Graduate Team: Angela and Vincent
About the Team: Vincent, a male black Lab is Angie’s 5th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Brookhaven, Pennsylvania
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Michelle Tang
Angie is a returning Guiding Eyes graduate, grateful to be matched to her fifth guide dog, Vincent. She describes herself as a busy homemaker, an avid shopper and an explorer. Angie enjoys both cooking and baking and attends church regularly. Occasionally, Angie helps out by providing childcare for two toddlers. Her husband is also a guide dog user, so her home is always active with two guide dogs, another pet dog and a cat.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Vincent is a very energetic worker. When he sees the harness, he is ready to go! When not working, Vincent is very calm; he loves to cuddle and becomes an 80-pound lap dog.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I got my first guide from Guiding Eyes in the 90’s when I was 23 years old. I had a friend who had a Guiding Eyes dog, and I was very impressed. Since I was a child, I knew I wanted a guide dog for the freedom and independence they offer. I have returned to Guiding Eyes for each of my dogs. These dogs are amazing and ‘top of the line’. Each time I am back at the Guiding Eyes campus, it is a sort of a homecoming. The staff is very welcoming and happy to see you. Everyone works hard and wants you to succeed.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My guide dogs have given me greater independence and confidence. My last guide dog retired in 2019, but like many people, the pandemic kept me mostly at home throughout 2020. The timing of getting Vincent works out perfectly, as I am now able to get out more. I even feel like Vincent encourages me to get out of the house!”
Were there any training highlights? “Being back at Guiding Eyes is always a highlight! My trainer Michelle was excellent and customized my training to focus on the types of activities I do most often. We visited shopping centers and malls and practiced using a shopping cart. The night walk was definitely special; Vincent is just as confident a guide in the dark as he is during the day. His confidence makes me confident! I think Guiding Eyes is an amazing ‘matchmaker’ and I am always so amazed and impressed by how well each dog is matched to each person, making for very successful teams.”
Vincent is so loving and playful and just completely happy to be wherever you are. Vincent was so awesome. He rocked several road trips and many, many youth baseball games. We took several road trips with Vincent and loved exploring with him and sharing his purpose with inquiring strangers. We once met a Guiding Eyes supporter while making a quick road trip stop at a Wendy’s in Maine. What did we enjoy the most about raising Vincent? The love! Vincent brought so much love and joy into our home and everywhere we went. Congratulations, Vincent and Angie! Take good care of each other and know you always have our love. Many thanks to Guiding Eyes for all of the raiser support!
Joelle Scott, Puppy Raiser of Vincent
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Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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