Ann and Iowa

Meet Graduate Ann

Graduate Team:  Ann and Iowa
About the Team:  Iowa, a male, black Lab; Ann’s 3rd Guiding Eyes dog
Location:  Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Training:   May 2025 Home Training

Ann holds an undergraduate degree from the College of New Rochelle and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. She served as a family therapist at the White Plains Veterans Center for many years and spent 16 years working in the Office of People with Disabilities in Westchester County, NY. During her 10 years with the Building Bridges Program, she engaged with Kindergarteners through 2nd graders, educating them about disabilities and introducing her guide dog. Ann has been actively involved with the American Council of the Blind and was a member of the Guiding Eyes Graduate Council, serving as president in 2014. Ann authored a memoir, “Follow Your Dog: A Story of Love and Trust”, in 2017, inspired by her first two guides, Verona and Bailey. Her most recent book is titled “Beyond Bailey”. She volunteers in a writers group, Behind Our Eyes, dedicated to helping writers with disabilities, and contributes to their flagship journal, Magnets and Ladders. For enjoyment,  Ann writes every day, publishes her poetry, and does mixed-media art, working with acrylics and collages, getting back to her roots as an artist.  Her husband of 35 years assists with materials as needed. They have an adult son in Florida and an adult daughter in New York.  Upon her retirement in 2023, she and her husband moved from their home in New York to western Pennsylvania.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “In harness, Iowa is very serious and perfectionistic,  which I appreciate, as I am very careful with my footing since my leg and balance are not great. He keeps checking in and is always there for me. He doesn’t solicit attention, is calm, dignified, and focused.  When not working, he enjoys diving into his new dog pool, gets along well with my cats and pet dog, can be goofy when he plays with his toys, and always likes a good belly rub.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I lost my vision to Retinitis Pigmentosa 32 years ago and needed some help to get around the Iona University campus while achieving my Master’s degree.  Having belonged to the Westchester Council of the Blind, I knew 4 or 5 people who had guide dogs.  I called Guiding Eyes, and Becky D. was my first contact. I was fortunate to only wait 8 months to get my first dog.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “Having a guide dog increased my independence. I had no idea how much my world would open. It was like a miracle to me. I was much more confident, and it helped my family relax too.  They trusted my dogs as much as I do and were amazed that the dogs really helped me and kept me safe.  I wrote a book about it because it was so life-changing. I feel fulfilled and not isolated in my disability. I had struggled with feeling like I was the only one with my problems, but when I went to Guiding Eyes, there was a collaborative feeling with my new friends that reinforced my trust in people, and I learned a lot about myself. Having my guide dog makes me feel more confident and like I’m a better person.  It helps me cope better because I don’t feel so alone, and I push past my fears.”

Were there any training highlights?  “Andrea is a specialized trainer for students with additional issues, like my lack of balance. She was wonderful, helpful, supportive, and patient. One funny experience was walking through the hospital parking lot and down to an elevator, when a huge, friendly Newfoundland therapy dog came near.  Iowa was a superstar about that meeting, just standing there, calmly observing, and it was an ah-ha moment.  We went to a shoe store, and he just lay down as I purchased 2 pairs of sneakers. We did a lot of work in my neighborhood and practiced targeting and ‘shorelining’, as we don’t have sidewalks.  My experiences with Guiding Eyes have been very positive.  The dogs are great, and the training is excellent.  I give them 5 stars all the way.”

Meet Guide Dog Iowa

DOB:  1/22/2023
Litter ID: 4I23
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Wanita
Stud: Elton
Littermates: Ireland, Italia, Isabel, Indiana
Region:  Capital NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser:  Jillian Robinson
Facebook: Capital NY Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Raising Iowa was an absolute joy. From the start, he was one of the most easygoing, mellow, and confident puppies I’ve had the privilege to raise. It truly felt like he raised himself — I simply introduced him to the world, and he embraced it with ease and curiosity. Now, Iowa has stepped into his incredible new role as a guide dog, and I couldn’t be prouder. He’s always had a special ability to stay focused and serious in “work mode,” yet be goofy and playful at home. I hope Iowa and his new handler, Annie, share many years in a partnership full of trust, love, and adventure. Watching him grow into such a remarkable dog has been nothing short of amazing — he is truly one of a kind. ~ Jill Robinson

Photos of the Team…