Angela and Alyssa

Meet Graduate Angela

Graduate Team: Angela and Alyssa
About the Team: Alyssa, a female yellow Lab, is Angela’s 2^nd Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: South Windsor, Connecticut
Training: August 2023 On-Campus & At Home

Angela is retired from a career in property management and resides in northern Connecticut, near the state capital of Hartford. She attended Manchester Community College and received her degree in property management from the Institute of Real Estate Management in Chicago. Before retiring, she worked for forty-five years managing a variety of properties including strip malls, condominium complexes, and senior housing. Angela’s interests include leadership activities in her church ministry. She also enjoys audio books, taking daily walks to help her remain healthy, as well as taking educational classes. Her vision loss is due to choroidal sclerosis which began when she was 40 years old. Alyssa is Angela’s second guide dog from Guiding Eyes. Her first guide, Sonya, is enjoying her retirement at home with Angela.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Alyssa is extremely mellow and very affectionate. She is smart and always eager to work.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I heard about Guiding Eyes when I began having vision problems, and was guided to the organization by a friend, who was a veterinarian. Later on, a mobility instructor working with me, and employed by the State of Connecticut, suggested I look into getting a guide dog from Guiding Eyes.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I can honestly say if you are looking for a companion, having a guide dog certainly attracts other people. Everyone is interested in interacting with these beautiful and well- behaved guide dogs, as well as hearing about Guiding Eyes. In addition, I am much more mobile with a guide dog by my side, which complements the fact that I am not one for just sitting still. Alyssa, and guide Sonya before her, help me get around much more quickly.”

Were there any training highlights? “The first week of training was conducted on-campus, but the second week of training was provided at my home with Kathy Rooney. As my trainer, she provided me with an amazing experience when I was home. I knew Kathy, as she would make yearly visits to see how everything was going with my previous guide dog. Training at home worked great for my busy schedule and was better for me in general. As I am now ten years older than when I received my first dog, finishing at home was a blessing.”

Meet Guide Dog Alyssa

DOB:  6/17/2021
Litter ID: 6AA21
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Violet
Stud: Kisco
Littermates: Augie, Amaya, Annalise, Adele, Alec, Arden, Angelica, Aqua
Region:  Central CT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser:   The Peng Family
Facebook: Central CT Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Alyssa is an extremely sweet pup. She is so loving and affectionate and loves human attention. She is great at listening to you and will always be there for you in times of need. Alyssa loves going outside on walks and playing with tennis balls. She was able to even hold two tennis balls in her mouth at once! Alyssa is definitely headed for success and we are sure she’ll make an excellent guide dog. ~The Peng Family, Puppy Raisers

Photos of the Team…