Graduate Team: Angel and Hobie
About the Team: Hobie, a male German Shepherd, is Angel’s 5th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Woodhaven, New York
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Jolene Hollister
March Home Training
Angel and his wife Gladys have been married for 29 years, and live in Queens with daughter, Lia, 14, who is a freshman in high school. They are clearly a German Shepherd family, as Hobie is Angel’s 4th Shepherd guide dog, including his previous guide, Kilo. He prefers the manner in which they guide, describing their movement as very curvy and smooth, as they glide along. Gladys, also a guide dog user and Guiding Eyes graduate, has German Shepherd, Krista. Angel lost his vision at the age of ten due to retinitis pigmentosa. He attended Hunter College, graduating with a double major in psychology and sociology. He went on to earn two master’s degrees; his first in 1997 in Computer Administration from the New York School of Technology, and his second two years later from Hunter College, in Rehabilitation Counseling. Angel is employed by the New York State Department of Children and Family Services as the NYS Technology Coordinator. He is responsible for overseeing all purchases of technology services for individuals with an array of disabilities. Angel enjoys being active, even in his down time, with hobbies that include the martial art of judo, cycling, hiking boating, and traveling.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Hobie is awesome, and laser focused when he is working. Otherwise, he’s relaxed and just a very happy boy. When he’s not working, he acts like a puppy, and is gentle, sweet and very playful.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Back in the early 90’s I performed an online search for guide dogs. I selected Guiding Eyes because, after speaking to them, I found them to be the most friendly and efficient resource and they answered my questions accurately. Hobie is my fifth dog from Guiding Eyes. I received my first guide dog back in 1992 and it was like I was getting my vision back. Each guide dog proved to be a great match, so naturally I went back each and every time to Guiding Eyes.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have increased confidence, faster movement and freedom with a guide dog. My life has been enhanced, and without a doubt, Hobie and my previous guide dogs enabled me to enjoy the life that has come my way.”
Were there any training highlights? “My latest training experience was also my best training experience. Jolene Hollister, my instructor, is like the dog whisperer of German Shepherds. She conveyed confidence in me and is magical in the way she handles this breed. She empowered me in a way that was even more amazing than past positive training experiences. To assure success we traveled into Manhattan from my Queens home, getting on subways, escalators, and elevators, stress free.”
It was such an honor to raise Hobie and be a part of his journey towards becoming a guide dog. As a puppy, he was rather soft and cautious of new experiences but because of his outgoing personality and endless happiness he quickly matured into a resilient and confident dog. We had so many fun adventures together, exploring nearby cities, hiking, and of course miles and miles of walks with wonderful friends and other pups on program. I am so proud of Hobie and how far he has come! He brought so much love and joy to my life, and I can’t think of a better partner for him to share his happiness with than Angel. I wish them all the best!
Sarah Riester, Puppy Raiser of Hobie
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