Graduate Team: April and Rose
About the Team: Rose, a female German Shepherd; April’s 4th guide dog, 3rd Guiding Eyes
Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
Training: June 2026, On-Campus
April is a veteran when it comes to her partnerships, especially the partnerships she has developed with her guide dogs. She approaches each relationship with the same care she takes as a business leader at work. It is this partnership that provides her the extra level of confidence, comfort and safety to navigate any environment. Along with her sister, fellow GEB graduate Christy, April enjoys visiting local restaurants, community choir concerts, and church activities.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Rose is sweet, silly, smart, sassy, and a bit sensitive. These ‘5S’ words remind me of training I received years ago at my internship with BJC Healthcare, where I learned about lean management and 5S lean training (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain). To describe Rose in these terms:
Sort – The first days. This is where we figure each other out, get our movements in sync, and sort between obstacle work vs distractions; Straighten – Next, we learn to be in tune with each other. I learn when to follow her, and she learns how to push me where I need to be; Shine – Then we put on the polish, specifically on our curb approaches. Rose will get me right onto ramps, and she will be precise with our targets of door handles, steps, railings, and more; Standardize – This is when Rose grows accustomed to my ways. She learns how to generalize: a chair can be as simple as an ottoman, a park bench, a seat with 4 legs, or a pedestal bar stool; Sustain – Maintaining our training for years to come, we will both always learn and adapt throughout our partnership. Right now, only a month in, we are somewhere between shine and standardize as we navigate our home environment. I suspect we will be in this phase for 6 more months to a year. Then, the seasoned guide dog team will emerge, and we get to sustain and really show off to the public.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Having received my two previous dogs from Guiding Eyes, they were the obvious choice for me. From the top-notch breeding program to the excellent love and care the dogs receive throughout the program, to the balanced training they receive to help keep us safe in the field.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have been working with guide dogs for 20 years, ever since graduating high school, with the longest break between dogs just 3 months. I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the companionship they provide, but most of all, working as a team, traveling safely and confidently through our town and beyond.”
Were there any training highlights? “The staff are stellar and go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable and close to home as they can. It was such a nice feeling to know that meals were prepared for me and that I would come back to my room all tidied up after a long day of training. It made things so much easier to really focus on Rose and our blossoming partnership.”
DOB: 4/16/2024
Litter ID: 1R24
Color/Breed: Sable/German Shepherd
Gender: Female
Brood: Kristen
Stud: Vassar FGDF
Littermates: Risa, Rally, Ross, Rhiana, Rhyme, Randolph
Region: Eastern MA
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: The Payne Family
Facebook: Eastern Mass Puppy Raisers
Rose is an amazing dog! She is full of life and loves everything and everyone. Rose loves a good adventure, whether it’s going for a long walk, trekking through the woods, or playing at the beach, she’s up for anything. She has a ton of drive but can be very focused on a task. Most of all, Rose LOVES to play fetch. ~ Brian Payne
