Graduate Team: Elizabeth and Layla
About the Team: Layla, a female, yellow Labrador Retriever is Elizabeth’s 1st guide dog
Location: Stanardsville, Virginia
Training: July 2024 On-Campus
Liz grew up in North Carolina and attended school there. She is the proud mother of a daughter and two sons. She keeps busy with family outings, church activities, sporting events, and shopping, staying active and involved. Liz enjoys going for walks and loves discovering new adventures. Once the decision was made to get a guide dog, her determination, research, and hard work brought her closer to that goal. She now enjoys the confidence, security, and independence she has gained with her first guide dog, and looks forward to all the adventures their partnership will bring.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Layla is beyond smart!! She has an adorable and spunky personality. She is also very attentive, quick to respond, and eager to please. She enjoys leading me safely wherever and whenever I’m ready to go!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My doctor introduced me to the idea of getting a guide dog from Guiding Eyes. His suggestion piqued my interest, and I researched the organization. I was impressed by the science and intention Guiding Eyes uses in breeding the very best guide dogs. I also appreciated the on-campus and at-home training options. With the help of my O & M instructor, I committed to the goal of getting a guide dog. I completed my application, and from that moment, my journey towards getting a guide dog from the top school, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, began.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My guide dog has impacted my life in so many different ways! Before I even got Layla, the goal of getting a guide dog, corrected my ‘I cant’s’ to ‘I cans’. My initial application indicated the skills and cane aptitude I needed to be a successful candidate for a guide dog. My O&M instructor and I got to work, building my skills, and independence and reducing my dependency on sighted guides. Now that I have Layla, I have a special companion who easily guides me along the safest possible path. The effort required to care for a guide dog is small compared to the refreshing energy and confidence she delivers every day. Her challenges became mine, as mine have become hers. It is nothing short of a miracle each and every day! Layla has restored my self-respect, honor, and dignity. In many ways, she has given me my life back. My smile is bright again and my steps are steady. As we grow with one another, I feel we can take on the world!“
Were there any training highlights? “There were many highlights and special moments during my two weeks on the Guiding Eyes campus. Every Guiding Eyes staff member worked hard to offer each student what they needed. The instructors gave 100% of their skill and heart as they taught us the fundamentals. Each day I gained the knowledge and insights needed to become a confident handler. The hospitality offered was comparable to being a guest in someone’s home! From the outstanding selection of fresh entrées to the comfortable accommodations, I felt right at ease and ready to learn. A specific highlight was walking at night with Layla. I realized Layla can guide me any time of day! This was empowering and a game-changer. It eliminates previous time constraints and is like getting my sight back!”
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 NY Puppy Raisers
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 Layla and her handler years of partnership and love. ~ the Mroz Family
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