Graduate Team: Amanda and Major
About the Team: Major, a male black Lab; Amanda’s 1st Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Training: May 2026 On-Campus
Amanda believes life is about growth, connection, and finding purpose in every experience, even the difficult ones. Amanda enjoys learning, advocating for accessibility, creating art, and encouraging others to see possibility instead of limitation. She is currently working toward becoming a therapist to help people heal with compassion, understanding, and hope. Whether it is spending time with her new guide dog Major, travelling, reading, or expressing herself through art, she tries to approach life with curiosity, humor, and an open heart. Receiving Major has given her the confidence to experience the world in ways she never thought possible, and she looks forward to continuing to learn, explore, and make new memories every day.
How would you describe your guide dog? “I would describe Major as a beautiful, regal black Labrador whose guidance and demeanor are as soft and gentle as his fur.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I was undecided on which guide dog school to choose until the 2025 American Council of the Blind convention in Texas. There I met a lovely group of four women who had just come from a Guiding Eyes graduate meet-up. They were headed for dinner, and I asked if I might join them to ask some questions about their guide dogs. One of them smiled and said, ‘Sure, that’ll be 10 dollars.’ I laughed and said, ‘The check is in the mail.’ That one interaction immediately made me feel welcome, and we spent the evening in what became a relaxed question and answer session among friends, where they shared their experience with Guiding Eyes. Before we left, they suggested I stop by the vendor room and speak with Mike [Remote Guide Dog Mobility Instructor] to learn even more about the program. At that point I had been researching various guide dog organizations, but after that dinner and conversation with Mike I knew Guiding Eyes for the Blind was where I belonged.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have retinitis pigmentosa, which means I have had to say goodbye to all things peripheral in my vision. I spent my time straining my eyes to look down as my cane swayed back and forth, trying to see and not trip over myself. I felt alone and anxious as I walked through the world without truly experiencing it. After training with Major, I slowly began to look up and walk with confidence and less anxiety. Now, as time has passed and our trust and bond have grown, I walk with my head held high. I have less eye pain and move through the world with a confidence I never thought possible. He reminds me that I am a person and not my disability.”
Were there any training highlights? “There were so many training highlights it is hard to choose just one. The first moment that showed me what an incredible guide Major would be was when he blocked me from tripping over a ball that had rolled into our path. It was such a simple moment, but it made me realize just how much he was already looking out for me. Another highlight was learning to trust him in busy environments. Whether we were navigating crowded streets or making our way through the airport, Major remained calm and focused, giving me the confidence to let him do the job he was trained to do. That trust grew a little more each day. One of the most meaningful moments happened the day before graduation. I met Major’s puppy raisers, the Edwards family. Seeing the love they had poured into him and being able to thank them in person made me appreciate that Major’s journey started long before we became a team. Of course, not every highlight was serious. Major’s giant ‘licky’ tongue and playful personality brought plenty of laughter to training. These moments reminded me that while he is an exceptional guide dog, he is also a wonderful companion.”
DOB: 4/2/2024
Litter ID: 2M24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Ruby
Stud: Navy
Littermates: Marlin, Maia, Makena, Moose
Region: Adirondack
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: The Edwards Family
Facebook: Adirondack Puppy Raisers
Major was a joy to raise! We loved his sweet, sweet face and his spunk. He was the first pup we’d had that LOVED to fetch toys and bring them back to do it all again. He would do it all day if someone would keep throwing! The squeakiest, bounciest toys were his favorites, and catching them on the bounce in the air was so fun. He also loved a good Benebone – someone holding the bone for him made it even better! It was the funniest when he used his paws like hands. He has the longest, quickest tongue! When Major went back for his IFT, we wondered: How are we ever going to raise another puppy without him as our assistant puppy raiser? He was fabulous with puppies, and was always up for a good play date with any other dog. We knew his trainers would love his energy and his ability to control his brain to work. No better combo to work with. And, that he’d love community run. He’d think nothing was better than a bunch of other labs to play with! Everything about Major is major, and we love that about him! We wish Amanda and Major many wonderful years together!
