Graduate Team: Beth and Eclipse
About the Team: Eclipse, a male yellow Lab; Beth’s 1st guide dog
Location: Pell City, Alabama
Training: July 2026 – On Campus
Beth was recently paired with Eclipse, a male yellow Labrador and her first guide dog. For the past 12 years, Beth has worked as a Vision Rehab teacher at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. In her role, she teaches and supports six students each day, helping them build skills and confidence for greater independence. Beth lives in a quiet suburban area of Alabama with her husband of 36 years. Together they have two children, one grandchild, and three bonus grandchildren. Declared legally blind in 1993 at the age of 22, Beth has relied on a white cane for mobility ever since. While raising and homeschooling her children, she always dreamed of having a guide dog, but felt life was too busy at the time. Now partnered with Eclipse, Beth is embarking on an exciting new chapter, gaining an additional tool for independence in her own life.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Eclipse is a wonderful dog. He can be silly at times, but he certainly pays attention when working. One time when we were about to go for a walk, I was closing the door behind me while holding the leash with my right hand. A neighbor’s dog was nearby and lunged at us. We were surprised, and despite Eclipse’s best efforts, I fell and broke my big toe.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “It was the right place at the right time. There was another school I was considering, but my application was denied because I live near a railroad crossing. From when I first applied to Guiding Eyes in 2024, it took me until 2026 to get my Eclipse, but that experience has been wonderful. The support I’ve received is just unreal. If I were to rate my experience with Guiding Eyes, I’d give it a 20 out of 10. From my very first phone call all the way through training, it was an incredible experience.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Eclipse keeps me on my toes. My life has improved, and my blood pressure is down. Confidence in myself and my ability to travel has increased.”
Were there any training highlights? “The first thing is that we went to the Prospector movie theater, which employs only disabled people. I was so impressed. I’d like to do the same thing in my community. We spent time training all over the place – taking a train from Peekskill to Poughkeepsie, visiting Katonah, Mt. Kisco, and White Plains. This experience was nothing but phenomenal. The food was outstanding, and since I also teach cooking, I was able to gain great recipes from Chef and impart a few recipes of my own. I am friends with Eclipse’s puppy raiser who drove 7 hours to watch us graduate. On a final note, I want to say that Ben [Training Dept] was so gracious. When we were leaving to fly home, Eclipse had a stomach upset, and he immediately took care of attending to Eclipse.”
DOB: 4/8/24
Litter ID: 8P24
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Vasha
Stud: Navy
Littermates:
Region: Maine Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Claire Tallinger, Sherry Baron
Facebook: Maine Puppy Raisers
Eclipse was a pleasure to raise. Because he was so gentle and so handsome he drew a crowd wherever he went from the grocery store, Walmart even on a train ride. So many wonderful adventures together. Because he was so well behaved, he gave me confidence as a raiser. My husband, Scott, loved having Eclipse in our home. Eclipse helped him with his stretches every night. He is an amazing dog who is capable of so much and has so much love and happiness to share. ~ Sherry Baron
