Graduate Team: Annette and Fern
About the Team: Fern, a female black Lab; Annette’s 2nd guide dog
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Training: July 2026 – On campus
Annette has owned and operated her own vending business for the past 30 years, currently serving the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in Hamilton County, Tennessee. But her work is only one part of her active life. An avid runner, ultrarunner and triathlete, Annette thrives on staying active and spending time outdoors. She came to Guiding Eyes looking for greater freedom and independence and was recently matched with Fern, her second running guide dog, a female black Labrador. Her first experience with a running guide dog began in 2018, when she was matched with Ginny. For Annette, her guide dogs have given her the confidence to enjoy the independence that comes with an active lifestyle. Whether she’s running, hiking, swimming or kayaking, Annette embraces every opportunity to get outside and explore. At home, she also enjoys gardening and painting, and shares her life with a cat who conducts herself like royalty – although Annette describes her as something of a dictator. She also enjoys caring for her fish and a variety of plants. With Fern by her side and plenty of miles ahead, Annette is ready for her next adventure.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Fern is sweet and spicy. She wants to be with me all the time but loves to sit on me. She is an excellent guide dog, and her guide work is spot on. She only needs to do something twice before fully understanding it.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I went to Guiding Eyes because I am a runner. In 2018, I ran my first triathlon and half marathon. I had been thinking about a guide dog and looking at another school, but they were very specific about not supporting running guide dogs. Somewhere along the way, I connected with former CEO, Tom Panek and his running guide, and that inspired me to reach out to Guiding Eyes.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It has been amazing and has opened up a whole new world. I can run freely. I do have some limited vision, but my neck can hurt if I’m looking down when I’m running. I am learning how to deal with that. Partnering with my trainer to help address and solve for training issues has been wonderful.”
Were there any training highlights? “Yes, hiking for the first time with Fern and my trainer was great. I liked the 2 to 1 ratio of handler to trainer. One trainer, Dan, was fun but could be a firm instructor, always focused on ensuring that the dog enjoyed the outing while staying safe. He made sure to keep the student and dog safe, which made for such an enjoyable experience. I asked to go into Manhattan, so a classmate from Boston and I were driven in. I trained on the subway and the stairs. I am so thankful for that experience and that I was able obtain a guide dog at no cost to me. Also, on campus, the food was awesome!”
DOB: 6/27/24
Litter ID: 1FF24
Color/Breed: Black Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Francie
Stud: Quattro
Littermates: Finneas, Fleetwood
Region: North Carolina Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jennifer Thurman
Puppy Raiser: Hanna Henry, Linda Henry
Facebook: North Carolina Puppy Raisers
Deeply caring, and always striving to please, Fern has officially traded her graduation cap for a Guiding Eyes for the Blind harness. She was born to move, eager to serve, and destined to make a difference. As she steps up to become a specialized running guide, we know she will bring boundless joy, safety, and unstoppable energy to her partner’s life. Fly high, Fern! ~ Linda Henry
