By the time you read this, I hope the weather has turned for the better, the snow has melted, and you, along with your guide dog, feel ready to take on spring.
We are excited to share that the Graduate Center on the Guiding Eyes website has been updated. Thanks to the work of Melissa Carney and Michelle Meunier, the page now has a refreshed layout that includes a Resource Guide Library devoted to advocacy, recreation, and safety guidance. On the main Graduate Center page, you will also find links to the class lecture library, quarterly call summaries and recordings, the nomination form for The Kauth Awards,veterinary information, and other helpful information for guide dog handlers. We hope the new format makes it easier to find what you need, and we always welcome feedback as we continue to make improvements.
In this issue, you will find a variety of updates and stories from across the community. We are sharing highlights from the Client Experience and Training teams, an update on the Canine Wellness and Training Center, and an introduction to our Specialized Training Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. There is also a helpful Vet Corner focused on joint support, along with a short piece explaining ownership and transfer of title. Feeling hungry? Don’t forget to check out what Chef Rob is whipping up in the kitchen. This time it’s a banana muffin recipe!
Please remember to check your email for the annual Guide Dog Health Survey if your dog celebrated a birthday recently, or if one is coming up soon. The information you share helps us continue learning about the long-term health and well-being of our dogs.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this community.
Meka White and the Embark Team
We want to share with all of you that as of January 1, 2026, per International Guide Dog Federation Standards, the use of collars fully made of metal, metal prong collars and shock collars is no longer permitted. This change does not affect any active guide dog teams currently working in the field however, we are no longer utilizing metal training collars or prong collars during guide dog training, student training or at any point during the working life of a guide dog. The Training Team has identified several other collars, including martingales and head collars, that will be issued, as needed, to ensure each team has the necessary equipment to be successful. We wanted to make you aware, so if you are used to using a certain piece of equipment, we may no longer be issuing that type. We are confident we can get you similar results with other types of collars which meet the IGDF guidelines.
The Guiding Eyes Graduate Council has been hard at work creating unique opportunities to become involved in the community and providing invaluable peer-to-peer support to guide dog teams. Our current Council is made up of individuals with various professional backgrounds, personal attributes, and guide dog experience, which are representative of the diversity amongst our graduate community. Graduate Council members conduct post-graduation check-in calls with those who recently completed residential or home training programs, organize quarterly calls for the community on various topics, participate in monthly Council meetings to determine priorities and discuss special projects, and offer feedback to enhance the quality of the Guiding Eyes experience. We’d like to highlight some of the projects council members are currently working on.
To celebrate the partnership of Guiding Eyes graduates and their dogs through true stories written by graduates, and to share those stories within the graduate community and beyond, the graduate council recently launched the 2026 Guiding Eyes Miniature Moments Writing Contest. Graduates were asked to share a memory, in fifty words or less, that described a true story, situation, or reflection involving their guide dog. While the deadline for submissions passed on March 15th, we look forward to sharing the finalists’ words with the Guiding Eyes community. We welcome the engagement that this contest will bring as well as the warmth, encouragement, and comradery that arise when guide dog handlers share their journeys through the power of the written word.
At this time each year, graduates apply and are interviewed to serve on the Graduate Council. The Guiding Eyes Graduate Council Selection Committee is in the process of reviewing all potential candidates. New members will be announced in April. While an exciting time to hear new voices and perspectives, it is also a bittersweet time as we wish those rolling off the Council farewell and good luck in their next chapter. We would like to personally recognize Ashley Townsend-Tavera for all her contributions to the Guiding Eyes graduate community. Ashley was a strong advocate in the development of monthly retirement and bereavement support groups. These regular group calls allowed graduates to shed light on the more challenging and emotional parts of the guide dog journey. Graduates have been able to empathize with one another’s struggles, and discuss meaningful coping strategies in a safe and supportive space. Under Ashley’s leadership, graduates have found comfort in speaking freely to those who truly understand the nature of these complex transitions. We thank Ashley for all her compassionate and heartfelt conversations with graduates, whether as part of these calls or on an individual basis. She will be missed on the Council, but will always remain a part of our community.
Construction of the new Canine Wellness and Training Center continues to progress well. Interior framing, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, are advancing steadily inside the building. Kennel pod construction is also progressing well, with block walls mostly complete and concrete flooring moving forward. We are still targeting for a November 2026 completion date.
Nikki Wentz was recently promoted to Director of Client Services. She will continue in her role overseeing the admissions process and managing the Client Experience Team, while also focusing on new projects and initiatives to better support our graduates.
Samantha Orie has recently joined the Client Experience Team as a Client Services Specialist. Many of you may know her from her previous role on the Training Team as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. She looks forward to supporting our applicants and graduates in this new capacity!
Meka White remains in her role as a Client Services Specialist, previously known as a Client Navigator. Meka and Sam will continue to support our graduates throughout the various stages of their journeys, from application through guide dog retirement.
Congratulations to Sky Foshay who was recently promoted from his role as Kennel Technician at the Training School to Running Guide Specialist on the Training Team!
While you may know us from conversations throughout the admissions process and journey with your guide dog, we thought we’d take a moment to give you a fun fact about each of us. Enjoy a snapshot of the things that make us unique.
We would also like to shout out two of our volunteers, who keep the admissions process running smoothly!
How did you get into the industry?
I was a Systems Analyst at Texaco but knew there had to be more meaningful work. I always admired Guiding Eyes. When I saw trainers walking with dogs in the community, I thought what a great job that would be instead of being cooped up in an office. So I went to a Guiding Eyes graduation. When I heard a graduate say, “When I first walked with my guide dog I felt like I was flying,” I was hooked. I interviewed that day and joined the kennel staff a few weeks later. Now I get to help people feel like they’re flying.
If you could instantly master any skills outside of the guide dog industry, what would it be?
I’d love to read music and play the piano. It’s magical to me.
If you could only give one piece of advice to a future student, what would it be?
Have patience with yourself and your dog, and be gentle with your heart. This takes time, and every step is a celebration.
How did you get into the industry?
I came to a Guiding Eyes graduation! I went to undergrad to be a veterinarian, and once I decided I didn’t want to do that I started looking into other animal related fields. My family knew a home socializer for Guiding Eyes, so I started looking into the organization. Once I attended graduation, I knew this was where I was meant to be. It combined my love for animals, dogs in particular, and being able to help people.
If you could instantly master any skills outside of the guide dog industry, what would it be?
I would love to instantly master baking – especially making croissants. I really enjoy baking as it is, but right now it’s mostly cookies, cakes, and pies. I’ve always been a little hesitant to attempt lamination, the technique that creates those light, flaky layers. And while I’m at it, I might as well tackle yeasted doughs too.
If you could only give one piece of advice to a future student, what would it be?
Take time to slow down and be in the moment. It’s easy to worry about the next step, the next command, or the next hand signal, but there’s no need to rush. Be present and celebrate the small wins with your dog. Even offering a little extra physical praise before moving forward can make a big difference. My favorite thing to say is “Trust your gut!”
How did you get into the industry?
My first job out of college was developing a pilot program, working with DeafBlind, developmentally disabled adults, introducing communication as behavior modification at a large organization servicing blind individuals. Having had a life-long love of animals, training family dogs and then horses, I always admired guide dog teams. While teaching, I raised a puppy for Guiding Eyes. I had such a remarkable experience raising, that after five years of teaching, I made the leap to work at Guiding Eyes, starting out working in the kennel.
If you could instantly master any skills outside of the guide dog industry, what would it be?
There are so many skills I would love to master! Being a therapist, speaking other languages, animal communicator, animal massage, speed reading, playing the piano and guitar, singing, dancing, acting, comedic timing, yoga, impersonations, cooking and baking…
If you could only give one piece of advice to a future student, what would it be?
While working with your dog, there will be trials and tribulations. Be gentle and patient with yourself, your dog and try to enjoy the process. Stand in awe of what the two of you, along with guidance from your trainer/mentor, are doing. What you are building and accomplishing with another species is nothing short of a miracle!
Do you know a Guiding Eyes staff member who consistently goes above and beyond? Now is your chance to help recognize that!
We would like to remind you of The Kauth Awards – Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s new employee recognition program, which launched last month. Named in honor of our founder, Donald Z. Kauth, the Kauth Awards recognize employees who go above and beyond in service to our Mission every month. Our graduate community has an important role to play in nominating employees to receive a Kauth Award.
Who Can Nominate?
Guiding Eyes employees, volunteers, and graduates may nominate Guiding Eyes employees to receive a Kauth Award.
Please Note:
• Only Guiding Eyes employees are eligible to receive a Kauth Award
Only one nomination per month is allowed (additional nominations will not be considered)
• Submission of a nomination does not guarantee selection for a Kauth Award
• The President & CEO is not eligible to receive a Kauth Award
Ready to Nominate?
If a staff member has made a meaningful impact on your journey with a guide dog, we’d love to hear about it.
You can find the nomination form on our website at the bottom of both the Home Page and Graduate Center or complete the nomination form at the link below to submit your Kauth Award nomination.
Directions:
By: Kim Costello, Veterinary Services Coordinator
Did you know there is a way to receive complimentary joint supplements for your working dog?
Joint comfort and mobility are important to your dog’s overall success as a working guide dog. Regardless of your dog’s age, your veterinarian may recommend joint health supplements. Two joint supplements used by many veterinarians are Dasuquin and Cosequin from Nutramax Laboratories.
Both work to support joint cartilage production and to protect cartilage from breakdown. Both are well-tolerated, and dogs can remain on them long-term.
Nutramax Laboratories has offered to provide Dasuquin or Cosequin free of charge to any working guide dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. To receive Dasuquin or Cosequin, your veterinarian must call 803-313-3522 and provide some basic info about your dog. Guiding Eyes will be contacted to confirm that your dog is an active guide from our school. Once that has been done, a 6-month supply of Dasuquin or Cosequin will be shipped directly to you. You will need to complete this process each time you need a refill. Please note that you should not call Nutramax yourself about this offer. Only your guide’s veterinarian can call on your behalf. The informational document can be found on the Grad Center at this link: Joint Support Letter for you to bring directly to your veterinarian’s office. If you have any questions about the program, please contact us here at Guiding Eyes.
Are you considering applying for ownership of your guide dog? Ownership, or Transfer of Title, often serves as a representation of everything you have accomplished during the first two years of your partnership. However, while symbolic in nature, ownership of your dog does not change any of the follow-up services you receive from Guiding Eyes, whether in-person or over the phone. It also does not alter the financial support you receive for veterinary care, such as the Graduate Veterinary Assistance Fund. Obtaining ownership of your guide dog is a personal choice that any graduate can make but is by no means required.
Here is the criteria to be eligible to apply for ownership of your guide dog:
Have been a team for at least 2 full years.
Be a graduate in good standing (history of proper weight management, responsible care, ethical handling, etc.).
Have had at least one in-person follow up visit since your graduation date, ideally within the last 12 months.
When requesting ownership:
Email or call the Client Experience Team at gradsupport@guidingeyes.orgor 888-987-2188 with your request.
If you meet the above criteria, the Client Experience Team will pass along your request to your Regional Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (RGDMI) and the Director of Training.
Once your request is approved, Guiding Eyes will send an email that contains paperwork to electronically sign using DocuSign.
If you have any questions pertaining to your specific situation, please reach out to the Client Experience Team at gradsupport@guidingeyes.org or 888-987-2188.
Happy birthday to the guide dogs that celebrated birthdays in December, January and February! You should have already received their Annual Health Survey.
Happy Birthday to all March guide dogs, as well. Your surveys will arrive in late March. Please check your email to help provide us with this very important health information.
*You will receive annual survey requests during your guide dog’s birth month! We also recently updated the survey for enhanced accessibility- please reach out if you encounter any issues!
If you have an idea or story to share for a future issue, we’d love to hear from you. While space is limited, we welcome submissions and may make edits as needed. Send your ideas to gradnewsletter@guidingeyes.org, and we’ll be in touch if we’re able to feature your piece. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to share more with you in the seasons ahead!
Visit the GRADUATE CENTER at GuidingEyes.org
