White Plains and Mt. Kisco. Natasha was so alert when we were on the train platform. She would not nudge me to move until that train came to a complete stop. She was completely alert to ensuring that I didn’t fall on the platform.”
DOB: 4/3/2024
Litter ID: 8N24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: female
Brood: Sally
Stud: Archie
Littermates: Nexie, Nori, Neiman, Nala
Region: Eastern MA Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Missi Sanders, Karen Mersereau, Cheryl Keenan Brand
Facebook: Eastern Mass Puppy Raisers
Natasha is the sweetest pup of all time. She’s smart, playful, and atuned to everything in her surroundings. From the day we met her we knew she was special. She’s the best friend anyone could ever have. We are so proud of Natasha and all the work she’s accomplished to become a guide dog. Having her by your side is just the best. ~ Naomi Blumberg
We so enjoyed starting Natasha. She was always eager to learn new things and starred in several of our puppy Fundamental Class videos! ~ Kerry Lemerise
