June On-Campus Training
Graduate Team: Amy and Elvin
About the Team: Elvin, a male black Lab is Amy’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Allison Greenberg
Amy works for the non-profit organization, Travis Association For The Blind, Austin and Lighthouse. She is a warehouse specialist and spends her days focused on quality control, troubleshooting and issues. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a degree in Fashion Marketing from the Art Institute of Houston. Amy enjoys international travel and has traveled extensively. Close to home, she enjoys concerts, socializing with friends and gardening.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Elvin is an angel! My guide dog Harmon passed away suddenly in January. I worked with Harmon for 6 years, and I am certain Elvin is carrying on some of Harmon’s traits. Elvin is really a dream. His guide work is by-the-book. When he is not working, he is so lovable and loves to snuggle. Elvin is happy to meet and greet new people and gets along well with my boyfriend’s little Yorkie. I could not ask for a better buddy.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had some mishaps using a cane and was looking for other solutions. I was living in upstate New York and had become aware of Guiding Eyes. My experience with my first guide dog, Harmon, was fantastic. Guiding Eyes offers continued contact and support after graduation. The organization is committed to the long-term success of the student and the dog. When I needed a new guide dog, I returned to Guiding Eyes without hesitation.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My guide dogs provide me with safety and security, making me more confident overall. Based on my experience, my brother has become a big advocate of Guiding Eyes. He has donated to Guiding Eyes, and whole heartedly recommends the school to those he encounters who may benefit from a high-quality guide dog.”
Were there any training highlights? “It was exciting and emotional to be back at the Guiding Eyes campus for training. It felt wonderful to pick up Elvin’s harness! Elvin did a great job in Manhattan and navigated the subway like a pro. I recommend that everyone train at Guiding Eyes if they can. Every staff member, regardless of their role, is so kind and professional. The food and accommodations are amazing, and I left feeling very spoiled.”
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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