Daisy and Layla

Meet Graduate Daisy

Graduate Team:  Daisy and Layla
About the Team:  Layla, a female, yellow Lab, is Daisy’s 1^st guide dog
Location:  Whittier, California
Training: March 2024 On-Campus

Daisy graduated from Whittier College with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. She has written a book, “Chameleon”, and is currently working on a musical adaptation.   Daisy is interested in pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing and is applying to various graduate schools Besides writing, Daisy likes exploring new restaurants, hanging out with her friends and family, and reading or listening to books.  She also loves animals!

How would you describe your guide dog? “Layla is very sweet and a good worker. She is always ready to go!  She gets along great with our pet dog, Comet.She also loves swimming in the pool. Layla knows we are a team and belong together. If we are not together in the house, she always comes to find me.” 

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “Getting around independently was becoming more challenging. I was prone to tripping and therefore, injuries. I was also very nervous about going out at night and near traffic.  I quickly realized I could trust Layla to follow instructions and to keep me safe. Guiding Eyes was one of two guide dog schools I applied to. Guiding Eyes impressed me from the beginning! I appreciate the veterinary benefit they provide and the ongoing support as needed. A friend also has a guide dog from Guiding Eyes and encouraged me to apply.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I am so much more confident walking with Layla! She has quickly learned my routes and even recognizes my family’s car in parking lots. Walking with Layla is very different than walking with a cane. Layla has eyes! She is very good at noticing and guiding me through elevation changes and around obstacles. I look forward to even greater confidence and independence in the future, and adventuring through life with my cute furry sidekick!”

Were there any training highlights? “Just getting to meet Layla was a highlight!  We bonded very quickly. I was surprised by the quick pace we kept together. The night walk was great.  Normally, I am very nervous walking at night, but Layla guided me flawlessly along the route.  She was not even distracted when another team passed by.  The traffic training was also a highlight. The progression from inside with shopping carts to outside with a car, demonstrated the care Guiding Eyes put into training the dogs, therefore helping the students manage this real danger.”

Meet Guide Dog Layla

DOB:  11/19/2021
Litter ID: 3L321
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Fortune
Stud: Bosley
Littermates: Landon, Lash, Lisa, Lionel, Luigi, Lucky, Liam, Lucas
Region:  Erie NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser:  The Mroz Family
Facebook: Erie Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Layla was such a joy to have in our home and as part of our family. We learn so much from every pup that we raise and have fun connecting to their personalities. Layla is a serious pup always ready to work, but can also show off her silly side. When she is proud or happy she has this cute little head shake that highlights her emotion. We are so excited and wish Daisy and Layla years of partnership and love. ~ Renee Mroz

Photos of the Team…