Graduate Team: Autumn and Angie
About the Team: Angie, a female yellow Lab; Autumn’s 1st guide dog
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Training: September 2026, On Campus
Autumn has a career in the world of research publishing and leads a rich, active life filled with creativity, community, and a love of nature in the Pacific Northwest. As a minister/priestess of her community, she is a compassionate leader who organizes events, participates in local activities, and is a trusted source of support, always ready to offer a listening ear or healing hand. Autumn enjoys expressing her creativity through art, spending time with friends, and connecting with nature, especially by the sea. Once an avid horseback rider, she continues to challenge herself physically through aerial fitness classes. Autumn began losing her vision at age 22 due to a degenerative neurological condition and was declared legally blind at 26. Now, she is excited to begin a new chapter with her first guide dog, Angie, whom she recently welcomed home and introduced to her roommates – human and feline. With Angie by her side, Autumn looks forward to continuing her active, fulfilling life with greater independence and confidence.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Settling in at home, I am learning how Angie communicates. She is my first dog as an adult and we are a perfect match. Our personalities are very alike, and I now have the challenge of being with myself, as a dog. She is extremely friendly, can be stubborn, and is not at all subtle. When she wants something, she will paw at my legs or poke me with her nose. I’m learning to find the balance of letting her explore and be curious, and setting boundaries, such smelling flowers on a walk. I also want to take that moment to enjoy the beauty of these things. At my aerial classes, Angie wants to play too. So, I am learning how to make her feel included by acknowledging her with pats and bringing her closer to the action, while still sitting on the sidelines. Angie is a very different dog when she is working. She checks in with me, and is extremely smart and focused.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “When losing my vision, I had the support of family and learned to navigate the world around that support. I really relied on others, too much. I learned to use a cane, but this felt limiting in a way that having a person by my side did not, especially when doing service work. I wanted to regain my independence and feel confident, not slowed down or limited. Also, doing a lot of community work, I felt having a guide dog would not only make me more confident in navigating those events without sticking to a sighted human’s side, but would also make me more approachable to community members, who are often intimidated by the white cane.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My life has improved significantly with Angie. I have permission to get back to my routine and the things that I enjoy. She has given me independence and also the freedom to smell the roses and explore new territory, something I couldn’t do before with the cane. Before Angie, I was very uncertain. With her, I feel as though I have reclaimed my life.”
Were there any training highlights? “Everyone at Guiding Eyes made me feel accommodated and considered, but not pitied. Training was the first time I got to spend any extended period of time with other visually impaired people. I got to make jokes [that people related to], share experiences, and let loose without feeling pity. Michelle, my trainer, made me feel like family and was the first person I interacted with where my vision didn’t feel like a factor. She made me feel seen and accepted. I also appreciated that she knew Angie really well.”
DOB: 6/14/2024
Litter ID: 3AA24
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Okemo
Stud: Colonel
Littermates: Anthem, Airman, Astro, Arlington
Region: Remote Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raiser: Carmela Westcott
Angie is the daughter of our retired breeder Okemo. Super smart and very sweet like mom. Total opposite in looks and personality. First, she popped out yellow instead of black like her mother. Her mom is also super calm. Angie is full of energy. 24/7 ready to go! Being distracted by everything was her biggest challenge. Being outdoors-hiking and swimming are her most loved activities. Please find a place for her to swim. Totally joyous to watch!We always said if she could focus her boundless energy she would make a fantastic guide dog! We’re so proud of her and know you will love her like we do. ~ Carmela Westcott
