Graduate Team: Doug and Deirdre
About the Team: Deirdre is a female black Lab; Doug’s 1st guide dog
Location: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Training: February 2026 On-Campus
Doug grew up in Brooklyn and Staten Island and went on to earn a degree in history and politics from Pace University in downtown Manhattan. He then spent many years working at Verizon. After their daughter was born, Doug and his wife decided it was time to leave New York City and moved to North Carolina. He enjoys walking downtown with Deirdre and exploring the trails along the Wake Forest Reservoir. A lifelong lover of reading and art, Doug now uses his remaining vision to perceive contrasts and has recently begun learning how to paint murals.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Deirdre is a very chill dog. Her mother actually came from a French guide dog school. She is the smartest dog I have ever seen and is very focused on her work. She helps me avoid obstacles on our walks. When she is home and out of her harness, she is very puppy-like and loves to play. Deirdre was raised by two girls, and her trainers were also female. She is very happy to be with me, but she absolutely loves my daughter. They have a wonderful relationship. The trainers at the school advised us to give our dogs a street name. I struggled to come up with a name, and finally, my daughter decided we should call her Algebra when out and about. It is a good way to keep people from calling or interacting with her when she is working.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My mobility instructor had advised me for some time that a guide dog would help me get around more. I wasn’t sure if that was something I wanted to do. Over the years, my vision was deteriorating; I had lost my central vision, was totally blind in my right eye, and also had night blindness. Unfortunately, because of my vision, I sustained some injuries and was constantly avoiding activities or out of fear of falling. I was somewhat familiar with Guiding Eyes, as 15 years ago, I had volunteered as a puppy sitter when we lived in New York City. My instructor recommended Guiding Eyes because of the professional help and follow-up they provide.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My vision had slowly deteriorated, and I was making adjustments. Instead of going to the office, I worked from home. If the room was too bright, I drew the curtains and shut the door. I stopped going out at night. Incrementally, day by day, I was shutting myself away from the outside world. Deirdre gives me the confidence to walk downtown. There is a landing with three steps. In the past, I would have stepped right off it and fallen, but Deirdre keeps me safe.”
Were there any training highlights? “The whole experience was fabulous. The staff was all so friendly, from instructors to night nurses to kitchen staff. We had a small group of only four students. I found it was easy to relax, and we got a lot of individual attention. Two students were first-time dog handlers, and two were returning. It was great to speak with the returning students and learn from their experience. One of the students had a particular knack for bringing out the best in everyone, and I appreciated that.”
DOB: 12/20/2023
Litter ID: 6D423
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Sasha CES
Stud: Yorktown
Littermates: Dempsey, Drummer, Dancer, Dolly, Doug, Denzel, Dodge, Durango, Destiny, Dundee and Dino
Region: Fingerlakes
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser: Laura Bernert
Facebook: Fingerlakes Puppy Raisers
Deirdre, or “Dede” as we called her was a joy to know and raise. She gave us consistency and routine during a transition in our lives as we graduated from college and continued on to vet and med school. Dede is adaptable, reliable, goofy and was the perfect partner for a couple of busy students. She was happily at our sides on good days and bad and is a pro road tripper, zoo visitor, hockey game attender, and beach swimmer. I know she is going to be a cherished addition to her new partner’s life, as she was in ours, and I know they will accomplish so much together. We love and miss Dede every day and are so proud of her. Congrats on this next chapter! ~ Laura Bernert and Alanna Moskowitz
