Cindy and Hank

Meet Graduate Cindy

Graduate Team:  Cindy and Hank
About the Team:  Hank is a male, yellow Lab; Cindy’s 2^nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location:  Walhalla, South Carolina
Training: March 2025 On-Campus

Cindy lives with her husband and son in Walhalla, a rural town in South Carolina. Cindy and her new guide dog, Hank, frequently enjoy the walking path and park, great locations for exercise. Hank is learning the routes to the necessary locations around town and in their brief time together is already able to get Cindy to the library and store. Cindy previously worked within the auto industry at a call center for Subaru and BMW. For many years, she loved sewing on her antique hand-crank Singer sewing machine, but now, as her remaining peripheral vision declines, she finds enjoyment in crocheting and hand sewing. Cindy is exploring ways to continue what she loves, using tactile feeling to create beautifully quilted projects by hand, often applying a cathedral window pattern. Cindy also enjoys and appreciates the incredible meals her husband cooks on their grill.

How would you describe your guide dog? “He is a brave, faithful companion and very intelligent.  He’s an absolute miracle. In harness, he does everything he was trained to do.  He is very dedicated, and we are working through dog distractions with the 13 dogs on our street. The right dog was chosen for me and he is exactly what I need right now.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I learned about Guiding Eyes when a local organization collaborated with them for breeding purposes.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life? “My first dog from Guiding Eyes, Delta, (and now Hank), could lead me to a counter, a chair, or the door in an unfamiliar space. The cane can be wonderful, but I didn’t have the confidence to walk to town alone. My dog helps me make more intelligent decisions by leading me to places they have been trained to target. One of the hardest things as a woman without sight is not knowing what is going on around you.  For example, crossing a parking lot; a guide dog is not a guard dog, but I have comfort and a feeling of safety knowing that I am not alone. My dog is aware of our surroundings and looking out for me. Now, I have comfort, confidence, and companionship.”

Were there any training highlights?  “I appreciated them tailoring training to our specific needs. I didn’t need to practice traveling on a subway or navigating a train platform, but we practiced escalators and revolving doors at the mall and walked at FDR State Park. They take us to places similar to what we would encounter back home.  It was a treasure having a private room, and the food at the school was great. The staff accommodated students who had dietary needs, and there was no criticism. The trainers are great. Kat was amazing and so sweet, helping me to learn. Michelle was absolutely wonderful, Chrissy was very kind and helpful, and Dan was so encouraging, kind, and upbeat. Guiding Eyes is supportive throughout the entire process – at the school and after you come home. When my former guide dog had health issues, Dr. Nance and the vet staff were great. Delta was retired and placed in a new home.  Guiding Eyes doesn’t just give you a guide dog and say you’re on your own.”

Meet Guide Dog Hank

DOB:  1/20/2023
Litter ID: 1H23
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Colleen
Stud: Everett
Littermates: Hazel, Helsa, Hollywood, Hercules, Heart, Hula, Hopkins, Hepburn, Henley, Hollis
Region:  Northern NJ, Dutchess NY, Remote
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad, Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raiser:  Peter Kane, The Nohan Family
Facebook: Northern New Jersey Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Dutchess NY Puppy Raisers

Photos of the Team…