Graduate Team: Emily and Rosa
About the Team: Rosa, a female black lab; Emily’s 2nd guide dog
Location: Cutler Bay, Florida
Training: February 2026 On-Campus
Emily is a recent graduate of Florida International University with a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. She has applied to a master’s program in public health and plans to pursue a PhD after completing her graduate degree. An avid nonfiction reader, concert enthusiast, and self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, Emily loves a good roller coaster. Over the past year, she has traveled across the United States, as well as to Canada and Costa Rica, exploring new cities and experiences. She is part of a close-knit family, which includes her parents, older brother, and the newest addition, her one-year-old nephew. Emily proudly reports that he is already crawling and walking around, quickly becoming a playful companion for Rosa. Emily has also continued her long-standing volunteer work at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, which she considers a second home. She has been involved there since she was 10 years old and has served as a speaker at events. She finds it especially rewarding to have full-circle moments, teaching children the same skills she once learned through the very programs that shaped her.
How would you describe your guide dog? “She is the most affectionate, playful, hardworking boss girl I know. I met my boyfriend the first time I was at Guiding Eyes, and his dog, Wasabi, is best buds with Rosa. Wasabi is a couple of years older than her, and she’s the one putting him in his place. She takes the nicer, fuzzier bed for herself and will get on top of him to push him out of the way if he tries to lie on it. Rosa is also the one making me work. If trying to relax on my computer, she’ll get bored if I’m too chill and will start wagging her tail like ‘mom, hello? I’m over here.’ I think she needs water or to go outside, but she’s looking for me to play with her.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Guiding Eyes feels like a family and that’s what made me want to go back. Aside from the amazing dogs and the training, whenever I’m there, it feels like I’m hanging out with family, whether it’s the trainers, kitchen staff, or nurses. I’m safe, welcomed, and loved. I have a great time while training and teasing people.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog helps me be more confident and independent. Earlier this year, I went to St. Louis to a conference by myself. It was my first solo trip and I stayed in a hotel by myself with Rosa a week after getting her. I had the most independent, I-can-do-this feeling. She guided me at the hotel, and despite having already stayed there before and knowing where to go, she got me through the restaurant, hotel, and we were just chilling and having a vibe.”
Were there any training highlights? “A major experience is that I felt more comfortable this time around because I knew what to expect and what to advocate for based on what I need. Our class went to NYC and walked around Broadway, and went on the subway. While it was stressful in the moment, it was a game-changer training experience because it was real exposure to things I’d encounter with Rosa in my day-to-day, to see how she would act and navigate those situations.”
DOB: 11/16/2023
Litter ID: 1R323
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Coco
Stud: Ulysses
Littermates: Raven, Rhyme, Rufus, Raquel, Rindy
Region: Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser: Rich Mendel
Facebook: Richmond VA Puppy Raisers
