Meet Graduate Willie Graduate Team: Willie and BonoAbout the Team: Bono, a male black Lab; Willie’s 1st guide dogLocation: Clearfield, UtahTraining: May 2026 On-Campus Willie received his first guide dog, Bono, a male black Labrador and running guide. Willie has albinism, a rare genetic condition characterized by reduced melanin – the pigment responsible for coloring… Continue reading Willie and Bono
Meet Graduate Annalisa Graduate Team: Annalisa and VernonAbout the Team: Vernon, a male yellow Lab; Annalisa’s 1st guide dogLocation: Media, PennsylvaniaTraining: May 2026 On-Campus Annalisa is a student at Westchester University of Pennsylvania , pursuing her goal of becoming a special education or elementary education teacher after graduation. In the summer, she brings her energy and… Continue reading Annalisa and Vernon
Meet Graduate Elnora Graduate Team: Elnora and PonchoAbout the Team: Poncho, male black Lab; Elnora’s 1st guide dogLocation: Lombard, IllinoisTraining: April 2026 On Campus Elnora grew up in a small town in southern Illinois as one of eleven children. Her father had glaucoma, and Elnora, along with seven of her siblings, also developed the condition. … Continue reading Elnora and Poncho
Meet Graduate April Graduate Team: April and RoseAbout the Team: Rose, a female German Shepherd; April’s 4th guide dog, 3rd Guiding EyesLocation: West Allis, WisconsinTraining: 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… Continue reading April and Rose
Meet Graduate Janet Graduate Team: Janet and AndersonAbout the Team: Anderson, a male yellow Lab; Janet’s 11th Guiding Eyes DogLocation: Gloucester, MassachusettsTraining: May 2026 Home Training Janet has been a longstanding handler of Guiding Eyes guide dogs for 40 years. She is a dedicated advocate for the DeafBlind community and was one of the founders… Continue reading Janet and Anderson
By the time you read this, I hope the weather has turned for the better, the snow has melted, and you, along with your guide dog, feel ready to take on spring. We are excited to share that the Graduate Center on the Guiding Eyes website has been updated. Thanks to the work of Melissa Carney and… Continue reading Embark: Newsletter June 2026
Celebrating New Partnerships Share in the joy of this moment, when our students look forward to the adventures ahead with their Guiding Eyes guide dog. These intimate celebrations are recorded for guests interested in experiencing a Guiding Eyes graduation, but unable to join us in-person. It is our hope that people attending graduation, whether in-person… Continue reading Graduation is Time to Celebrate
Meet Guide Dog Heathie DOB: 2/25/2024Litter ID: 5H24Color/Breed: Black/Labrador RetrieverGender: FemaleBrood: DanaStud: HenryLittermates: Hogan, Horizon, Harmony, Hawk, Helix, Halsey, Herbert, HappyRegion: Monroe NYRegional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea ChamblissPuppy Raiser: Linda Marino, Char FinkleFacebook: Monroe Puppy Raisers Special recognition: Heathie was special named by Kathleen Adamson and the Elliott Family Foundation in memory of Kathleen’s daughter, Heather. We are glad Heather’s legacy… Continue reading Guide Dog Heathie
Meet Graduate Noble Graduate Team: Noble and SparkyAbout the Team: Sparky, a male black Lab; Noble’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dogLocation: Baton Rouge, LouisianaTraining: May 2026 – On campus Noble has returned to Guiding Eyes to be partnered with his second guide dog, a male black Labrador named Sparky. He lives near the winding Mississippi River… Continue reading Noble and Sparky
Meet Graduate Christy Graduate Team: Christina and ZeppelinAbout the Team: Zeppelin, a male black & tan German Shepherd; Christy’s 4th guide dogLocation: West Allis, WisconsinTraining: May 2026 – On Campus Christy has lived in Ohio and Michigan and attended college in South Carolina before moving to Wisconsin in 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science… Continue reading Christy and Zeppelin
