Graduate Team: Constance and Rhonda
About the Team: Rhonda, a black Lab female; Connie’s 2nd guide dog, 1st Guiding Eyes
Location: Utica, New York
Training: September 2025 On-Campus
Connie began her career as a nurse, but always had natural artistic talent. After the birth of her daughter and 25 years in the nursing field, she was inspired to follow her passion by pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. Today, Connie is a dedicated painter whose work is featured in numerous competitions and exhibitions that support people with disabilities. Her beautiful abstract and landscape paintings are displayed in offices and public spaces across the country. Connie came to Guiding Eyes in search of increased mobility and independence, and found it with her second guide dog, Rhonda. Together, Connie and Rhonda are a perfect match, and strengthening their new partnership every day.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Rhonda has been a wonderful addition to my life. She’s funny and patient, though she does have her moments of being fast and silly. She keeps me on my toes, but at the same time, she works hard when we are working together. She does keep an eye out for the bumps in the sidewalks, even the little ones. She is mellow and very quiet when needed. She has recently sat through my whole dental appointment with no issues. We still get excited sometimes when seeing people we know or other dogs, but we are working on that. She has given me the courage to get back out into the world again.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I got my first guide dog from a different school, but I was not satisfied with the training. I had her for many years, but my vision has gotten a bit worse and she passed away. I really needed another guide dog. Back in 1972, my brother raised a guide dog puppy for Guiding Eyes. It was a German Shepherd named Dyke who eventually became a guide dog for a college professor. My brother reminded me about Dyke and Guiding Eyes when I was thinking about my next guide dog. Of course, I remembered, so I looked up Guiding Eyes. Initially, I was thinking of also applying to a couple of other schools. However, I really liked the way Guiding Eyes responded to me and how they were handling everything, and the rest is history!”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Even a little before COVID, I had become more isolated because my first guide dog, Lexie, was getting on in years. I wasn’t walking very far because she wasn’t able to walk as far. We would still go places, but it was getting much more difficult. Then, when COVID happened, I really was isolated. I was having food delivered, shopping online, and hardly going anywhere. With Rhonda, that has all changed, and now we just go! Rhonda has been amazing. We have our tempo, and I feel so comfortable with it. We’re still working on a few things, and it’s mostly a matter of just getting to know her and remembering her different commands. It’s all coming together very nicely!”
Were there any training highlights? “Everything! The people at Guiding Eyes are all 100% and made me feel so welcome. I went from feeling isolated to feeling so involved. Everyone at Guiding Eyes was like a big family, even the nurses at night, and of course, the Chef and all the other staff. I never felt alone or nervous while I was there. They were always available to answer any questions, even when we kept forgetting those special words for our guide dogs. The routine was perfect and helped me do what I had to do. It was so fun! The coffee shops and all the other trips we did while working with our dogs were so amazing. We also went on a trip to see my art at a SightMD office, and they took my picture in front of my painting. Our trainers, Michelle, Shanon, and Dan, were absolutely awesome. They made me feel like I could do whatever I needed to do. We had some funny things happen, too, and lots of laughter. I didn’t want to leave; that’s how good it was! I’m happy to be home again, but I miss the crew! Thank you, Guiding Eyes, for giving me my life back… just in time to go forward with my art career.”
DOB: 2/20/2023
Litter ID: 8R23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Kyra
Stud: Loki
Littermates: Rex, Rocky, Racer, Powell, Ripple, Ranger
Region: Maine
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Judy Oneal
Facebook: Maine Puppy Raisers
Rhonda the Rockstar. Queen of the head tilt. Just two of the endearing names describing this funny, lovable dog. She brings laughter and joy to all. ~ Judy Oneal
